Really "enjoyed" the challenge of TCR this year. I bailed in the middle of Slovakia after learning the hard way about route planning. Way too much slow cycle path and gravel on my chosen path using strava heat maps.
I hope to have another go, but will school myself in the various methods of route planning if a spot is available.
Looking at the French Divide as an alternative if a place in TCR is not available. At least thats a set route and I already got plenty of practice on the rough stuff