For my sins I’ve done it about 6 times within work groups. I did it last year after a gap of a few years and it seemed worse than I remember. So busy even with an early start (and avoiding the start line at clapham common as always by joining just down the road a bit).
It really is for cyclists who don’t ride for the rest of the year and many of whom seem to ignore the official advice to have a well maintained bike.
So you need to be on your guard all the time for the most crazy behaviour/ events. Those riding slowly hard on the right listening to ipods was a constant problem as they have no awareness of what’s going on. People walk on the slightest incline so be prepared to stop. I managed to stay on the whole ride but only with a lot of track standing. Lots of polite requests to get by seem to work fine but are constant.
Seemed to be a lot of accidents last year including one just down from the start line involving a car and some pretty nasty ones on the descents.
The climb up Ditchling last year was so crowded that it was hard to stay on the bike. Not seen that before. Tempers were fraying as the walkers didn’t think to yield.
Trains ban cycles and pick up by car using the park and ride means a big queue for the bus back to the racecourse where the car park is. Took us hours last year to get home to London.
All that said:
1. These are just observations and not complaints. Enthusiasts cannot complain because they shouldn’t be riding it as enthusiasts. Its not an event for them. Racing down through the continuous bike traffic shouting and moaning to other riders is just ridiculous.
2.If you are doing it as part of a group and plan it to be a social and lazy day with no rush and plenty of time to get home then do it and you’ll probably enjoy the day.