Spring Has Sprung. Let's Draft!

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Mar 17

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Spring has sprung and it is time for the Drafter song to be sung. 2022 represents the 10^th Anniversary of the Drafters. Our humble beginnings have evolved from 13 to 137 strong. To be clear, we are not necessarily the strongest cycling group with respect to pumping wattage through the quadage, but I challenge any other group to be stronger in spirit. And beer consumption, always drafting responsibly.

The season will kick off, pending cooperative weather, this Monday, March 21^st. As the pandemic is quieting down and Drafters are less likely to be working remotely, we will return to a later start time to accommodate those on the clock.

Sandlot drafting responsibly during the height of Covid

5:30PM will be the official “wheels up” departure time. The B for Badass Team may elect for a 5:15PM departure. As a reminder, the B Team isn’t less fit, but tend to 1) make frequent Pit Stops

2) wrong turns,

Billy Boy turns left on Johnson, into the field of corn.

3) ignore Strava segments or/and 4) like the male to female ratio.

Regardless of your wave, please be on time (Dan-yelly has special exemption status).

There is always time for strawberry shortcake.

Departures will mainly be from the Z-BrickO bike hub and pub. Several Drafters have offered to host rides this summer, which should be a fun way to explore and get lost on more beautiful country roads. Cannibal is on point for garden drinks. Let’s see if anyone else has the quads to rock an apron.

Cannibal serving garden drinks in nothing but his quads and an apron.

The blog will provide weekly route information, including a downloadable PDF cue sheet and RidewithGPS link so you can upload the route your GPS device. Bread crumbs will be left by Vintage, who usually starts snacking within the first few miles, for those who are technologically challenged.

There is no guarantee the cue sheets are 100% accurate, although Columbus, our Team Cartographer, double checks BrickO’s shoddy work. When in doubt, climb.

It is highly recommended that you download the Wordpress App. The sighs are audible… yes, you’ll need to create an account. And remember a password. It’s free and painless. Get over it. The route and map are at your fingertips with the app. A blog entry generates an email, if you have it set up that way, so you will know when the route has been posted. Last minute updates will be communicated using GroupMe. This includes road construction, detours, cancellations due to weather, and random important updates Drafters feel compelled to share. Send BrickO your mobile number to be added to the GroupMe Drafter list.

These rides are 100% unsupported. Each Drafter is responsible for knowing the route, bike maintenance and sustenance. Drone Master went half a season before realizing tires required air. Aerospace engineers are some sorta special breed. When in doubt, follow Vintage. The breadcrumbs will keep you from getting lost or going hungry. The group usually doesn’t stay together, but no Drafter is left behind.

There are very few rules, but it is important to follow the few we have: 1) Be nice. Leave the Draft a better group than you found it (which is no small feat). 2) Follow the rules of the road, wear a helmet and have a light. We are a visible (high vis green, to be exact) group in the community and want to make a good name for cyclists everywhere. 3) Don’t draft alone. Get it? The name implies as much. 4) Have fun. Grow your cycling passion. The last is a suggestion more than a rule: 5) In the spirit of the Draft, wear green. Not your color? Think Yoda, Hulk, Kermit, Green Lantern, Shrek, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Grinch. Don’t let your Drafter heart be two sizes too small.

10-year anniversary kits will be available through Hincapie Sportswear. The online store will be opening later this week and a link will be provided. Order at will! If you are uncertain about sizing, be sure to try on a kit before ordering as there are no returns, only intradrafter trading. The Velocity series is race cut (tight fitting) while the Axis is club cut (loose fitting, and a bit longer in the torso, which Drafters over 6 feet tall sometimes appreciate). Bibs and shorts come in two different lengths, so be sure to order carefully. Packages are delivered FedEx to your home, so there is no middle-drafter. They MUST be signed for, so give some thought to that, or sign electronically with your FedEx account (another password to remember, sorry).

The post-draft draft is an important part of the perpetual dehydration plan, approved by medical professionals nowhere, and deeply entrenched in Drafter culture. Nothing is provided except a patch of lawn and fire pit, which has been known to expand onto said patch of lawn. Feel free to bring a beverage, food and lawn chair. Some Drafters order pizza, others pack a delicious dinner, most salivate longingly and then head home to feast. You do you.

Ring of Fire doesn't always stay in the ring.

The season will start in the 20-mile route range, grow with daylight to 40ish mile routes in July, and then taper back down until dusk closes out the season in October. There will be many opportunities to ride events as a team. In fact, registration for the Lake Ripley Ride just opened up and is discounted through the end of March. Hope to see you out there on July 30 (be sure to register with BrickO’s Drafters).

For those Drafters who like to get dirty, our MTB contingent is growing. Wednesday evenings are the unofficial Dirty Draft, rotating between various trails like Blackhawk, Pleasant View, Quarry Ridge and CamRock. Unsure about getting dirty? No problem. All levels welcome. More details to follow once the trails dry out.