Matrix Challenge, the oldest crit in Texas. 40+ 1-4. Beautiful spectator-friendly figure-8 course. 8 yes 8 turns in less than a mile. It's a technical course, narrow in places, crashes happen in almost every race, every year. I started the cat 3 race but stupidly lined up too late.. 9 rows back. Race starts, I start moving up, no prob for a few laps then BAM a highlight-reel crash in front of me. Brake, swerve, sprint chase chase chase, still 50 riders in front of me. Make contact with the back of the leading group, start moving up again, BAM a highlight-reel crash in front of me. The sudden POP of a tire, smell of brake pads melting and a carnage in front of me. Brake, swerve, started to sprint and said... nah. DNF. Live to ride another day.