And I'm really missing the thought of not being there.

I've typically gone with a friend and we do it together. He couldn't go this year, and I contemplated just going myself. My wife didn't love that idea - and I knew she wasn't excited to go if there weren't friends to hang out with while I was racing, so I just decided to skip. I think I've been to all but 2 in the last 15 years. It's a fun race - with a TON of people who are doing their first. You'll be passing folks on mountain bikes and beach cruisers. It is pretty low-key.

Of course, you'll also have people flying by you on time trial bikes with tear-drop helmets. There's some fast racers that do it as well - just a really broad range of participants.