I did the ride 4 years ago. Just haven't got back but want to do it again. Started early and it was freezing out but the day warmed up nicely although when I did the ride it never got hot.
It's not an easy ride. I got into Mammoth 3 days earlier in order to kick around and aclimate. The ride itself was so incredibly scenic you almost forgot the crazy climbs. Along the back side of the Loop are these series of "whoop-de-doos" which in the beginning were fun but after a while drove me batty. Those ended in the Wild Rose Summit climb. I came very close to walking. After that I don't remember much. Got alittle tired and bonky but finished with good memories and a good ride photo! I highly recommend this ride.