was over 1000 riders including the new 30 and 10k kids which had lots of riders, beautifully organized by RA great atmosphere as usual, weather just perfect, single track was firm and fast.
numbers wise when I checked before event there was around 250 100kers, 550 50kers and quite good numbers on 30 and 10.
the event has gone from attracting mainly serious mtbers to more families, new riders etc.
so its more a Around the Bay for mtbers, that's not a criticism as you still have the typical hard core bunch in top 10-20% with lots more riders doing event as a rite of passage into mtb hard-core-ness.
so for me if you're passionate about riding single track its a must do event for its organization, the riders it attracts and the superb single track it offers, apart from cost and the fact they don't have camping there's not many reasons to not do event if you want to challenge yourself.
btw wombat 50 this weekend, perfect weather........