Back to the Top Hat... it is a well-organized ride, I'm just not sure that the organizers really understand cyclists and their needs. It's only the last 20 miles of the course where traffic and rider congestion can be a problem. I don't think the course is well-marked either -- they use very small paper or laminated signs that are often not well placed and which pranksters like to change or remove. My big peeve about the ride, though, is that last year they decided to eliminate most of the "Three Bears", a very scenic ride around Briones that I always considered the best part of the course.

On the plus side, the ride is for a good cause; there's a band and good food at the end; and KFOG DJ Peter Finch is there in the am.