A NEW FLIGHT!

A (not so) long time ago, in a virtual world just around the corner…

[orchestral opening!]

Murderous mob of Crows are ravaging! Local Watopian communities were frightened at the prospect of the black flock of birds gliding nervously through the streets and hills of the Figure 8 Reverse Route! Set for a solid attack on the slopes of the Hilly KOM and its Reverse counterpart, the Crows were on a solid strategy for achieving great victory!

Alas, the numbers were not initially on the Crows’ side! Constringed by multiple personal issues and a bloody good outside weather, Crows saw reduced numbers dwindle even more when Scott announced his ill timely holidays! No doubt, a Watopian resistance plan to mitigate the otherwise irrefutable success scheduled for the black flock. As if drawn by the sound of sirens, the Crows newly appointed captain Senna, fresh from flight training, went forth in a recruiting strategy much aided by the delightful Jones, and a few more feathered friends were summoned to complete the roster. With a frightful look on their eyes, wings set for take-off, and beaks ready for pecking, the flock of 7 Crows took off towards a rampart start!

Guided by their fresh and unskilled captain, the Crows took the initiative on the comms calling out amazing front turns. To much dismay of the Watopian resistance, and avoiding all blaster shots incoming, Crows Åsmund, Carl, Matthew, Alister and Senna called the initial rounds before the Hilly KOM Reverse. Jonathan was flying up the Esses’ slopes, and Alister did a fantastic job sticking with the group, where 7 Crows grouped to pass the first sprint banner, fast and furious! With a murderous look about, Crows were soon upon the tail of their first victim, a stranded rider from TT Tri Coaching. Pretty sure the words “I have a bad feeling about this” came clear as day as the black birds attacked merciless the estranged rider, who could do nothing to withstand the barrage of feathers.

The Hilly KOM Reverse proved to be a suitable obstacle for our flock, and the great Alister called out to say the dearest farewell while being taken for questioning by resistance fighters. We would soon free him of his troubles, but first we had a race to finish! Armed with a new will to honor our fallen feathered colleague, the Crows began again a coordination effort only possible within highly intelligent and social animals! With the flying skills of falcons, astute intelligence of dolphins, and wisdom of owls, the Crows, pulled much by their newcomer Jewell, feistily swoop the descent into the flat tunnel sections! Jonathan was desperately cornered by a few scummy rebels, and Carl was once again on sweeping and protective duty. After bringing the 6 Crows back to the flock, we marched onwards to the final test – the Hilly KOM.

Crows flew, darting and ducking from blasters and poisonous arrows, all throughout the flat lands of Watopia until reaching the dreaded start of the Hilly KOM. There was even time for another target practice, where the victim now was a surreptitiously lost ZSUNR rider. Clearly, he was not taught the meaning of “surrender” on the rebel academy, nor the fate that withstood those that went against the dark side of the force – I mean, the flock! A murderous mob of Crows swiftly swoop upon the naïve rider, who could only watch as the feathers sworn all around them.

Approaching the Hilly KOM, and with a not so smart call from their unintelligent captain, Crows were given the “all out” order, which could only mean one thing: “invasion” – I mean, destruction. Immediately following the order, Carl focused his effort on securing the KOM jersey, much to the dismay of the other teams and to the gleeful cheers of Crowly companions! While Carl was securing the first position atop the hill, Matthew was trying desperately to secure his position atop a McGiver-styled solution on his cabin smart trainer, which finally gave up as the wattage rapidly increased. In an effort to provide support, the great Jonathan also disclosed his wish to remain and aid Matthew in limping back to the finish line, while Åsmund, Carl, Jewell and Senna moved onwards and upwards!

The final stretch saw the best coordination effort by the Crows, so seamless that it did not even require speaking calls. Each remaining Crow gave their best so that the remaining elements would reach the final banner, with great help of our Lady Crow Jewell, who was not only an astonishing great climber, but also an amazingly good roller! Charged with renewed will and the prospect of the finish line, the final flock of Crows sprinted flying past the beaches of Watopia to secure a most respectful 45m53s.

Watopian resistance was crushed, and peace and order returned to the Galaxy – or rather, to Watopia! That is, until a somewhat sneaky pack of Lions showed up. But nobody needs to know that!

To all the Crows, my utmost gratitude! You gave everything to the team, emptied the tank and the results do little to show what amazing colleagues and companions you all are! As the saying goes: It is really easy to be a good leader when you deal with an amazing team. And this could not be closer to the truth! Let’s see what the next episodes of THE HERD OF CROWS await!

HERD: The Herd of Crows
Date: 02.06.2022
Event: WTRL Team Time Trial #163
Course: Watopia Figure 8 Reverse (1 Lap – 30.04Km – 254m)
Finish Time: 45m53s

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/3uW2700rFcA

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