I would say the opposite if possible. This will be my third time with the same couple of guys. We like to make a weekend of it and stay with a frien who lives in Manhattan.

The first year we started mid pack and walking for an hour or so the last few blocks into Central Park. After that it opens up OK but it is crowded and you need to pay attention. Last we we cheated a little and cut accross town from my buddies and waited about 3/4 mile ahead of the start. After the head goes by we jumped in and stayed in the 1st 200 or so the whole ride. Still a lot of people but not as bad. We did have our bibs before hand as well.

To be honest I'm not sure which I liked better. They were different in alot of ways. Being in the pack with 10,000 people around you is an experience and once it opened up it wasnt to bad. Out front was a much better pace but I fetlt like we were trying to get done and not really appreciate the ride. Either way its a great weekend for us.


First year - 5hrs 51mins & 10mph
2nd year - 3hrs 55mins & 13.5mph