Amy, I agree with you on the SAG support. I didn't see one the entire time. I patched up a lady's leg out on the road. (Nasty.) Gave her extra supplies to get her through. She had been sitting, waiting for about 20 min before I arrived and convinced her to let me help.
The guy at the 2nd rest stop adjusted my back brake for me. Bolt came loose that holds the cable and I reset it while on the road but it needed fine tuned. He might have been able to help with your shifting issue. I took off my leg warmers at this stop and got some interesting looks - everything from Awe to Zowee. A few people had the guts to ask along the way. (I'm so bad. I told one guy it was a shark attack. Should've seen his face. I fessed up, but it was totally hilarious. )
I got cue sheets at the registration table but your right, no actual maps were available. I was wondering too about not having a number. I was thinking that anyone could have ridden for free and just used the reg money to buy a shirt.
There were not enough bathrooms to go around! After 3+ hours, I was practically drowning in my own juices when I arrived. (Got lost twice, thanks AAA guy for the route. I saved $2.50 in tolls but I told you I'm directionally challenged. What were you thinking? ) Was parked WAY out, got my gear and bike, road through the muddy field and then stood in line for way too long. (only 4 johns out there)

The rest of my day was wonderful. I had a blast. (next time I will just say NO to the Kielbasa lunch tho. Blech.) I think I will keep this one in mind for next year. By then, I hope to be much better at hills.

Rollin', rollin', rollin'
Keep those hills a rollin'
Geez my bits are swollen
Rawhide!
(Sorry, I fear it's stuck there for good )

Kerry is right, there are some nice looking places to ride over the river. I went through Frenchtown (just across the bridge) and it was delightful. Bike loving town if I've ever seen one. Racks every 30 ft or so. Bike rental places, eclectic shops and diners. I want to go back someday and spend some time. Lots of riders out on rt 29.

I found my pics at Tiger Paw. I can't deny it, I definitely look like that!

"see" ya

Cindy