This is an INSANE ride. But it is also insanely beautiful.. The scenery is outstanding but you have to really work for it. The ride is well organized and the volunteers are great. This is not a ride for your beginning rider. It is more like a sufferfest.. You realize that about the 3rd mile or so when you hit your first dirt road climb. When an 7% climb seems like you are riding on flat ground you know that you have been put for the ringer. I am glad I had 12-36 9 ring rear cassette. Sure I was down to 3 mph on more than a few climbs but my cadence was high and I did not burn myself out. You are well rewarded for this ride with free breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus plenty of water stops. Photo's will be added later By the way, the roads are horrible, cross=bike, hardtail mountain bike with skinny tires and maybe some knobbies on them, or a 29'er would be the best bike. If you try it with a road bike, you will be checking yourself in to the nearest mental hospital.