Here are some additional details for the ride.
For the most part, controls are evenly spaced for food and water. I’ve added cues and POIs for water at non-controls and controls that are likely to be closed when you pass through. Particular attention should be paid to the stretch from Cassville (mile 300) to the finish. There is a convenience store (Cenex) 1/2 mile off route in Patch Grove (mile 327) and behind a church at mile 349.
Also, it appears that unless you’re really fast it’s unlikely you’d make the control at Livingston (192 miles) before it closes at 21:00. There is a water spigot on the right side of the convenience store at Livingston and there is also water and nice restrooms available at Jinkins Field (192.6 miles).
There are a few stretches of gravel on the route which are indicated in ridewithgps. They are all relatively short and passable by bike with 28mm tires.
The recommended hotel for the ride is Napps Motel (608-822-3226). It’s just down the street from the start/finish control at Marsden Park and is a good place for a quick nap, shower and change of kit – if you have time!
And speaking of time, here is something I put together to give you a rough idea of how the ride lays out. It’s by no means perfect but it should give you a rough idea of how difficult each segment is (feet/mile) and roughly when you can expect to be at certain points. The average speed is adjusted based on the climbing and gets a little slower as the ride goes on.
As you can see, you’ll need to hustle through the controls. I’ve baked in a few longer stops for a “meal” (or a calorie bomb at DQ in Mt Carroll 😉 and short break at Fennimore. Following exactly on that plan would have you finishing inside the time limit – but only just!
I’m assuming riders will go right past the photo controls and rely on a Strava/Ridewithgps/Garmin Connect track as proof of passage for their ride. This is risky – a GPS snafu that loses your ride means you’re out. Up to you how much risk you’re willing to take and having redundancy for critical items is one of the hallmarks of randonneuring.