Hey, megandmac, I was there and did the 25 mile ride too. We probably saw each other at some point and didn't know it. I got there about an hour later than what I planned though. Didn't start riding until about 9:40. Missed all the "before" activity. I waited on a friend who ended up not going (hungover) so I went alone. This was my first event so I didn't know what to expect. Met some groovy people, one of which was a woman who rides for the BBC. Had a nice long conversation (uphill - wrong time to talk) before she had to catch up with the 20 mi. group. If the 14 was as hilly as ours, I can see why some of them turned around early. There were a few from the 20 at our rest stop who were guided in a shorter/easier direction to get back according to the BBC lady.
I fell one time - coming down I think it was Geist Rd a couple of miles into the ride. Nice little downhill and then all of a sudden, a VERY steep upgrade. Couldn't get into the right gear, couldn't unclip in time and... eeerrrkkk - BAM! Fell over just like a tree. (When Cindy falls over in the middle of the road, but no one's around to hear her expletives, does she really make a sound? ) Scraped my left elbow and there's a cool bruise on my right calf from the chain ring.
Lost my computer on that one too, it flew somewhere never to be seen again. Dropped by REI in Timonium when I left and promptly bought the wrong replacement head. Got the wired one instead of wireless. Of course, now I have an excuse to go back again next w/e.
You are right about the hills. They never seemed to end. (I hate hills.) I was going to do the optional extra 6.5 miles but since I was running behind from the beginning, and SAG was looking at me like a bunch of vultures, I did the regular route.
All in all, a very nice day. When I got home, I had a nice soak in the hottub after I ate. I think I may crawl in again before bed, I feel the need for an extra 1/2 hours worth - and a glass of wine. (reminder to self - need to ask Nanci what wine goes with hot tubs )