Had a pretty uneventful ride down to the start. Very little traffic and the wind wasn't too bad. I probably went a bit too hard which didn't make any sense since I got there with plenty of time to spare. I left on all my cold weather gear for the start since we were under thick clouds and the wind would be howling soon. I lined up pretty close to the front, and from the start the pace was very high. I managed to stay with the front for awhile. Soon a rider went off the front with a hard attack and two more joined and they got a good gap quickly. I worked with Lane and 3 other guys for a few miles chasing till I finally had to back off. I just kind of hit a wall at this point and really lost any ability to do any more hard efforts. It's amazing how fast it happened, one minute I felt ok and the next I couldn't ride with anyone or any group. And so that's how it was the rest of the day. A big peloton chase group came up from behind with Sean and I really tried to get on the back. But it wasn't to be. I eventually settled into an all day pace. Around the halfway mark I saw a rider changing a tube. Asked if he needed anything and he said he didn't sound so sure. I needed a break so I said I'd wait till he got it all pumped up , in case it turns out he needed a pump(he only had CO2 cartridges). It's a good thing I waited because we used my pump to air up his tire. He thanked me and we left together but he soon dropped me. I rode the remainder slowly but I still had fun overall! I couldn't eat the post ride meal of BBQ sandwiches or sausage, but was grateful for a coke and some chips, and felt decent on the ride back despite the ridiculous crosswind.