This time of year, the numbers fall off as quickly as the leaves, a sign that the Draft is nearing the season’s end. Unlike the leaves, the Drafters stay green. The team looked PRO with 5 in new kits and 4 in Quads We Trust kits. The risk of rain was small and didn’t dampen the enthusiasm to visit the Bridge to Nowhere . Hawkeye was a bit reluctant to get his new Cervelo Aspero 5 (code name Twilight) dirty, but the gravel steed was made for these conditions.
Skipper captured the essence of the Draft beautifully.
The sky started to spit at a key point in the route, where a decision had to be made to beeline home on the bike path, or stay the course. It is unclear if the decision to stay the course was unanimous, or simply made by the lead rider. Either way, Rauls Road ahead was the right call.
Things got a little dark on the homestretch, but the Drafters were able to finish the ride mostly dry.
Cold beer, salty nuts and laughs were shared around the kitchen table. A good sign of a successful draft.
WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS:
The Chequamegon MTB Festival was a little wet and a lotta’ fun. The Drafters likely accounted for the the majority of female competitors. With less than 100 women in the Cheq40 field, the Drafters represented >5% of competitors! Congrats to Belle, Bomber, Footer, Spigot, Midas, Squeak and BrickO on committing to the mud fest. Bomber set a PR, Spigot shed 30′ off his fat bike time from last year, and Squeak was 2nd on the podium in her first MTB race! Footer accomplished a base, peak, taper and competitive ride all in 40 miles. Well done, Drafters!
Congrats to Cookie Monster, E$, Momma Monster, Sweeps and the BABES , our MN cohort, for crushing the Short and Smart.
Speedy was on the podium, although not until after the awards ceremony when it was ruled that third place Eric was in the wrong division. The Canadian not be denied her Maple Leaf.
Momma Monster had her own sort of podium. Kudos to Belle for creating and arranging with Lifetime to have this 70th birthday banner on display for all to appreciate.
And most impressive, congrats to the Lil’ Monsters of the Junior Draft Team on their Little Loggers race. Both girls raced with serious grit and big smiles.
A little less further north, congrats to McGritty and Barkly on representing the Draft at the Peninsula Century. And a belated congrats to Barkly on her 70.3 WISCO the week prior!
UPCOMING GRAVEL EVENTS: there is plenty of Drafter fun to be had in the weeks to come!
ONE MORE FOR THE ROAD: Sept 28 will likely be the last dance for the Drafter road season. Wheels up 4:45 to Riley Tavern, 25 mile route.
RidewithGPS Link Drafters | Riley Tavern
With permission from the weather gods, the Dirty Draft will commence the following Monday, Oct 5th and continue through to the Draft Draft season. Meet at BLACKHAWK East Chalet (membership required) at 4:45PM to warm up on the upper loop (Pine, Twist&Shout, Roller Coaster). There will be a final sweep of the parking lot at 5PM and then we will be off! Plan to ride the upper loop (again) and then head down Howling Wolff, over to MBP, and back to BH. Bring beers to enjoy in the chalet or fire pit afterwards. All information will be communicated through the Dirty Draft GroupMe app, no blog posts due to limited staffing.
Draft responsibly,
BrickO
