Quote Originally Posted by Jiffer View Post
Do you have a computer that tells you elevation gain? If so, then you have a way of knowing how much climbing you have done on any given ride and can compare it to the climbing on this ride. The route profile says almost 4400 feet the first and either 3500 or 4100 the second (I'm very confused about that part!). If I were you, I'd try to do a two day training ride that involves around 60-75% or more of the distance and climbing that is on this ride. I'd be more focused on the climbing than the distance.

I think if you do some training rides with hills as a focus, you'll know within a couple of weeks of your event if it's something you are ready for. If you can figure out what the grades are like in the event and simulate the hardest climb(s), that would be great training.
Excellent advice. Spot on!!

We have mapped out several hill rides on 'our' side of the state that mimic the Hilly as far as length, gradient, and number/type of hills. We ride thousands of miles per year, but there's no substitute for hill training. For me, it's a mental thing -- nothing says "Suck it up!" quite like climbing for a mile, rounding a curve or cresting what you mistakenly thought was the top, only to realize that thare's still more snarly climbing to do.