Cannibal's Garden Party
Near record high June temperatures brought about a near record number of 29 Drafters, including 3 newbies. There were some tired legs post- Horribly Hilly Hundreds, accompanied by big smiles. One big smile made the cover photo of the HHH. Welcome to the Draft, GQ.
Our other two newbies are well trained to take care of all your pain needs. Recruited by Pit Stop and Duchess, we now have two anesthesiologists who will monitor your vitals during the Draft and recommend the perfect post-ride cocktail to minimize your pain. Sadly, one of them will be drafting soon from NC. Welcome Charlotte and Nitro. More gas, please.
The B for Bad A** team had an excellent showing. 16 Drafters blasted into the furnace. Speedy came in hot, forgetting her helmet but remembering her cooler with post-draft beverages. Loose Screw jumped a flight from Montana, stopped home for a change into Drafter gear and pulled up on the tarmac ready to ride, with fly fishing lure still in hand. Gopher was running a bit lean after the HHH, hoping not to run out of fuel completely. He had his foot on the pedal, eager to arrive home before Badger to celebrate their wedding anniversary. Late to that party would be a big hole to dig, Gopher. Swimming in the humidity, the B Team found Nemo and also discovered Busch Latte at Riley Tavern, drafting responsibly.
The A team had a respectable showing of 13. The ground rules for proper drafting etiquette were reviewed (see incriminating evidence from previous draft). The team improved, but still has a ways to go to meet Drafter Code. Squirrel took to heart the warning not to cross the center line. Riding so far to the right, Squirrel ended up on the gravel shoulder. Just once. No fur went missing. Our group is well received in the community (at least, I hope so). Riding more than 2 abreast on country roads and single file when cars are present is non-negotiable and the price of admission. Draft responsibly.
Vilks was pretty in pink. So pretty, the Drafters were checking his 23andMe to see how much Greek blood flowed through his veins. To the surprise of all, Vilks is 98% Pomeranian.
When the Strava hunters got ahead of the Draft, Vilks weaved back and forth in a failed track stand attempt, successfully leaving no Drafter behind as they waited for the light to turn green. Karma is real. A few miles later, Vilks dropped a chain and Midas didn't lose her touch, calling for backup. Vintage circled back to pick up the Pomeranian in Pink.
Han Solo was the only solo fired up this week. There was no need to stoke the solo stove in 96 degree weather. There was, however, a call for some serious rehydration.
WEEKEND REVIEW: Congrats to LuLu, Skipper, Gopher, Z Wrecks and Booker J who participated in the Horribly Hilly Hundreds on Saturday. The HHH is usually a Sufferfest, but thanks to Mother Nature allowing for a 75 degree day with negligible humidity and wind and superb support by Race Day Events, those 10,000 feet of climb over 127 miles didn't require anesthetization. A shout out to Zach at Blue Mounds Bicycle Works for opening his shop at 6:30AM and supplying Gopher with a SRAM battery, which he forgot at home on his countertop. To his credit, it was fully charged.
As with all endurance events, smiles and ATPs are plentiful in the beginning.
And then, as Skipper's socks and Gopher's hand gesture indicate, things go south.
But all is well that ends well.
Looks like the Drafters have GQ on the front cover and LuLu on the Strava podium. Or, he would have been on the podium had he not waited for his teammates at the the rest stops. Humble warrior that he is, LuLu said, "Ha! That number wouldn't motivate me. I am stoked about the ride we had-- wouldn't change a single moment." And THAT what we love about the Drafter Family. Strava certainly has a place in cycling, as does Drafting together. Keep it real.
Not all Drafters were on two wheels. Footer took the crown at her first Barefoot Competition since 1999. Baby got back.
Not all wins are athletic. Congrats to the Dark Knight on leading the UW Dept of Orthopedics Research Draft.
CHAMOIS SHARE: Booker J overheard some female Drafters talking about discomfort of their lady parts while riding. "I KNEW it! I KNEW it! Girls talk about their parts, too." Oh, Booker J. So much to learn. This revelation prompted him to share a chamois story. "When I first started cycling, nobody told me not to wear underwear under by cycling shorts. I kept waiting to hear other guys complaining about their guy parts, cuz mine were all chaffed and irritated. Finally, somebody told me to lose the underwear." So much to learn.
The ride on June 27 will be hosted by Cannibal and will start from Woodhill Circle in Verona. Check GroupMe for an address. We will celebrate Cannibal's BIRTHDAY with Garden Drinks afterwards. Aprons are optional.
RidewithGPS link to Cannibal's Garden Party
There will be no Draft on Monday July 4.
Draft responsibly,
BrickO