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