Everything leinad said is true. It's remarkable that 3,000 cyclists would subject themselves to it more than 40 years in a row.

TOSRV's unpredictable weather early in the cycle season is part of its appeal. You have to get out training in inclement weather as you not only get limbered up for back to back centuries but also so you can develop a comfortable foul weather system. The average high is in the upper sixties and the rain is mostly just short showers with much longer intervals of non-rain in between. Sort of a glass half full or half empty deal.

The large undisciplined pacelines are pretty rare now. The overall riding skill and rule following is now quite good. It's nothing like what you saw 15 years ago. The largest age group in TOSRV in 2008 were the 50-59 year olds with 40-49 year olds second. They've been around the block on this ride a few times.

I didn't mind the gym even back when the ride was over 6,000. Maybe being tired made me sleep soundly or maybe it didn't seem all that bad after 13 years of sea duty. The foods at the stops is at least as good as any ride I've been on that did not require $100 in pledges beforehand. The baked potatoes are nice in cool weather.

I like the ride back on Sunday, it feels like a different ride. It's even better if you have a nice group to ride with