Bryan Smith

What a 'race'!

I would personally like to thank ALL of the spectators. Us clydes' are usually out there racing before 10am in the Crusade races. A such, there is very liittle beer flowing, and even less public drunkenness. THIS crowd was FANTASTIC! Never have I felt more appreciated as a racer. Screaming fans lining almost the entire course, cow bells, whistles, pushes up the hill. I had to pass on a full beer hand-up because it was on the stairs and my hands were full carrying my bike. I managed to snag a dollar hand-up but never did find the stripper bus...

I came to race. I had a skin suit (borrowed and straining at the seams) and everything. I also came to have fun and made sure to drink my included free beer BEFORE the race. Did I get beer in my face at the turn after the off camber section (you know who you are Coors light sprayers)? Yes. Did I fall on my butt? Hell yes, on the pre-ride and the race. Do I have any idea how I finished or why the race seemed so short? Hell no. (although I was right behind Mr. Coker at the "end").

Would I do it again? Hell yes I would. Shenanigans and all. It was a riot. I might even manage to plan ahead and pull off a costume. I thought crowd was awesome and I did not personally see any behavior that was not supportive of the atmosphere and excitement of the event.

I hope everybody else enjoyed the stampede as much as I did.

Bryan