More photos than words.

26 Drafters. 2 Newbies. 2 New bikes. 2 Dead batteries. 2 Missing shoes. 1 Broken cleat. 1 Dog. 1 Dozen oysters and 1 bottle of white burgundy.

A big line up for the B team. And somebody has to be responsible for riding Sweep. Thanks to our Newbie for accepting the challenge!

Our wingman, Goose, brought his Mavrick to the Draft. Married for less than a month, it is clear who wears the watts in this family. Welcome!

In addition to two newbies, Sweep and Mavrick, we welcomed two new bikes for Squeak and Air Bourne.

Squeak took one look at the Pinarello and had second thoughts about her purchase. Not because the BMC isn’t a fabulous bike, but the gold sparkles in the Pinarello match her sunscreen. Today happens to be Squeak’s birthday. Maybe the bike fairy will sprinkle some gold dust on her BMC?

Pit Stop didn’t get a new bike, but upgraded her old cassette to include granny gears. Officially a grandmother, it is only fitting she has granny gears. We are still waiting for her timeless smile to show signs of age.

There were signs of aging at the Draft. Twinkle Toes forgot his shoes. Again.

If the shoe fits, wear it. Twinkle Toes has been there, done that. Z had just the right size shoe, but the cleats were not up for round 2 of goodwill. Maybe when Squeak’s birthday fairy sprinkles some magic dust on her BMC, she could drop off some cleats as well?

And while she’s flying around distributing magic dust and cleats to Drafters in need, maybe drop a few extra batteries Rimshot’s way?

Goose, being a faithful wingman, was able to provide Rimshot with an extra battery. That got him from Lodi Springfield Road to Woodland Road, and then his other battery died. Goodwill has limited miles.

Despite 2 forgotten shoes, 1broken cleat and 2 dead batteries, the Drafters finished strong. Or at least finished.

There was plenty of wildlife in the backyard. Slim and Drafter Dog, Lozi joined the fun. The gnats were in full force and seemed to be drawn to Vilks. Or at least his chamois which was hanging up to dry.

The wild life ultimately found their way into the kitchen for oysters and white burgundy.

WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS:

Race #6 in Wauwatosa for Keez. What a remarkable comeback. Nearly two years ago, she was recovering from VMO detachment (sort of a key part of the quadriceps) and ACL reconstruction after being hit by a car on a training ride. Two weeks ago, she entered the Tour of America’s Dairyland series as a newly upgraded Category Two racer.

Z entered his first event after his accident back in March and was a top finisher. Granted, his registration noted his gender as female, but still….. a strong finish at SBT GVL.

No room for third person here. I am so very proud of my daughter and husband, in general, but specifically for their display of grit and determination in overcoming their horrific cycling injuries. And to all of you, the Drafters, for your support in their comeback. Z and Keez truly embody the Drafter spirit. It definitely was an uphill battle, and they dug in and climbed their way to the top.

ON TAP FOR MONDAY JULY 6. It is the first Monday of the month, so we will be departing from Crossroads Coffeehouse/ Creekside Scoop in Cross Plains. The 4:45 and 4:50PM departure times worked really well. It was fun for the groups to see one another on the course and finish at the same time, so let’s stick with that plan. Two options: full strength 34 mile route and short pour 25 mile route.

Link to RidewithGPS Drafters | Crossroads Coffeehouse Short Pour

Link to RidewithGPS Drafters | Crossroads Coffeehouse

Have a wonderful July 4th holiday.

Draft responsbily,

BricKO