Based on email messages and activity on the Bike Pittsburgh message board, there could be a decent turnout for this event next weekend. The route has changed quited a bit from what I first envisioned, and it clocks in at the proper populaire distance of 101km, with roughly 3400 feet of climbing (yes, yes, sorry for mixing units). I’ve done all but about 15 miles of the course, and I feel pretty good about the results. No real severe climbs, just rolling hills through scenic countryside. I’m really, really happy about the Logan Road leg (between Saxonburg Blvd and the Red Belt)–tiny, twisting rural residential passage, including a llama farm.

I’ve been wembling a bit on the choice of bike for the ride. I was assuming that I would just ride the Cannondale, but I’m having second thoughts. Given the rolling nature of the course (and the long descent into Sewickley), there is a creeping worry that I might finish outside the time limit on the Surly (wouldn’t that be embarrassing?). I had a fleeting hope that I could build up the Sturmey hub before the event, but given my wheelbuilding speed (or lack thereof), it’s not going to happen. Perhaps a coin flip on the day of the event will decide.

Posted on 3 April 2007