waterloo classic

a rare event was in the works, and the evil big rings were ready. I woke to a sour sound of rain pouring through the downspouts. regardless, the venue had been set and the kicks-sticks were ready for action. 12 noon took its time to arrive, making business a little less productive than usual. with pins in place and a fresh chamois, I hit the course for an early evaluation. to be honest, it was streets were broken and scary...but I was thinking too much. it held numerous opportunities for action, all of which would come to fruition soon enough. things starting looking up with the skies clearing and a steamy air developed.

after getting out to the rurals and way from the course for a warm-up, my mind was able to settle in and gather itself for the beating about to take place. an out and back later, I was back to take a couple more laps to size up and evaluate the competition, both the h8rs and course.

being the first race of the day made squirrels out of the many, and they were made apparent in the first 1-2 laps. eventually they got their nuts in sorted (as I did during warm up) and we put our paces in place. there were numerous breaks that didn't stick, and a few bump and grinds that left one lovely couple licking the asphalt. it pays to ride at the front, for the pain and the painless.

the final lap came sooner than expected and I was left fighting for a 8 spot coming into the 2nd to last turn, which was unacceptable. having taken the time to actually do my homework gave me the width and guns to kick it through the last turn and ride through for a 5th place finish. good things do not come to those who wait, only to those who prepare for success. lesson learned.