Cycle Sportives

Never ridden a sportive before, but thinking about this: www.touroftheblackmountains.com, mostly because its on the right weekend. There are some comments about last year's on this thread, but can't tell if anyone has done it? Any good?

Me and a couple of mates are doing it.

Did it last year and it was tough but enjoyable hence the return fixture. Weather was baking hot, roads were quiet apart from one dodgy dual carriageway stretch and it was well organised.