From 90 degrees and humid to arm warmers. August is full of surprises. 19 Drafters made their wardrobe selections and headed north towards Crystal Lake. Welcome back, Octane! He broke is wing 6 weeks ago. It is good to have him back in flight.

Gopher saw his shadow and decided to go back home. Vilks had some subtle thoughts to point out.

The northerly winds blew Skipper into prime photography position as the flock flew out Pheasant Branch Rd.

As expected, the climb up Woodland broke up the band. Vilks, Rimshot and the Iowegian Aviators, Gopher and Hawkeye, did the lion’s share of the work for the male division. Hammer Time was tasked with keeping BrickO in tow. Skipper hung in there, dutifully capturing the carnage.

The white caps (more like green caps) on Crystal Lake confirmed the ferociousness of the northerly wind.

Birds take flight: Goose and Hawkeye with a great blue heron off to the right (not pictured) in echelon formation, withHammer Time and Rimshot in flight formation. Vilks migrated to the back to capture the migratory pattern.

The flock turned onto Mussen Rd and finally got a tail wind to ruffle their feathers.

One particular bird really stood out. A rare bread, this Parfait is to be celebrated.

Cujo and Skipper discussed a “hybird” (hybrid bird) with Skipper’s calves and Cujo’s quads. That might put Goose off the podium for most exquisite bird.

WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS:

Congrats to Keez on finishing Gravel Worlds, her first gravel race with the Pros!

Keez wasn’t the only one to hike a bike over the weekend. Shaq conquered her longest gravel race yet at CoonFork40, opting to walk the sandy sections. What better time to eat a waffle with sand between your toes? Smart fueling strategy. Congrats to Spigot and JRad for also completing the CoonFork40.

To the north, more dirty drafter action. Congrats to Momma Monster on the Pre-Fat!

Sweeps understand the importance of having her Junior Drafter get an early start to follow in the pedal strokes of these fierce women.

The highlight reel from the previous week was missed due to a rainout. Here’s a recap:

Spigot let it flow at Race the Lake.

Air Bourne lived up to his name.

Almost as exciting as clearing that gap is the arrival of his Drafter jersey!

Tour de Dane Femmes Standings:

What a week in women’s racing! With only 5 days left in the tour, there are still points to be won. Cujo once again racked up the highest grand total of 243 miles, with Keez enduring the longest single day on a bike with 151. BrickO achieved the greatest elevation challenge, living up to the motto, “when in doubt, climb”. But what about POINTS??

Hammer Time is in the polka dot jersey, with epic Alp d’ Blue and horribly hilly hundreds stages.

Speedy held the TT record up Stagecoach early in the week, thanks to a jolt of caffeine, but Cujo stole green later that day. But showing her spirit wasn’t broken, Speedy and her Junior Drafter crushed Stage 6 and two ice cream cones.

Cujo has been frothing at the mouth to earn the yellow jersey. As this point, it will be hard to accumulate more miles without a motor.

Shaq continues to look pretty in pink, although dutifully wearing green.

Strong work, Femmes. Let’s wrap it up! ALL 8 stages need to be completed in order to be in the running for a points jersey. Should one person hold more than one jersey, the Femme next in line shall be crowned. Be sure to turn in your data sheets by Sept 1. GO GET IT!!!

IMPORTANT UPDATES

** NO DRAFT NEXT MONDAY DUE TO LABOR DAY HOLIDAY

** FINAL DRAFT & PARTY SUNDAY SEPT 28 IN RIDGEWAY. Please note, pending weather that weekend, back up date Sunday October 12.

**NEXT DRAFT SEPT 8th LEAVES FROM CROSSROADS COFFEEHOUSE at 4:45. Please text pizza orders by NOON on Monday. Cheese, pepperoni, delux or veggie.

Full strength 34 mile and short pour 24 mile options.

RidewithGPS Drafters| Crossroads Coffeehouse Short Pour

RidewithGPS Drafters | Crossroads Coffeehouse

Draft responsibly,

BrickO