Week in review: Sweet Vilker Ride, good times never seemed so good. So good. So good. Ten Drafters, including one newbie experienced the wonder of the “The Vilk’s Loop Y’all are Tired of Seeing on Strava”.

The change in venue was not the only unorthodox thing about this draft. For the first time since conception of the group in 2013, a newbie selected their own handle! Clyde, likely short for Clydesdale, sponsored by Pit Stop, made his debut. Expect big things from this Drafter.

Huge thanks to Vilks for hosting while BrickO and Z were heat acclimating in AZ during record high temps. 100 never felt so good. So good. So good. Hammer Time, a native of AZ, was quick to point out that its a dry heat. So it only felt like 101 instead of 110.

Looks like they brought some warm weather back home for the Draft. A beautiful southerly breeze blew in the faces of the Drafters as they headed toward Riley Tavern. There was some talk of stopping to celebrate Rimshot’s birthday, but fortunately for all, the tavern was closed.

23 Drafters came out to play, including newbie newlyweds in curious jerseys (Enron and ducks) that invariably led to their Drafter handles. No one would ever suspect Enron (or Enrob) to pose a threat of drafter dominance as he drafts comfortably with the group. Beware: if you invest in his pace line, there is a huge risk he can pull away and leave you high and dry. His bride is no slouch on the bike either. Don’t let the ducky jersey fool you. Dr. Hewey is no quack.

Octane was late to the start, but turned on the gas to catch up. Nemo joined the Draft on Blackhawk Rd. Even with helmet hair she could be on the cover of Vogue.

There was a Puma sighting on Timber Lane. Let’s hope the big cat joins us soon. Great to see you out there!

Rimshot was granted leniency in taking a short cut to and from Riley Tavern. We support him aging responsibly. Happy Birthday!

The ground is soft, but beware of deer and rabbit droppings. Feel free to bring a lawn chair. Or sit on the hot tub. Whatever works.

From a southerly breeze to an arctic blast, the forecast for next week is looking dubious. We will remain hopeful as we pine for good weather. The 29 mile route will leave you Pining For More. Wheels up 5PM.

RidewithGPS link: Drafters | Pining For More

Feeling green? Looking to spice up your Drafter wardrobe?

The Hincapie Drafter store will be opening shortly. PLEASE, pretty please, figure out your sizes and shapes this week. We have Drafters from XS to XXL who can help you decide where you fall on the spectrum. There are two cuts/styles: Velocity (tighter fit, although not their top of the line race fit) and Axis (looser, club cut). Road shorts and bibs come in two inseam lengths. There will also be long sleeve and polar jerseys (great for winter), vests, arm warmers, bibs from their gravel line (side pocket), and MTB jerseys. Ask if you need help navigating the store.

CONGRATULATIONS to Coach Arms and the UW Women’s Badger Hockey Team on their 9th NCAA Championship. So good. So good.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

The foot of snow that fell last week thwarted our plan to Draft Monday night to the Riley Tavern. We will save Riley for March 30, and enjoy of change of venue for tomorrow.

Anyone on Strava has likely seen this 27 mile route, “The Vilk’s Loop Y’all are tired of seeing on Strava”. Monday night is your chance to ride it. The theme song was kindly and unknowingly provided by Neil Diamond.

Where it began
I can’t begin to know when
But then I know it’s growin’ strong
Was in the spring
And spring became the summer
Who’d have believe you’d come along?

Quads
Smokin’ quads
Pedalin’ out
Pulling me, pullin’ you

Sweet Vilker-ride
Good times never seemed so good
I’ve been inclined
To believe they never would

But now I look at Monday night
And it don’t seem so lonely
We fill it up with a drafter or two
And when I hurt
Hurtin’ runs off my big quads
How can I hurt when pullin’ you?

RidewithGPS link: The Vilk’s Loop Y’all are tires of seeing on Strava

He will post a short pour as well on GroupMe.

Deparutre 5PM, Monday March 23. Location will be near Dawley Conservancy Bike Hub in Fitchburg, exact location to be shared in GroupMe.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

M.C. Hammer’s tribute to Hammer Time’s last Draft.

My, my, my, my Draftin’ hits me so hard
Makes me say, “Oh, my Lord
Thank you for blessin’ me with a mind to climb and two hype feet”
It feels good, when you rollin’ down
A super dope Drafter headed to San Fran town
And I’m known as such
And this is a beat, uh, you can’t touch

I told you, homeboy (You can’t touch this)
Yeah, that’s how we draftin’ and ya know (You can’t touch this)
Look at my quads, man (You can’t touch this)
Yo, let me bust the funky lyrics (You can’t touch this)

That’s word because you know (You can’t touch this)
You can’t touch this
Break it down

[Post-Chorus]
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh—
Stop, Hammer Time

18 Drafters, including two newbies were ready for Easy Street. Meet the Fockers, Gov and Magellan. You can give the Fockers a map and GPS coordinates, but that doesn’t guarantee they will follow them. The Gov was distracted by the par 3 near Wipperfurth Rd and stopped for a round before rounding the corner. Springfield Corners, that is. Not on the map. Magellan also decided to explore new territory, staking out her own set of misdirections. Both landed safely back before moon rise.

To be fair, Duracell and Speedy also took a slight detour, choosing to climb Woodland on the way home in order to add on an extra 5 miles. Over achievers.

One member of the junior team was were wheely ready to get the season rolling. We are expecting big things from the younglings this season.

Octane sent out a spring check list, which proved very helpful. Both Twinkle Toes and Sandals remembered their shoes.

The draft out of Middleton Hills was provided by the Meat Wagon, Twinkle Toes and Skipper. Thighs and calves, respectively, left little gap for wind. Skipper might need a slimmer water bottle for clearance.

Eventually, Hammer Time and Keez took charge. It was only fitting Hammer Time claim several PRs and dominate the final climb up Pheasant Branch, given this is her only draft of 2026.

Running 50mm tires on a gravel bike didn’t seem to slow Keez down one bit. At the other end of the aerodynamic spectrum, Ruby showed up with some fancy new dish wheels. We expect big things from her this season, beyond her bedazzled beer bong.

Slim and Lozi had a post-draft blazing fire waiting. Speedy brought Girl Scout cookies and Loose Screw a case of Pseudo Sue to share. Our team dietician offered no comment on the post-ride fuel selections. There will be no food shaming this season. Pretty much a Michelin star resort.

The weather looks not so great for next Monday. Check GroupMe for updates. Don’t put your fat bikes away yet- we might reinstate the Drift Draft, which was a wild success this winter, along with the Dirty Draft. There was no lag time between seasons, which was a first in our 14 year history.

Dirty Draft Recap: 8 MTB rides over the months of Oct and November, with peak Drafter numbers reaching lucky 13!

As dirt gave way to snow, the Dirty Draft gave way to the Drift Draft. Fresh snow with a fresh logo, compliments of Skipper. This hardy crew of 7 rode December through February, right up until our first road Draft in March! And maybe back to the Drift Draft next Monday?

Up next on tap, once the snow melts, is Riley Tavern. NEW DEPARTURE TIME 5PM. A mere 25.1 miles so no short pour option.

RidewithGPS Link: Drafters | Riley Tavern

Feeling a little green? The new Hincapie jersey design is underway. The team store should be up before the snow melts. If you need help with sizes, please holler. It is possible to order sizing kits before the store opens, so you are sure to look suave.

GO BADGERS! Be sure to cheer on Coach Arms and the Badgers this Saturday at 1PM as they enter the NCAA National Collegiate women’s ice hockey tournament.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Song by the Beatles 1969, modified for the Drafters 2026

Here comes the sun, doo-doo-doo
Here comes the fun
And I say, “It’s Drafter night”

Little drafter
It’s been a long, cold, lonely winter
Little drafter
It feels like years since we’ve drunk beer

Here comes the sun, doo-doo-do
Here comes the fun
And I say, “It’s Drafter night”

Little drafter
The smile’s returning to the faces
Little drafter
It seems like years since you’ve biked here

Here comes the sun
Here comes the fun
And I say, “It’s Drafter night”

The rain on Friday did wonders to clean up the roads. The clocks spring ahead on Sunday to give more daylight, and the forecast for Monday is 65 degrees. These are three good reasons to kick off the 14th season of the Draft. There are so many more. Here are just a few.

Coach Arms and the UW Women’s Hockey Team are fire on ice.

The junior Drafters have wrapped up ski season and have declared it time to play bikes.

While the Drafters are busy recruiting juniors, Chequamegon is heavily recruiting women. What better poster “child” for women’s cycling than Momma Monster?!

The Colonel and Hammer Time are recruiting Drafters for their west coast chapter. They will be missed.

Quick review of the drafting procedure:

Please exercise extreme caution, always, but particularly on these first few rides as we get our sea legs and evaluate road conditions.

1. Draft responsibly, ride at your own risk. There are inherent risks to riding a bike. Understand those risks, minimize them at all times. Helmet and lights are non-negotiable. Follow the rules of the road. Do not cross the center line. Do not ride more than 2 riders side by side.
2. Draft responsibly, leave no drafter behind. These are NOT no-drop rides, but it is important for general safety that the Lantern Rouge has company. Every rider should have a map or GPS to know where they are going.
3. Share in the common goal of all fellow Drafters: to seek joy in riding your bicycle. Strava segments and percent FTP can be your goals, but do not let them compromise the fun for the entire group. You are a steward of this beautiful sport. Conduct yourself accordingly, encouraging riders of all levels, above and beneath your own.

Wheels up Monday March 9 at 4:30PM from Middleton Hills. Sunset is at 6:57PM. The Easy St route is 23.7 miles. We may move start time to 5PM later in the summer when days are longer. Not feeling fit enough to ride with a group? Guaranteed you are in the majority. Don’t wait until mid-summer to dive in. Come as you are, and phone a friend!

The patio furniture isn’t set up yet, but you are welcome to bring a beer or NA beverage and hang out afterwards! Check GroupMe for updates and cancellations.

RidewithGPS link: Drafters | Easy Street

Draft responsibly,

BrickO