Did it a few times, usually on to Ipswich for the proper train home, the one time I was determind to ride back I wrecked the front wheel and the loaner wheel was firmly recalimed at Dunwich.
But my first effort, using a routesheet, was saved by noticing a tiny candle in a jar at a very discrete side road turning. God bless whoever placed that one.
I was keen on this year but did fear the increased popularity, the last I did must be over 10 years ago and that was busy, as lifetime's worth of flashing red lights.
Mind you, I suppose setting off promptly/early and setting a half decent pace would avoid a lot of the mob.