I'm not much for large group rides these days, but that said, I do like the Seacoast Century. It covers some beautiful territory (that I ride on my own), but it also has a unique start. Instead of a mass start, you can start whenever you want after the start time, with the requirement that you are done by 5pm. You still won't be alone out there, it just means that hundreds of people aren't clumped together. Also - if they keep the current format, you can register for Saturday, Sunday or both. Registering for both days isn't twice the cost, and it can give you the option of choosing the better weather day to ride. Unless, of course, you want to ride twice!

--- Denise