On a pre-ride I ran a 42 single ring with a 12-27 and would have liked something lower later in the course. It's probably not necessary to go lower in order to ride the climbs, but figure with a time of at least 4-5 hours to finish its going to be a long day. Lower gears may save your legs for later in the race.

The course is probably okay on a cross bike or a mtb set-up rigid with a quick rolling tire. It does contain a lot of road, but some of it isn't all that fast. Certainly the "run-ups" are better on a cross bike since you can shoulder 'em more easily.

There are no pits so there are no bike changes. You start on and finish on the same bike you ride on the rest of the course.

You're going to need either some bottle cages and bottles or a camelback, don't rely on the aid stations for water as they're too far apart to keep you hydrated if you only drink there. Eat lots and drink lots during this ride. It sure is pretty out here during fall, but don't get all distracted and make sure to keep sucking down that Hammer HEED.