Ran a little late and missed the actual start. Thankfully they were only a couple of blocks ahead and I was able to catch on and with only moderate effort, get into the middle of the bunch. Kept it kind of social for the first 5 miles or so, then tried to latch on to some of the small (2-4 rider) groups that had formed. I kept this going, leapfrogging between groups and riding pretty hard until the rest stop at mile 25. Tried to leave with a group from there but that didn't work out and I ended up riding the rest of the way solo. This included the timed climb segment, which was way harder than anticipated. It started on a flat that came right after a little rise that had sapped my momentum. Then the pavement was super rough. I was proud of my effort up the hill, though, and was way to destroyed to take the beer hand-up I was offered by the woman at the top screaming at everyone through a megaphone! Kept the pace high the rest of the time and overall was really pleased with how I did. I passed a fair amount of people and only got passed by a handful. Still felt strong at the end even after the hard efforts and high average. After being a bit chilly and overcast at the start, the sun came out and temperatures went up to around 50, making for a beautiful day. Blue skies, newly green grass, and great scenery. The terrain was pretty easy, some easy rollers through Amish farms. It was probably only 40% gravel, and there were a couple of busy road sections (short, though), but I really did love the course. The gravel was very hard packed and really fast. There was a buggy path segment that was fun, and the last section on unpaved rail trail/double-track through the woods was gorgeous, with many ravine views off to the sides. Fun afterpart at a local bar. Talked to a nice couple (probably mid-20s) from Akron who both race, mostly crits and CX. Wish I would have gotten their names. Overall it was an awesome day and I had tons of fun.