The "fun" riders last year scared the bejesus out of me on many occasions! That said, my only "off" was entirely unassisted when I tried to cross some wet tram track on my way home.
Definately wouldnt be going for any decent times with the fun riders aroun though. Too much going on to be speed focused. Was debating the early start myself, but im slow this year, so maybe save it for the next one!
On a different note, I think i briefly rode with you today towards the end of the Windmills ride. That or there is a completely different bloke in the Thornton-Cleveleys area that wears your username on his jersey
Dave