This will be my 11th year doing it. I have always done it on a mountain bike. I have seen way too many people crash on a road bike. The bridge expansions can be a nightmare on skinny tires, not to mention if it rain it can get really slick.
It is an epic ride, mostly because of the ~32K people that show up. Once you get to the BQE you will be riding with more experienced people. All the slower people stay behind near Queens.
Can't wait!