Mercury was red lining and Garmin alerts blaring, but 18 Drafters were up for the dehydration challenge, including one newbie. 19 if you count Z Wrecks drafting responsibly 4 weeks post-op.

It didn’t take long for our newbie to acquire her Drafter handle. While admiring her beautiful Trek Emonda with a paint color called Unicorn Blood, it became clear that this strong rider is indeed a Unicorn. Dainty and soft spoken, she has magic under the horn. The young bucks and Unicorn had fun in front.

The only thing hotter than the sun is the smile by this quartet.

Remember when you were a kid and played in the sprinkler? This is sort of the adult post-draft in ungodly heat and humidity version of that. Stay cool, Pepe.

WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS:

The Endofondo, an annual event held in New Glarus, was fun had by Hammer, The Colonel, Unicorn Blood, Vilks and BrickO. Definitely a young person’s event, BrickO was the only ARP card holding member. Vilks’ card is in the mail. A huge shout out to the organizers of this event, meant to bridge the gap between Cat 1 and non-category cyclists to enjoy time together in the saddle. Not in the same saddle, obviously. That’s a different kind of fondo.

Tour de Dane Week 4 Standings: It was a huge comeback for Cujo on the Tour! She conquered mountains and beer delivery to take yellow. She and Pit Stop showed excellent sportsmanship, trading jerseys as they completed Stage 5: Gravel Grinder, congratulating one another with pizza and beer at Riley Tavern.

Pit Stop found a vintage Voler Drafter jersey on Monday to take the yellow jersey back at the start of week 5! She also painted her finger and toe nails green to show team spirit. Surely there are bonus points for that?

Shaq is also on track to complete the Tour de France, climbing Alp d’ Blue and delivering beer (two very important skills to be a competent Drafter).

Thing 1 is right on Target, completing the pre-stage, running errands while Aug Dog is home busy smiling. Disclaimer: the photos below are not occurring at the same time.

Hammer Time has been in green for 4 weeks straight, and the polka dot is currently worn by Cujo. Perhaps the most surprising twist in the Tour has been the outcome of Stage 7: Capital Off Road Pathfinders. After completing the mountain stage on her gravel bike, Sandlot declared it new bike day!

With 5 days left in the tour, it will be exciting to see who else comes forward to swap jerseys.

BAREFOOT NATIONALS: We have a winner! Congrats to Footer on a silver sweep for Tricks (more details, please), Slalom and Overall.

NO RIDE LABOR DAY. The next Draft will be Monday, September 9th. As the days grow shorter, so will the routes. Hopefully, we can draft through September and possibly into early October. There is a full strength 31 mile route and a very short short pour (including bike path) 21 mile route. Departure times 4:45 and 5PM from Middleton Hills. SUGGESTION: short pour might consider leaving at 5PM since this route is only 21 miles. Those full strength riders wanting more time to complete the course depart at 4:45PM. That will bring most riders home around the same time. Discuss amongst yourselves.

RidewithGPS Drafters | Latham Loop

RidewithGPS Drafters | Northbound Shortpour

Draft responsibly,

BrickO