Colossal Cave RR Race Report (Buzz)

by Buzz Wright

Gary and Jimmy both did very well in the TT so the plan was to try to help them get some high placings to give them not only some omnium points, but some upgrade points as well. Michael and I decided to have some fun by repeatedly attacking the field to see what might happen. Jimmy and Gary just needed to stay with the main group and save their energy for the finish. On the final lap I would do whatever I could to bring them as close to the finish with as few contenders around them as possible. I was really excited to have a race where I could attack like crazy and not worry about blowing up and finishing at the back. Racing with teammates and having a purpose really makes racing all that much more enjoyable.

Buzz at the start, about to light up attack #1 of 30

​For the first two laps Michael and I attacked -- and counter-attacked -- and then attacked some more -- causing the field to yell and scream and shout and chase and then yell and shout and chase and on and on. It was fantastic fun. The field even started yelling out when we were simply moving up a few slots. They were hyper sensitive to any motion coming from an orange jersey. It was hard to hold back the smiles.

I had a few more decently sized matches at the ready and was planning a couple more attacks during the third lap when I picked up a thorn in the front tire and slowly, grudgingly, rolled to a stop. Ugh, a flat during a road race with no wheel support. No! Such a bummer. The race was really a ton of fun and I was pretty disappointed that I couldn't continue to be a part of it. When I finally made it back to the start/finish I asked the officials if I could be given a free lap -- road races would be even better if they were criteriums. Oh well.

I watched and cheered for my teammates as they finished the race. Things didn't go as planned but we all had a great time and the lunch afterward was delicious!

Post-race calorie replenishment