California Coast Classic

[hotwheels862]

I know this is not true bike turing but I was looking for a multi-day cycling event that I could double as a vacation and also uses as an excuse to train and get in shape for. I ran across the Arthritis Foundation's California Coast Classic, which is an eight day 525 mile ride from San Francisco to Santa Monica and I wanted to see if there was anyone here that has done it in the past so I could get a better idea of what to expect and what I should train for. I sit at a desk most of the day and use the weekends to ride, so I am in pretty good same but I am not an animal.
 
This is what I could find on the ride - http://www.kintera.org/faf/hom...t.asp?ievent=1087174