Words That Begin With S

It seems that many of my races have a theme. Take last night for example, the third to last (and my 12th for the year) Pacific Raceways event, a 50 minute affair on the flat 2+mile oval. Last night's theme dealt with words that begin with S. Please forgive all the bolds in the following report:
It was very hot and hazy and I arrived 45 minutes early, allowing me plenty of time to warm up (unlike last week). I rode my old steel Gazelle for 3 laps, some sections at good effort, and was sweating greatly, even though I was wearing a team sleeveless jersey. I discovered a sprinkler operating at the little bungalow next to the track, so stood at the fence for several minutes getting soaked. One other rider joined me and we had a nice discussion in the "rain."
With 10 minutes to go before the start I sat on a rock in the only section of shade. I had a nice chat with my 2 race buddies as I felt the cooling affects of the sprinkler. Radio Shack may have the manpower and funds to develop cooling vests, but I make do with what I can find:) I looked around at all the riders milling at the start and though we were on different teams and would compete against one another, I felt such a bond and companionship. My season is almost over and I will miss it, but am looking forward to 2011 and beyond.
The first lap was quite social and I hung at the back with my buds. However, as we came around for the start of the 2nd lap the bunch eased up and before I knew it I was attacking. By the time I looked back I had a very large lead. I decided to do what I could so had my head down and worked. I could feel my legs and lungs burning but I stayed off the front for over just a full lap (2+miles), my longest solo break ever. As I came across the start/finish I sat up and had time for a long drink before getting on the back of the train. 2 laps later I brought back a break of 4, pulling my good racing bud with me, allowing him to attack. He didn't go anywhere however.
A few laps later I and my 2 buds were near the back when the pack slowed, exactly where I attacked on lap 2. I told my buddies to go as I did not have the legs. They went! 2 others joined them but I could see the pack wasn't letting this attack go. I was so excited for them, more so than when I attacked. I got up to the front of the pack and tried to block but I was outnumbered. So many Starbucks and Cycle U guys.
A few laps later, with 1.5 to go, I found myself attacking at the end of the back stretch on the drag strip just before a very wide sweeping left hand turn. The sun was low behind us as we headed east, casting our shadows on the pavement. As I sprinted off the front I noticed all the shadows disappear! I knew I was alone as I started on the turn. I looked back and saw one Starbucks rider trying to join me. I eased up some and worked. I knew this time I would not get too far off the front, but as the Starbucks rider refused to work with me I dug deep down to be first across the start/finish line. We still had a nice gap at that point, but I was tired and sat up for another leisurely drink before getting caught.
I ended up near the back of the pack in the sprint, but was so very happy with my efforts. I was greatly outnumbered by Starbucks and Cycle U riders but did mix it up a lot. They know that 53x11 Coffee means business!
I also met my gf at the local brewery for a free aloha beer. I was so excited about my recap of the race. She was excited for me as well.
PS-I go to Lakeside, Montana tomorrow for a week to be with my gf's parents on their 50th anniversary. I have never been and am taking our bikes. I may even ride the Going to the Sun Highway up to Glacier National Park. All the best to my teammates.