Nice to hear so many stories from your rides! I KNOW I have to do this one day (and I'm only 1.5 hours away- I have no reason). All those cyclists scare me a bit, tho. I don't like others being around (it's the triathlete in me- give me my space and let me go solo ).
Can you start early to avoid so much congestion? Just wondering.

Thanks for all the reports- keep 'em coming!