I'll tell you why to do it: because when you're done with the whole series, you will have a very high standard of "bad" told hold up other events to. Like when I did 3-State 3-Mountain and people were whining about 2 miles of 7% grade and a quarter mile of 22%, like it was going to ruin the whole ride for them. Um, you want to do something hard? Just sit on your bike on level ground for 27 hours. Plus, you will not _believe_ your level of fitness when you're done!! 100 mile mountain Century with 9600 feet of elevation gain? It's like it didn't even happen!! Plus, on practically every ride I've done this year, the bad weather predictions have been greatly overestimated. Plus, 180 miles of rain is a thousand times better than 180 miles of wind- look at the bright side! Make sure you do _something_ to keep your feet dry. And put your dry things you carry with you in ziplocks!!! Even putting your feet in plastic bags inside your shoes will help. Duct tape around your ankles? A helmet cover would be an excellent investment if you don't have one. It's great just for keeping warm, too, when it's not raining. I use mine all the time, and it takes up no room at all when I want to take it off.

Good luck- I'll be riding in 85F sunshine for my 200k...Wish I could split the difference with you!

Nanci