Cycling Forum: Forward Together Bike Ride

The Forward Together Bike Ride was back on June 1st and was intended to help raise money for a physical memorial to the NIU students whose lives were lost in the shooting tragedy back on 2-14-2008.  The event was put together with not much led time and unfortunately the organizer(s) picked a date that coincided with a popular ride in the northern part of Illinois called the Udder Century (1500+ riders). 

Being an alum of NIU and a cyclist I was very interested in this ride, however, I had already made commitments to do the Udder Century.  So I was wondering if anybody out there attended the Forward Together Bike Ride and would be willing to share your impressions of it -- a ride report if you will.  E.g., how well organized was it?  Which route/distance did you do?  Quality of the route and rest stops?  Approximate number of cyclists that turned out?  Would you do the ride again next year if they offer it again?  Any other good or bad impressions you took away from the event.  

Thanks!