This is a fun, well supported ride. I've done it 3-4 times (the full route). The cut off times are pretty generous. It's really pretty flat to Cazadero (the first cut off).

Like other timed rides I've done, the mass start is very crowded. You should be confident riding among other people. The crowd doesn't really thin out noticeably til Cazadero, and even then it thins to large bunches. The first part of the ride is very flat, and so there are a lot of people really trying to get an advantage. If you haven't done a lot of pack riding, I suggest lining up toward the back.

Last time I did the ride (2 years ago), I found the ride crowded even on the climb of Kings Ridge, which I really hadn't noticed in prior years. I suspect that it might be a little less crowded this year (post doping revelations), which would be good.

The rest stops are great. Though crowded, they are well stocked and amply volunteered.

Any specific questions? Are you local? - I forget (sorry).