Real quick on how it went down...
1st lap - Horn goes off, sprint like hell and jump onto Tommy's wheel into the Singletrack. I hang with him for about 10 minutes and his team mate (TR) blows by me in the doubletrack. We ran 1, 2, 3 for just past the half lap point, Sam was running in 4th (up my ass) and I bobbled in the new section and Sam passed me for 3rd. Then Sam bobbled and I took over 3rd. then Sam got around me again and I was back to 4th. Sam got around TR and TR and I battled and he eventually gapped me in the last section of ST before the S/F
2nd lap - I could see the top three in the S/F field so after switching bottles, I hammered and put down my best effort to bridge up to 3rd. I looked back before hitting the singletrack and I see Zack running in 5th. I hammer and start to catch TR and am reeling him in. He's fading. Once we hit the double track, I stood and hammered passed him and I was hoping TR would hold up Zack who was gaining on me fast. At this point, I put out my hardest effort to keep zack from attaching. No luck, he caught me. I pushed as hard and as fast as I could, for half a lap and Zack was still there. So I decided to let him by and tried to hang on to his wheel. No luck - dude was just flat out faster and better than me. Now I'm in 4th.
3rd lap - Swap bottles (bonk bottle) and slam a GU.. La La Land set in... I was hurting from that second lap and just felt slow for a little while. I was able to shake that in about a half lap and started picking up the pace again.
4th lap - I caught and passed a couple Elite classed racers (which was a nice boost to the ego) and rode with another guy for a while until I passed him and then got a huge second wind and was ripping the second half of the last lap for a strong finish. I lost way too much time on the 3rd lap to have a chance to bridge up to third for a shot at the podium. I sprinted through the S/F, super pumped about finishing 4th and being able to hang with those guys in the front.
Overall, the course was in great shape, I loved the flow of the place and the roots and sand really kept me on my toes. You guys put on a great event.
One thing that needs improvement - Your Heckle Pit Sucked!!! LOL
I hung out to Watch Rob McCuen and Brian
@BrianGT3 battle in the Cat 2 class.
Thanks
@JDurk and that team for the hospitality and letting me use their tent for my chair, cooler and feed zone!!!