Last long ride of my training

This Saturday was my last long ride of my training. It actually wasn't all that long, but it was definitely full of elevation. Our first day riding is 77 miles and has about 4000 to 4500 feet elevation gain. To prepare for that, I rode up 5000 feet in 64 miles on Saturday. For those of you who are local, I rode up and over the ridge twice with several hills in between. It was a great route starting in New Paltz and going over the ridge on 44/55 to Kerhonkson, then out to the Ashokan Reservoir via many beautiful back country roads and then riding through Stone Ridge to High Falls and heading back up and over the ridge past the Mohonk Mountain House back into New Paltz. Unfortunately, it was pouring out for most of my time on the other side of the ridge (the non New Paltz side), which was most of my ride. My ride began and ended with absolutely beautiful weather in New Paltz though. It was a great ride and I definitely feel ready for the elevation now. Bring on the Cascades! I may not be fast, but I've got endurance and I feel pretty confident about what lies ahead. My flight leaves in 5 days, what lies ahead is nearly here...