Just to be different, I think the chaos of the departure from London is a big part of what makes it an event (and one that benefits from a couple of years off). After all, as a fully paid-up member of Team Slow, it's not like I'm going to be arriving at the seaside with the main crowd, and if that's what I'm after a FNRttC or similar coordinated ride is a much better bet.
If I want to spend the night (and let's be realistic, most of the morning) riding on my own, I might as well ride to Aberystwyth or something.