Will Brieger, Leesville Gap RR

Despite losing Nelson and Fred to the DL, we had three starters: Steggall, Kuphalt, Brieger. My goals were simple: stay hydrated, stay upright, get Steggall to the sprint, or win in his absence. I changed shorts behind the car, got to the critical stage when the sprinkler swung over and washed my ass and wet my socks. Hydrated.

Went to front for first bumpy section at mile 10, and again at 16, and again for bumpiest parts of descents. Chose a decent line. Watched for craters. Upright.

Climbed near front, 8 of us got a gap, including Steggall and Brieger. We crested with the lone escapee [I thought] and JS and I drove the descent to preserve the gap, shaking out one more guy. I feel fine. Steggall feels great.

Right turn onto the dirt, and soon after that Steggall flats on the washboard. Back to "pavement." 10,000 bumps later, good pavement. Group is rotating. Turns out that there is another guy away, supposedly wearing red. 6 guys left in chase. We rotate, but it would be hard to call it a chase. I take my turns, not long, not hard, hoping Kuphalt will catch. No sign.

Two guys are doing the extended aaaarrrruughhhh @#$% after their pulls - cramping. No one pulling hard, but some long pulls. Not by me. One more aaaarrrruughhhh and we are down to 5. South through the rice paddies, hit the gravel and one guy jumps lanes to get away. "Aaaarrrruughhhh," he cannot do it.

I am doing no work. Nelson Frink drives up and tells us we have 5'. I am really psyched, more to see Nelson, but 5' is also welcome news. Now I do even less work. Final left turn, it is slowing. Mild acceleration and the gravel-attack guy cramps and drops. 4 left. Waiting. Wheat gives way to rice.

I know who is strong, I am going to take his wheel no matter what. No foolish attacks this race. Rolling, slowing, rolling. I am sheltered, and watching the others. Finally with 150m the jump from 17 mph to 27. "Aaaarrrruughhhh." It's me this time, as soon as I stand. 4th place. No win today.

WB