Before I share with you a recent communication from my son-in-law, Lawrence Knight, I should provide a little insight into what led to this novel description of a supply chain which is uniquely focused on producing team uniforms for bicycling teams.  

Lawrence is an unusually motivated individual, and as the president of ‘Team Tolero,” he works hard to keep participation and interest high among the 16 riders.   Our team recently expanded from a two year membership of only 7 riders to 16 over the last two months, and this prompted a decision to invest rather heavily in new uniforms (called team kits).   These team kits were designed by a very skilled wife (Kim Dannettel), and with a no holds barred approach, we ordered them from a premier company formed by none other than the famous George Hincapie.  (The right hand man who helped Lance Armstrong to many of his Tour De France victories).  

Needless to say, Lawrence is excited about the prospect of the team riding together in these new clothes and his enthusiasm is reflected in the following communication.

“Team Tolero Riders,

Somewhere in Greenville, SC two old Italian ladies are hovered over a wooden desk, knitting away at our very sexy team kits.  Rumour has it these dames were flown in by private jet to work specifically on the Tolero jerseys.  No one is allowed to interact with them as they carry out their task of creating what some refer to as….”art form on high”!  To protect the secrecy of said kits, the Hincapie organization has them working in a room with no windows, and a guard is staffed outside the door at all times. 

Once the final threads have been stitched into the last set of bib shorts, a small and private celebration will ensue at Hincapie headquarters…..due to the realization that their organization took part in something that was bigger than themselves; that they were bestowed the gift of creating a cycling kit that other riders not associated with Team Tolero will envy until the end of time.

I also received a call from the contact person at Hincapie and apparently they will have big George himself place the garments in carbon laced packaging before they are shipped out via UPS.  At no charge, UPS has agreed to dedicate 1 truck to the delivery of our kits.  They will staff this truck with 3 drivers (who will rotate in shifts), 1 expert auto mechanic (to assist with any mechanical issues)  and 4 pace cars to keep the roads clear as they journey to the town of Oro Valley, AZ.  I have agreed to accept the delivery at 2:06am to prevent the paparazzi from sneaking in a picture for VeloNews.”

If you are interested to read more about Team Tolero, you can visit the web site at www.ToleroRacing.com.

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