Unpredictable. That sums up the commencement of our cycling season. In my near half century occupying this planet (some would argue I’m often occupying another), never have I accumulated over 100 cycling miles in February in the southern reaches of Wisconsin, in shorts. The tell tale signs were starting to appear, as I peeled back my cycling shorts to reveal a glorious tan line. Or maybe it was just a curious aggregate of age spots. Hard to say. And then March rolled in, and my fat tire bike rolled back out to play in the snow. I cannot say with any certainty what March 20^th has in store for the Drafters with respect to riding conditions, but I can say that we will be convening at 5:30 snow or shine.

If the weather cooperates, we will head north out Pheasant Branch to Lodi Springfield Rd, and loop back on Hyer Road. This is a nice 20mile icebreaker, and for those who want a slower start to the season, the bike path along Hwy 12 is a nice alternative. After the ride, or in lieu of the ride should Mother Nature be in a foul mood, we will gather at the Free House for some libations and trying on of the 2017 jerseys.

GPS Hyer Loop

A few gentle reminders about the Drafter Code of Conduct:

• Ride at your own risk. There is no fee to ride and as my Grandma used to say, and probably yours, too, “You get what you pay for”.  There’s no roadside assistance, sag support, controlled intersections, or guarantee for your safety. In short, I am not liable (see Drafter counselors for details- take your pick from the large variety of attorneys at our disposal.  I can vouch for Counselor Queen Bee. I have seen her in action in the courtroom- she throws the book. Unfortunately, she was representing the opposing team).
• Technically, this is not an organized ride. I ride predictably on Mondays; wheels up at 5:30 from the BMO Harris Bank Parking lot, and am happy for company.
• Aptitude requirement: You don’t have to be a stud rider (I most certainly am not) to Draft, although you can be (B2 Bomber and Turbo JT will take first, middle and last pulls), but you can’t be a jerk.   Play nice with others, respect traffic and please come with your tires inflated (note to our Drone Master).
• Bring a spare tire, CO2 or pump. Ideally, you can change a flat. If not, bring a cell phone and be prepared to phone a friend. Or, bring extra beer money. Bribes are strongly encouraged.
• Nobody should ride alone. While I claim no legal responsibility, I do feel morally obligated to make sure everyone has a riding companion. Please be sure to plan accordingly.
• Know your route or bring bread crumbs.  It is your responsibility to find your way back.  GPS and old school maps of my intended route will be posted on the blog.
• This blog will serve as a means by which to post routes and poke fun of one another in a loving and supportive fashion on a weekly basis. It is also the way in which I communicate my thoughts on last minute weather conditions, thanks to Captains Wild Joe and Z , and their high tech aviation technology.  Again, you can choose to ride or not ride, safety first.  You can unsubscribe from the blog at anytime without fear of hurting my feelings.
• Free House generously offers us their outdoor side patio for food and beverages post-ride.  They appreciate a head count in advance for food purposes, as it is easy to overwhelm the kitchen, so you may see me counting heads in the parking lot before we ride out.  Last year, they designated a server on Monday nights just to deal with the Drafters. Tips are strongly encouraged.  Historically, they have taken very good care of us.

In Drafter News:

National News: While many Drafters suffered the American Birkebeiner cancellation blues, all is on schedule for the 54k ski race in Lillehammer. Best wishes to Cookie Monster Wille on her Birkebeinerrennet Ski Race this weekend. While the Irish, including our very own Sully and Billy Boy McC, will be frolicking in the 4 leaf clover patch and drinking green beer, Christa will be skiing along side 30,000 of her closest Norwegian mates. This race originated in 1932 and requires that all skiers carry a backpack weighing 3.5kg throughout the race to symbolize the original Biekebeinere that saved the infant Norwegian king from the rivaling faction. In Drafter conversion, 1oz beer= 0.0253kg, such that nearly 123 oz, or 10 beers would be the required load. I propose a similar feat on our first ride to honor Cookie Monster Wille.

March Madness: Best wishes to Coach Arms and her UW Women’s Hockey Team in their Frozen Four appearance this weekend in St. Louis. Go Badgers!!

Here’s who is covering the game on TV: Link to hockey coverage

Switching from hockey to endurance events, Dan-yelly and Tobacco City Boy have nearly completed their 9month training event. Fortuitously, Baby T is due on the same day as the Birkebeinerrennet Ski Race, which requires a baby be carried during the ceremonial trek across the mountains (see previous Drafter news segment). Baby T is well trained for the event after enduring 16 weeks of Spin, which concluded the end of Feb, just in time to taper for the Norwegian Birke. Drafter Engineers were called upon to manufacture a bumper so that Baby T wouldn’t bump his/her crown on the spin bike handlebars. Patent pending. Baby T will soon be the youngest Drafter, ousting Molly Wampus from her two-year reign.

Breaking Bad: the Netflix sensation took on a Drafter flavor when Sully and cronies rented a Mercedes RV and toured Arizona.  We wished her a safe voyage and were happy upon her recent return.  Happy Retirement, Sully.

Breaking Sully

Retire Responsibly

Bike Fed: your guide to ride can be found here: Bike Fed Ride Guide

Jerseys: Hincapie Sportswear has our 2017 jerseys ready to roll. All that’s required is your credit card. There’s no middleman.  And no financial gain for me personally, and no pressure to buy.  If you are interested and not already on my list, shoot me an email and I will send you the team link to Hincapie Sportswear (available later this week). A quick word: Velocity is a race cut and top-notch material. Velocity Plus includes a waterproof zippered pocket. Lady Drafters: please note the Velocity only has two pockets, while Velocity Plus has 3, in addition to the zippered pocket. Personally, I prefer 3 pockets so have ordered men’s Velocity in the past. Axis is a club cut, a little more generous and less streamline in fit and a slight downgrade in fabric. Shorts and bibs are also available. If you order jackets, vests, etc, the team discount may not apply, as the volume will be low. I will have Velocity samples for sizing available at Free House on March 20^th.

Draft Responsibly,

BrickO