The Farmer’s Almanac reminds us how special the ride was last week, marking the first time the full moon and summer solstice have coincided since ~1948.  16 Drafters enjoyed the sweetness, including Newbies Tim (see previous photo of unidentified man drinking beer post HHH with Billy Boy), Dr. Watt (who powered up the 200k HHH on 25pounds of raw steel), and Alex (a man who drinks beer from a chalice is instantly likable- code name ChaleX).  Returning to the scene after a pole vault coaching hiatus was WhoYaKnow Hujanen, our resident aerospace engineer, currently in charge of the Drafting Drone. Be sure to look sharp next week (perhaps in the team Hincapie apparel that just arrived), for the drone footage, which will conceivably be airing on the Channel 27 Morning News.  Tobacco City Boy has made no promises, but if there’s a slow news day, we aren’t a bad option (kudos to our Drafter who rides then immediately goes to work while the rest of us imbibe).  Without a doubt, we have enough material to fill the sporting news: congrats on strong Milkman finishes (or at least a finish) to Slow Cow, MadPower McKaylah, NBA coulda but didn’t Cliff, Tall Tim and CoKeHo.  With that starting lineup (3 being over 6’5″),  we may consider drafting our own basketball team.

We have another longish 42 mile route for Monday through Roxbury, with a 25mile cut off for those departing at 6pm.  Per Billy Boy’s request, arrows have been added to demonstrate a counter clockwise riding pattern. The section on 19, just after the 25mile cut off, is brief but dicey.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

What a week it has been!  The Draft last Monday included newbie MitochonRODria, who earned a spot as power house and amature team photographer.   Clearly, his camera angle needs adjusting to prevent making some objects appear larger than they really are. Rod did received a warning for “riding up hills while talking fluidly, fluently with an irritating amount of extra energy left over to make feverish hand gestures, without regard for the hypoxia experienced by his fellow riders.”

The conditions for the Horribly Hilly Hundreds ride on Saturday were epic, with a gentle breeze, temperatures hanging below 90 and many Drafters shredding it.  Congrats to Billy Boy McC and his buddies, Tall Tim & Coach Freezin’ for a Reason, and Z (who made the 3pm wedding in Janesville with 10min to spare) on a strong finish. A special shout out to Quinoa, who was on site to cheer on her husband, bro- and father-in-law across the finish line.  Congrats to Team W3 (three generations crossed the finish line-the youngest on foot) on being served one of the very last beers at the HHH.

Please cheer on CoKeHo, Slow Cow and Tall Tim at the MilkMan half Ironman today.  I guess the HHH wasn’t enough of a challenge for Tall Tim, or maybe he’s trying to get REALLY fit before his wedding in Aug?

As for tomorrow, we will enjoy a leisurely 40mile recovery ride to the Lodi Canning Co. Wheels up at 5:30 sharp. There is a 30 mile and 20 mile (out and back to Dane) option for those wanting a little less miles or a bit more recovery.  The 30 mile turn off on Stevenson requires a bit of a jog on P, which isn’t my favorite, but the shoulder is descent.  THERE WILL BE A GROUP DEPARTING AT 6pm riding one of the shorter options.

Garmin link to Lodi Canning

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

There was plenty of excitement following the Draft, prompted in part by this fine literary work, a gift from Dr. Stitch. Seriously, there is more to the book than sexy bike pictures- there are inspirational quotes from JFK, cycling legend Eddie Merckx and numerous others.

14 Drafters took Merckx’s advice to heart.  Slow Cow started the long course with a short cut. He is an oxy moron.   The 6pm charge was led by Lady Digs, who showed incredible strength but much less wisdom following the removal of her hindmost molars a few days ago. The vitamin I wore off mid-ride, but she bit down hard on her remaining teeth and led the determined XX Drafters down Whippoorwill.  Counselor Queen Bee and Quinoa conquered the technical descent and expired the warranty on their brake pads.  Billy Boy McC, legal counsel for the Big and Tall members of the team, might have been the only Drafter who came prepared (ever) with a map and readers.  He diligently turned left onto Lodi-Springfield, as indicated by the cue sheet.  Sorry for the typo, Billy Boy.  I meant right.  I will talk to my editors about proofing the maps and blog more closely, heaven forbid we ride into the furry instead of the fury again.

In preparation for the upcoming Horribly Hilly Hundreds event and to honor the return of K2 from her first year of graduate school (the PhD kind to supplement the DPT kind, because you can never have too many initials), we will ride her favorite route: the Disenchanted Valley- Spring Valley loop.  Yup, it’s back on our schedule, as promised.  Human Metronome and Tall Tim will be providing Cliff Shots and Gatorade to all those threatening to bonk.  Pay it back, pay it forward.  Wheels up at 5:30.  Dan-yelly, please arrive at 5:15 to serve your time in the penalty box.

The 6pm crew will have an equally exciting HHH route, albeit slightly shorter so as to avoid delay of game “rehydrating” at the Free House.  The previous gravel patches on Enchanted Valley have been paved, finally.  Turn left on Pine to shorten the route to 30miles.

Garmin Link to Enchanted & Spring Valley Loop

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.  I’m sorry that the Rock of Gibraltar ride got bolloxed up.  Slow Cow reported an alternative 10 hour tour of Blue Mounds, although his mileage was suspiciously unreported. Funny how he really excels when there are no witnesses…  I did witness Z rocking Gibraltar on Monday and can attest that there were no shortcuts.  Instead, additional miles were unintentionally tacked on due to a striking similarity between “Chrislaw” and “Chrisler” roads.  Who knew? Add map reading to my long list of shortcomings and ineptitudes. That said, my faux pas resulted in touring a rustic road well worth being lost on.  Long live Chrislaw.

What goes up must come down.  Many of you have suffered up Whippoorwill and this week, will have an opportunity to descend this beast.  PLEASE ride cautiously.  It is a technical descent with a hairpin turn and an abrupt stop on Hwy 19 awaits at the bottom, with traffic that will not hesitate. We will be on 19, unfortunately, for a short bit before climbing back up Matz Rd.  This is a much tamer route compared to the Enchanted-Spring Valley loop, but certainly not flat.  Once we cross Hwy 12, there is an option to shorten the route by taking the bike path home (25miles).

OFFICIAL 6pm RIDE OPTION.  We are going to pilot an official group ride at 6pm for those wanting a later start time, and slightly shorter ride.  If there is enough interest and regular riders, this will become a weekly occurrence.  Two dedicated Drafters, Digs and Quinoa, have agreed to lead the Draft this week.  The ride can be 25miles (see map below and Garmin link) or 20miles.  Simply follow the dark hashed lines on the map, continuing on Martinsville to P, ,Kick-A-Boo, Pahl, Riles, Church, Schneider.

Garmin 25m route home on bike path

Draft Responsibly,

BrickO