Monday was a night of firsts.  First Draft of the season.  First 70-degree day in March. First time 23 Drafters enlisted this early in the season, a group so large, the photo had to be divided into east and west divisions.  First serious crash in the history of the Draft.  

Some reflection on that. I accept the inherent risk of riding on the road.  Each time I hear of a crash, whatever the precipitating factors and surrounding circumstances, I recognize that it could have easily been me.  In that same moment, I also enter a state of denial, pointing at those exact precipitating factors and surrounding circumstances, orchestrating my escape plan. 

The crash on Monday left no room for denial. It was a direct hit on our home and Drafter family. The wounds are still raw and painful.  Our thoughts and healing vibes go out to those involved in the crash.

Amidst the darkness, there are rays of bright (green) light to be grateful for.

1. Our tribe.  Every single Drafter stopped and rose to the occasion, rendering assistance to those down.  Nobody panicked. It is a bit foggy, but I clearly remember Herbie assessing Z Wrecks.  Duracell charging to call Speedy, who was faster than the ambulance (living up to her name once again) getting Z Wrecks o the hospital.  Keez and Slim giving the group confidence to continue the ride, clearing the scene so that Thing 1 could put her 4^th year medical skills to good use, adding triage to her resume as she awaits match day.  Nurse Shaq kept a close eye on Hawkeye, and on me, even when I didn’t think I needed it.  Marco and JRad made sure Twinkle Toes was back on his feet, with a quick bike check to ensure he was safe to dance on the pedals.  And many more who are a blur in my mind, but I know were there to help.
2. Barb Kalscheur, off duty EMT from Waunakee who stopped to render aid.  With so much of the world upside down, with lack of empathy and kindness, she restored my hope in humanity. I’ll have a card for all to sign on Monday, with a Food Fight gift card.
3. UW trauma, neuro and ortho teams, who put our men back together again.
4. The dozens and dozens of messages of support in the following hours to days, a meal train, and endless offers to help.

I’m sharing two of those dozens of messages from Drafters, as they express so eloquently what I am struggling to convey. 

“Riding is a thrill we all have a passion for, but sometimes we are so rudely reminded of the risks involved.”

Every time we get in the saddle, we accept the risks that lie ahead.  Pot holes, especially in the spring, are abundant and unpredictable. As are vehicles that don’t see us.  Please continue to draft responsibly, reminding ourselves before mounting our trusty steeds of a few basic principles of safety. To my knowledge, everyone has been following these rules and guidelines, so this is not a reprimand. Rather, it is a reminder to take inventory before each ride.

1. High visibility clothing. Because bright green is my favorite color.  High visibility clothing, especially green, really enhances the beauty of your natural skin tone. And, it has the best chance of catching the eyes of unsuspecting drivers. Of course, green isn’t the only high vis color. Choose one that works for your skin and hair tones.
2. Lights.  Non-negotiable. Rear radar and a front LED light, along with a rear blinky light on your helmet are highly recommended.
3. Helmet.  I recently learned that they have a 5-year shelf life. Not sure how much of that is marketing and how much is actual deterioration of the material.  After seeing Z’s cracked helmet, does it really matter?  Please be sure your helmet meets the standards, fits well (Pipes, be sure not to put in on backwards and Booker J, no more forgetting it after a lsat minute wardrobe change), and securely fastened.  Kudos to Loose Screw for wearing his helmet during yoga, just in case his Warrior goes down.  
4. Spotting and calling out road obstacles, pot holes, etc.  I’m aware that in a true paceline, nobody calls out these things as it is the job of the drafter to follow the wheel in front.  We rarely are in a formal paceline, and few of us are very skilled at it, so calling out obstacles in a timely manner is critical.  Point to the object with your arm stretched out so riders back can see your signal. For a parked vehicle or larger debris, a sweeping motion behind your back to indicate a shift away from the obstacle is appropriate.  Unfortunately, not all things are easily seen, even with the most attentive rider.  And when there are multiple pot holes on both sides, it is very difficult to communicate. We can’t escape the risk all together, but we can minimize it with signaling.
5. Spacing. Riding single file out of town, and no more than 2 abreast once out of town is the rule.  We draft in part for the social aspect of cycling, and it is easy to pull up 3 -wide, to be part of a conversation.  I’ve done it.  I will likely do it again.  And it is up to all of us to check one another’s behavior. 

“You can’t control the roads or the winds or the way the cookie crumbles.  You can only curate a place where we all come to escape from all the things life throws, and a community that’s there in good times and tough ones too.”

I’ve wrestled with how to move forward, if we should move forward with Monday night rides.  These words helped strengthen my resolve to move forward with the Draft, to honor and grow our community.  A good time, perhaps, to review the Drafter code.

Drafter Community Tenets

1. No Drafter Left Behind

1. These are NOT no-drop rides. Every effort will be made to keep small, cohesive groups with multiple departure times at 4:30 and 4:45PM.  The spirit of the 4:30 group will be a bit more relaxed pace, with the 4:45 group having a bit more wattage in their quadage.  Once the rides get longer, we will add an additional 5PM departure, along with Short Pour options. Drafters are at liberty to create their own groups to meet their needs (I’m referring to you, Footer, Pipes and Special K of the FO group).
2. Buddy system. Drafters vying for position of Lantern Rouge are encouraged to find a fellow Drafter to share the honors.
3. Text BrickO if you choose to depart from the group and head back early. A group photo is taken at the beginning so that all team members can be accounted for at the end.

2. Drafters of ALL ages and fitness levels are welcome.

1. Drafters are encouraged to ride in a way that meets their objectives for the evening, and to respect that other drafters may have different goals and ambitions.
2. This is not a pro development team, but we encourage strong riders to get stronger.
   • Strava hunting. If you are jonesing for a segment, please communicate that in advance to the riders around you.  For those on the rivet, having a sudden and unexplained surge in speed can be frustrating at best, dangerous at worst.  Helping our youth riders get on the Strava board can be tons of fun, and give the older horses a sense of purpose.  Again, communication is key.  Please be sure everyone understands the group riding dynamic.
3. Nor is not a group for novice riders.  We simply do not have the infrastructure to give inexperienced riders the instruction they need and deserve.  Old and slow (speaking for myself) are not the same as inexperienced.  The expectation is that Drafters have the basic bike handling skills through years of experience to be safe in a group ride.

And with all of that important business behind us, let’s get ready for Riley Tavern!

This is a nice 25mile southerly adventure.  Departures at 4:30 and 4:45PM from Middleton Hills.

Link to RidewithGPS Drafters | Riley Tavern  

Tomorrow, March 16th, is the last day to order Drafter gear from the Hincapie Team Store.

The space heater and fire pit are ready on the back porch, so bring a lawn chair and beverage for the post-draft social.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO