That's just nuts. Sure, it was hot... but it was manageable with proper rest stops, ice on the head, cold water, and electrolytes. Are that many people that dense about how to ride and manage yourself in heat?
When you have 11,000+ riders I guess there are that many DENSE people!
Oh yes!!!!! There are many dense people out there!!!! From the novice cyclists (biting off more than they can chew and not understanding proper training/nutrition/hydration) to the seasoned cyclists (pumped up by adrenaline, not pacing themselves for the heat, and not listening to their bodies before it is too late).

Funny though...when I looked under the MASH tents at the rest stops, I noticed they were mostly men, in fairly good physical condition. I think a lot of women and novices pay attention to what their bodies are telling them, and know when to SAG in.