Mother Nature may not be giving us much in the way of sunshine, but the Drafters have been sharing plenty of warmth and light. A shout out to Diesel, a draft from the past, who recently moved back to town and was spotted by BrickO and Z Wrecks drafting responsibly. Diesel and his wife are expecting their second baby this week, and we expect to see him back drafting between diaper changes.

Another ray of sunshine broke through Pheasant Brach Conservancy on Friday. It is hard to believe this mutt (Wyatt with his purple bow), and mullet (Vintage) cleaned up so nicely as groomsmen for LuLu and Columbus.

While LuLu and Columbus were celebrating their first week of marriage, a few other Drafters were celebrating varying decades of life. Sully, Pipes and Granny span over 3 decades of Drafter spirit. It is up to the reader to figure out who was born in which decade. Spoiler: Granny is a misleading Drafter handle. Guess responsibly.

Happy Birthday, Pipes! We appreciate you keeping us flexible, or at least able to reach the handlebars without incurring serious structural damage.

Octane, Special K, Loose Screw, Speedy and BrickO are green with envy, and vow to become stamp collectors on May 13, 2022. Seriously, how cool is this???? Pipes is too humble to announce this stamp release, and the Drafters are too proud of her to let it go unannounced.

With so many bright spots in the week, the gloomy weather and 50 degree temperatures on Monday were easily overlooked. 20 Drafters showed up with brains and brawn.

Five Bad A** Drafters set out towards Cross Plains to conquer Braun Rd, our first challenging climb of the season. The pre-ride wardrobe texts had the airwaves jammed up until 5PM. Winter coats and shoe covers were standard issue for most Drafters, but there were some daring to be baring legs.

The Italian Job, Wampus, Blurple and Super Q made their 2022 debuts.

Granny acquired her handle after completing her first Draft using only the small chainring. New to cycling, she quickly got the hang of shifting out of the granny gear. Now she’s stuck in the big ring…. even up the climb on Braun, leaving most of us in her dust. Cannibal yelled at Granny to dig deeper on the climb, and went on record to say that the verbal lashing was per her instruction, and therefore not in violation of the Drafter code. While there is no doubt Granny has shifted into a strong rider, she struggled to turn on her blinkie light. Luckily, the Italian Job was on the job, making sure Granny’s tail light was shining brightly as she left us all behind on Braun.

Blurple was the clear winner of the OVER-UNDER award. A dead battery left him little option for changing gears as he was grinding up Airport Rd at 40 rpm, and then down the other side at 140 rpm. Fortunately, Octane had baked a batch of brownies and the Over-Under Champion was able to refuel at the finish line.

Next week, we will venture north through Dane and under the historic viaduct, circa 1880. A slight deviation from previous routes, we will continue north to 100 Mile Grove Rd before returning home. For those Drafters looking for a shorter pour, an out and back to Dane is an excellent option.

RidewithGPS link Historic Viaduct 100 Mile Grove

The DIRTY DRAFT is back, Tuesday nights at 5PM at CORP trails near you. Check the Dirty Draft GroupMe for updates, and be sure to consider joining at www.madcitydirt.com.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Create your own Drafter story.  This is what happens when the editor of the blog misses the Draft.  The story must be told through your own creative energy.

Captain and Tennille generously hosted the Draft, setting the bar pretty high with 5-star hospitality ratings. Captain saddled up early to recon the route, ensuring the safety of all those to follow in his tire tracks while Tennille slaved in the kitchen to provide post-draft risotto.  They may be elected permanent hosts.  Register to vote now.  Any other Drafter wanting to appear on the ballot should come forth now to host in the upcoming weeks.

9 Drafters suited up for the B Team.  It was good to see Speedy out of her walking boot and back in cleats. Trying to restrict her movement is like asking a hummingbird to slow down its wings.

What do you surmise is happening here?

1. Queenie arrives late and is distraught over losing his “Bs” but excited to create a unique B+ Team
2. Duracell is claiming to have a superior riding machine (classic LeMond) and Queenie throws up his hands in defeat.
3. Neither has a map. “Where the heck are we going?” Queenie exclaims. Duracell calmly points out that the B Team has the coordinates locked in, but already left the building.
4. The men are discussing the next Super Tuesday concert.

7 Drafters were on tap for the A Team departure.  Squirrel and Granny celebrated new helmet day.  Careful not to become a matching couple, they opted for two shades of POC orange. 

Action photos compliments of Skipper were forwarded to the editor.

This one strongly suggests the Bomber is Back.

I’m a biker, I’m a biker, oh, the Bomber is back
Stone-cold healthy, as a matter of fact
I can bike, I can bike ’cause I’m stronger than you
It’s the way that I move, the things that I do, oh-oh-oh

Back at the ranch, a hot fire, warm risotto and cold drafts await. Belle recused herself from the Draft as her quads had a conflict of interest after her previous day 138 mile tour of Wisconsin.

The route for Monday April 18 will be Brains and Brawn, just under 28 miles with a wee bit of climbing on Braun.  The extended forecast looks crummy, so be sure to check GroupMe for a cancellation (made by 4PM).  The departure will return to its usual location, 5:15 and 5:30 wheels up.

RidewithGPS link: Brains and Brawn

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Indecisive.  That was the general attitude towards the Monday Chapel ride. Input from the entire fleet of Drafters was not solicited.  Only semi-employed/semi-retired (BrickO) and tenured professors (LuLu) have time to text 9-5. Gopher was busy playing with radioactive chemistry, which sounds like a scientific facade for writing prom songs, and delegated LuLu as his proxy. Columbus forgot her phone at home and couldn’t be reached.  Her beloved LuLu voted as her proxy, not realizing C on the text stream wasn’t for Columbus but rather Cannibal. Clearly, tighter voting security measures need to be taken. Vintage was busy combing his mane and didn’t have a free hand to text. Captain Joe was using all his bandwidth scouring the new spring Stio catalog and placing his last-minute Hincapie Drafter gear order, a job that historically fell to Tennille.  Captain took the helm upon turning 50, ordering all his own big boy clothes.  Perhaps Captain should take the helm for Cannibal as well, who insists upon ordering an extra small.  Jersey, that is.

Mid 40s, cloudy sky and dank air dampened enthusiasm.  However, rain and snow forecasted for the remainder of the week made the conditions seem relatively delightful. 16 Drafters deemed outdoor conditions more favorable than mounting their trainers.  There are only so many Netflix series one can binge responsibly.  

Surly outsmarted Mother Nature, riding to the Chapel days in advance.

7 B for Bad Ass Team Drafters geared up for a Chapel ride to Antarctica. Footer was on fire with her battery powered downhill ski gloves.  “I wonder if I can shift or brake with these?” Ironically, the hand surgeon was unconcerned with her digits, but protected her core wearing a puffy winter jacket (over two layers of Smartwool and a polar Hincapie jersey).  Squeak was the antithesis of aerodynamic.  We could almost hear David Gray singing Sail with her hood flying overhead. On that note, we did add Polar Winter jackets in the 10th Anniversary design to the Hincapie store, which is open for business this week.

Sail away with me honey
I put my heart in your hands
Sail away with me honey now, now, now
Sail away with me
What will be will be

Cujo proved to be human after all, admitting that her charge on Cannibal on the first draft left her panting for days.  She has her sights set on some gnarly gravel adventures.  Beware of the dog.  She’s not going to stay tame for long.

9 A Team Drafters were treated once again to Vintage’s mullet and ‘stache.  This classic style has earned a spot in the Drafter Facial Hair Hall of Fame (FHHF).  

Dedicated wife, Thing One, spoke with with our on-site Drafter reporter about her hubby’s induction. “Hate the sin, not the sinner.”   Interpret as you will.  The Steve Miller Band wrote a song to play at the FHHF induction ceremony.

Some people call me the space cowboy, yeah
Some call me the gangster of love
Some people call me Vintage
‘Cause I speak of the pompatus of love

I’m a spinner
I’m a grinner
I’m a lover
And I’m a sinner

I ride my bike in the sun
I’m a joker
I’m a smoker
I’m a midnight toker
I get my lovin’ on the run
Ooh, whoo, ooh, whoo

Facial hair blowing in the wind, Vintage set the pace with Cannibal hanging on to the wisps of blonde locks trailing from his helmet.  Adhering to the Code of Ethics, “LEAVE NO DRAFTER BEHIND”, and also grateful for an excuse to pause at the top of the Woodland Dr climb (also the location of a cemetery- happenstance?), LuLu and BrickO counted the Drafters one by one and came up with only 8.  TCB confirmed he was the caboose. Knievel was amiss. Perhaps he pulled another dare devil stunt, resulting in bodily harm? A call, a text, “but there’s no reply at all” ~Genesis the book or Phil Colins, unclear.  The two Drafters descended the “hillacious” crest of Woodland in search of Knievel. A short while and 3 miles later, TCB came upon a rider unfamiliar to him (TCB has missed a few drafts, busy with 3 kids under 5).  “Are you Knievel?”, he inquired. The never lost was found.  From this day forward, the route will be known as “Chasing the Ghost of Knievel”.

An amendment to the Drafter Code has been made: leave no drafter behind, or ahead.  LuLu and BrickO practiced remedial math by counting the early to arrive green-winged teals on Balts Pond, now competent counting to 9. This is a good opportunity to remind all Drafters to text someone (preferably someone drafting) if you do an about face. Clearly, you can’t rely on a proper head count.

Chilled noses and toeses kept the post-draft draft indoors.  In honor of the Chapel Ride, Booker J cracked open an Evil Twin’s Aún Más A Jesús. Booker knows thou shall not covet thy neighbor’s beer.  Thou shall just open the fridge and help thy’s self.  Cannibal and Octane helped thy selves to a short pour of BrickO’s Rouge Double Chocolate Stout.  Little did she know that the “double” referred to the number of glasses required.  More math. Urgh. 

Captain and Tennille will be hosting the Draft next week.  We have to take advantage of the weeks when they aren’t in Montana.  Tennille proposed adding cowboy hats to the Drafter ensemble.  She likes her cowboys big and strong.  Captain Joe is comfortable with his stature.  Cannibal retracted is XS jersey order.  And Booker J started speaking Spanish like he was Don Juan in between gulps of Aún Más A Jesús.  

The route for Monday, April 11 will depart from Captain and Tennille’s ranch in Middleton Hills and head to Martinsville. Check GroupMe for the address and weather updates.  B Team rides out at 5:15, A Team to follow at 5:30.  BYOB and lawn chairs for the post-draft draft.

RidewithGPS link Martinsville Madrina

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

The temperature may be too cold to Draft tonight, but your credit card will be heating things up quickly. Hincapie Sportswear graciously agreed to open up all the previous kit designs, in addition to the 10th Anniversary kit for 2022. I know some Drafters have favorite kits that are not passing the see through test (not that anyone is looking….) so feel free to go back in time and reorder your favorite kit.

THE STORE WILL CLOSE MONDAY, APRIL 4th.

A few updates and reminders: VELOCITY is the RACE cut. It fits snug, so if you don’t like tight elastic on your arms and torso, this cut isn’t for you. AXIS is the CLUB cut, a little more relaxed and little longer in the torso. Shorts and bibs come in two inseam lengths. Most, but not all, have gone with the longer length. You do you. The sleeveless “guns” jerseys are no longer available. Sigh. This year, we have a MTB jersey for those Dirty Drafters looking to heat things up.

Packages are delivered by FedEx and REQUIRE A SIGNATURE, as they are coming from Columbia. Keep that in mind as you put down an address. In the past, it was possible to go into your FedEx account and give an indirect signature. Not sure how that will play out this year.

Finally, as these are custom orders, there are NO RETURNS OR EXCHANGES. If you order something that doesn’t fit, please contact me, and not Hincapie Sportswear (unless there is a defect, then by all means, contact them). Historically, I am able to find a Drafter in need and can make a deal. Better yet, contact me ahead of time and I can find a Drafter with similar anthropometrics and gear for you to try on.

You are invited to enjoy 20% any NON-CUSTOM item this year with code SBRICKSON. Unfortunately, the code does not work with the links below.

10^th anniversary: https://order.hincapiecustom.com/BRICKOS10TH

2021 Barley and Hops Design: https://order.hincapiecustom.com/BRICKOS2021DESIGN

2020 Beer and Sprocket Design: https://order.hincapiecustom.com/BRICKOS2020DESIGN

2018 Design 6-Pack: https://order.hincapiecustom.com/BRICKOS2018DESIGN

2017 Design Green Beer Skyline: https://order.hincapiecustom.com/BRICKOS2017DESIGN

2015 Design Retro Red & Blue: https://order.hincapiecustom.com/BRICKOS2015DESIGN

Hope to see everyone Monday April 4 for the Chapel Ride.
Draft responsibly,

BrickO

The 10-year anniversary of BrickO’s Drafters started off with an unprecedented and impressive number of strong quads.  27 Drafters, including 3 new recruits, reported for spring training.  A few more drifted in for the post-draft draft, a good sign that our priorities are in order for 2022.

The Draft was full of surprises, starting with 70 degrees in mid-March. A sea of green jerseys without jackets or leg warmers filled the staging area. The first to arrive was Vintage, wearing an official green Hincapie Drafter jersey (surprise), a porn stache (bigger surprise) and mullet (expected).  With 45 minutes to spare before wheels up, Vintage headed out for an extensive warm up, blonde strands escaping from the orderly mullet, blowing in the breeze.

Dan-yelly arrived a full 15 minutes before liftoff, which is 16 more than her usual debut.  Her secret?  Tobacco City Boy left work at 2PM in order to round up their 3 children, secure them with a babysitter and travel from Oregon to make the Draft.  After two-years MIA, TCB was barely recognizable.  Fortunately, someone spotted a drafter green jersey as he drove by, just as A team was rolling out, cancelling out Dan-yelly’s timeliness.   

TCB wasn’t the last to arrive.  Skipper sent a forgotten shoe SOS from the Beltline near Todd Drive.  He headed back to Monona minutes before the gates closed for departure.  His Patagonia hangover after spending 10 days cycling with Columbus and LuLu had him a bit discombobulated.  Skipper did remember to bring a 4 pack of Chocolate Mint Guinness, confirming his drafting priorities are in order.  

What is chocolate mint beer without chocolate chip cookies? Gopher rose to the occasion, bringing dozens of freshly baked cookies, gluten free, no less.

And what occasions we have to celebrate! In no particular order: congratulations to Knievel and Hundo on their retirement and to LuLu on receiving tenure.  The UW lost and gained some amazing Drafters, respectively.  Kudos to Pitstop and Pres for persevering after their respective bike crashes last year, giving us the courage to keep on pedaling.  Bomber beat cancer and had enough energy left in the tank to ski the Birkie, inspiring all of us to dig deep.  SuperQ came back stronger than ever, without the added weight of an ACL.  Sandlot thought that was an interesting training paradigm and ditched her ACL, along with shedding a little extra fibula weight. Cookie Monster went the other direction, gaining a belly full of beautiful baby who will be joining the draft later this summer.  Thing 1 started medical school, and we are all hoping she chooses dermatology (in part, to stunt hair growth on Vintage’s mullet and porn stache). Granny Zilla is on dermatologic retainer for all drafter needs.  So far, she’s cured toe fungus, hair loss and saddle sores. 

Our B for Bad A** team was full strength.  The 12-pack headed out, with a guest appearance by FishNBoots.  Last seen, FishNBoots (AKA Tough Girl) was being escorted off the Funtathalon course after seeking bonus whiskey shot points, missing the cut off time.  He received bonus points today for bringing along his beautiful bride, Venus.  She definitely burns hot and bright, and spins like no other.  Just as her namesake spins in the opposite direction of Earth and most other planets, Venus spins like no other Earthling.  Her every step is like watching a New York Ballet performance.

Our second Newbie put to rest a hotly debated physiology discussion about the “suffering gene” and the brain’s ability to set and enforce physical limits beyond one’s VO₂max. The “Central Governor” theory is the crux of Jens Voigt’s famous command, “Shut up legs. Do what I tell you to do!” Gov seeks out suffering, and in some odd way, find comfort in it.  She’s gonna fit right in.

The A Team roster held 15 Drafters, including our third Newbie. She waited in the wings to get a feel for the bad boys leading us out.  Somewhere before Riley Tavern, with the usual suspects pulling us at a comfortably uncomfortable pace, she made her move.  That is, she moved to the head of the line, going after Cannibal like a rapid dog.  I could almost feel the froth from her mouth as Cujo flew by me, quads ripping at the seams of her cycling shorts.  The Drafter Illustrated Quadriceps Edition will be a beefy competition between Super Q and Cujo, coming down to the last myofiber.

The gentle southerly wind blew all sorts of unusual heat at the B for Bad A** Team.  Dan-yelly appeared stranded, calling for assistance.  Cannibal, demonstrating proper Drafter etiquette, slowed up to ask if she needed help.  She did, but not with her bike.  Dan-yelly had a small window at 5:30 to register her 3 kiddos for swim lessons, and was on hold waiting for the next available operator. These coveted swim lesson spots go faster than Cannibal downhill. TCB was simultaneously stopped, on the phone with their babysitter.  As he pulled over, listening to the babysitter’s concerns over the youngest’s symptoms, he did what any responsible parent would do and trusted his instincts. A reminder: TCB had left work at 2PM in order to make his first ride in 2 years. The symptoms weren’t THAT bad. No children were harmed as TCB completed the ride, in the dark, as the lights Dan-yelly gave him for his birthday back in August were still in the box next to the diapers.  The next drafted Drafter we encountered was Pres, his shiny new Madone glistening in the sun as his Garmin signaled to “make a U-turn”.  Like millions of others, he is eagerly waiting for Trek’s autopilot Madone to be released. A stone’s throw from the Riley Tavern, Pres was at minimal risk for dehydration.   

The A Team had their own set of issues.  BrickO’s saddle bag (not a metaphor) busted a move during Cujo’s attack on Paulson Rd.  There is speculation that she cut the bag loose out of fear of doing battle with the frothy dog.  Captain Joe slowed up to retrieve and return BrickO’s bag, and shortly thereafter disappeared from the Draft due to cleat failure.  Love em’ and leave em’ is apparently BrickO’s new motto.  Remedial training for Drafter etiquette will be offered in the upcoming weeks. Skipper, being late and last to the draft after returning home to retrieve his shoes, ensured all Drafters were accounted for.  He also confirmed that the wind shifted 180 degrees, as he soloed against a headwind the entire route. It must have been the Venus effect, spinning the wind around the other way.

The temperature dropped precipitously, but the cold was no match for Z Wrecks.  With a fire ready to be lit in the Solo Stove and the industrial strength patio heater armed with a new tank of propane, he kept the chill away.

Columbus made her way through the Patagonia hangover to join us, along with Thing 1, who had medical school leadership duties that kept her from drafting, but not from riding the course earlier in the day.

The weather for next week looks sketchy.  A game day decision will be made by 4PM and broadcast on GroupMe.  If you aren’t on the GroupMe Drafter channel and would like to be, please text or email BrickO your cell number. Wheels up at 5:15 B Team and 5:30 A Team. We wait for no one. Except those who leave work at 2PM in an effort to make it on time and are dressed in green.

Daylight will be a challenge for the next few weeks, so our routes will stay fairly short.  The Chapel Ride is a 20 mile tour north, with a brief section on the bike path, crossing Hwy 12 just after Springfield Corners Park and Ride and before St. Therese Chapel.

RidewithGPS link for Chapel Ride

If the ride is cancelled due to inclement weather, the Chapel Route will be recycled and executed the following week.

A link to the Hincapie Store for 2022 Drafter gear should be coming later this week. It will be posted on the blog and in GroupMe.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Spring has sprung and it is time for the Drafter song to be sung.  2022 represents the 10^th Anniversary of the Drafters.  Our humble beginnings have evolved from 13 to 137 strong.  To be clear, we are not necessarily the strongest cycling group with respect to pumping wattage through the quadage, but I challenge any other group to be stronger in spirit.  And beer consumption, always drafting responsibly.

The season will kick off, pending cooperative weather, this Monday, March 21^st.  As the pandemic is quieting down and Drafters are less likely to be working remotely, we will return to a later start time to accommodate those on the clock. 

5:30PM will be the official “wheels up” departure time.  The B for Badass Team may elect for a 5:15PM departure.  As a reminder, the B Team isn’t less fit, but tend to 1) make frequent Pit Stops

2) wrong turns,

3) ignore Strava segments or/and 4) like the male to female ratio.  

Regardless of your wave, please be on time (Dan-yelly has special exemption status).

Departures will mainly be from the Z-BrickO bike hub and pub. Several Drafters have offered to host rides this summer, which should be a fun way to explore and get lost on more beautiful country roads.  Cannibal is on point for garden drinks. Let’s see if anyone else has the quads to rock an apron.

The blog will provide weekly route information, including a downloadable PDF cue sheet and RidewithGPS link so you can upload the route your GPS device.  Bread crumbs will be left by Vintage, who usually starts snacking within the first few miles, for those who are technologically challenged. 

There is no guarantee the cue sheets are 100% accurate, although Columbus, our Team Cartographer, double checks BrickO’s shoddy work.  When in doubt, climb.

It is highly recommended that you download the WordPress App. The sighs are audible… yes, you’ll need to create an account.  And remember a password. It’s free and painless.  Get over it. The route and map are at your fingertips with the app.  A blog entry generates an email, if you have it set up that way, so you will know when the route has been posted.  Last minute updates will be communicated using GroupMe.  This includes road construction, detours, cancellations due to weather, and random important updates Drafters feel compelled to share. Send BrickO your mobile number to be added to the GroupMe Drafter list. 

These rides are 100% unsupported. Each Drafter is responsible for knowing the route, bike maintenance and sustenance.  Drone Master went half a season before realizing tires required air.  Aerospace engineers are some sorta special breed.  When in doubt, follow Vintage.  The breadcrumbs will keep you from getting lost or going hungry.  The group usually doesn’t stay together, but no Drafter is left behind. 

There are very few rules, but it is important to follow the few we have: 1) Be nice.  Leave the Draft a better group than you found it (which is no small feat). 2) Follow the rules of the road, wear a helmet and have a light.  We are a visible (high vis green, to be exact) group in the community and want to make a good name for cyclists everywhere. 3) Don’t draft alone.  Get it?  The name implies as much. 4) Have fun. Grow your cycling passion.  The last is a suggestion more than a rule: 5) In the spirit of the Draft, wear green.  Not your color?  Think Yoda, Hulk, Kermit, Green Lantern, Shrek, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.  Grinch.  Don’t let your Drafter heart be two sizes too small.    

10-year anniversary kits will be available through Hincapie Sportswear.  The online store will be opening later this week and a link will be provided.  Order at will! If you are uncertain about sizing, be sure to try on a kit before ordering as there are no returns, only intradrafter trading. The Velocity series is race cut (tight fitting) while the Axis is club cut (loose fitting, and a bit longer in the torso, which Drafters over 6 feet tall sometimes appreciate).  Bibs and shorts come in two different lengths, so be sure to order carefully. Packages are delivered FedEx to your home, so there is no middle-drafter.  They MUST be signed for, so give some thought to that, or sign electronically with your FedEx account (another password to remember, sorry).

The post-draft draft is an important part of the perpetual dehydration plan, approved by medical professionals nowhere, and deeply entrenched in Drafter culture. Nothing is provided except a patch of lawn and fire pit, which has been known to expand onto said patch of lawn. Feel free to bring a beverage, food and lawn chair.  Some Drafters order pizza, others pack a delicious dinner, most salivate longingly and then head home to feast.  You do you.

The season will start in the 20-mile route range, grow with daylight to 40ish mile routes in July, and then taper back down until dusk closes out the season in October. There will be many opportunities to ride events as a team. In fact, registration for the Lake Ripley Ride just opened up and is discounted through the end of March.  Hope to see you out there on July 30 (be sure to register with BrickO’s Drafters).

For those Drafters who like to get dirty, our MTB contingent is growing.  Wednesday evenings are the unofficial Dirty Draft, rotating between various trails like Blackhawk, Pleasant View, Quarry Ridge and CamRock.  Unsure about getting dirty?  No problem.  All levels welcome. More details to follow once the trails dry out.

There is a Drafter crew already signed up for the Chequamegon MTB festival Sept 17. 

Our first Drafting adventure will be a short draft to Riley Tavern.

GPS link here

Let the season begin!

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Oh, my, my, oh, hell yes
Honey, put on that drafter dress.

Mother Nature smiled upon the Drafters for the last dance on Saturday. The sun rose up to burn off the heavy fog, laying like a thick blanket over Dane County. The wind stayed quiet except for the air moving between the 21 Drafters as they enjoyed one last A-Mazo 50 mile (51.75, it was pointed out) journey together.

Speedy started the Draft off by laying down the hammer… Cashmere Hammer.

It must have really been a “special occasion” as GrannyZilla busted out her new Hincapie Drafter kit!

The ground rules were set. The only hammer being laid down was Cashmere. Cannibal put the bit in his mouth and Skipper and Vilks held the reigns. First red light on the road to Mazomanie and the Draft was still moving as one. Vilks, having aged up to the half century mark the day before, was barely moving.

A few highlights on these final A-Mazo drafters: Pit Stop willed herself back in the saddle after an unfortunate cycling incident (naughty driver never caught). Octane no longer has a pain in his butt after a successful spinal surgery and is back to full gas. Footer kept many Drafters on track by mobilizing their livers. This is not a small task with this group. Speedy had one sip of “sassy ass” sazerac and needed her liver mobilized STAT. GrannyZilla learns to shift gears and a week later, shifts to the front of the Draft. Queenie drafts on Monday but is super on Tuesday. Cannibal reconsiders a career as a cocktail waitress. Han no longer solo, with Princess Leah and their puppy, Watson. Duracell decides to play dirty and buys a MTB! Skipper buys a ski boat, possibly to escape the IMBA paparazzi. Vilks rode nearly 20x times his age, to claim a podium at Race Across the West with Skipper, BrickO and Slim. Vintage rode the A-Mazo 50 on a gravel bike in preparation for his 144 mile gravel grinder next weekend. Didn’t seem to slow him down. Drafter officials are checking for a motor. And the laundry for his eternally absent Drafter gear. Z Wrecks recruited several more UW faculty in order to have a quorum for Monday night faculty meetings. Thing 1 started medical school and could act as a proxy if there isn’t a quorum. Gopher hit the 3k mile mark, up from 2k miles last year. Rimshot was honored as the Son of Shawano after winning Bike the Barns. Belle has taken the world by storm- or maybe by gravel, conquering SBT GVL and Barry Roubaix. Cookie Monster is gaining on her PhD, and on raising one of the most expressive, joyful, raspberry eating kiddos on the planet! Billy Boy rode early and late in the season, and found golf and yoga in between. He often can be heard yelling, FORE, NAMASTE. Pipes has been orchestrating a special yoga session for Billy Boy and Loose Screw, who must wear a helmet during yoga sessions. Pipes holds court every Tuesday AM for Drafters who need help finding their toes and their inner warrior.

Back to the A-Mazo Draft. There was a break away just beyond the Mazomanie town line, with Vintage and Cannibal putting a minute on the peloton. Turns out it wasn’t enough to cover their pit stop.

Mother Nature gave us other calls to stop. A blue heron and bald eagle were spotted. Such a gift to witness their raw beauty. Try as we might to draft in the vortex of our own echelon, we don’t come close to their flight formation. But, these 3 smiles come pretty darn close to capturing raw beauty.

The Drafter code was upheld. Nobody put the hammer down, and Cannibal even put the safety of others before his Strava segment pursuits.

The post-draft festivities were kicked off by Sandlot, our resident poet.

The awards ceremony commenced. Here is a break down of the 2021 winners.

Flat Tire Club: this year’s inductees received a spare inner tube keychain for those unexpected flat tires. Vintage really excelled at this award, flatting 3 times in a single ride.

The Drafters enlisted 13 new members this year, bringing the roster to 137. To recognize their commitment to the draft, bottle openers were awarded. May you draft responsibly: Squeak, Walton, Super Q, Badger, GrannyZilla, Squirrel, Chippendale and T-bone.

Our family is strengthened by new Drafters, and those who draft consistently. Bronze was earned with 10 rides, Silver 15, and Gold for over 20. Earning bronze and a stylish green headband from SweatVac were 13 Drafters: Pit Stop, Duracell, Vintage, Thing 1, Squeak, Granny, Squirrel, Pipes, Busch Latte, Tick Tock, Blurple, Coach Arms and Columbus.

4 Drafters earned a headband and silver Drafter magnet opener, so that beer never leaves the fridge in search of an opener. Congrats to Gopher, Queenie, Footer and LuLu.

Winning gold (headband and two openers, one magnetic for the fridge and the other for traveling to the backyard draft on Monday nights) were 7 Drafters: Speedy, Rimshot, Cannibal, Skipper, Booker J, Z Wrecks and BrickO. The King of the Podium with 22 Drafts was Cannibal, showing that tough guys can wear aprons. And nothing else.

Once you open a beer, you are under oath to draft responsibly. Hence, a personalized coaster. With yet another opening opportunity. Thanks to our friends at ReGEARED for making it happen… albeit cutting it a tad close (UPS arrived during the A-Mazo draft). A special thanks to Columbus for accepting a position in our cartography department. The former map maker was fired after Drafters took a left on Johnson in the woods of Wisconsin and were never heard from again. Cookie Monster remains our head baker, and we are grateful to Gopher for accepting an apprenticeship here at the UW in the Nuclear Baking Department, adding variety to our delicious baked good. Pit Stop receives the inspiration award- reminding us of what life gives us, not focusing on what it takes away. And Octane inspires us to rehab responsibly. Finally, we celebrated 50 years of Vilks hunting carrots in the Serengeti.

The REAL awards are up to speed on the year being 2021. These were just mock ups. Since the actual awards arrived while on the Draft, there was not time for documentation.

Skipper walked away with a….. PAIR OF NEW SOCKS to match the awesome Drafter jerseys he (once again) designed this year, along with weekly photos and the video below. A shout out to Hincapie Sportswear for their Drafter support, keeping us looking sharp and very visible on the road.

Last but not least, we celebrate Pipes, for an uneventful year. She showed up with BOTH wheels and shoes for each event, never hit a deer or fell and broke her wrist. She did show up every Tuesday AM for Drafter Yoga, working hard to open up our hips and minds.

Along with awards was a wide variety of sugar. Billy Boy made gluten free cherry crisp to complement the main course, Birthday Cake!

We were joined by those who couldn’t ride: Pres (kudos for keeping the Drafter spirit post bike trauma), Sandlot, Duchess, Squirrel (on call, saving lives or at least fingers), Badger (bringing babies into the world) and Pipes (who needs to expand her babysitter directory).

In the spirit of Ted Lasso, the Drafters are a family who just happen to ride bikes. We rode from March 9- October 9. On average, 17.5 Drafters (the half was Dan-yelly before the baby was born) drafted 32.7 miles. Our largest turn out was 27 Drafters in May when we were Stuck in Lodi Again. Over 26 rides, we covered 853 miles.

We Drafted together. For funerals, births, promotions, demotions, engagements, weddings, divorces, new puppies and new houses. We Drafted Responsibly.

I’m humbled to be a part of this family, which has no leader, only a core, and thankful for each and every Drafter.

BrickO

An ode to the Doors.

Riders on the storm
Riders on the storm
Into this sport we’re born
Into this draft we’re thrown
Like a dog without a bone
An actor out on loan
Riders on the storm

Mother Nature promised a dry draft, until she didn’t. Too late to call it off when the storm cell appeared at 4PM, the forecast for our 4:30/4:45 rides looked like this:

18 Drafters paid tribute to the Doors and were riders on the storm. The majority of Drafters played it smart and left while the sun was still shining. That’s not to say they all left at 4:30… Newbie Chippendale sauntered in at 4:32. Pretty bold for his debut on the last Monday draft of the season. Once he explained that he had to rent a bike and buy cycling clothes for the evening, the 2 minute tardy slip was torn up. Clearly overheating during the ride, fellow Drafters suggested he shed the jacket. Seems cycling gear is hard to come by- Chippendale was able to purchase shorts and a rain jacket, but no jersey. Free riding.

We do have a dress code. At least on Monday nights. Skipper thought the Chippendale attire was fair game during his Barnyard MTB event on Saturday. Clearly, he was trying his best to join the ranks of Drone Master’s calendar with Miss October Drafters, BrickO and Wampus.

In contrast, GrannyZilla blitzed from clinic, arriving promptly at 4:38PM. You aren’t late if you declare in advance that your “group” is leaving at 4:38PM. In contrast to her colleague Chippendale, GrannyZilla dropped her scrubs to reveal a full cycling kit underneath. Will the final draft be the “special occasion” to don her new Drafter kit??? Granny and Hit-the-Wall, who also rushed from clinic to Draft, are proposing a scheduling template that provides excellent care to all patients up to but not one minute beyond 4PM. Draft responsibly.

Speedy and Duracell also came in hot. As pictured below, only Speedy departed with the 4:30 group. Duracell was running late, and without shoes.

Luckily, Skipper was up to code and back in proper Hincapie gear for the Monday night Draft.

Riders on the storm. Nobody got wet. The rain started to fall just as the last Drafters (Skipper, Rimshot, BrickO, Queenie and Duracell) pulled into the driveway. Duracell, who had secured proper footwear and caught back up, and Queenie should have been in well before the droplets fell, but due to a wrong turn, became the Lantern Rouge. Billy Boy was at the finish line to be sure all Drafters arrived safely, and took great satisfaction in learning that BrickO’s infamous cue sheet once again may have contained misinformation. To be fair, the official Drafter Cartographer, Columbus, was not able to provide her services this week. Typically, the cue sheets are flawless, Billy Boy.

Vintage showed his true colors, riding up to the Drafter code. He took a detour from the Chapel Tour to shelter his wife, Thing 1, from the storm as she commuted home from a hard day of medical school. He might resist wearing green, but his true colors are Drafter.

The rain brought the post-draft festivities in doors. It also blew in some Drafters who couldn’t ride, but may caught wind of the sazeracs. Billy Boy, Coach Arms, Squirrel (also caught up in clinic and signing the petition noted above) and his dog were welcomed additions.

Pipes brought enough sazeracs to keep the troops warm. Speedy thought she was drinking a “sassyass”. Close enough.

Notably absent was Belle, once again recovering from a weekend of crushing gravel at the Barry Roubaix. This Drafter has come into her own this season, from criteriums to gravel racing. For those looking for some gravel adventures, check out the Red Granite Gravel Grinder in Wausau Oct 16. There may also be a Drafter edition of the Dairy Roubaix on Nov 6. Let BrickO know if you are interested.

Speaking of going the distance- HAPPY HALF CENTURY to Vilks this Friday!

The sazerac and aging antidote is readily available Tuesday mornings at 7AM.

The final draft will begin promptly at 9AM on Saturday Oct 9th. There are also a short pour and a shot options for those who want to tap out a bit earlier. All drafts will roll out together. The awards ceremony will commence around 12:30PM and wrap up by 2PM (your hosts have a tailgate party to attend) Please bring a lawn chair, lunch and a beverage (we will have some on tap). IF ANYONE HAS HINCAPIE KIT THAT IS TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL, please bring it on Saturday. I’ll do my best to make it right.

FULL DRAFT

RidewithGPS link A-MAZO FINAL DRAFT

SHORT POUR: this route starts with the full draft, and diverts at mile 18.

RidewithGPS link SHORT POUR

THE SHOT: this 27 mile ride also starts with the full draft and short pour, turning off at Pine at mile 9.5.

RidewithGPS link Final Shot

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Sweet 16. A great turn out for Pit Stop’s return! 10 weeks after sustaining pelvic, clavicle and thumb fractures, compliments of an inattentive driver, she is back in the saddle. Conquering The RIDE on Sunday with fellow Drafters Sandlot, Duchess, Winston, Gopher and Badger, Pit Stop saddled up with the Drafters to hit Riley Tavern.

Pit Stop was in better shape than her trusty Parlee steed, which suffered a flat right out of the gate. Gopher, LuLu and Squirrel to the rescue.

The rest of the B Team, not realizing they had left a Drafter behind, set out for Riley Tavern. Nearly all members of the dirty dozen were kitted up. Squirrel and GrannyZilla just got the Hincapie Drafter gear this week, but GrannyZilla is saving her green gear for a “special occasion”. Gopher gets a free pass, as his Drafter kit didn’t make the laundry after suffering greatly during the RIDE on Sunday when he rode with a broken spoke.

The A Team was small and mighty happy to pick up Busch Latte near Blackhawk to help rein in Cannibal, whose quads seem to grow stronger each week.

There was also a C Team this week, manned by solo rider, Rimshot. Dressed and ready to ride to Riley Tavern, he stopped off first at the Free House. After a few beers, he drafted responsibly to the finish line, bypassing the Riley Tavern.

September riding in Wisconsin is hard to beat. Riding country roads in nearly 80 degrees, with a gentle breeze, fall colors just starting to pop and black walnuts being the only obstacles.

Backyard festivities were more lively than usual. Captain Joe provided a curious sample to GrannyZilla, raising many things, including questions about its contents. Granted, GrannyZilla is a MD, but how many dermatologists request samples???? Back to her earlier comment about saving her Drafter kit for a special occasion….

Dan-yelly proposed a scavenger hunt for her lost car key, with a reward. Your choice: 6 pack of beer or a play date with her 3 children.

The Drafters had some tired legs after a weekend of athletic endeavors. The Northern Woods welcomed the Birkie Trail Run Drafter Relay team, which placed first in their division.

Which division, you might wonder? “Create your own 26.2”. The trail less traveled is where you will find the Drafters.

The Drafters also found their way north to Shawano Bike the Barn Quilts, where they too dominated the podium, or would have if there had been a podium. Rimshot, BrickO and Z finished 1, 2, 3.

The after party lacked Drafter flair, but the Stubborn Brothers Brewery was only a block away. It appears the Stubborn Brother’s logo may have been heavily influenced by the Drafters.

The last dance will draft by several chapels. And taverns. They seem to go hand in hand in Wisconsin.

RidewithGPS link

While this is the final Monday night draft, please join us for the Final 50 to Mazo on Saturday, October 9 at 9AM. Bring a lunch and beverages to enjoy while we celebrate another wonderful year of drafting during our awards ceremony.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

18 Drafters rode onto Easy Street and into the Equinox with a 30mph tailwind. There was nothing easy on the return trip! The Big and Tall Drafters were very popular, including Newbie T Bone. Pipes wasn’t able to Draft, but showed up after the ride to make sure the big boy didn’t steal her handle. “I’m Pipes. Obviously. Or at least at one point.”

E$ and Dan-yelly made a debut after a long hiatus (orthopedic residency and 3 children under 5, respectively). To have E$ and Cookie Monster drafting together begged the question, “who is watching your daughter?” E$ reassured us that Millie had things under canine-trol. Dan-yelly, not wanting the night to end, conveniently locked her keys in the car. Unfortunately, her breast pump was also out of reach. Tobacco City Boy earned a gold star for putting the 3 little bears to bed. A huge thanks to Captain and Tennille for bringing Dan-yelly all the way home to Oregon (city, not state).

Second string waiting in anticipation for Cannibal’s arrival. He sent out a clip of Aerosmith performing Pink live. A more appropriate clue would have been songs “Dream On”, “Cryin'” or “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing”. Showing up a tad late, Cannibal did miss one thing… his opportunity to hit the bathroom, which had him cryin’.

The northern route to Easy Street in Waunakee had us all feeling like rock stars with a southerly 30mph wind. Gopher and BrickO took their turns pulling early. They don’t give PhDs to just anybody.

Cannibal showed up pretty in pink, but there is a reason Drafters wear green. Skipper took one for the team, dropping off the pace line to capture this action photo.

Just south of Dane, the second string came across a Drafter down. Speedy joined the Flat Tire Club. C-Monster followed the Drafter code, stopping to assist with the mechanical, and put her training as an engineer to good use. Footer, also being a well-educated engineer, looked back from the top of the hill heading into Dane and thought, “No f’in way am I going back down the hill to help.” Point well taken: if you are going to flat, be sure your teammates are at the bottom of a hill, not at the top. Chances of following the drafter code go down the further up the hill.

Speedy and C-Monster, weighing in at 200 pounds (together), had a battle ahead with the head wind. The Drafters stopped to take a vote on whether to wait for the twosome. Booker J found an unmarked grassy area (Cannibal had not been here before) and a quorum assembled. It was a split vote until it was realized C-Monster had brought cookies. The vote turned unanimous: wait a short while for C-Monster and Speedy in order to have cookies sooner!

With new found enthusiasm for cookies and beer, Skipper pulled the crew home. There was a bright flash of green heading the opposite way. It was Queenie, setting out on a solo journey. He’d hoped to get further before meeting up with and circling back with the Drafters, but incentivized by cookies and beer, the pace was furious.

Watts were rewarded with more than cookies. E$ and C-Monster brought watermelon from their garden. Cannibal does look pretty in pink. There were gifts and special guest appearances (see above note on Pipes)

Captain and Tennille not only rescued Dan-yelly, but they saved BrickO and Z Wrecks from having to wash beer glasses for another night!

Pit Stop dropped by to share in the post-draft festivities. Several weeks out from her accident, she is back in the saddle! We can’t wait to have her back in the Draft.

Pres is also recovering well. Walton brought his Drafter spirit to the Door County Century.

Pres was there in spirit, while Dan-yelly was there in the flesh. Her longest ride (maybe also her second ride?) of the season, this mother of 3 was not going to be denied her strawberry shortcake at the aid station.

It was a victorious weekend for Mothers of 3, as Squeak conquered the Wisconsin 70.3.

Several Drafters opted for a dirty weekend at the Chequamegon MTB Festival. Congrats to Ninja, LuLu and Vintage.

Back at home, the Dirty Drafters welcomed Newbie, Circus. He opted to ride his MTB, but rumor has it Circus commands a Unicycle. That would be an interesting ride down Howling Wolff.

The Draft next week is truly a Draft destination- Riley Tavern. Departure times will be 4:30 and 4:45.

RidewithGPS link

The end of the year Drafter 50 will happen on Saturday Oct 9th at 9AM (rain date Sunday Oct 10th). Awards to follow. The Trek CX Cup will be held Oct 8-10. If anyone is interested in heading to Waterloo Sunday to watch, let me know.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO