Why Not Start with a Tavern Ride? Draft Responsibly 2021
Welcome to the 2021 season, the 9th official Draft. Our secretary was hired in 2016, and data has been kept meticulously since that time (she's worth the expense- pro bono). Here is a snapshot of the trends:
Let's keep that momentum rolling! A few ground rules to review before we roll:
- Have fun. Spread the love of cycling. The Drafters are a family first, and then a bike group. We do not have a process to vet newbies, so if you invite someone into our tribe, realize they are a reflection of you and should share our family values. We care little about power to mass ratio, and much about humanity for the masses ratio.
- Represent the Draft well. Preferably wearing green. Hincapie kits will be available to order next week. Enjoy a discount on all non-Drafter Hincapie Sportswear with code SBRICKSON.
- Be safe: you are responsible for your own safety, and realize your behavior impacts the safety of others. Please follow the rules of the road as well as social distancing until the threat of Covid has been eliminated. And while I am not legally liable for your safety, I do have a moral and ethical obligation to share suds with you after the draft, so text me if you have an issue on the route and let me know you are safe.
- When in doubt, climb. And always go left on Johnson. Maps and GPS will be provided on the blog. It is your responsibility to download or print and be prepared to navigate. Recommend downloading the Wordpress app on your phone for quick reference.
- Communication amongst Drafters will occur through GroupMe, to include but not limited to weather updates, ride delays and cancellations, road closures and route changes. If you want to be added to GroupMe, please let me know.
- Leave no Drafter behind or alone. Help a Drafter in need (flat tire or other mechanical) or suffer the consequences (being shunned on the blog).
- Bring your own beverages, and consider bringing an extra to share with your thirsty fellow Drafter who forgot (won't name names, Rimshot) , and anything you would like to eat during post-ride festivities. An industrial space heater has been purchased to complement the heat generated by fire pit... and promises to be a bit safer. Lawn fires are discouraged and by permit only.
The weather for early March looks promising for an inaugural ride on Monday, March 8. Due to limited daylight (sunset 5:51PM) and social distancing, we will have a TT rolling start at 4:00 from our home base in Middleton Hills. Many of you work until 5PM, and as daylight becomes more generous, we will move the start to a later time.
Download map and cue sheet PDF: Riley Tavern
Draft responsibly,
BrickO
What's On Tap: The Draft 2021
A Drafter was verklempt
Over Mother’ Natures attempt
To keep the snow around
For those Fat Tire Birkie bound
Soon enough she will pre-empt
the cold for the warm weather dirempt
And the Drafters will gather round
The Monday night riding compound
Miles and miles with plenty of elevation
Please re-enlist in the Drafter Nation
Remember the rules: have fun and work hard
Help change a flat tire or you’ll get a yellow card
During the ride, keep a safe social distance
And practice other good etiquette, like drinking beer, for instance
Draft responsibly and always in green
New kits from Hincapie sportswear will make you look lean
We have much to catch up since indoor training was cancelled due viral dispatch
Dan-yelley is waiting for our newest Drafters to hatch
Fish N Boots and Dark Knight completed their chronological half century
Just wait…. You youngins will get there eventually
Belle moved up in the corporate world, Thing 1 made it into Medical School
Z Wrecks got new eyeballs, Footer a new kitchen and breakfast bar stool
Drone Master published his first calendar, Sandlot a poem
Many Drafters became teachers with their kiddos at home
Here are a few snap shots of Drafters in winter action:
Some Drafters got more fit, while others perhaps a bit fat
Our first Drafter ride will take care of that
March should commence the 2021 Drafter season
I can’t think of anything more pleasin’
Until that time, some events to consider,
A few more snowy miles to make you fitter
And then comes spring with gravel and glitter
It isn't too early to look ahead to summer, makes your heart go pitter patter
Horribly Hilly Hundreds Aug 28
Or into fall when the colors of the leaves is the only thing to matter
Hincapie Gran Fondo Greenville SC Oct 23
Please help yourself to 20% off entry fees to the Hincapie Gran Fondo and all items at Hincapie Sportswear with discount code SBRICKSON.
Draft responsibly,
BrickO