As if it needs saying, but I will anyway – I notice that the route has been marked out for the ride this coming weekend, around fire-roads and bridleways. Sounds innocuous enough, but if you are taking part please remember that racing in a public space has a massive potential to cause upset, especially down really fast fire-roads. Personally I think it is bit irresponsible to arrange a timed (ie competitive) event with several hundred riders through a very well used area, but there you go.
If you are in it please remember that the time-savings come more from climbing than descending, and also be prepared to slow down and stop at all times.
Cheers