Quote Originally Posted by Pedal Wench
It's not required gearing - it's recommended! The ride says, "Minimum RECOMMENDED gearing is 39/27 OR WIMPIER".

I think they're just using that to give folks an idea of how steep the climbing is (looking at the pictures, it looks pretty tough!),with a bit of tongue in cheek humor. And, to head off the hundreds of 'what gearing should I use' emails the ride directors usually get!

You'll be fine!
Yeah, it might have been good if I had managed to navigate to the registration page.
I just saw this note "Minimum gearing 39/27 (Highlander, Lowlander, Midlander), 39/25 (Wanderer)" at the bottom of the schedule page and got all worried *blushing*

Thanks for your help!