I drove the course yesterday(5/7) and it appears as though most of the route has had it's share of gravel applied for this year. One road (23rd st./just west of Rochester) was closed as they were applying gravel as I attempted to pass. While I could not get through on that stretch I was able to get around since they were only working on a 1.5 mile stretch. The not-so-kind gentleman with the county assured me that the road would be open in two days which I assume will leave plenty of time to be compacted by regular automobile traffic. All in all the route looks pretty good.

I am printing cue sheets this week. The size will be 5 and 1/2 inches by 5 and 1/2 inches, that's right, 5 and 1/2 inches square. There will be a map printed on the reverse side of one sheet per 50 miles. The map will most likely not provide you with enough information to effectively bypass the charted course with the hopes of arriving ahead of your competitors, but it will offer enough information for you to gather your senses and establish your location should something terrible happen.

I am going to drive the route again next Friday(5/18) to make sure that all of the roads being used are open and unobstructed. Also, the finish line is located next to a Green Mill Bar & Restaurant. I spoke briefly with the management there yesterday about pizza and beer and while nothing has been confirmed, it did sound hopeful. I suppose that is all for now. Cheers.