Petrarch wrote:
1) I've read several accounts of some terrible pavement conditions on the bike. It appears that this section may be on a narrow, steep descent where the congestion of athletes is common. How bad and unsafe is it? 2) How family friendly is Muskoka? We've been to Tremblant, which will be hard to beat, but what sort of fun is available for kids ages 3 and 5?
Can't say much about kiddos as I am past that stage. Although it you stay at Deerhurst (pricey) there should be plenty to do. Pool and specific activities for kids. They are now having transition in town as opposed to out at Deerhurst. Actually should be good for kids and wife as there are touristy shops and stuff (ice cream!) in town. Bike course looks roughly similar on the map. I have done the half twice and last time I did was the full in 2015. I wouldn't call the pavement terrible but there are a few sections on downhills where there were depressions in the pavement (think partially filled potholes with asphalt in the bottom). I wouldn't bomb the downhills in the aero position. I think one hill has a curve at bottom that can be a bit tricky. There are very few long sustained ups and downs but lots of shorter punchy ones. Road condition can vary from year to year because of frost heaving and how well they keep on top of it. I am middle of the pack during the bike and have not seen any accidents. I take the downhills cautiously all the time and have not felt unsafe.
They constantly try to escape from the darkness outside and within
Dreaming of systems so perfect that no one will need to be good T.S. Eliot