Quote Originally Posted by Becky View Post
The compact double is going to stay simply because I don't own a standard, but I can't imagine that I'll spend much time in the small ring
and

Originally Posted by Becky
Piggybacking on Catriona's wheels question here:

What do people recommend for gearing? I understand that it's wicked flat down there, so I was thinking of swapping my 12-25 for a straight block cassette.

I'm thinking I don't need a triple or a compact double..
You guys are scaring me. The route is very flat but if there is any kind of wind in the 10-15kt range (and that is likely) you will notice it. The ride is generally a loop - so you will feel the wind at some point. If it's variable - it will be from all directions. But changing cassettes, wheels, or gearing sounds like a lot of work to me. It's just a ride with 700 of your closest friends.