I've done Chilly Hilly twice. Like all of the big group rides in the area they get a lot of negative feedback. If you accept them for what they are, which is large group rides and not a private, quiet route you found on your own, then they can be a lot of fun. Save the racing for race day, slow down, and enjoy riding with a lot of interesting people. Yes, there are new riders so you do have to pay attention, but hardly worth the complaining that happens about these rides. Enjoy them for what they are. All of the Cascade sponsored rides are worth doing at least once if you're in the area. Its a bike ride, it should be fun. It amazes me the amount of complaining about these rides that local cyclists do...