Congrats on a great ride and a great time!! Isn't it a fun event?? I also always use a camelback for El Tour - that way I don't have to stop at all. I agree - a lot of folks are in over their heads at that ride. It is a true race at the front, and unless you have raced, it's not realy the safest thing.

DH did it with a friend as I can't ride this year. He had fun, but his friend had a rough day - 2 flats right after the first crossing, and once they lost the fast riders, their chances of coming in under 5 were over.

I'm planning to do it next year with DH - he's trying to convince me we should do it on the tandem. I don't think I am that crazy!