Let me dive in with post-event feedback. This was the fist time I've ridden a 6hr race (3rd race ever for me!) It was a grueling event, but the track was unreal and the atmosphere was electric.
I didn't see or hear one bad thing all day, no hissy fits, no cussing, all the riders were super supportive and very polite when passing. I didnt see any gel wrappers, but quite a number of water biddons on the track, hopefully people went back for them, or had their names on them.
I couldn't have asked for a better day!
Perfect weather except for the last hour when it got very damp ...
Very damp is an understatement IMO. The heavens opened and it bucketed down. People were madly scrambling everywhere, but the rain had a humorous side (yes, I was wet also) so it didn't detract from the day at all.
Top event, and big kudos to all the Forrest guys & gals, all the trail work and setup/running of the event, all the volunteer marshals and due credit to all the other riders and support crew.