20 resilient Drafters headed into the furnace in search of Lodi Canning Co. 20 made it back soaking wet, either due to humidity or getting caught in the rain.
If you like piña coladas And gettin’ caught in the rain If you’re not into yoga If you have half a brain If you like ridin’ hard on Monday In the hills and the straights Then I’m the Drafter you’ve looked for Ride with me and escape
Captain Joe, Shaq, Speedy, Midas, Knievel and McGritty
Welcome back to Blurple, Sandals and LuLu and welcome newbie Hawkeye. The Cyclones in the group followed the Drafter Code and left no one behind, not even a Hawkeye. Octane entered the bike corral with everything but his helmet. “Guess I don’t need to protect my brain since it clearly isn’t working.” Other things not working… Z Wrecks’ knee and Captain Joe’s legs.
BrickO and Z Wrecks drafted a day early, since Drafting 6 hours post-op total knee replacement was discouraged.
Z Wrecks got a few last miles out of his left knee, and then left it for a new one
Fortunately, further orthopedic assessment determined that Captain Joe wasn’t a candidate for bilateral leg replacement. Renowned Coach Midas identified lack of cycling as the reason for his inability to turn over the pedals. Everything she touches turns to gold.
Coach Midas turns Captain Joe’s legs from lead to gold
Maybe next week she will turn water into wine? Or at least dark beer. That would be a useful skill set since the Drafters continually find themselves riding in the rain. Let’s see what she finds at the end of the rainbow.
Golden Girls, Speedy and MidasCaptain Joe finds leg strength at the end of the rainbowMcGritty found 38 miles at the end of his rainbow
Not everyone got caught in the rain. Keez didn’t get caught by at all. By anyone. Which became problematic as few in the group had downloaded the Lodi Canning Co route. At the intersection, Keez took a left as indicated on her GPS. Someone far, far, far away yelled out, “LEFT?” and Keez confirmed that was, “RIGHT!”. And so she gapped them all. Smart.
The Colonel isn’t used to taking orders, but followed Keez back to camp
When light turns to dark…
Light on Lodi SpringfieldTurns to DarkKeez coming in hot, and not just because mercury was risingCannibal takes the silver
Let the Iowa Cyclone vs Hawkeye rivalry begin. Keez conjured up a store to welcome Hawkeye home.
Let the rain dance beginHawkeye’s first flight with the Draft
Skipper didn’t mind a little rain. He is used to life on the water.
LuLu and Columbus make sure their canine drafts responsibly. Carry in, carrying out (see green bag attached to harness).
Carry in, carry out
Blurple and Rimshot decided once they were wet, why not stay and wet their whistle?
Drafting responsibly
The crew responsibly moved the back patio, where the optics for drinking were a bit better, or at least out of sight.
Slim (or his legs), Speedy, Skipper, Rimshot, Blurple, Captain Joe and Keez
WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS
Cujo conquered the Washington Island Ultra. There is no photo evidence to share, but we can imagine the victory. CONGRATS!
Somebody put down the HAMMER at the Badfish Creek 40k Time Trial on Saturday. Congrats on your FIRST place finish!
Hammer takes gold
Grit wins furthest Draft award. Glacier never looked so good.
You, too, can look this good. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING THIS YEAR’S DRAFTER JERSEY (or vest, arm warmers, etc), theHincapie Team Store will be open until Aug 7 at midnight.
Grit in Glacier
BACK TO THE DRAFT: Next Monday we are back at Crossroads Coffeehouse at 2020 Main St in Cross Plains. There is parking behind and alongside the building, with overflow on Bourbon Rd. After the Draft, enjoy some cold ice cream and beer, or a beer float combo, and pizza on the patio. Departure times are 4:45 and 5PM for the short pour (24 miles) and full strength (34 miles) routes.
AUGUST KICKS OFF TOUR de DANE FEMMES. You can count any Monday Drafter ride for 5 points in STAGE 6. And pick up bonus points for drafting in this beauty, circa 2013. NOTE: the earlierTour de Dane Femmes blog post had a scoring error (probably more)- wearing this priceless jersey is worth 2 points. You can borrow one- if you know the right Drafters.
READY FOR IT? Starting tomorrow, Thursday August 1st, you can ride the Tour de Dane stage race. Please note a few changes from the previous post, namely Stage 3 Time Trial course to avoid crossing Highway 78 (and add some elevation, because “when in doubt, climb”).
This is an exciting opportunity for the Drafters to support women’s professional cycling, encourage riders of all levels to enjoy the thrill of racing this magnificent sport, and give back (a little) to our cycling community. The format of this Tour de Dane Femmes is a bit different from past years, shifting the focus to be more inclusive (men are invited to participate and extending the tour over the entire month to allow more opportunities to complete the challenge) and recognizing small businesses who are invested in our cycling community.
The Tour de France Femmes will take place Aug 12-18, and consists of 8 stages. Our riders will have the entire month of August to complete the Tour de Dane Femmes challenge. Modest prizes are at the race director’s discretion, and could be liquid in form.
Rules of engagement:
Everyone is encouraged to participate, but only those Drafters identifying as female are eligible for the green, polka dot and yellow jersey awards.
Not able to ride due to injury or illness? You can still take part in the tour! Submit the photos required to show community support to the race director (instead of Strava).
Please join BrickO’s Drafters group on Strava, and sign up for the Tour de Dane Challenge starting Aug 1. This is how and where you will record your rides and photo evidence to support your claim. PLEASE LABEL YOUR RIDES (ie. Stage 1 Lake Monona Loop). It would also be helpful if you text me that you are participating (much appreciated).
There are only two stages where time matters– Stage 3 sprint/time trial for the green jersey, and the climb for the polka dot jersey at the end of Stage 8.
The yellow jersey will be awarded to the participant with the most points (100 total), regardless of time. In case of a tie, there will be a face off to see who can change a flat tubed tire the fastest. Or we will simply have multiple winners.
You have the entire month of August to complete 8 stages of the tour.
You may complete the stages in ANY order, however, to best simulate the Tour de France experience, you are encouraged to follow them in order.
PRE-STAGE: Commuter Salute. Bike to work day! 5 points for saving gas and going green. Photo of you in front of your workplace. Total points: 5
STAGE 1: Lake Monona Loop. 12-mile flat stage to support LBS (local bike shops). No need to follow this route exactly, so long as you make it around the lake. Points will be awarded for exploring local bike shops on this loop. 5 points for each of the following: drop off an unopened beer at 1) Slow Roll, and take a photo of one of the Trek prototype bikes 2) Machinery Row, snap a photo with Slim and 3) Cronometro, take a photo of Colin’s one-hour record certificate. A 6-pack donation to the shop owner/employee and included in the photo will result in an extra bonus point. Total points: 15 (3 bonus)
STAGE 2: Tavern Tribute. 24-mile flat stage to support local watering holes. There are two taverns on this route that have shown support for the Drafters in past years, Missouri Tavern along the bike path in Waunakee and the Ranch Saloon in Dane. 5 points for paying it forward: stop in the Ranch Saloon to buy a drink for someone on behalf of the Drafters (when we stopped there one Drafter Monday, a female former cyclist and patron bought a round for all of us). Please don’t ask for water unless you make a purchase. 5 points for finishing with a drink (NA or alcoholic) at Missouri Tavern. Total points: 10
STAGE 3: Cross Plains Time Trial. 12-mile time trial to support a local coffee shop.Crossroads Coffeehouse has been a huge supporter of the Draft. Let’s give back! Coffee should give you an extra boost for this speedy stage. Start at the coffee shop and ease your way over to Bourbon Road to warm up your legs. The TT starts at Bourbon and KP, racing into Black Earth. Just before 78, you will ride a counter clockwise box: right on Easy St, left on Hubbell, left on Center, left back onto KP. Just before you reach Bourbon, you will need to complete the hilly lollypop, turning right onto Gils Way, and exiting on Tilda Trail back onto KP. 5 points for enjoying a coffee, espresso or pastry and 5 points for ordering an ice cream (beer floats count) at Crossroads Coffeehouse. The FASTEST TT (please be sure to collect lap data for ONLY the route ON KP) will be awarded the green jersey. Total points: 10
STAGE 4: Horribly Hilly. 46-mile hilly route to support the Horribly Hilly Hundreds. This flagship event has been a staple in our community for over 20 years. It relies heavily on the support of volunteers. 10 points will be awarded for committing to volunteer for the 2025 event. You can opt to help with the pre-ride (sometime in late May), packet pick up (Thur June 12) or post-race. Volunteering will earn you a free entry to ride the event on Sat June 14. Since volunteer sign up does not take place until next year, your blood is your bond, and if you post your commitment on Strava, it will forever be on record. Alternative: join the Friends of Blue MoundTotal points: 10
STAGE 5: Military Ridge Gravel Grinder. 19-mile flat stage to support gravel. Gravel stages are included on the Tour de France, and gravel events in their own right are rapidly gaining popularity. This stage is meant to introduce riders to gravel and support Rails to Trails, whose mission is to “build a nation connected by trails, reimaging public spaces to create safe ways to be active outdoors.” 5 points will be awarded for joining or donating any amount to Rails to Trails OR holding a State Trail Pass, and 5 points for ordering and enjoying food or beverage at Riley Tavern. They supported the Funtathalon last year, and have always welcomed the cycling community. The Strava post should include a photo of Riley Tavern, and a note that you proudly support Rails to Trails or hold a State Trail Pass. Total points: 10
STAGE 7: Capital Off Road Pathfinders. Stage to support your local trail system. What better way to honor a mountain stage than to ride a mountain bike! This stage is an opportunity to explore and enjoy different terrain. If you are new to MTBing, draft responsibly on the easier green trails in our local CORP trails (the green loop at Quarry Ridge and most of Seminole could be done on a gravel or fat bike). If you are up for a bit of travel, enjoy other trail systems in WI like CAMBA, CWOCC or PASTA. Earn 5 points for dirty drafting and 5 points if you bring someone along who is relatively new to MTBing (as defined by you needing to convince them to get off their road bike) OR are a member of CORP. Total points: 10
STAGE 8: Alp d’Blue.30-mile mountain stage to appreciate that we don’t have mountains in WI. Start and end at the top of Blue Mound State Park. Stop in at Blue Mounds Bicycle Works and make the acquaintance of the owner, Zach. Pick up a Blue Mounds Bicycle Works sticker and take a photo of where it sticks for 5 points. The polka dot jersey will be awarded to the FASTEST climb (please be sure to collect lap data for just the climb portion, starting at the right hand turn on Blue Mound Park Road to the top where the lollipop loop begins) AFTER completing the entire stage. 5 additional points for riding up Blue Mounds twice. Total points: 10
Far Far Farview was worth the wait. At last, Mother Nature didn’t do her rain dance between 4-7PM on a Monday evening. 26 Drafters, including 2 Newbies, danced on the pedals as they climbed to a view far, far away.
Shaq, Spigot, Hit-The-Wall, McGritty, Queenie, Pit Stop, Speedy, Presley, Coach Arms, Loose Screw (Duracell and Dan-yelly on route)
Shaq once again earned her “big girl” standing, showing up with a brand new solar powered Garmin, unafraid to face new technology. She stood like Lady Liberty with her Garmin held high above her head towards the sun, desperate for a quick charge. Hit-the-Wall made his 2024 Drafter debut fully charged. No bonk for this guy. Other members of the B team weren’t so fortunate. Watson arrived 20 minutes late due to traffic on University Ave (will that construction ever end?), only to discover that her shoes and helmet were not along for the ride. Shoeless wonders unite at the Draft. Watson is in the excellent company of Sandals and Twinkle Toes in those unencumbered by shoe wear.
Elementary, my dear, Watson.
And here’s a Drafter mystery requiring deductive reasoning to solve: a Drafter arrives early on Monday with a bike, helmet and SHOES but doesn’t ride. The only clue is 5 containers of blueberries. Who do you know that gets more done in a day than most in a week, commutes an hour (each way) to UW, is raising two beautiful girls, and makes a stop to drop off blueberries for Drafters before driving home to sleep off pneumonia???
Not her usual cookie drop
The A Team convened with a little less kerfuffle. The group was focused on posing for the team photo and welcoming two Newbies, unaware of Twinkle Toes driving by. The group took off, leaving one Drafter behind. Unintentionally, of course. Seems as though both groups were guilty of forgetting something or someone.
Cujo, Z Wrecks, Knievel, Bomber, Rimshot, Vilks, Hammer, Colonel, Keez, 9Volt, Car Wash and Skipper (Twinkle Toes driving by)
The two Newbies made their quads known during the paceline down Schneider. 9 Volt came fully charged. A lesson in neuromuscular training was learned last week during her Devil’s Lake Century when her Shimano Di2 went DiDead. Every descent and flat found her legs spinning over 120rpms just to get some traction. Hard enough to keep up with on a single speed, impossible with a full charge and all gears accessible. The Colonel earned his handle after addressing Vilks as “sir” for the first 10 miles of the ride. The Drafters unanimously voted to promote him to rank of Colonel to avoid having to hear Vilks addressed as sir ever again.
9Volt, Knievel, Skipper, Keez, Z Wrecks, Colonel, Twinkle Toes, and Slim ascend Enchanted Valley
The climb up Enchanted Valley quickly formed two grupettos. For those unfamiliar with the term:
Twinkle Toes, getting a late start (previous Drafter code violation noted), charged up Enchanted Valley and then got shelled by the peloton. Undeterred, he gutted it out for grupetto glory.
Twinkle Toes, Z Wrecks and KnievelGrupetto Two: Skipper, Twinkle Toes, Knievel and Z Wrecks (photo credits to Skipper)
The Peloton waited on top of Farview for the first grupetto, made up of BrickO, Hammer and Cujo. A brief reprieve on the descent was met with another climb up Turkey Rd, where Rimshot was last seen pedaling. Out of gears with no place for his chain to go, Rimshot found his derailleur caught up in his rear wheel. Drafter code states, “No Drafter left behind”, but this requires oxygen being delivered to the brain to fully comprehend the code. As Rimshot’s mechanical happened at the steepest part of the climb, only the mosquitos had the gumption to stay behind.
BrickO, Bomber, Rimshot, Car Wash, 9 Volt, Colonel, Vilks, Keez and SlimRimshot enjoys a little nose grease with his draft
Proof that Duracell and Dan-yelly do indeed Draft! Duracell may not be present for the team photo, but that’s not to say he isn’t in “charge”. Dan-yelly’s tardiness can be explained by the the high standard for fashion she must adhere to, requiring hours to pick out her Drafting socks.
Duracell powers up Otto KerlLook fast, be fast.
WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS: Speedy hits the half century mark in style.
An eMTB in Portugal. What did you do for your 50th?Speedy’s offspring is getting the hang of drafting responsiblyMinnow Monster takes her Mom on 4 miles of single track!Vintage and Thing 1 working up to a Draft
IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS: Tour de Dane Femmes! Please see blog from last week for details. All Drafters are encouraged to participate to show their support for the Tour de Dane Femmes, and local bike shops, coffee shops and taverns who support all cyclists in Dane County. There will be a pre-stage and 8 official stages throughout the month of August. Please join BrickO’s Drafters Strava group to complete the challenge.
The route for Monday July 29 is to Lodi Canning Co. Departures at 4:45 and 5PM, with full strength 38 mile and short pour 33mile options.
Welcome to the third annual Tour de Dane Femmes! This is an exciting opportunity for the Drafters to support women’s professional cycling, encourage riders of all levels to enjoy the thrill of racing this magnificent sport, and give back (a little) to our cycling community. The format of this Tour de Dane Femmes is a bit different from past years, shifting the focus to be more inclusive (men are invited to participate and extending the tour over the entire month to allow more opportunities to complete the challenge) and recognizing small businesses who are invested in our cycling community.
The Tour de France Femmes will take place Aug 12-18, and consists of 8 stages.
Our riders will have the entire month of August to complete the Tour de Dane Femmes challenge. Modest prizes are at the race director’s discretion, and could be liquid in form.
Rules of engagement:
Everyone is encouraged to participate, but only those Drafters identifying as female are eligible for the green, polka dot and yellow jersey awards.
Not able to ride due to injury or illness? You can still take part in the tour! Submit the photos required to show community support to the race director (instead of Strava).
Please join BrickO’s Drafters group on Strava, and sign up for the Tour de Dane event starting Aug 1. This is how and where you will record your rides and photo evidence to support your claim. This “event” may or may not work, as events don’t allow for multiple stages, but for sure if you sign up for the BrickO’s Drafters group, I will be able to track your progress.
Completion of the route accompanied by photo documentation in your Hincapie Drafter jerseyis required to earn points. Don’t have a drafter jersey? Green will do.
There are only two stages where time matters– Stage 3 sprint/time trial for the green jersey, and the climb for the polka dot jersey at the end of Stage 8.
The yellow jersey will be awarded to the participant with the most points (100 total), regardless of time. In case of a tie, there will be a face off to see who can change a flat tubed tire the fastest. Or we will simply have multiple winners.
You have the entire month of August to complete 8 stages of the tour.
You may complete the stages in ANY order, however, to best simulate the Tour de France experience, you are encouraged to follow them in order.
PRE-STAGE: Commuter Salute. Bike to work day! 5 points for saving gas and going green. Total points: 5
STAGE 1: Lake Monona Loop. 12-mile flat stage to support LBS (local bike shops). No need to follow this route exactly, so long as you make it around the lake. Points will be awarded for exploring local bike shops on this loop. 5 points for each of the following: drop off an unopened beer at 1) Slow Roll, and take a photo of one of the Trek prototype bikes 2) Machinery Row, snap a photo with Slim and 3) Cronometro, take a photo of the Hincapie photo or Colin’s one-hour record photo. A 6 pack donation to the shop owner/employee and included in the photo will result in an extra bonus point. Total points: 15 (3 bonus)
STAGE 2: Tavern Tribute. 24-mile flat stage to support local watering holes. There are two taverns on this route that have shown support for the Drafters in past years, Missouri Tavern along the bike path in Waunakee and the Ranch Saloon in Dane. 5 points for paying it forward: stop in the Ranch Saloon to buy a drink for someone on behalf of the Drafters (when we stopped there one Drafter Monday, a female former cyclist and patron bought a round for all of us). Please don’t ask for water unless you make a purchase. 5 points for finishing with a drink (NA or alcoholic) at Missouri Tavern. Total points: 10
STAGE 3: Crossroads Time Trial. 18-mile time trial to support a local coffee shop.Crossroads Coffeehouse has been a huge supporter of the Draft. Let’s give back! Coffee should give you an extra boost for this speedy stage. Start at the coffee shop and ease your way over to Bourbon Road to warm up your legs. The TT starts at KP. Take it all the way to Lake Marion Park, where you will safely do a U-Turn and complete the TT back to the intersection with Bourbon Road. 5 points for enjoying a coffee, espresso or pastry and 5 points for ordering an ice cream (beer floats count) at Crossroads Coffeehouse. The FASTEST TT (please be sure to collect lap data for ONLY the route ON KP) will be awarded the green jersey. Total points: 10
STAGE 4: Horribly Hilly. 46-mile hilly route to support the Horribly Hilly Hundreds. This flagship event has been a staple in our community for over 20 years. It relies heavily on the support of volunteers. 10 points will be awarded for committing to volunteer for the 2025 event. You can opt to help with the pre-ride (sometime in late May), packet pick up (Thur June 12) or post-race. Volunteering will earn you a free entry to ride the event on Sat June 14. Since volunteer sign up does not take place until next year, your blood is your bond, and if you post your commitment on Strava, it will forever be on record. Alternative: join the Friends of Blue MoundTotal points: 10
STAGE 5: Military Ridge Gravel Grinder. 19-mile flat stage to support gravel. Gravel stages are included on the Tour de France, and gravel events in their own right are rapidly gaining popularity. This stage is meant to introduce riders to gravel and support Rails to Trails, whose mission is to “build a nation connected by trails, reimaging public spaces to create safe ways to be active outdoors.” 5 points will be awarded for joining or donating any amount to Rails to Trails OR holding a State Trail Pass, and 5 points for ordering and enjoying food or beverage at Riley Tavern. They supported the Funtathalon last year, and have always welcomed the cycling community. The Strava post should include a photo of Riley Tavern, and a note that you proudly support Rails to Trails or hold a State Trail Pass. Total points: 10
STAGE 7: Capital Off Road Pathfinders. Stage to support your local trail system. What better way to honor a mountain stage than to ride a mountain bike! This stage is an opportunity to explore and enjoy different terrain. If you are new to MTBing, draft responsibly on the easier green trails in our local CORP trails (the green loop at Quarry Ridge and most of Seminole could be done on a gravel or fat bike). If you are up for a bit of travel, enjoy other trail systems in WI like CAMBA, CWOCC or PASTA. Earn 5 points for dirty drafting and 5 points if you bring someone along who is relatively new to MTBing (as defined by you needing to convince them to get off their road bike) OR are a member of CORP. Total points: 10
STAGE 8: Alp d’Blue.30-mile mountain stage to appreciate that we don’t have mountains in WI. Start and end at the top of Blue Mound State Park. Stop in at Blue Mounds Bicycle Works and make the acquaintance of the owner, Zach. Pick up a Blue Mounds Bicycle Works sticker and take a photo of where it sticks for 5 points. The polka dot jersey will be awarded to the FASTEST climb (please be sure to collect lap data for just the climb portion, starting at the right hand turn on Blue Mound Park Road to the top where the lollipop loop begins) AFTER completing the entire stage. 5 additional points for riding up Blue Mounds twice. Total points: 10
27 Drafters rocked their way to Roxbury, which was no small feat given the multitude of road closures.
Shaq, Midas, Pipes, Special K, Coach Arms, Z Wrecks, Pepe, Pit Stop, Queenie, Footer, Loose Screw, Watson, Presley, Cujo and Cookie Monster (Duracell & Dan-yelly on the route).
Pipes, Footer and Cookie Monster were hoping to cut back the short pour to a shot, but were foiled at every turn. If you have tender eyes or a young reader peering over your shoulder, please look away. The following is rated R due to strong language. An inadvertent voice to text was recorded by a member of this trio as they struggled to comprehend a message from BrickO, letting them know their intended short cut was no longer an option due to road construction. Fortunately, the intended recipient (UW My Chart) left a polite reply to this message.
Which one of these three lovely ladies called out “F” for help?
Footer, Pipes and Cookie Monster drained 0.8 miles off the short pour
Coach Arms, who ordered a short pour, got a full strength draft, compliments of Dan-yelly. Coach Arms has been nominated for “Teammate of the Year” for being a strong wing woman, on the ice and the road.
Coach Arms proof of life photo after completing the full strength route as Dan-yelly’s wing woman
Most of the B Team “stuck together like glue”, according to Pit Stop, who credited Z Wrecks with keeping the group cohesive. Cujo and Midas pulled like the bosses they are.
B Train full steam ahead: Presley, Shaq, Pit Stop, Queenie, Pepe and Loose Screw
Live footage provided by Midas
The A Team was joined by a rainbow of sunshine, G Biv, last seen in July of 2018. He was well tapered and ready to pedal for a pot of gold. Rimshot wasn’t feeling lucky, as he questioned the integrity of his front to tire hold air. Cannibal gave it the squeeze test and certified it Draft Ready.
Octane, Vilks, G Biv, Cannibal, Rimshot, Skipper, Knievel, Keez (Slim on course).
The A Train was led out by the big engines, Vilks and Slim.
Vilks and Slim: full steam ahead for the A Train
Not everyone had a full tank, however. Ironically, Octane ran out of gas despite bringing an entire container of power balls.
Octane’s power balls: too little, too late
The train’s caboose, BrickO, became detached from the train after stopping to offer words of encouragement to Coach Arms and Dan-yelly as they debated turning due to the unanticipated stretch of gravel on Hwy 19. Adhering to the DRAFTER CODE, Keez slowed down the freight train until her aged mother could hitch back up.
Vilks, Rimshot, Slim, Keez, Octane, G Biv, BrickO, Knievel and Cannibal (photo credit to Skipper)Skipper, G Biv, Octane, BrickO and Vilks rolling into Roxbury
Sometime after Roxbury, one train became two. The lead A Team had banked on taking the bike path home, due to road closure on Woodland, and saved no fuel for an alternate route. Rimshot gave every last watt as the train crested the last climb, where the bike path diverts from Woodland. All engines stalled and the train came to an abrupt stop, as it became painfully clear that the track down Woodland was as smooth as a baby’s butt. Freshly paved. No need to divert to the bike path. Vilks road ahead for a clearer view, and deemed Woodland “unsafe- maybe some gravel?” The A Team had cracked. Vilks was overcooked, and nobody else had the power balls to take on the Woodland climb. They pedaled down the bike path of shame.
Vilks makes the call to take the bike path: Cannibal, Slim and Keez turn around as Rimshot gasps for breath
Along that path lies the Missouri Tavern. Rimshot regained enough consciousness to recognize the watering hole. He threw down a 20 to bring the train back to life.
Rimshot, Slim and BrickO refuelRound of waters, please
Seems like the conductor of the other A Train may have left the station with less power, but more grit. Skipper briought G Biv and Knievel home…. not via the bike path.
Knievel and G Biv (photo by Skipper)
Knievel had more than grit to show for his efforts. His Garmin recorded a bump up in his FTP. Race officials are checking his pedal calibration. Blood and urine samples will reveal if the content of the power balls.
DRAFT JULY 15: In a land far far away, there was a climb with a view. And that is our route for next week. The short pour seems to be a popular, so we will stick with two routes. Full strength route, Far Far Farview is ~35 miles. The short pour isn’t so far, far, far at 27 miles. Departure times at 4:45 and 5PM.
29 Drafters busted a move from Crossroads Coffeehouse across the humbling hills of the wild wild western reaches of Dane County. It would be worth opening this video link (typically not live if opened in email on your phone – best to go directly to the blog. Worth it. Promise).
Rimshot busts a move
The B for Biggest Team welcomed the 2024 debut of 4 Drafters (Mario, Pepe, Special K and Loose Screw) and 2 new bikes.
Speedy and Pepe on their new steedsLoose Screw, Duracell, Nemo, McGritty, Presley, Queenie, Mario, Shaq, Spigot, Pepe, Speedy, Pipes, Special K, Footer, Watson and Cookie Monster
In accordance with the Drafter Code, the short pour participants waited for Pit Stop to arrive. Driving her new vehicle, she was unwilling to follow the route to Cross Plains as it included a stretch of recently pea graveled highway. The group patiently waited as Pit Stop made her first pit stop before heading west.
Pit Stop lets it out
There were several more pit stops made by the B Team. Mario, Queenie and Duracell had left plenty early in order to conquer the full strength route, which was fortuitous because Duracell forgot to charge his battery (some Drafter handles are spot on). He lost power shortly after leaving the parking lot and had to gut out riding a single speed for the next 36 miles. The A Team passed him walking up Blue Mounds Trail. To Duracell’s credit, he had enough charge in his quads to grind up all the rest of the climbs except Reeve Road, which is tough with all gears accessible.
Footer, Pipes, Special K, Watson, Loose Screw, Cookie Monster and Pepe make a holy pit stop at Vermont Church
The A Team had its own set of issues. Octane hollered out to the group in desperation, “Anyone got any lube?” Nobody wanted to touch that one. Can you be more specific, Octane?
Skipper, Keez, BrickO, Vilks, Z Wrecks, Knievel, Cannibal, Octane, Rimshot, Car Wash and Hammer
It is hard to describe the beauty of these climbs. 2800 feet over 36 miles are metrics that can be recorded, but pictures are worth a thousand watts. Photo credits to Skipper and Vilks.
Union Valley is the first climb of manyThe second climb takes the Drafters to Vermont ChurchVilks enjoys the descentSkipper and Rimshot on Pleasant Valley
The A Team subdivided after the fourth or fifth climb. Slim and Vilks‘ batteries were fully charged, and Keez, BrickO and Cannibal were happy to suck their wheels. Skipper pulled Knievel the last 6 miles home on KP. “I don’t even think I pedaled” ~Knievel. Speedy got separated from the short pour and ended up on Z Wreck’s wheel. Speedy held on for dear life as her paper map for the short pour was no longer valid.
Slim, leader of the pack
The Drafters are so grateful to the folks at Crossroads Coffeehouse for hosting. Pizza and beer floats were the reward for the hardest ride of the season.
Spigot, Shaq, Pipes, Presley, McGritty, Pit Stop, Loose Screw, Pepe, Watson, Cookie Monster, Footer and Cannibal
Never leaving Duracell behind, this father-son duo celebrated with a chocolate malt, extra waffle.
Queenie and Mario
“Who ordered two cheery chocolate chip cows?”. A surprisingly delectable combination for a beer float.
BrickO and VilksSpeedy celebrates Canada Day!
WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS
The Wisconsin State Journal published this Drafter expo in the Sunday paper about the new cyclotron at UW. Driven by LuLu and Gopher, this cycling team puts out some watts!
Gopher at worksaid LuLu, who “works” in the lab
The full strength (42 miles)and short pour (35 miles) routes for Monday July 8 are Rockin’ to Roxbury, and will be the longest of the season. NOTE: Woodland will likely be closed so TAKE THE BIKE PATH HOME. Missouri Tavern is an optional rest stop. The recon crew will be off for the July 4th holiday, so there is a possibility of other closures. Breunig on the short pour is the real unknown- if anyone has time to bike or drive it, please do! Be prepared to reroute. Departures at 4:45 and 5PM.
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