All posts by sbrickson

June 1 Bourbon Brawl

The Rocky Mountains are far from Wisco, but we have Black Hill (aka Black Widow) to give us that high, and a song by John Denver that speaks to it. Sort of.

And the Black Widow Hill Drafter Monday high
I’ve seen it rainin’ fire in the sky
I know he’d be a poorer man if he never caught a wheel and fly
Black Widow high

13 Drafters set out to be the widowers of Black Hill, not the widowed. A bold Newbie move picking this route to make his debut. Welcome, Denver! Thanks to Gopher and Badger for hosting the Draft.

Presley, Pit Stop, Queenie, Shaq and Barkley

A member of the junior Draft was able to hang with the A Team. At least until the curb. Strong work!

Hawkeye, Denver, Rimshot, Skipper, Cujo, Octane, Twinkle Toes and a junior Drafter

Team photographer, Skipper, sacrificed his position in the lead group to capture the threesome breaking away on Black Hill.

Hawkeye, Rimshot and Cujo charge up Black Hill

WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS: BrickO and Z went off to play bikes in Portugal. Originally slated for May of 2025, this trip was cancelled 14 months ago due to Z’s bike crash. The physical strength to overcome the injuries, and the resolve to bike without fear are commendable and inspirational. Way to go, Z. We are so proud of you.

6 days from Porto to Lisbon
Congrats on your comeback tour, Z!

Anyone looking for a highly organized outfit to provide an unparalleled cycling experience should check out Will Levy at Two Wheel Tours. Will and his team of transporters, massage therapists and mechanics provide top notch support for events like Ride Across Portugal Cycling Challenges or Haute Route Alps, or can craft a private tour in the Dolomites, Slovenia or just about anywhere on the globe where there is land to ride. Bonus: TWT’s team color is green, so you are already well equipped.

Will Levy (green, second from left) and the Two Wheel Tours group at RAP

BrickO’s beloved green machine, Hopper, is getting on in years. One of the TWT riders compared her to a flip phone (the Colnago, not the rider). BrickO isn’t sure if she’s ready for an iPhone, but Pedro and Antonio might have a strong opinion after spending many, many hours keeping her ready for battle. Her old bones didn’t take kindly to the cobbles (this reference is to BrickO AND Hopper).

Pedro spent half of a day getting Hopper road ready
Antonio patiently diagnosing and fixing a recurrent rear flat

Next Monday is Memorial Day, so there will be no Draft on May 25. Moving into summer, the Drafters will enjoy the hospitality of Crossroads Coffeehouse/ Creekside Scoop in Cross Plains the FIRST MONDAY of June, July and August. Note: pizza is no longer available, but ice cream and beer floats are still on the menu.

The roll out format will stay the same: B Team 4:45, short pour and A Team 5PM. Please park behind Crossroads Coffeehouse/ Creekside Scoop or along Bourbon Road if the lot is full. Roll out will be from the parking lot. Full strength is 32 miles, short pour 26 miles.

Link: RidewithGPS Drafters | Bourbon Short Pour

Link: RidewithGPS Drafters | Bourbon Brawl

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Gopher’s Great Adventure

It was Ground Hog Day for Drafters riding out of Fitchburg. Thanks to Vilks for hosting round two in the same season. His sacred Strava rides are no longer a secret. 14 Drafters enlisted in the fun.

Dan-yelly, Coach Arms & Sweeps
Hawkeye, Barkley, Rimshot, Goose, Twinkle Toes, Keez, Pepe, Octane, Spigot and Vilks (photo credit, Skipper)

Our Flat Tire club has expanded to include a Broken Chain chapter. The first member was initiated Monday night. Congrats to Rimshot on his induction. May he be alone, forever, in this unfortunate chapter. Shout out to Chief for leaving her Verona Area Community Theater meeting to rescue Rimshot. Apologies to all the budding actors and actresses for stealing the show.

Skipper suggested Rimshot take the Cock and Buggy home.

No drafter was left behind, and no cocks were harmed in this ride.

Octane, Vilks, Keez, Twinkle Toes, Spigot and Goose

When in doubt, climb. That part is clear. Drafting responsibly after a John Deere tractor is questionable.

Goose, Vilks and Keez climb after John Deere
Goose and Hawkeye having a moment, Keez, Octane Spigot, Twinkle Toes (photo credits to Skipper)

WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS: Congrats to Spigot on his Hungry Bear Gravel Hundo!

We go from Ground Hog Day to Gopher’s Great Adventure next Monday. Same schedule: B team 4:45, A Team and Short Pour 5PM. Route will appear on Group Me. Meet in Middleton Hills, a block north of the usual location.

REMINDER: No Draft on Memorial Day, May 25. The first Monday of June, July and August will be hosted by Crossroads Coffeehouse / Creekside Scoop in Cross Plains. There will be LIMITED staff and no pizza. Please be patient and gratuitous when ordering ice cream and beer floats.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Fitchburg Classic

Given the cancellation last week for rain that never came, it was a relief to have the radar unequivocally clear. For the first time in a long time, the forecast was 100% sunshine and temperatures perfect for drafting. The winds did not play nice, swirling and switching direction to seemingly never be a tail. Nothing is perfect. The night was darn close.

22 Drafters came out to play. There were three teams to choose from, but Ruby couldn’t decide which one was just right so made her own team.

Full Strength B Team: Knievel, Z, Car Wash, Queenie, Von Diesel, Cujo and Spigot (and Ruby to follow)

The short pour turned into a shot for two riders. Shaq and Barkley decided to go big and go home. Welcome to the FLAT TIRE club!

Short Pour: Speedy, Pepe, Coach Arms, Shaq, Barkley, Presley, and Watson
Shaq’s big flat
Barkley drafted to the flat tire team with Shaq

The full strength A team welcomed Tank to his first Drafter ride. A well accomplished Dirty Drafter and Drift Drafter, and Tank earned his stripes on the road.

Herbie, Tank, Keez, Octane, Rimshot and Twinkle Toes

Octane was the only one with gas, and happily pulled the rest of the A team to Riley Tavern. He even picked up a stray rider on Old Sauk Rd, who was overjoyed to have a free ride. The group also picked up Ruby, who was stranded between groups, battling the wind without draft protection. “What are you doing out here alone?”, BrickO inquired. “Waiting for you”, Ruby replied. Duh.

Rimshot whined his way out of climbing Blackhawk, directing the group to a short cut. Octane looked at Rimshot’s jersey and read, “When in Doubt, CLIMB!”, and backtracked to make up the missed elevation. In his second good Samaritan act of the night, Octane picked up Twinkle Toes, who had not taken the short cut and was surprised to see his teammate back tracking to the bottom of Blackhawk Rd. Octane received the “Leave no drafter behind” metal of valor, even though he was totally unaware of his selfless act.

During the procession through Green Way Station, the A Team came upon Queenie waiting patiently for a green light that never came. Pro move by Herbie to hit the crosswalk button. This is the sort of wisdom that only comes on the eve of a BIRTHDAY!!!!! Had the group not come upon him, Queenie may still be at the intersection drumming his fingers. Next drafter discovered in the land of the lost was Watson. Following the Garmin is apparently not elementary. With every drafter accounted for, Cujo provided fuel in the form of delicious brownies back at base camp.

WEEKEND x 2 HIGHLIGHTS: Congrats to the fleet of Drafters who completed the Escape the Badger gravel event at the Badger Army Ammunition Plant on April 25. Who knew Badger colors included so much green? Shout out to Tank for providing hospitality and a route from his house to the event.

Spigot, Sweeps and Pit Stop
Sweeps, Pit Stop and Grit
Presley and PIt Stop (with unknown Mick Jagger fan)
Tank and Spigot

Congrats to all the Drafters who poked The Bear 100 last Saturday. In her first gravel race debut, Sweeps took 4th in her age group! Comet proved he is more than just a 2 x Funtathalon champion.

Comet orbiting the single track
BrickO playing bikes on her monster truck tires

Good luck to all those grinding gravel at the Hungry Bear this coming Sat!

CHAOS. IN A GOOD WAY. PLEASE NOTE:

WE HAVE GUEST HOSTS FOR THE NEXT TWO DRAFTS. Huge thanks to Vilks and Gopher for hosting the drafts on May 11 and 18, respectively. Please check GroupMe for route information. Expect a departure from Fitchburg on May 11, and Middleton Hills on May 18 (just one block further north on Glacier Ridge Rd) at 5PM. That rolls the calendar to May 25, with no Draft on Memorial Day weekend. Next blog post will be in June!

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Backdoor Full Strength & Short Pour

23 Drafters battled the southerly wind, which curiously did not carry warmth. Squeak took precautions with her polar jacket. “I may be over dressed?”, she said, sheepishly. The wind blew in two newbies, bringing the roster to 202 Drafters!!!! The wind apparently also blew Lost Boy off course. There was a brief sighting near Dane, before he got lost again.

Z, Knievel, Pit Stop, Queenie, von Diesel, Squeak, Sweeps, Shaq, Barkley, Watson & Cujo

Big Girl Shaq brought a friend who can really play ball. Barkley has been officially drafted. Expect big things from this not so very big newbie.

Barkley and BrickO

The A Team was well represented. Octane was on time, Booker J stayed the course, and the Myrland crowd was in full force with Air Bourne, von Diesel and Supe.

Keez, Skipper, Rimshot, Vilks, Car Wash, Octane, Booker J, Air Bourne, von Diesel and Supe (Duracell on course)

Vilks promised to lead out below 400W and shared his secret fuel with all of the Drafters: caramel and jalapeño popcorn. Sounds awful but actually is quite tasty. And effective.

The choice: get better or stay the same. Two “senior” drafters took that challenge (even before eating caramel and jalapeño popcorn). Dang. Smokin’. Need a boost? See opportunity below.

Newbie Supe was feeling strong and happy to take some pulls on on the way out. Into the head wind home, he realized Superman had lost his cape in the wind. With Keez and Vilks trading pulls, he marveled, “They are frickin’ Energizer bunnies.” Caramel and jalapeño popcorn on tap for next week.

Drafters powering up Schumacher Rd in Vienna (WISCO, not Austria)

Flying Burrito and Speedy set their own records for most food comments per mile. Typical teenage boy – he noticed the size of Keez’s burrito and headed straight to Lupe’s.

Flying Burrito and Speedy

WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS:

Congrats to all the Drafters who got dusty at the Dairy Roubaix. Spigot conquered the formidable 111 miles of Driftless gravel. Tornadoes in the Viroqua area on Friday night caused Cujo, Tank and Herbie to do their own version of the Dairy Roubaix, while Grit and Vilks slept in. Separately.

Z and BrickO explored the Monterey Aquarium and played bikes at the Sea Otter Classic. It is a pretty cool experience to start and finish on a race track (for cars, not bikes).

Z and BrickO on the Laguna Seca Raceway

Looking to get stronger on the bike but not into caramel and jalapeño popcorn? Check out this Virtual Strength Training Program. There is a crew of Drafters who have been training with Corey at Digman Fitness over the past two years and will attest to his methods and results.

Click this link for more info

Looking go go GREEN? The Hincapie Drafter store is open through April 26th midnight. Road options include Axis club cut or Velocity race cut. Shorts and bibs come in two inseam lengths. The Endurance Bibs have a side pocket for your cigarettes and gels. Long sleeve jerseys include light weight, great for spring and fall, and polar, for you Drift Draft fat bikers. Vests and polar jackets (Squeak wore hers last night, so clearly not only for winter). You pay direct, and shipping is direct to you (signature required as package coming from Columbia). ETA 5 weeks.

PLEASE NOTE DEPARTURE SCHEDULE FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SEASON:

Full strength B team departs 4:45PM.

Full strength A team departs 5PM.

Short Pour departs 5PM. Please abide, Dudes. We’ve tried two departure times for the short pour in past years, and it has been met with confusion and folks getting mixed into the wrong distance. 5PM ONLY for short pour. Thanks.

Full strength route just over 30 miles, short pour 25 miles.

RidewithGPS Link: Drafters | Backdoor Riley

RidewithGPS Link: Drafters | Backdoor Riley Short Pour

Looking for the PDF map? You are welcome to print one from the link above.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

100 miles (too soon?)

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.

Shaq, Watson, Queenie, Pepe & Speedy

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

Keez, Vilks, Hawkeye, Booker J & Rimshot

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

What time is it, Octane?

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.

Rough Road Podium. Keez testing her metal (3rd place)

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.

Captain, Tennnille, Footer and the Legend in Montana
Skipper in his element
Slim enjoying a different element

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

Pining for Good Weather

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”.

Vilks, Speedy, Skipper, GQ, Rimshot, Pit Stop, Pepe, Clyde, Cujo and Watson

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.

Skipper and his entourage head out on the bike path
Vilks is King of the Mountain. Or at least of Observatory.

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.

Saguaros, rattle snakes and gila monsters, oh my.

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.

Gopher and Jr Drafter, Keez, Enron, Doc, Speedy, Skipper, Lost Boy, Vilks, Hawkeye, Sandals, Spigot, Z, Twinkle Toes, Car Wash, Rimshot, Pit Stop, Clyde, Watson, Duracell, Presley & Cujo

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.

Nemo and Mary Poppins, practically perfect in every way.

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

Drafting Responsibly

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

Rimshot drafts a BD beer while Hawkeye’s kiddos play ball with team mascot, Lozi

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.

3 Stooges: Twinkle Toes, Vilks and Skipper

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.

Former and current UW Badger coaches celebrate: Speedy and Arms

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Change in Venue

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

Stop, Hammer Time.

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

Z, Speedy, Skipper, Keez, Ruby, Hammer Time, Octane, Twinkle Toes, Rimshot, Sandals, Car Wash, Duracell, Knievel, The Fockers, Gov and Magellan, GQ, & Loose Screw

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.

Gopher forget his bike, but his JR drafter is ready to roll.

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!

Skipper, Slim, Midas, BrickO, Speedy, Kitt, Footer and Spigot
BrickO, Bear, Speedy, Sweeps, Watson, Footer, Skipper, Griz and Hammer Time
BrickO, Rimshot, Octane, Keez and Slim

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?

Logos by Skipper
Don’t be a Grinch. The snow is delightful!
BrickO, Z, Vilks, Herbie, Tank, Slim, Slimmer
Vilks and Herbie lay down tracks
BrickO, Herbie, Octane, Slim and Vilks
Slimmer finds no problem gaining traction on the snow.
Beyond the Drift Draft, Speedy made snow angels on Lake Mendota

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

Spring Ahead: Easing into the 14th Drafter Season

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.

A successful Barnebirkie Ski Tour
And onto cycling season

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

Momma Monster representing the Draft at Cheq40

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

Hammer Time and The Colonel are headed to San Francisco

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

Drafter Finale

There is nothing quite like the Driftless to leave you breathless. Between the gorgeous views and relentless climbs, you are bound to be out of breath.

Sunday was an epic day for a finale. 17 Drafters ventured out to Ridgeway to climb some of Iowa County’s finest hills. Never too late to enlist… welcome to the Draft, Tank. He can motor on the flats and descends like a beast, but ask him how he feels about climbing. Tank wasn’t sure he wanted to enlist after learning the Drafter motto….

Vilks, Colonel, Hammer, McGritty, GQ, Car Wash, Knievel, Z, Keez, Herbie, Tank and Hawkeye

When in doubt, climb. And we did, no doubt. 45 miles with over 3500′ of elevation on roads with names like North Clay Hill, Far Look Road, Hill Side School Road, High Point Road, Coon Rock Road, Amacher Hollow, Blue Ridge Road, Ridgevue Road. You get the idea.

Tank settling in on the climb up Wyoming
Vilks pulls Knievel and Z through Talliesin
When in doubt… climb it
Miles and miles of climbs

The most scenic, perhaps, is the historic 1850 Hyde Mill on Mill Creek Road.

Keez, BrickO, GQ and Car Wash

Thank you to Speedy and Skipper for the brilliant design and team t-shirts. The topography of the rides are shown on the front in 50 shades of green, with the names (in order, no less) of every ride this season on the back.

Skipper, Car Wash, Hawkeye, Colonel, Hammer, Z, BrickO, Knievel, Herbie, Tank, Speedy, Vilks, Keez and Lozi

There is much to be thankful for this drafting season. We welcomed 8 newbies: Sherlock, Ruby, Sweeps, Air Bourne, GQ, Maverick, Goose and Tank. 60 Drafters enlisted this season, with an average of 18 and max of 27 drafting responsibly on Monday nights. 25 rides in total, starting on March 23.

The first ride, as many will recall, involved a horrific crash involving 3 Drafters. It was a devastating event that we all wish could be undone. Since none of us have a time turner, we can be grateful for the strong community that supported Z, Hawkeye and Twinkle Toes through their recoveries. Their return to the Draft is the gift we treasure most, though the t-shirts are pretty darn cool.

The Drafters covered 789.25 miles. Shout out to those with 10 or more Drafts: Hammer Time, Twinkle Toes, Ruby, Spigot, Cujo, Queenie, Skipper, Presley, Hawkeye and Duracell.

8 Drafters were 15+ repeat offenders were awarded swag to cover their car seats, cause with that much riding, one can only imagine the smell emanating from their vehicles on Monday night. Shout out to John and SweatVac for making those possible.

For those dirty rides

Congrats to BrickO, Shaq, Speedy, Rimshot, Knievel, Vilks, Keez and Z. On the podium according to volume: Keez, Z and Vilks!

Shaq missed the podium, but did not miss the bourbon bike tour in KY this weekend. Sporting her Tour de Dane Femmes jersey, she did the Drafters proud.

Shaq’s sampling tour
Draft responsibly

THANK YOU ALL FOR A WONDERFUL 2025 SEASON! Hope to see you all in the spring (or maybe next Monday. Stay tuned).

Draft responsibly,

BrickO