Had a good start and felt strong. As Susan and Dana were discussing, I tried to keep the pace up to tire out the other gals. Probably hung at the front a little too long too often. Unlike a tri, where I'm on my own and thus monitor my nutrition and hydration, I found riding in the pack a little more crowded, so I didn't drink enough as often as I should have, and I didn't really think about taking any nutrition until too late - legs were suddenly getting really listless. I hit good speeds on the downhills, but on the hill right after the bridge over the Waskesiu River, Susan did an attack and I just fell off the pack. Got discouraged, and then realized that I was fading with no fuel. Sucked back a Gu and drank more Gatorade... that helped, but not enough to ever catch the gals again. So into my drops and it was time trial time.

Stopped three times:
1) after first turnaround at Birch Bay to get rid of dragonfly that had been my helmet since just after the bridge over the Waskesiu River
2) at about 50km to move a pail that flew out of a passing truck into the path of the oncoming cyclists - got it out of the way and back to my side of the road just moments before the cat 5s went by!
3) to check if Wilma needed help with her flat tire - she said she was okay

The Trek is definitely not as comfy as my tri bike. Had issues with my right knee feeling achy for a bit, right after I was dropped (psychological?), and my left butt and thigh after about 45km - which has happened before.

More drafting, smarter pacing, better nutrition.
Get Neil to check my positioning on the Trek to see what I can adjust for more comfort, maybe a shorter stem or new seat?

Short spin after the finish to let the legs settle down.
Stretching at the finish line waiting for the cat 2/3 guys to finish.
After picking up my water bottles and extra wheels, went to the townsite's main beach and just waded into the water to cool off. Ahh!


Nutrition, mental errors, inexperience with "pack politics".