The staging corral for the Drafters looked like a pumpkin patch. The historically green Drafters were joined by several members of the Stonefield Wheelmen donned in bright orange. It was a glorious union of the two cycling groups. DJ Jazzy was never this snazzy during our indoor season, but turned it up a notch for his first outdoor Draft.
25 Drafters showed up to brave the 1700 feet of climbing over 28 miles, including 5 newbies. WELCOME! The B (B for breaking away early) Team included 2 of the new recruits, one of who set a record for the longest enlisted Drafter to not see action. Biding her time for years, Puma finally decided to show herself. Possibly, her run in with Keez in the men’s bathroom at the Orpheum while attending Dancing with The Stars may have spawned her curiosity. Puma is a sign for strength, wisdom and intelligence. Can’t speak to the latter two qualities yet, but by the looks of her calves, she’s got strength pegged.
Our other newbie, McGritty, was recruited by Pit Stop. The motivation for this invite has been called into question, as Pit Stop may have an an ulterior motive. The most senior femme of the Drafters, it is not often we doubt her commitment to the Draft. However, it was discovered that the reason for her absence last Monday was that she opted to ride with another team! Gasp. It it believed that McGritty was part of that other team, and was brought as an offering of penance for her sins. Regardless of how the Irishman came to become part of the Drafters, we are thrilled to have him.
It was good to have Nemo and Shaq back in the lineup. Their absence last week was questioned after the Pit Stop incident. Shaq was totally eclipsed by the sun. Hmmm. Convenient. Nemo claims to have had an orchestra concert. The Overture Center pit records have been subpoenaed. Speedy is willing to accept performing as a valid excuse, so long as Nemo plays an instrument other than the flute. “It just gets too competitive”.
The A (A for almost on time) Team almost ran out of runway before take off.
There was a flight delay due to a mechanical failure by one of the newbies. As in, failure to bring cycling shoes. Luckily for Twinkle Toes, Z Wrecks had an extra pair of shoes, roughly the same size, and fit with the correct SpeedPlay cleat. Didn’t seem to slow him down any. “Who is that guy in the Castelli jersey? Must be a crit racer. Takes the inside corner with no fear and comes out ON TOP”, admired Vilks.
He will be required to perform a check list before each Draft with an elected team member. Keez was the obvious choice, as made apparent by her ability to lay out matching socks with Slim. Clearly, feet matter.
Twinkle Toes wasn’t the only one with a mechanical failure. The climb up Enchanted Valley was anything but for Yabba Dabba. He may have been more successful running up Fred Flintstone style as his transmission failed, followed by his chain. One of our newbies clearly read the Drafter Handbook on etiquette before take off, as he stopped midway up Enchanted Valley (uff da) to tinker with the mechanical failures of his fellow Drafter. Welcome to the Draft, Tinker!
Slim in his Bad Kitty socks was a Bad Ass, pulling the group on his gravel bike as though he was a motor-paced cycle. Following the Drafter Code of Conduct, Slim and the other bad asses (Bomber and Vilker) kindly waited at every hill top where there was a John Deere combine convention happening. Go green or go home, I guess.
Back at home base, the group relaxed with a cold draft. We agreed this was a casual Zone 2 ride (despite Vilks hitting his all time high 5′ power).
Given the number of newbies, and a few forgetful oldies, the Hincapie Store will reopen until Tuesday April 23 at midnight. If you would like to try on a kit before purchasing, show up to Draft on Monday night. NOTE: there are two styles. Axis is looser fitting, club cut. Velocity is a higher grade material, more form fitting, race cut. The “true” race cut is their Signature collection, which we are not offering. Also note there are two inseam lengths when choosing shorts or bibs. You do you.
Plan for next Monday, April 22: depart at 4:45 or 5PM. This worked really well, as did communication whether or not to regroup. Well done, team! Our route is a short 28 miles, a Bridge to Nowhere. There is one technical descent on Whippoorwill Rd. Please use extreme caution. You MUST stop at the bottom at the intersection with Highway 19.
RidewithGPS link Drafters | Bridge to Nowhere
Draft responsibly,
BrickO
brickosdrafters 