March Madness. As defined by a 46-degree temperature swing in 10 days. The Fat Tire Birkie will once again face a challenge in providing a snow packed course for all of those studs (referring to tires). Good luck to all of those drafting responsibly on the hills of Hayward next Saturday. After the Fat Tire, Mother Nature has our permission (as though she asks) for full on sunshine, warm temperatures and dry roads. Daylight savings will also be helpful in giving us more time to Draft Responsibly. Be sure to check the blog and GroupMe for updates on the first draft of the season. The only predictable detail is that we will ride on a Monday. The rest is up to Mother Nature.

A shout out to DJ Jazzy for letting us draft responsibly in his studio all winter. This was the first the Drafters had the option to cycle from the comfort of their home. Huge thanks to Octane, Cujo, Dan-yelly, Hammer Time, Keez, Shaq and Rocky for their patience as I leaned that the headset does in fact need to be recharged between sessions, the camera only runs on a dongle, and while the music doesn’t broadcast to your homes, my singing sure does.

Not all drafting was confined to the trainer. Although the snow was scarce for fat biking, it made the lakes a prefect retreat.

While some of us were hibernating over the winter, others were embracing it. Here is a recap of a few of the outstanding events that I can recall.

Expansion (congrats to Squirrel and Granny) and development of the Drafter Junior Team. E$ and Cookie Monster are scheduled for delivery later this spring.

This generation is in good hands, looking to Coach Arms to help them find their way.

We’ve got a new fur baby to celebrate, too! Congrats to Slim and Keez on their puppy, Lozi.

Bomber and Belle started something big. Hammer Time and the Colonel are tying the knot, but not before Tick Tock and Sarge say “I do” in May.

Footer and The Legend extended their fame outside of barefoot skiing.

Vilks made sure the Grinch didn’t steal Christmas.

And Skipper took a new job modeling for Lagerado.

Congrats to all the Birkie competitors! Octane, Footer, Mario, Queenie, FishNBoots, Bomber, Momma Monster, E$, Ninja, the Colonel and likely many more.

As we turn our focus back to Drafting Responsibly, please consider voting for USA Today 10 Best Road Rides. Vote early and often through March 24. The Horribly Hilly Hundreds is currently in 3rd place! And you can still register for this epic event.

Need something to wear for the 2025 season? The Hincapie Sportswear Drafter Store is open for business. Get your 2025 Drafter gear, same design as 2024, though March 16. In addition to the Axis club cut and Velocity race cut, we are now offering Endurance gravel bibs with side pocket. Vests, winter jackets and arm warmers are also available.

Thanks to Griz for setting us up with a sock supplier. First batch will arrive next week. For all those who ordered, swing by and pick them up whenever it is convenient. If there is more interest, a second batch can be cooked up.

Speedy and company organized a surprise at the end of the 2024 Drafter season, and it is too good not to share with all. Thanks to the artist, Justice Lighting Design for the artwork.

Draft resposibly,

BricKO