Has anyone done the 5 Boro Ride in NYC? It's planned for May 7th this year. I have heard some horror stories about 4 hour waits to take the ferry to not enought places to stop and use a restroom to people getting trampled. Others tell me you gotta do it at least once.

I called the first day the registration came out to try and get a room at the Marriott but the room block and rest of the hotel was sold out. Would a room in the city be the best bet-any hotel suggestions that are not a fortune$$?

I know there is a train out of New Haven CT-but 4:30 am is a little early considering we live about an hour from New Haven. Someone suggested leaving a car on Staten Island-does anyone know about parking over there?

I figure 30,000 riders must be having fun doing something! Any insight and riding stategy is appreciated.