I have done it both ways from south central pa and I will tell you I much prefer to do it alone. But then I am going for the ride not the event. It takes me just a little over 3 hours each way. I walk around, have a bite to eat and maybe a cold one and then ride home. Lots of back roads and great views in the moutains. I like riding alone much of the time because to me the bike is all about the ride, not waiting for others to gas up (which they should do before meeting others for a ride), eat, smoke, or whatever they do to waste riding time. But that is just me. Enjoy which ever way you go. I think it is a cool event and the town treats you really well.