The Drafters were in the path of totality. The combined sum of 3 consecutive Monday drafts totaled up to zero miles, thanks to rain, sleet and snow. Fortunately, the solar eclipse brought some sunshine and a dozen Drafters were able to check off the ever elusive Easy Street from their ride calendar.

The theme song 4 of the Drafters was adapted from Bonnie Tyler’s Total Eclipse of the Heart. While the artist was likely referring to the heart as an organ of love, cyclists may have a more pragmatic approach, appreciating it as an organ that pumps oxygen rich blood to working muscles.

(Turn around, Bright-eyes)
Every now and then I fall way back
(Turn around, Bright-eyes)
Every now and then I fall way back

And I need you now tonight
And I need you more than ever
And if you only pull me tight
We’ll be holding on forever
And we’ll only be riding it right ’cause we’ll never be wrong
Together we can take it to the end of the line
Your draft is like a shadow on me all of the time
(All of the time)
I don’t know what to do and I’m always in the back
We’re riding in a powder keg and giving off sparks
I really need you tonight, forever’s gonna start tonight
(Forever’s gonna start tonight)

Once upon a time I was pulling in front
But now I’m only falling apart
There’s nothing I can do
A total eclipse of the heart

Once upon a time there were watts in my legs
But now there’s little left in the tank
Nothing I can say
A total eclipse of the heart

Not everyone had an empty tank. Slim cracked a Red Bull at the start to top off his tank, which had been been fueling the 110 miles prior to his pursuit of Easy Street. Pepe, despite being the caboose for most of the ride, found enough fuel in his tank to sprint ahead and have the fire pit crackling 20 minutes before the rest of the train arrived. Just the though of his new Cervelo, arriving in June (thank you Cronometro), makes him faster.

Drafter’s greatest talent, however, came from Rimshot as he led songs around the campfire. There is more depth to Rimshot than meets the eye. Name that tune:

You’re motoring
What’s your price for flight?
In finding Mister Right
You’ll be alright tonight

Drafters from around the globe could hear Night Ranger.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR NEXT DRAFT, MONDAY APRIL 15: we will move the start time to 5PM for all Drafters. Until the routes become longer, it would be nice to start at the same time. The Executive Board would like to propose the following group ride dynamic and etiquette such that all Drafters are in compliance with the mission statement: 1) stay safe, 2) have fun, 3) get better or get what you need to grow your passion for cycling.

In the past, there have been several groups, A Team to FO Team. The board would like to limit this to two teams: 1) Go Team and 2) ReGroup Team. Regardless of your fitness and aptitude, you are welcome to join either group, so long as you abide by the rules.

GO TEAM: go get what you need from the ride. Do not feel pressure to wait for anyone. Do Draft Responsibly. Everybody’s circumstances are different. Perhaps a PR is on your mind for a segment, Monday is your dedicated hard day, or your goal is to keep up with a stronger rider. Or maybe what you need on Monday is to enjoy a chill ride at your own pace and prefer not to have Drafters waiting for you. Hard or easy- these are all valid reasons to go with the Go Team.

REGROUP TEAM: go get what you need from the ride, with the commitment to stop occasionally to regroup. You night find safety in numbers. You may enjoy the conversation at check points where you pull over. Can you still pound the ride? YES. So long as you agree to stop and regroup. Regroup is your group if one of your goals is to cross the finish line as a cohesive group.

****This group is not intended as a training camp for riders with little experience or fitness. REGROUP is not that same as a NO DROP ride. See note below.

DRAFTER RULE: whichever group you choose, please do not draft alone (sort of implied). If you are with the REGROUP team and feeling apprehensive about holding everybody up, remember that is what they signed up for. However, you can and should release yourself from the contract if you can’t keep them in sight. In this case, please be sure to have a Drafter who agrees to stay with you. New or slower riders: be sure to identify a Drafter to draft with before departing.

The route for April 15 will be the 27.5 mile Pine Loop. Wheels up at 5PM for both the Go and ReGroup Teams.

RidewithGPS link Drafters | Pine Loop

Draft responsibly,

BrickO