I've pre-ridden the MLBC course and I wouldn't underestimate the pain factor. The climb up Mt. Laguna from Lake Cuyamaca isn't bad. It rolls, so you get some breaks along the way. The approach to the Kitchen Creek closed portion caught me off guard, there are some pretty steep pitches. Pine Creek? It's a little slice of evil that late in the game! I actually had to get off and walk a small section. I have asthma and I couldn't reach for my inhaler without the risk of falling over. Once I was off the bike, it was too steep to remount. The last loop in only 25 miles, but it's painful!

I will say that I was not in shape and had been off of the bike for several months before the pre-ride. It was do-able, but only because I'm stubborn. I'm looking forward to getting out there and doing it with some fitness...lol.

As for training rides around here, I'd personally choose the Baldy (from Mills and Baldy Rd.) to the lifts over GMR. You need to be prepared to climb some sustained steep sections. Santiago/Silverado and especially Maple Springs are also good if you want to keep it local. The only thing around here that would compare to Pine Creek would be some of the steeper roads in Laguna Beach off of PCH.

I really can't wait for this ride. With all of this rain, the wildflowers should be gorgeous this year!