Race Report

If, like George Bailey in Frank Capra’s classic film, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” I had the chance to see what the world would be like had I never been born, I would have noted yesterday a wealth of wonderful things that probably wouldn’t have happened.

For example, it’s unlikely that almost two dozen

amazing and generous sponsors, (led by Vapolution Vaporizers,

who kept alive their eleven-year streak of providing the race’s signature prize) would have contributed such a stunning array of goods and services to the prize pile.

Likewise, what are the chances that 61 (believe it or not) cyclists would have braved the blustery weather to cycle a couple dozen miles around Seattle on such a damp and windy spring day?

And I’m pretty sure that if I hadn’t come into the world three score and one years ago that a bunch of smiling bike riders and their friends and families would not have had the excellent fortune on the afternoon of April 7, 2018, to kill a keg of delicious Alleycat Amber ale provided for free by the fine folks at Peddler Brewing.

Perhaps, of course, the world would be a much better place; maybe the butterfly effect of my birth set into motion the whole sequence of events that has led to society’s dismal response to climate change, or helped to create the conditions that have resulted in a narcissistic sociopath holding the highest office in the land, but who can say for certain, really?

One thing I do know for sure is that if I never existed, I would have totally missed out on an incredibly fun time that afforded me numerous opportunities to smile and laugh and count my countless blessings with upwards of a hundred of my favorite people in the world and several of my most favorite of all.

“No man is a failure who has friends,” says Capra’s angel Clarence; I say thanks, friends, for giving me such success.

It's a Sixty One-derful Life Time Trial

In celebration of bikes, beer, recreational cannabis, friends and family, reproductive choice, one of the tear-jerkingest films of all time, another year, another birthday, one less trip around the sun until a change in the Executive branch of our nation's government, and above all, all the reasons we can think of to keep on keeping and not commit suicide, 327 Words proudly presents the It's a Sixty One-derful Life Time Trial, an alleycat-style bike race featuring loads of life-affirming checkpoints and plenty of incredibly vital performance detraction options  beginning at 2020 Cycle at 21st and Union in Seattle, WA on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 3:27 sharp, signups commencing around 2:30 or so.

Come on out and choose life and give your guardian angel every opportunity possible to earn their wings--or another set if they've already got them.

Riders, in a neighborly group time trial format, will make Seattle into a veritable Bedford Falls as they cycle around to some of our friendliest, most charming locations.

Race happens, whether you were born or not, rain or shine, no crying or fatal crashes allowed.  Ten bucks suggested donation, (includes a $2.00 donation to Planned Parenthood) with free shot glasses for the first 61 riders,

Prizes—cash and bike schwag—to be awarded for fastest times, men’s and ladies’ divisions, as well as runner-up positions, including, of course, DFL.

Prize sponsors and friends currently on tap or being recruited include:Portland Design Works, Sock Guy, Liquid Courage Flasks, Pabst Blue Ribbon,  2020 Cycle, Swift Industries, Peloton Bicycle Shop and Cafe, Seattle, Vapolution Vaporizers, SKS Germany, Walz Caps,  Peddler Brewery, Pace Sportswear, Kryptonite Lock, Cyclefab, All-City Cycles, Twin Six, Good Weather Bike and Cafe, Chrome Bags, Metier Racing and Coffee, Deb's Lunch, and Sun Liquor Distillery.

Embrace this chance to be, like George Baily, the luckiest person in town, and always remember, Safety Third!

Friends, relations, and those too angelic to ride, but not to drink, are invited to show up at Bill's Off-Broadway  after about 6:00 for more reasons to live, and lively prizes, too!