I'm likely to be there. Unsure of fitness level but will contribute where/when I can.

Guys,
I am sorely torn that I won't be able to make this last race. I registered for the Catskills race months ago and didn't realize it was the same weekend. Stay strong, ride smart, and bring home the goods. Best of luck team!!

@Patrick Curious why you and Brendan need to bridge if a strong break forms? As long as the break riders are no threat, you are ahead in points no? Same goes for the finish — just need to do the math on how many points are available. You could even pitch it to an opposing team like Waffles that they should go for a break.

Also re the finish, plan in detail the leadout order for Brendan... someone who can diesel leading Brendan out over the top should close the door, Brendan is very quick and has a long sprint.

Make sure you all can identify the danger riders morning of.

I agree with John here. Math, math, math. Identify danger men, and watch them like, like you need to win the jersey! So excited for you guys.

P.S. Brendan, enjoy your jersey while you can, because when you jump up to the 1/2/3s, we're going to use you like a fully-insured rental car. And you will like it. And ask for more. :-)

If someone out of the points gets away you can all sit back and enjoy the victory lap with Brendan.

Whatever you do, DO NOT CHASE a break that doesn't contain a points threat.

Let's make sure we all know who those folks are early in the race. 

@Jim, I think that's it. Shoy is in the red/black/white MBCR kit, stocky and looks like how he kicks. We can look out for him tomorrow morning.

One last suggestion which Ragot did a great job of when Ryan was in the dots: Task someone who is bigger, stronger and can position well, to be Brendan's minder for the race — keeping him near the front and out of danger, block the wind for him and move him up and captain the leadout when the time comes.

P.S. It goes without saying that if Brendan flats the team should drop back, give him a wheel and then TT him back on.

Worth mentioning that given the points system (12,10,8,7,6,5,3,2,1) it's possible for either Josh Hartman (Major Taylor) and Erik Ferdandez (CRCA/Jordan) to take yellow given a win from a large enough breakaway group.

I went to work on wednesday ... and i just got home now. If I am rested enough to be safe I will be there to help out, but not certain.

I'll lead, sweep, or get out of the way..

Having a minder if anything takes a large mental strain off. IMHO

From the cheap seats, I vote for Niall as Brendan's minder. That dude can park himself at the front of a field and stay there in a way that is impressive.

Looking forward to tomorrow.

@brendan's choice on minder. staying near the front with Brendan on my wheel sounds straightforward enough. one thing we haven't practiced is anyone captaining a lead out... though at this point I think everyone knows the general plan and how to help. the main things to watch out for are not starting too early, and not leaving space on the inside of the KOM leadouts for anyone to squeeze through

Excited to see you guys top the podium tomorrow. I don't see anyone as quick as Brendan in the field — agree on a solid plan, be aggressive and execute it Art of War style.

Good luck guys. I'll be checking for updates up here in the woods of Maine.

Looks like a lot of rain right now.

Fenders!

Ugh

Double flattage of the tubular kind

A rainy, shitty day.  Didn't stop the Cat 4 crew from crushing it; Brendan kept the Yellow, and I think Patrick defended the dots!

Overheard from one of the two guys in motor cross helmets off the back of the Cat 5 field, "Dude I almost broke away on the first lap. If my chain hadn't slipped off that would have been it; nobody could have caught me."


Meanwhile some jamoke in a Gran Fondo jersey riding an SWorks with not one but TWO handlebar mounted mirrors knocked Phil's bike over.

In the 123's some lone Rapha guy had almost 2 minutes on the field with 5 to go... Then I left.

Was fun. Congrats to @brendan and @PatrickG for defending and obvs: WINNING the polka dots and yellow. Total awesome.

Chapeau boys!!!! That's great news. I will use this as inspiration today in the Catskills.

I flatted on the third lap so couldn't help much but the rest of the crew kept it cool and stuck to the game plan. Absolutely thrilled to see Brendan and Patrick keep their jerseys.

123 winner had about 2 minutes on the field at the end. He won on a 4 or 5 lap solo break.

Nice work, boys. Look forward to seeing the (soggy) podium pics.

123 guy was away when I got there with 8 to go...