Twenty-Third consecutive year riding this event to raise money for Diabetes research. New start location at Pottawatomie Park in St. Charles required initial route section to be via Great Western Trail and several side streets. I avoided all of the limestone sections by riding down Dean Street, Brown Road and a few neighborhoods. Large turnout for the first wave (~300) and I joined Steve O, Bill N (and his posse) through to the first rest stop at Hanson Road. I moved on solo for the balance of the route, traveling west on Wooley, Welter & Winters roads to County Line. By the time we made the turn south, the humidity dropped, the NNW winds picked-up and had a great push down to the 4th rest stop on Lasher. The next 11 miles were a tough slog into the winds on Harter, Dauberman and Meredith. Once back on Wooley the pace picked up pretty much to the end. Exceeded my fundraising goal this year (thanks to all!) and look forward to Year 24 in 2024.