The forecast for Monday April 4 , according to the unsophisticated weather app on my iPhone, reveals a snowflake. Surely this is not accurate.  Perhaps I’m misinterpreting the symbol. A crystal could be a representation for the diamond that now sits on Jackie’s left hand.  I propose we ride.  Say I do.

Let’s shoot for a short 25mile ride towards Waunakee.  For those who seek a slightly shorter loop, hang a left on Woodland and catch the bike path along highway 12 back to the Free House. If you want to make it a truly casual ride, I suggest a pit stop at the Missouri Tavern, one of Dane County’s finest historical treasures.

If the snow does fly, I do not anticipate riding.  This has nothing to do with an aversion to riding in the cold.  Or the fact that over the past 10 days of vacation, my cycling miles totaled zero, such that I am frantically trying to make up some fitness before facing the Drafters.  Z was able to get in one ride while  on Tenerife (evidenced below), and is therefore nominated to lead the draft.

The true nature of the potential cancelation is that I am looking out for our fleet of shiny  new bikes. The Human Metronome, Ms. Iceland (AKA Ivy League Rower), Quinoa Chrissy and Counselor Liz have recently boosted the economy.  Any guesses as to the owner of this beauty? This bike is apparently  so well designed and engineered for negative drag that pedals are optional.

GPS link to Waunakee Ride

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

The inaugural Draft was full of firsts.  Here is a brief recap of the evening which consisted of 9 riders and 3 fans.

This is the first time we have started the draft in March, and savored a dry Monday, followed by rain on Tuesday. Typically, we see precipitation around 5:25pm on Monday, while the Cap Brew riders head out in perfect conditions the following night. I’m not keeping score, but so far 1-0 Drafters.

Reportedly, this is the first ride whereby the Human Metronome was forced to stand on a climb AND came back to camp winded.  Might have something to do with our newest additions, Vilks and The Terminator, JoeJoe McD.  It’s hard to say for sure if Jim had to stand on the climb in order to keep the boys in sight, or if he was merely trying to read the fine print on Vilks’ cute Vilas Zoo kit.  Most of us aren’t quite so fashionably kitted up.

The Drafters, for the first time, would like to extend pest control services to their members. Jim recently received professional training on how to successfully release a squirrel from chimney captivity into the living room with free reign.  The Terminator specializes in bat control, and his rates are on a sliding scale depending on the “hours away to beer consumed ratio”.  Safety glasses are recommended.  Ann may be willing to negotiate terms.

Kim took the inaugural draft literally, bolding biking for the first time in clipless pedals and with aerobars.  You wouldn’t have guessed by watching her bike… although it was hard to watch her, as I took a wrong turn with newbies Kim and Rick and got us a bit lost.  Reminder to all: print your maps and do not rely on your leader to have a sense of direction.  And, be sure to have lights on your bike in case you find yourself out past dark.

The most exciting first of firsts, by far, is the engagement of two Drafters, Tall Ironman Tim and Coach Friesen for a Reason. Look at the expressions on the faces of the hockey team when they received the news!  The diamond will add to the sparkle on the ice as the Badgers kick some Gopher butt this weekend. See earlier notification for our pest control service.

Hope to see you all for our next ride on April 4.  I will post a map upon my return.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Welcome to the 2016 Draft!  The weather is cooperating beautifully, so let’s get this party started. If last year is any indicator, planning our first Monday ride will ensure rain.

I propose we host our inaugural Draft on Monday March 14th at 5:30, departing from the BMO bank parking lot across from the Free House on Parmenter St.  Please refer to the “Draft Responsibly” prologue of this blog for details.  In brief:

1. RIDE AT YOUR OWN RISK.  There is no fee to ride with this group, and subsequently, the responsibility for safety is all yours.
2. Carry spare tubes & CO2 and know how to use them.
3. Print your own map or at least know how to get home (clicking your heals three times is not a viable option, unless the shoes are stilettos like Coach Friesen will be wearing today as she coaches the Badger Women’s Hockey Team towards the Frozen Four).
4. Bring your own beer money and be prepared to cover a friend who didn’t.
5. Wheels up at 5:30. If you are going to be late, plan to park and meet us on the route- we usually head out Pheasant Branch or Airport Road and there are ample parking spots on both routes.  Text me and I will be sure you are not forgotten.
6. Most importantly, come with a great attitude and ready to ride, but not like an idiot, have fun and be safe.

Once we get a taste of the Draft, we will take the next two weeks off.  Over training is a real risk that I feel compelled to avoid. Coincidentally, I will be in Europe those next two weeks sampling their drafts.  We will reconvene on Monday April 4th.  We also need to allow time for the arrival of two new bikes.  Rumor has it that the Human Metronome  has purchased a shiny new Colnago from Cronometro.  Given that Jim had two bikes stolen last year, I will refrain from oozing jealousy.  The bike fairy also paid a visit to Chrissy Quinoa, our newest Drafter and contender for the best legs contest.  Photos of said bikes (not legs) are available upon request.

The route is the short but sweet ~20 mile Hyper Loop.  This is the short cut (in green on map) from the Hyslop Hustle 30, which you are free to ride if daylight cooperates.  The clocks spring ahead on Sunday, but I can’t guarantee enough daylight for the full loop. I have Native American blood, but there are limits to my ability to control the weather and daylight.

Garmin Link to Hyer Loop *Garmin links are from my house, not the Free House.  Close enough in proximity and both have a well stocked beer fridge, so feel free to use them interchangeably.

Draft Responsibly,

BrickO