I did the ride last year and thought it was a pretty neat ride, kinda slow but we found ways to burn through the crowds. I won't be going this year cuz of the whole lottery thing. I usually go with a friend, what if I get in and he doesn't? Then I'm stuck by myself. Also the packet pick up thing is just dumb, being from out of state, I hardly think I'm going to spend money to spend one night in NYC when I live two hours away. Once again something that was cool has been ruined by folks that way over think things.