There will be a lot of people riding and it isn't difficult to find someone riding at your pace. This definitely is not a race. This is a ride for you and your friends to do at your own pace whatever that may be. I would consider 12MPH an easier pace and 18-20 an average intermediate pace depending upon how I am feeling. Of course you will see some people going really fast.

There are a lot of rest stops. Last year the stops seemed to be around 10 miles apart on the long route. I suggest getting in and out of the stops quickly. The more time you spend at a rest stop, the harder it is to get going. Last year there was a bike mechanic at every stop, or just about every stop, to help with those little problems that sometimes arise.

One thing that is important about this ride is the route selection. The routes do not start together and split later as they normally do. The long route starts differently and merges into the short route after 20 miles or so. You have to make your route decision from the start and stick to it.

I do this ride because it is fun. There are other rides I do because I want to see how fast I can go or what I can climb. Everyone on this ride just seems to have a good time.