Did you feel like there were WAY too many riders for staff to handle? I've done this ride for the past couple of years and this year was by far the most attended. The pit stop areas, mechanic help, # of bathrooms, and food/beer tents seemed to stay the same from past years but the number of people more than doubled. I needed a RD adjustment after the first stop but didn't feel like waited 30 minutes to get it. It was just a minor annoyance but I was talking with one the the SAG drivers and they were saying how fortunate it was that there weren't many incidents since they only had 6 trucks to cover the 15, 30, 50, 65, and 80 mile loops..

In the end, it's good for Real Ale and the cycling community. I just think they didn't plan for that many riders to show up.

Sorry to hear it was so crowded, this is an event I want to try some day - hope they work it out! https://realaleride.com/

Don't get me wrong, I had tons of fun and it's a great event. The amount of riders can vouch for it. I just think this year was TAD too big for the event organizers.

Also the hills, wind, heat killed me the last 10 miles

It was my first and had zero problems at the rest stops. Having said that, I typically do the larger organized rides, so my expectations may be a tad lower than someone use to smaller crowds.

Pics -> https://photobucket.com/realaleride2012

Edited because I forgot to mention: A+ ride and I'll definitely do it again.