I went with a group of 4 guys that found free camping at night. I did not have to transport my gear, even though I could have easily with 18lbs total (including pannier). They found drivers for our minivan to move the vehicle to the nighttime stops.
The towns were gracious and loving.
The 23,000+ bikers were courteous. It was a rush; Addictive; Amazing.

I was on the verge of hypothermia and heat exhaustion. But I pulled out.
Going 40+mph downhill with hundreds of bikers at a time was exhilarating.
Talking with all styles of people was great; unicycles, 6’ tall cycles, bicycle built for 6; legless (that guy averaged 20mph).

-Barry