Thread highjack for the 2024 edition.
What an amazing ride (and indeed walk); absolutely beautiful, especially with the weather that was provided. Not exactly at the peak of fitness myself I stretched full value into extra time (3 mins 50 sec over, according to technology). And yes, I spent more than 3 mins 50 sec stopping to take photos, but I'd rather have them than a point.* I did get to do the final off-road section as the moon came up, which was pretty cool and a little eerie.
Great sustenance at the finish, not to mention the excellent mug collection of the Northallerton Scouts and Guides. Many thanks to Deano, CrinklyLion and other helpers. Oh, and I'd like to know how a yacf apron came into being!
In summary, I highly recommend you do this ride, once.
*There was also a 200 km running at the same time, which started an hour before us, so even I could reasonably expect to get back before the final finishers on that. I don't purposefully keep organisers waiting around for me.