I rode this event at the weekend largely because I wanted to enter a huge mass participation event and in that regard, it didn't disappoint.
If i'm honest, I don't ride a large number of events, mainly due to the associated costs - hotels etc.
I tend to do most of my riding close to home and if there is a cheap event on, I may enter.
I knew when I entered that with 4000 people, there would be delays at the start and food might run out at the feed stations, so I arrived as early as I could (and still waited an hour) and carried enough food that I was self sufficient.
I thought the course was well signposted, which meant I could concentrate on riding and enjoying the route.
The food stops were well stocked and the helpers all seemed to be really cheery which was nice to see. The marshalls were helpful and the motorcycle outriders did a fantastic job - I overheard one chatting to a motorist when we were waiting at a junction and he seemed to be doing a great PR job.
The thing I enjoyed most was riding en masse and seeing the local community come out to support us. There were loads of people clapping along the route and a good 50 spectators at the top of the Bwlch, cheering us on, which was much appreciated.
Sure, there were a few idiots riding but I just steered clear of them. I've read about the accidents (and witnessed one) but you can't really blame the organiser for this. If people are stupid enough to go full pace into corners for which they have no prior knowledge on road surface etc, then they take their own chances.
You can complain about the cost but if you don't want to pay, don't sign up. I think the issue is that people have different expectations of value for money. I went in with low expectations and was pleasantly surprised at how well the day went. I was a little ticked off about the timing fiasco but I have a Garmin which logged my time so all i've really lost is a few bragging rights.
I'll be signing up again next year I reckon and so is my other half, who is relatively new to cycling. I know that even though she won't want us riding together, she'll be well looked after throughout and I won't have the same fears that I would have if she was doing a similar ride solo.
It's a shame that people have to put down other groups within cycling. I enjoy all aspects of the sport and think as long as people are on 2 wheels and enjoying themselves, that's all that matters. Live and let live.
I would imagine any event of this size would have it's faults regardless of who was organising it.