The threat of storms kept numbers low. Those dirty dozen trusting of the radar were rewarded with a different kind of wet. It’s not the heat, it’s the stupidity. Shaq, fully acclimated from her recent trip to Patagonia, was sporting her signature mismatched Drafter kit. It is hard to say if this is a fashion statement or indifference. Love her either way.

On the topic of matching kits…. still hoping to have the fabulous 2026 design available through the Hincapie Drafter store in the next day or two. Once the link is live, you will have two weeks to place an order, which is delivered directly to you and requires a signature (unless you give permission on the FedEx website). Thanks to Skipper for his labor of love.

Welcome back, BOOKER J. It’s been 13 months since your last draft. It is so good to have you in da’ house.

Wait… is that a Drafter pulling in after 5PM???

Theme song for the week “Turn the Page” by THE Bob Seger.

On a long and lonesome highway, west of Middleton
You can listen to Vilk’s engine moanin’ out his one note song
You can think about the climbi’ or the beer you drank the night before
But your thoughts will soon be wanderin’ the way they always do
When you’re ridin’ twenty nine miles and there’s nothin’ more to do
And you don’t feel much like climbin’, you just wish the trip was through

Here I am
On the road again
There I am
On the front
Here I go
Playin’ star again
There I go
Turn the page (or pedal)

The Silver Bullet is Bob Seger’s band and the speed of the paceline down Schneider Rd. Somebody needs to check the fuel mixture in Vilks’ tank. He’s defying the principles of aging. Gratefully, Keez had just come off of Rough Road 100 and was jonesing for a bit more chill pace. She reeled him back in as the rest of us pretended not to be gasping for air. There’s a good chance Booker J took an alternative route home after the silver bullet down Schneider. Octane circled back to be sure no drafter was left behind. Gracias. It is unclear if this was penance for his tardy sin or just good guy behavior. Either way, we love him.

There were good reasons, beyond the threat of rain, for a smaller crowd. A herd of of Drafters were out west. There was a Footer sighting in Montana, and Slim and Skipper were testing their mettle in Utah.

The route for next week is 30 miles, the upper limit before add a short pour. Departure times: B team at 4:45, A team 5PM.

CANINE ALERT: a few weeks back, the farm at the end of 100 mile road had a puppy in training. My hope is that the dog will be better trained or contained or both. If you are fearful of dogs (no reason to believe it was going to take my leg off, but I wasn’t waiting around to find out), don’t be the slowest ridder. Or, take a RIGHT onto Hahn Rd as you leave Dane (Hyslop turns into DM- Hahn is before the pond and climb) and follow the rest of the map.

RidewithGPS Link: Drafters | 100 Mile to Easy Street

Draft responsibly,

BrickO