My experience last year:
I died several times trying to solo it, lol!
Then I hooked up with Elenistari chicken and bit the dirt when a vicious bear got me at the Ford.
Then I joined up with the gang and had a hilarious time running around the place, not having to worry too much about bears as our protectors were there. It was the Rivendell bridge that became my enemy…almost at the finish line I fell off the bridge!!! Luckily I didn’t die and managed to swim to safety but PHEW!!
Neem