Recap of last week’s ride to Riley Tavern:

Ten little Drafters bikin’ in a line,
B2 bombed up Midtown and then there were nine.

Nine little Drafters climbin’ Timber in their dinner plate,
Z dropped his chain and then there were eight.

Eight little Drafters pedalin’ under heav’n.
BrickO fell off the pack and then there were seven.

Seven little Drafters talkin’ about hockey sticks,
Coach Arms got distracted and then there were six.

Six little Drafters all alive,
Captain Joe went after Bomber and then there were five.

Five little Drafters, one taller than 6’4”,
Cliff caught the wind like a sail and then there were four.

Four little Short Pours ridin’ on a spree,
Slow Cow took a short cut and then there were three.

Three little thirsty Drafters had the Riley Tavern view,
Lady Digs mysteriously disappeared and then there were two.

Two little Drafters ridin’ in the sun,
KiloWatt and MegaWatt, as good as one.

DRAFTER PHOTO CONTEST UPDATE: in first place is Coach Arms, educating future hockey players on the finer points of Drafting. I’ve been asked for a clarification on the rules of engagement.  I’m making them up as we go along, but I can tell you that you MUST be wearing official Drafter issued gear- socks, headband, hat, shirt, jersey, jacket.  You do NOT need to be cycling, but the activity you are engaging in should be appropriate for display.

The ride for Monday is back to a simpler time, as we will literally be passing through 1881.  Dane’s historic Viaduct was built by the Chicago and Northwesters Railroad. Bicycles have certainly changed since that time, but the simple pleasure of cycling on a country road remains the same.

Viaduct 1881

Bicycle 1886

As daylight is working in our favor (although perhaps not the forecast), we will start increasing our mileage.  The Viaduct route is 35 miles.  There is Short Pour 30 mile option, leaving at 6pm. There is also a 20 mile Shot out to Dane and back.

Garmin: link to Viaduct

PLEASE NOTE: we will be leaving town on a slightly different route than in the past to avoid Pot Hole City on Pheasant Branch.  The Garmin does not reflect the change.

Here’s close up of the cut off points for the 20 (green star) and 30 mile (Blue diamond) options (sounds like a Lucky Charms commercial):

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Music by Frankie Valley.   Lyrics to “Oh What A Night” Cannibalized by the Drafters

Oh, what a ride.
Late April back in ’17.
What a very special ride for 16,
‘Cause I remember what a ride.

Oh, what a ride.
You know, I didn’t even know his name,
But I was never gonna be the same.
What a Drafter. What a ride.

Oh, I. I got a funny feeling when he flew
Up Enchanted Valley and I,
As I recall it ended none too soon.

Oh, what a climb,
Hypnotizing, mesmerizing me.
He was everything I dreamed I’d be.
B2 Bombing up Enchanted, what a climb!

I felt the east wind like a rolling bolt of thunder
Spinnin’ my helmet around and taking my body under.
Oh, what a ride!

Oh, I. I got a funny feeling when I climbed
Up Enchanted and I,
As I recall it ended none too soon.

Oh, what a ride.
Why’d it take so long find a beer inside?
Seemed so wrong, but now it seems so right.
What a climb, what a ride!

Oh, what a ride!
(Do, do, do, do, do. Do, do, do, do, do, do.)
Oh, what a ride!
(Do, do, do, do, do. Do, do, do, do, do, do.)

A sweet group of 16 showed up to Draft, a nice mix of Red Line and Blue Line riders. I tried to get away from the Varsity/JV distinction, as I felt it might have an inferior connotation. Hence, I put forth the “Short Pour” moniker, but this proved inaccurate during post-ride Free House imbibement. Call them what you may, this group showed up to ride and drink with fervor. And, the shorter route will henceforth be cast in blue (see map below).

The east wind was not kind to the Drafters as we headed due west up Enchanted Valley. My arms were numb as blood flow was desperately redistributed to feed my starving quads. I think my eyeballs were also suffering hypoxia, as I saw the impossible 11.1% grade on my Garmin as B2 Bomber accelerated effortlessly, putting several 100 yards between himself and the next climber, Captain Joe. I’m pleased to introduce the 2017 STRAVA ENCHANTED VALLEY CHAMPION  B2 BOMBER. Oh what a climb.

Not trusting my hypoxic state, I did a little digging to verify the grade of Enchanted Valley. See the following Math Appendix: Bombay Bicycle Club Report

Tobacco City Boy and his Cousin were kind enough to ride sweep. With a 4-week-old newborn, TCB was overheard grumbling, “I knew I was out of shape, but this is ridiculous.” To which his loyal cousin replied, “This is how some of us always ride up Enchanted”. Momma Dan-yelly showed up to Draft after the ride along with Adley, who graced the Free House. Free baby smells were enjoyed by all.

In other riding news, Slow Cow was late to the start and to the finish, as he found himself off route. I should have been more clear on the directions: when I said turn right from Enchanted Valley onto K, I failed to indicate that you should not proceed further past the Dead End sign. Typically, Slow Cow has a trail to follow home, a sort of Hansel and Gretel go Drafting sort of thing. However, Loose Screw showed up with all cleats secure, leaving no metal crumb trail to follow. He still has some screws loose, as evidenced by signing up for the LEADVILLE 100.

Welcome Newbie L-Mac to the Draft. She joins our strong network of former collegiate rowers; Wampus, Ms. Iceland, Krafty and Lady Digs. Way-nuff.

Power Outage: the Electric Company is anticipating a power outage for next week. Spousal partners, KiloWatt and MegaWatt need to settle on the 1000 fold power differential.   Place your bets now. Bookies are saying the odds are 2 to 1 that Mega will become MircroWatt. Mu.

A shout out to the Human Metronome with wishes for a smooth knee surgery on Monday, and a speedy recovery. You will be receiving your Draft card in the mail!

The ride next week will take us to the Riley Tavern.  I’d say the obvious Blue Line route would be to STOP at Riley Tavern and Uber home.  But I’ve posted an alternative below.  Red Line will leave promptly form BMO at 5:30 (Slow Cow, I’m talking to you).

Garmin to Riley Tavern

Blue Line club (AKA Short Pour, JV) leaves at 6pm.  Stay on Timber Ln. Do NOT turn on Mauer Rd.  Rejoin Red Line club on Midtown.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Music and most of the lyrics borrowed from GORILLAZ

I am happy, I’m feeling glad

I got sunshine in a bag

I’m indoors but not for long

The Drafters are coming on

I’m happy, I’m feeling glad

I got sunshine in a bag

I’m indoors but not for long

Monday is coming on

It’s coming on

It’s coming on

It’s coming on.

I’ve had a little heart to heart with Mother Nature about easing up a bit on Monday night rainouts. She reminded me that we’ve been gifted several consecutive weekends of gorgeous sunshine (along with beautiful weather on Mondays until 5pm). Mother N said that I wasn’t focusing on the positives (wait, that was my mother), and there are many on this spectacular Sunday. Whatever your beliefs on this day, take a minute to appreciate the many gifts around us. Cookie Monster Christa has shared a few from her cabin up north.

Catch my Draft

If Mother N brings rain, bring your fat tire.

These photos have prompted me to host a competition. If you hold a Drafter card and appear in a photo in Drafter gear, please send. At the end of the season, an award will be given. What will be given, I’ve given no thought. Nor do I really know what criteria will be used to determine the winning photo. Most outrageous? Most spectacular event? Lottery draw? Dunno, but it is fun to see the Drafters out in the wild.

The ride tomorrow should not be a surprise. It’s the same darn one I’ve posted the past few weeks. Short Pour starts at 6pm. If you plan to join that group, PLEASE let me know if advance. See previous post for Short Pour route and Garmin coordinates.

Brighter is better.  While I know you all shine brightly in various ways, please have a light on your bike.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

We are watching the weather intently, and in case I wasn’t paying attention to the dark sky and thunder clappers, this message popped up on my car GPS while driving home:

However, the radar looks mostly good from here to Ames, with only gentle drizzle coming across the plaines of Iowa.  A few little cells are building, but we won’t know until 5:30 whether the weather will hit.  Winds are NE at 11 knots, which is perfect for our route.  IT WILL BE CHILLY.

If you come to ride, remember to light up.  Visibility will be slightly subpar.  If things go south at wheels up, we can always head to the Free House for shelter.

Please see former post for Garmin link and short ride route.

Draft at your own risk, and draft responsibly,

BrickO

While the Brewers are still on for Opening Day, the Drafters are calling it a rain out.  Our avionic specialists, Capt. Joe and co-pilot Z, have sent weather updates for the area:

According to both sources, the chance of rain is 90%.  While it isn’t a heavy rain, the temperatures have me 100% unenthusiastic.  As such, I am recommending you stay home and rock it on your trainer while watching NC and Gonzaga battle it out.  We will reconvene next Monday for the Home Talent route through historic Ashton.

A few other things to note:

The road quality on Pheasant Branch is extremely poor.  This is one of two main cycling arteries out of town.  We will be rerouting all rides north by using High Street to Balzer to bypass the potholes.  This is important info for those of you who meet us at the Conservancy Trail head, as we will no longer be riding by the parking lots on Pheasant Branch.  I have sent an email to the City of Middleton Director of Public Works/City Engineer, Shawn Stauske, to voice my concerns about cycling safety on Pheasant Branch.  Your voice matters.  Please contact him directly at sstauske@ci.middleton.wi.us or use this link to the website to report your concern:  City of Middleton Public Works Pothole Report

6PM SHORT POUR

Last season, we had a small group of dedicated cyclists who opted to ride a shorter route starting at 6PM.  Kilo Watt and Lads Digs have been elected Team Leaders for the Drafters Short Pour 6PM ride.  While they jokingly refer to themselves as “JV”, this group is chock full of kick butt riders, so I prefer the name “Short Pour”.  If you have any interest in joining the group, please email me directly.

See you all next week.

Draft responsibly, preferably indoors tonight,
BrickO