First time riding this race which started in Carlinville, IL. Joined by 8 FVBSC members (Wally & Anne, Fred & Mary, Gene R, Lynn, Rob & MC). Total of ~130 riders. Stayed back at the start to let the racers through and then worked with a group of 6 to the first rest stop at a solid pace. Mix of paved and chip seal/gravel roads out to Girard after which the roads improved with much vetter pavement. Long straight stretches of pavement going through Farmersville and Waggoner (so flat it seemed I could see 10+ miles ahead). Rode most of the back half with 1-2 other riders as the heat began to become a factor. Last stretch back to the start marred with poor road conditions and lots of gravel/chip seal (one RR crossing I had to walk across). Understood the winners of the metric race averaged 25+ mph. Impressive, considering the gravel in many corners of the course.