There's always Climb to Kaiser which is two weeks before the Death Ride. I'm thinking next year I'll do that one instead of the Death Ride, as I have never done Climb to Kaiser. I hear its tougher then the Death Ride. And there's Mt. Shasta Summit Century in August. Also I have been wanting to do La Marmotte (in France) which is the first Saturday of July. So I think there are some options out there if the Death Ride doesn't live up to its prior glory. I already got my 5 pass finishers jersey.