In Reply To:
2. After doing the course on the CT - about 12+ times with a 25, I've decided that I will be using the 27. The run is tough, so I've decided to save my legs for the run. I would not use anything less than a 25. It's way too hard on the knees. And, with about 3 steep and/or long grades, using the 23 would be concerning. It may take your legs anaerobic. In turn, that could hurt you on the run.
3. I am not going to under estimate the run. I have done (7) numerous bike-run bricks. Each time, they have been tough because of the hills on the bike. I'm just not in the kind of shape I need to be in for Wildflower. With the time left, I will concentrate on the bike-run. I'm already a strong swimmer. So, I have decided to concentrate on my weakness - bike and run (in that order). I'm specially weak with hill training since there are none where I live... that's why I train for Wildflower on the CT.
IMO, above is the best advice when deciding how to ride Wildflower (I just realized, I don't know if we are talking about LC or Olympic, but I am assuming LC). The LC bike is hard but it is not ridiculous by any stretch of the imagination. The run, on the other hand, is just plain rough, especially coming after 56 miles are in your legs. Make sure that whatever gear you have in the back, be able to spin it out of the transition area and up the climb at mile 40ish. It is smart to sacrifice a little time on the climbs in anticipation of the run.