I have done this ride for the last 3 or 4 years. It starts in Snelling, a tiny, pretty Gold Rush town next to the Merced River and wends its way through pretty valley and foothill country. It's well marked and happens in a particularly pretty and temperate time of year. I think it's best feature, though, is the friendliness and enthusiasm of is volunteers and the quality of food and beverages at the rest stops-- fresh baked cookies and home made soups, for example. I highly recommend this ride and think you'll love it.