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

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.

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.

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.

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.

When light turns to dark…

Let the Iowa Cyclone vs Hawkeye rivalry begin. Keez conjured up a store to welcome Hawkeye home.

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).

Blurple and Rimshot decided once they were wet, why not stay and wet their whistle?

The crew responsibly moved the back patio, where the optics for drinking were a bit better, or at least out of sight.

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!

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), the Hincapie Team Store will be open until Aug 7 at midnight.

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.

RidewithGPS link Drafters | Crossroads Coffeehouse Short Pour

RidewithGPS link Drafters | Crossroads Coffeehouse

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.

STAGE 6: Viva la Cycling Clubs.  Stage to support local bike clubs. Find a local bike club and show your support by joining them: 5 points for Drafting responsibly on a Mon in August with BrickO’s Drafters (2 extra points if you wear the original Voler drafter jersey!) and 5 points for riding with any other club including but not limited to Slow Roll Tue Night Rides, Stonefield Wheelmen, Bombay Bicycle Club, Madison Women’s Cycling Club, Wednesday Night Bike Rides, Femme 40 Racing, Brazen Dropouts, and Capital Brewery Bike Club. The more cycling clubs in the community, the more opportunities for people to cycle! Title your Strava post so that it is easily recognized, “Stage 6 Viva la _____ (name of bike club)”. Total Points: 10 (2 bonus)

Draft responsibly,

BrickO