P2A Party!!!

So.... the first REAL throw down of the year happened last weekend... with the largest single day cycling event in Canada... the Paris to Ancaster Race!!!  Over 2000 participants (70km, 40km and 20km categories) lined up to roll through some tough gravel roads, farmers fields and much chutes as they raced for the finish line...
I was lucky enough to get into the Elite Group and stared first, and even snuck my way into the first couple rows with Pete Glassford... it's all about who you know!!!
But that is where my luck ended.... and i had my bars bumped within the first 10 pedal strokes and almost crashed (lost a bunch of spots).. and then as we were averaging 42km/h along the river, someone decided to take my line and pushed me halfway to the river.... i dodged a few trees and made my way back to the pack (in a huge gear going WAY slower than the group) ..... but i made it back in one piece!!

Trying to make up for lost spots, i pushed hard on the first sections of gravel road to bridge between groups.... and can now easily spell  N O   M A N ' S   L A N D..... and i can also spell BLEW UP!!
Dropped a few gaps until i finally found a group that contained the winning Female and some riders who were willing to stay together and work...
As we approached the base of the Final Climb, the rest of the group seemed to drop away, and i tried to catch a few spots on the way up.... passing a Blown McSneaky and Blown Lespy.... only to be forced into a few running steps by my cramping legs, steep pitch and over-sided gears.... there goes my ability to brag about beating McSneaky and Lespy!!!
Made it to the top and gulped oxygen for a while before enjoying the great finishing atmosphere that P2A is famous for....

Shout out to P in the G for his great performance finishing up in 10th spot in a very tough front group.... dry conditions make for a different race when all the Roadie Power comes in to play....