Afternoon Ride

Morning Ride

proper cold incoming

felt overdressed tbh

“Any cool weekend plans?”

Perfect cool weather, determined to light up the race from the start. Hit 1st climb up Laurel full gas. Took a minor spill on the first switchback, lost the front wheel. Crested the first climb with Brett, Steve and Jacob. Kept it full speed on the descent and valley until the next climb. Upped the pace slightly, chasing the photographer car. Jacob dropped off. Tried to never let the pace drop especially on the climbs. Knew we had a rocky descent after thickhead, new Brett was gonna drop me like it was hot. Went as hard as possible up the climb to give myself a buffer. Didn’t seem like enough, Brett caught up pretty quick going at least double my speed. Steve dropped me too. According to Strava Brett did the descent in 5 mins, took me 11 🤯! However I was pretty hell bent on not crashing or flatting. So played it safe figured I might be able reel Steve and Brett back in. At the bottom the mechanics told me 1 minute to Steve, I’m guessing 3 mins to Brett. Just kept it steady, eventually caught Steve up Seeger. Then sighted Brett about 1 minute ahead at the top of Seeger. Knew Steve and I could probably feel him back in, bar anymore technical sections. And eventually we did. Didn’t waste anytime, kept the pace hard on the climb before the lake. Dropped Steve and Brett, went into the single track alone. Proceeded to overshoot the entrance to the single track. Additionally I dropped my chain twice and had to stop to put it back on. Could feel Brett breathing down my neck as I awkwardly tried to ride the flowy single track as best I could. Managed to still retain a small gap, Brett could see me up the road. Proceeded to just go as hard as I could up and over the last climb. Hit the final paved downhill section and new I was home free. Finished about 1 min 20 secs a head of Brett and about 5 mins ahead of Steve. Day was great, had a lot of fun racing with Brett and Steve. Legs felt great all day. Can’t wait for the next gravel race!

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Jeff Watts

Rothrock GRIT 🥇

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Afternoon Ride

Morning Ride

proper cold incoming

felt overdressed tbh

“Any cool weekend plans?”

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