I am itching to get outside....although the trainer gives me "in the saddle time" it gets old watching The Bathelorette (!) while i ride.
About the west coast ride: The ride consists of days ranging from 30 - 100 mile days. one day off each week for a service project along the way. As far as the challenge of the courses...i'm assuming hilly. We just applied last week and those are great questions to ask when i talk to them directly. I hope i'm being realistic getting into this ride! At least it's not a race (!) and there is a SAG van that travels with each group. (adds to my comfort level). I"m afraid that's all i know so far.