The ride was significantly redesigned last year, so I doubt you'll get a lot of folks who can give you a direct comparison. I'd wager you rode a harder route (on Saturday) than the 55-mile loop. The climbing shouldn't kill you, but should be a nice challenge.
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"The older you do get, the more rules they're gonna try to get you to follow. You just gotta keep livin', man, L-I-V-I-N." - Wooderson
'14 carbon Synapse - '12 CAAD 10 5 - '99 Gary Fisher Big Sur