PAP, you did it right.
Next year, I'm doing as you and Robyn say and doing the southern loop first.

Top ten parts of the ride:

10: Seeing the trays of oreos, free for the taking.
9: Passing guys
8: The 360 degree left-turning curve outside of Portsmouth, with rosehips on one side, the ocean dead ahead, a slight downhill... wheeeeee!!!
7: Jimmy Eat World song "The Middle" coming on in my head around mile 50.
6: The roofers whistling and cheering the riders on.
5: Did I mention the oreos?
4: The ocean view I got a peak at as I drafted 21 mph behind Mister Speedy
3: A second wind at mile 94
2: Watching Mister Indy jump, bike and all, over a roadkill, while going 21 mph, and yelling "roadkill!" (I did not jump my bike over the roadkill, but politely swerved.)
1: Being alone for the last 5 miles, no other riders around, just me, the ugly honkytonk t-shirt shop lined road, the wind, and my head.

p.s. the peanut butter sandwiches were deelish. Thank you PAP and ALL THE VOLUNTEERS!!!! You guys rock.