I didn't ride it last year, but did the 3 years prior. I think last year, it was actually hotter than the prior years. Normally, it's past the peak heat of the season.

It is a big event in terms of people, 12,000 or so (normally, the numbers you see include the trail races and stuff, too.). Because of all the people, it's not an especially safe place to ride, and there are usually a few wrecks along the way. Moral there is don't get in too big of a hurry, just go with the flow for a while until things open up (which is the 20 or 30 mile mark.)

To me, the main reason to do it IS the crowd. The course is not anything special, and the main obstacle is wind.

I wasn't interested in clothing specials, and didn't see much at the trade show that I couldn't have found at a large local bike shop. One pet peeve is the trade show closes at 3:00, so if you go up the morning of the ride, you have to get in reasonably fast to even get to the trade show. They should keep it open until 7:00 or something.

It is noted for having all the motels full, so figure out where to stay ahead of time. I live in Garland, and I just went to bed 3 hours early, got up 3 hours early, and drove up there.

There are usually some threads in the Texas subforum as the event gets closer, so check there on occasion, too.