Oh it was fun I'm very happy I went. When the group separated for the long and shorter routes I just chose wrongly. But I didn't know. Or perhaps the shorter route is as unforgiving...
After I got dropped I simply went back alone, but then joined my riding buddy (1st time there too) who got dropped as well a bit later. There he told me he was told we were on the long route with high calibre riders.
Pm me next time you're planning on donuting. I'll join in.