About 13,000 people. I finished without falling this year and improved by an hour. That was my fourth one and I can't tell you how enjoyable it was to go with some good friends and just ride. I'll tell you, that we said a prayer before we drove out there and we checked in on Thursday with NO LINE, got my goodie bag, found a place for our Motorhome and then the weather was perfect with cool temps, no flats and a tailwind at the end... what a great time. The Big Criterion Rider upstairs truly blessed us this year.
I'm trying to finish in the top 50 next year for my age group, but I doubt I could finish in the top 50 for the 70+ women.. yikes!!!! There are some real beasts out there.
I hope you had a great ride. Did you stop at that bar for beer at mile 98..... I swear it's the devil trying to keep riders from finishing...hahahahahahaha...
I don't think I could have sat down, had a beer and then finished. The worst part of the ride for me is that last hill on the bridge heading into downtown... it fakes you out.
Thanks for the info. Sounds like you had a great time and the event was excellent. I’ve never been but have wanted to go. I’ve been thru Whitcha Falls and have thought about the ride, the rolling hills, the temp/humidity, etc. Hope you have many more successful rides.