It was by far the hottest Draft in history (unverified, but agreed upon by the sweet and sweaty 16 Drafters present). If Garmin is accurate, the peak temperature hit 101. If the CORE body temperature sensor is accurate, here’s what was cooking in one Drafter’s oven:

Belle and Bomber thought it was a bit cool up north, so traveled south to enjoy the heat.

The short pour was concerned Pit Stop had gotten lost. 5PM rolled around and she wasn’t on the tarmac or in the bathroom. She was seeking refuge in her car with the AC on, not wanting to spend one extra minute in the sweltering temps.

Grandma Pit Stop wanted to look her Sunday best as her favorite Junior Drafter was cheering her on. Another Junior Drafter in the making.

The heat really got to Shaq. Looking at BrickO’s socks, clearly meant to match the beer theme of her jersey, Shaq remarked, “I love those! Are they artichokes”? Hops and artichokes are easily confused, especially when the temperature inside your helmet is boiling.

The heat blew in a newbie, and it was decided that Mercury Rising would be an appropriate handle given the record setting temps. Proving to have brains and brawn, the newbie turned off the Latham Loop, avoiding several hundred feet of climbing. Mercury Turning? Perhaps Sparky if 5 syllables doesn’t roll easily off the tongue.

Representatives from all 3 groups stopped at Missouri Tavern for refreshments.

A wave of panic spread over the Drafters when local patron Carl took Vilks under is massive arm and yelled a few decibels above normal volume, “Do you know what I think of you cyclists? I think you’re F’in awesome. No way would I be out there in this heat. Especially dressed like this (pointing to Vilks’ Vilas Zoo guns jersey)!”

To the surprise of no one, Vilks bough a round of shots for his new friends Carl, Matt and Vinny. No brown for Vinny, the bar tender warned as she poured him a tequila, “He will eat you.” Understood.

Not a fan of shots or a cold draft? How about something on the rocks? 100 pounds of ice (possible exaggeration, but at least 50) brought in by Speedy filled two kiddie pools.

Bomber chose a more direct approach. This drink went straight to his head.

Belle gasped, “My butt was literally on fire”. Melons are nearly as good as a fire extinguisher, when applied appropriately.

Octane made a prototype for future hot rides to ensure the comfort and safety of others. Or riding behind him in any condition.

WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS:

Congrats to Skipper and Octane on their 12h relay at Wausau24, and to BrickO on her first place finish in the old but nice division on the 6h solo.

Skipper pulled up on his MTB, beer in hand, blood pouring from his shin. The medic declared stitches were required. BrickO went to fetch the car. Just past the portos, waiting in the line for the shower, were the BABES (Bad Ass Bitches Exploring Shit), a group of amazing women BrickO met at Wausau24 two years earlier. BABE 1: “Whatcha doing?” BRICKO: “Ah, ya know, headed to the ER.” BABE 2: “I’m a surgeon. I’ve got all we need to do that here.” SKIPPER: “I’m gonna grab a shower and a beer, then I’m all yours.” Huge shout out to the BABES.

BrickO left a little something on the course, too. Not flesh, but metal. Check your equipment. Yes, Mom.

Congrats to KickA**KK on her book reading and signing at Cap Brew last Thur. Huge thanks to Spigot and non-Drafter Jen for organizing the venue and helping spread the word to LBS, and to Keez, Z, Presley, Queenie, Herbie and Tank (and anyone I missed) for showing up to help sales. KK told a tale (true) of the women riding tricycles in the Little 500 for decades, as they were not yet allowed to compete in the main bicycle race. Women finally got their own official collegiate bicycle race in 1988, and KK was on the team that won!

PHEASANT BRANCH ROAD UPDATE: thanks to everyone who submitted letters to Alderman Mark Opitz district6@cityofmiddleton.us and Public Works Director Benjamin John bjohn@cityofmiddleton.us. Mark attempted to create one email to reach all of the council members, but that hasn’t happened. Here is a link to a list of all, including the mayor, if you would be willing to extend your efforts.

The pothole that claimed Randy’s life has been repaired by the City. The Town of Springfield and the City of Middleton are working on resolution for the remaining treacherous potholes that remain a continued threat.

There is discussion that the Friends Board is encouraging members to oppose the improvement of PBR, instead promoting passage along the High Road corridor. If this is indeed true, I encourage you to voice your opinion. I would ask that you please send an email to Friends of Pheasant Branch President, Hans Hilbert president@pheasantbranch.org and request that your concerns be shared with all of the Board.

The City is hosting two upcoming open houses to share details on the Active Transportation Plan and collect public feedback. These events will be held at:

Northside Elementary School, Wednesday Aug 5th from 6-7PM

Parisi Park, Monday August 10 from 6-7PM

More information, including the draft plan can be viewed on the City Website.

BACK TO DRAFTING:

As we roll into August, we roll back to Crossroads for the third and last ride this summer out of Cross Plains. The bridge on KP is open (or close enough). Short pour is 23 miles at 5PM. Full strength 26.5 miles, departing at 4:45 and 5PM.

RidewithGPS link: Drafters | Beer Float Short Pour

RidewithGPS link : Drafters | Beer Float

Draft responsibly,

BrickO