Beast of Barlow

The theme song for Return of the Drafters brought to you by the Turtles:

Imagine me and you, I do
I think about you Monday night, it’s only right
To think about the Drafters you love and draft them tight
So happy together

If I should call you up, or use FaceTime
And you say you would ride with me and ease my mind
Imagine how the world could be, so very fine
So happy together

I can’t see me ridin’ with nobody but you
For all my life
When you’re with me, baby the skies’ll be blue
For all my life

Me and you and you and me
No matter how they toss the dice, it had to be
The only one for me is you, and you for me
So happy together

Blue skies with southerly winds blew a sea of green jerseys north to Lodi. The time trial start intervals were a bit shorter than advertised. The race director has been fired, without severence pay.

Skipper arrived at Pheasant Branch at 5:05PM, and assumed the lanterne rouge position, never catching a glimpse of the 14 time trialists.

Four Drafters took the time trial interval to another level, leaving 30 min before the event began. Duracell, Speedy, Footer and Pipes know how to roll. Early.

Duracell, Footer and Speedy reach Lodi before the Draft begins

Two Drafters were at work (you remember… the place we used to go in clothes other than jammies?), having dutifully completed their Lodi Canning Co assigment earlier in the week. Longing to be part of the Draft (and earning their Monday night beverage), Duchess and Sandlot jumped on Zwift to virtually ride Lodi Canning Co before joining in person for refreshments. Sandlot, always concientious, dressed her Zwift Avatar in Drafter green and accounted for the head wind. Admitedlly, Duchess neglected to factor in the wind, but did not neglect to fill the beer cooler. We all find strength to do honest work.

Sandlot’s Drafter Avatar

Surly (freuqnelty misspelled Surley due to poor editorial staff) opted for the early bird option, paying his dues on a fat tire. Cause’ who doesn’t need the added rolling resistance on a 38 mile ride?

Belle had no issue skipping Zwift and coming directly for the beverage portion of the program. Granted, she had ridden a century the day before, so it wasn’t as though she hadn’t earned her place at the bar. Belle baked cookies as a peace offering. We were all at peace after the cookies circulated 3 times. Best damn cookie criterium, ever. Or at least a close second to the cookie trifecta the day before, celebrating Cookie Monster’s baby, who will be joining us any day now.

Next Monday, we will visit the Beast of Barlow, a 34 mile ride with a fun little climb early on. Departure 5PM from Glacier Ridge Road in Middleton Hills. Feel free to leave early, or ride the route on another day and text me your evidence (sign at the top of Barlow). Use the GroupMe app to hatch a plan. The only rules: 1) no injuries, 2) have fun, 3) do not ride alone. The BrickO & Z backyard will be open for drafting. Bring a lawn chair and beverage. Pizza will be provided. Please email the food coordinator with dietary restrictions or allergies.