Quote Originally Posted by indysteel View Post
To the best of my knowledge, they periodically change the routes for the Hope Ride, so I don't know that past year's routes should be used as a guide as to how hilly/flat it will be this year. I did the 50 mile route two years ago and there were some hills. Not sure I'd call it hilly, but it wasn't flat.
Yes, they do change the route every year, and the short routes do diverge form the longer - at least that has been my experience. There are multiple decision points however at which one can choose a shorter route if desired. I call it "scenic" rather than hilly or flat, and the back roads we were using were in excellent shape - I do remember that. Of course there will likely be a new route this year - or at least one I've not yet seen

I agree that knowing how to change a flat is very important, and it is good to practice from time to time. I've not had a flat yet, and I am in my third season. It will happen eventually and I am dreading that for I am not very fast at it. However, I do know how to do it, and that is what matters. If it does happen on a group ride like this there are usually others around, which is nice. There is a SAG wagon if there are mechanical difficulties and you can't continue.