Cooper Clinic Race Report

We loaded the Venza for the first race Jed, Joseph and I were to all compete together outside of Austin since Houston Grand. The Cooper Clinic in McKinney, TX was a Toyota sponsored event where we were treated with ice cold water (heaven with temps near 110), shady tents, and a massage therapist all courtesy of Pat Lobb of Lobb Toyota. 

The .9 mi, ten turn course will one day be the neighborhood streets Dallas suburbanites will raise families and teach their offspring with training wheels. But on this scorching day, before any brick was laid or foundation poured, we ordained these streets worthy of a crit course. Better yet, Bret Crosby of TXTough made a bid to have a street named after him by winning the 75 min race with a tactful solo move that saw him lap the field. 

Attacks were aplenty and Toyota / Cycling Team p/b GCCA displayed early dominance by taking the first two primes. Brian Fawley of Park Place Lexus and Matrix RBM also were always at the head of every reshuffling. At about minute 25, a very active field lulled temporarily, having made many combinations of a break that kept coming back together. As if on cue, "Surfer" Nick Kiernan of TXTough set the stage for what would be a one-man act. Kiernan strung out the field for an entire lap and when the dust was settled his teammate, Crosby, snuck away while most were like men lost in the desert, promised water if they do as they are told. At about the time it was obvious Crosby was not coming back Leo Frayre and Steen Rose made away as quick as virgin newlyweds. Surfer Nick was next, catching the two escapees about the time Crosby lapped the field. Brother Joseph was the last to escape the charred remains of the peleton to put in his solo bid for 5th place. I led out Jed for the field sprint in 6th position. I held on after the lead out for 8th, being passed by Fawley. 

All in all, not a bad day with the entire team finishing in the top ten. Many thanks to Lobb Toyota and its friendly staff and for having the cool shaded station where we all hashed out our post race excitement. Also, many thanks to Josh with Rol Wheels for the neutral support!