(I wrote a long preface to this that just somehow disappeared with a mis-click in my browser. To sum it up: this event is still not for A-riders, the 5BBT has had serious problems in the past that some people were happy to ignore, and I've been a pessimist about the chance of this ride ever getting fixed. I'm writing because there are changes in 2012 that seem to make a lot of sense.)

TD Five Boro Bike Tour | Bike New York

• Lottery registration - $6 for the lottery, $75 if you get picked
• Staggered starting times
• No mailed registration materials, pickup only
• The addition of local food options/vendors throughout the course (according to the email blast this week)
• Increased coordination with the city to avoid construction/traffic bottlenecks

Maybe this is enough to relieve a lot of the clusterphooey-like conditions on the course from years past. It's no Cat 5 but it's still a unique opportunity. Does this sound appealing to any riders who enjoy tour-like events?

This is, of course, a non-NYCC production. But it seems relevant as a major regional ride event.