For anyone who's even remotely tempted, I can't recommend this thing highly enough. It's a spectacular course, and Chris Kostman puts on a really first-class event. And this is one of those things where there really is no real penalty in performance for riding old technology. The two times I did it were definitely some of the highlights of my cycling life. I almost would have qualified as a "classic" bike, except that I used clipless pedals (and had no shifters at all, downtube or otherwise). But I hope some folks enter the new division!
Emily O'Brien
Medford, Massachusetts
USA