'Twas two sleeps before Umstead ...

'Twas two sleeps before Umstead
and all through his brain
ponderous musings were flowing
like a runaway train.

Will he tackle success at Goal No. 1
Helping dear pal Jack make the grade?
or will they both be too pumped
rip away too fast and fade?

And what of his own ride to the stars,
where Finish No. 13 lingers and jeers,
will he manage his energy at all costs
beat sleep and hear blessed Sunday morn cheers?

Has he packed all his goods?
Does he have all he'll need?
When the going gets rugged
Which call will he heed?

He knows how to do this,
He's been here before,
And raced o'er these grounds
Through times rich and poor.

The path is a wide one
Well-marked and hard pack,
The party doesn't start
Till the light scales back.

A gentle early pace
Should help Jack steer clear
Of U100's challenging nature
Despite its sweet veneer.

Laughs will be had,
Stories will unfold,
Kudos will be earned,
As dreams foretold.

'Twas two sleeps before Umstead
and now through his eyes
rests the easy breezy feel
that Finish 13's his prize.