BigDave put on a very well organized race. The downside was the course was less than challenging and the Masters 50+ crowd only did 3 laps (41 miles). Maybe it was kept short to prevent any of us geezers from having a heart attack or stroke during the race. In retrospect it was a wise decision. With all of the skittish riding the field took it upon itself to eliminate each other with a couple of crashes. Anymore laps and it may have turned into a last man standing event.
The first lap had a big crash in the back of the field on a down hill stretch. The story I heard, was someone was trying to catch a water bottle they dropped and swerved left into the group, causing carnage. The rest of the field survived and stayed intact.
At the start of lap 2 a few attacks occurred and it looked like the group had the potential to get split. However, as we approached the crash site, the race was stopped due to ambulances blocking the road. After a couple minutes delay we resumed with everyone back together and well rested.
The pace picked up a little on lap 3. A few riders were shot off the back in the middle of the lap as we reached the summit of the "big" category 7 climb. Then with a few miles to go we began the final ascent up the 200 yard 4% category 10 climb and someone a few wheels in front of me decided to look back over their shoulder and simultaneously veer left into the group. A lovely "tactic" that took out 4-5 guys and split the field. I was able to veer left and avoid any trouble.
So now we are basically down to a crit finish, a tight hard right turn into a 400 meter flat sprint. I was in the lead group, took the turn a little wide and too conservative and couldn't get anyones wheel for the sprint. Came home 8th with a semi-satisfied feeling.
I heard that the first crash resulted in a rider being taken to the hospital and crash #2 had lots of road rash and some taco wheels. I hope everyone recovers and they are back on their bikes soon.
I took my $10 prize money, bought me a case of Natty Light and sat on my deck until 2 AM with my huntin' dog, drinkin', and listen' to country music. Git-R-Done!!