I'm still considering whether to do it again this year. The cost is really high and I think I've tapped out all of my friends and family. If I do it I will probably sign up for the Columbus to Amanda leg and then see how I feel with the possibility of continuing on to Athens. A lot of my decision will be weather dependent and how anemic I am at the time. As far as training I would highly suggest you ride the route from Amanda to Athens at least once. It is really, really hilly. I mean lung collapsing, leg burning, puking hilly. One after the other after the other. Also, under no circumstances should you try to ride this alone. I tried last year and it was torture. I ended up drafting off total strangers just to keep from quitting. That being said it really was an amazing experience to be part of the hugeness of this event and of course the cause was worth the pain.
2008 Specialized Globe Sport
2009 Specialized Sequoia Elite