It seems right to wrap up the Drafter season with a tribute to the late Tom Petty.

“The Drafters Last Dance”

Last dance with the Drafters, one more hill to bring the pain

I feel winter creeping’ in and I’m excited for spin again

Oh, my my, oh, hell yes

Honey put on that party jersey

Buy me a drink, sing me a song

Take me as I come ’cause I can’t stay long

A huge thanks to 36 Drafters who took time out of their routine to eat pizza and drink beer with us on.  I am notoriously inept at cooking, baking, and all other kitchen related activities involving heat (I’ve started a kitchen fire with only a toaster).  I am, however, incredibly proficient at ordering from Falbos (love speed dial) and have convinced Z that a beer cellar has more utility than a wine cellar. So, thank you for letting me show off a bit in that department.  Salads, apples with caramel dip, jams, cake, pie, Monster Cookies, beer (kudos to IronMD for finding one I hadn’t yet tried)  and 2 bottles of WHISKEY magically appeared and were much appreciated.

I had every intention of delivering a clever, polished but seemingly natural flowing  awards ceremony to express my gratitude for your contribution to our successful 2017 Drafting season. I did not foresee Z introducing me with a generous accolade, and as such, I got flustered and retreated to my comfort zone, which is deeply rooted in redneck lingo and much less articulate and reflective of my college education.  If you will allow me a mulligan, this is what I meant to say….

The 2017 season welcomed 41 Drafters, including 11 Newbies.  There aren’t too many criteria for being a Drafter- the major one requires being a genuine soul.  At the party, I not-so-eloquently described this as “not being a dink”.  I’d like to rectify that.  I’m not very political or religious, but I do believe that world peace hinges on treating those around us with respect and compassion (I am unsure if helping changing a flat tire is an act of compassion, but I think so), to be humble with your gifts and to share them generously.  This is what I mean by being a genuine soul. Given that we are all connected, if we treat those within elbow distance (to put it in draft line perspective) with respect, compassion, humbleness and generosity, and they in turn do the same,  my plan for peace should reach the furthest corners of the world, regardless of political or religious views.

41 Drafters, 41 genuine souls.  We have shared the highs of surprise 30th and 60th birthday parties, retirement, pregnancies and births (including Too Hip and Steph’s fourth child who attended the party at age 10 days with Mom and Dad), engagements, weddings, surgeries, and divorces.  Highlights and low points are certainly events that are best shared, but I would maintain that the mundane is where we really need camaraderie.  One of the things I appreciate most about the Draft is that we come as we are- no airs, no attitude, no pretense, or angling for affluence or position.  At 5:30 every Monday night, we are simply genuine souls who want to share the freedom provided by two wheels.  Some crush the Strava segments, some crush the Stout- we all get what we need from the bike and from each other, while giving what we can- which might be 3 tubes with long stems,  a spare cliff bar to ward off a bonk, or just the wrapper to fix a flat, or clover to stop a bloody nose.  The gifts aren’t always traditional, but they are always genuine.  I truly feel as though the Drafters are a gift.  I am quite sure that I gain from you more than I give (and not because what I give is maps frequently containing errors).  Thank you.  That’s really what I wanted to say Monday night.  I love being part of a group that has my back, and know that I have theirs.

There were some awards given.  Here is a quick recap:

Winner of the photo contest: ARMS.  In fairness, she submitted more photos than anyone else.  Runner up: LEGS. Technically, Arms won as she sent the photos, but I know that Legs was part of the creative mind crafting the various scenes. These were the finalists:

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Mt Draftmore

K2

Start em’ early

Go big or go home

Shoeing Billy Boy

Draft-OR

The elephant in the room

Mt Kilimanjaro

FAT TIRE CLUB:  We had 246 total events (21 rides with an average of 12 Drafters per ride) and only 7 flat tires.  Inductees were rated as gold, silver or bronze member. Gold member B2 Bomber, for longest stem and deepest rim. I am not going to explain that in any further detail.  Sometimes less is more.  Silver member: Tobacco City Cousin, for being a two time offender. Bronze members: Neubie Schubie for shortest ride (she flatted at Kromery middle school and called it good), Rainbow Maker – it took him longer to change a flat than a total joint, and Arms, who flatted while sitting on her bike in the parking lot.  Pfffttt… “was that me?”  Like passing gas in church, or so I hear.  The Flat Tire Club appointed Cookie Monster Wille as their CEO, for her ingenuity in patchwork in the field.  An official Drafter Tire Repair kit was issued to the CEO, complete with super glue, Cliff Bar wrappers, bandaids, and duct tape.  Something has to stick.

Greenest Drafter: Loose Screw was sporting Drafter green during the Leadville 100, but that wasn’t the most green thing about him.  Loose Screw took home a 6 pack of high altitude sick bags.

Leader of the Pack: the Short Pour is a great opportunity for riders who need to start later, or want to ride a shorter distance.  Lady Digs was one of the fearless leaders of this group. She earned a bell for her bike with the word “Eject”, in case she ever encounters a newbie who lacks a genuine soul.  She also came away from the party with a series of beer and bicycle stickers, cuz’ all leaders need to have stickers for their lesson plans!

Safe Yoga: Krafty took on the biggest challenge the season;  hosting Drafter yoga.  Loose Screw had one tip over, and is now required to wear a helmet for all future warrior poses.  She earned a mug, which could be used for coffee before 6AM yoga, but theoretically could also be used for whiskey.

Highest attendance:  The greatest attendance on any given night was 20 Drafters, and the person with the greatest attendance was CM Wille who made 16 out of 21!  She also brought Monster Cookies on several occasions, and therefore her Drafter mug will be used for milk.

Or, possibly for a post-Boston Marathon celebration beverage as she celebrates with her Ma Wille.

Genuine Support

Boston Qualified

Although we have no more rides this season, I should let you know about this one:

Ride with Trek Travel Oct 14

I will see many of you at Spin, starting Mon Oct 30 6:30PM at Supreme and/or Tue Oct 31 10AM at CXC.  There’s been a request for costumes to be worn in celebration of Halloween.  I have no objection.  The BatWoman is me is dying to come out.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

In the words of Supertramp, “Give a Little Bit”.   And if this cause feels right,  maybe win a bike!

The Central Cross Country Ski Organization training center has expanded to include an indoor cycling training facility.  Please email me if you are interested in joining a class.  Some of Madison’s most predominant cycling coaches (Gordy Paulson, Jackie Hering, Casey Lamers) are offering classes, along with myself, one of Madison’s non-predominant coaches.  If not for donations coming from community members, the center would not exist. Most of the participants in this bike drawing event are cyclists, but very few are from the Madison cycling community.

CXC Bike Drawing Link

Speaking of cycling community support, Z and I rode the Shawano Bike the Barn Quilts last Saturday.  The event included a variety of distances; we opted for the 70mile route.  The money raised supports the trail system, for which we were happy to contribute.  I was absolutely stunned at the beauty of the route, the absence of traffic, the pristine condition of the roads (almost as though they had repaved for the event) and actually enjoyed sighting so many Barn Quilts!  I would strongly recommend this ride to anyone looking to get out of Dane for a bit.  Leave your competitive juices at home- it isn’t that kind of ride.

Rest stop

Sweet and simple

The rest stops had all the essentials: porto, cooler with bottled water, a basket of bananas and granola bars, a map for the disoriented, and a tripod of PVC tubing to hang garbage bags.  It was refreshing to participate in such a down to earth event.  Simple.

The theme for the week: give a little.  Giving back to your community doesn’t have to be in the form of financial donations, although that is certainly one way to go about it.  Give your time,  respect, energy, and positive attitude.  I often feel overwhelmed by all the bad stuff in the world right now-  hurricanes and mass shootings, and helpless to make a difference.  But, that’s crap.  If we give back on the smallest level- show kindness, compassion, be humble and generous with your heart and mind, the world will ultimately be a better place.  Cookie Monster Wille gave a bit today.  Unable to compete in the marathon she’s trained for all summer, she supported her Mom, who qualified for Boston.  That’s the Drafter spirit.  Both gave more than a little bit.  Congrats.

If you have not RSVPd for the Drafter party this coming Monday, please do so.  There will be prizes, pizza and beer.  I might even talk Z into raiding the wine cellar (only because I don’t drink the stuff and would be happy to clear out the cellar to make room for more beer as winter is coming).

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

A Musical Tribute to BrickO’s Drafters

(borrowed from Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons)

Oh, what a ride
Late September back in seventeen
What a very special time for me
As I remember what a night.

Oh, what a night
You know them all by their Drafter names
But I was never gonna be the same
What a ride, what a night.

Oh I, I got a funny feelin’ when our bikes went vrooom
Yeah my, as I recall the season ended much too soon.

Oh, what a night
Hypnotizin’, mesmerizing me
Drafters were ev’rything I dreamed they’d be
Sweet surrender, what a night.

The final ride of the season was enjoyed by a dozen Drafters and one Drone Master.  Stay tuned for video footage.  Hell must have frozen over, or at least the Rock River, as Bare-footer Stokes put her feet in some bike shoes for her maiden Drafter voyage to the Riley Tavern.

We resisted the temptation to stop off at the Riley Tavern, knowing the staff at Free House had a cold one waiting for us.  Fortunately, there were no mechanicals to delay the imbibing.  Bomber came equipped with long stems for his deep rim, and did his best to blow another tire challenging Captain Joe on the Strava segments.  Boys will be boys.

The Drafter who most needed a drink was not there on Monday night.  MegaWatt completed the Vermont 50 Ultra run (that’s miles, not kilometers) on Sunday.

Family bonding took place in Northern WI as well, although in less time than 10:43.

Reminders:

1. There are still spots for Monday night Spin.  The 24 power meter Kaiser bikes are spoken for (assuming you send a check), but there are still Johnny G Spin bikes available.  8 week session, 6:30PM at Supreme Health and Fitness, starting Oct 30.  Talk to me if you want to register.
2. Indoor cycling on Saris Magnus smart trainers at CXC on Tue at 10AM starting Oct 31.  Plenty o’ spots.
3. End of the year Drafter party Monday Oct 9th 6PM.  RSVP if you haven’t already and are planning to come.  Your pizza and beer depend on it.

Announcement:

The owners of BrassV are opening a new establishment in Middleton called Longtable Beer Cafe. They are eager to have the Drafters frequent their watering hole, which will open in Oct but won’t have Monday night service until deeper into the winter. My thought is to alternate Free House and Longtable venues.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Oh my.  So, I’ve embarked on a Transcendental Meditation course in an effort to quiet my mind.  The good news is that it’s WAY quiet in there.

1. I had posted the map with a new route around construction, but gave two wrong turns (I can hear the “no shite” comment from our Irish Billy Boy McC).
2. Z asked me to give him a haircut today, just AFTER I had meditated.  I forgot to snap the #2 onto the clipper, so he got a Zero.  As in, zero hair left. No big deal that his long time friend’s daughter is getting married in 3 hours. Stellar move, BrickO. Ummmm.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

A little recon mission today proved fruitful, as the connection between Terrace Ave and Deming Way is under construction.  We will have to reroute.  Please see new cue sheet below.  Wheels up at 5:15.  Caution: there is glass in the bike lane on Blackhawk just after the intersection with Pleasant View, at the top of the hill near the new apartments. There is gravel on the right turn onto Mauer.  It’s far left of center, so if you take the corner in control, you should be fine. That’s all I got.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Eleven Drafters exchanged bedtime stories as we fell into the envelope of darkness riding home from Easy Street.  There was nothing easy about changing B2 Bomber’s flat tire on Wipperfurth.  He may have conquered the Chequamegon Fat Tire race in less time than it took to change his flat (oh yes, we welcomed yet another member into the Flat Tire club).  After several tubes failed, we were out of long stem tube options.  There’s nothing more entertaining than listening to a bunch of guys weigh in on the importance of length.  Deep dish wheels constitute a time when length of the stem definitely matters!  CM Wille came up with a patch solution.  Z quickly deflated that idea- until it worked!  CM Wille is now offering consults for dural tears and all other things needing patches.  Rumor has it that she has a patent pending on the utility of Cliff Bar wrappers as a tire patch remedy. Leave it to an engineer.

CM Wille may be brilliant, but I think the successful patch job was due in part to the optimism inspired by Coach Arms.  She was asked to give a luncheon talk to the Lodi Optimist Club.  I would say the optimism in Lodi definitely peaked to an all time high after Arms gave her talk in red pants and stilettos.  Optimism flowed through the Drafters as we were measuring stem lengths.

It’s never too late to welcome a Newbie.  Hitch Hitcher Corey obtained official Drafter status after a close vote.  Her namesake is derived from her solution to a flat tire- just throw out a thumb.

In other news, we have a new First Lady.  Congrats to Pres on his recent wedding!

A free drink to anyone who can solve this mystery photo:

Summer is officially over, as is the Drafter outdoor season.  We will finish with a short ride to Riley Tavern, wheels up 5:15.  There is a short cut (stay on Timber), but no official Short Pour ride at 6PM due to limited daylight.

Reminders:

• Spin Monday 6:30 at Supreme starting the end of Oct
• Indoor cycling Tue 10AM at CXC on smart trainers with your own bike, also end of Oct
• Both are 8 week sessions, then holiday break, then another 8 week session covering Jan-Feb.  Email me for details. 
• Drafter party Oct 9 6PM.  RSVP if you have not already.  Thanks.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

The previous blog requires the following notable action items:

1. Amendment: Loose Screw and Legs did not receive a team discount on nemesis bags.  Clearly, my highly paid editorial staff had an aversion to printing “emesis”.
2. Addendum: my equally highly paid sportscaster failed to report on some major weekend victories.  Congrats to the Devil’s Lake Triathlon and the RIDE participants.

   

   

   

3. Speaking of firsts….. I claimed first chair at the Tyranena Ride on Saturday.  For those of you familiar with this term as it applies to the chair lift on a ski mountain, it also applies to cycling when you reach the Porto before anyone else.  Goal achieved.  I not only claimed first chair at the first rest stop, but also the second.  Victory was mine.  I parked Red Dog outside the Porto, carefully resting on the corrugated exterior. Given that I had first chair, I allowed myself the luxury of actually contacting the seat (typically I squat, which proves challenging at the end of rides like the Horribly Hilly).  The luxury ended there, as I realized the rolls of toilet paper had been sealed in protective wrap that could not easily be removed once installed and locked in the TP holding compartment.  I tugged and tugged, until the TP was free, and with that final satisfying tug, I heard the crash of Red Dog as the Porto shook.  Luckily, the only damage was to my handle bar tape.  I’m sorry Red Dog.  You flew like the wind and did not deserve to get your first scar waiting for me at the Porto.  I am no longer getting up early for first chair.
4. Speaking of early, let’s start at 5:15 tonight.  Most everyone was able to be wheels up at 5:15 last week (except B2 Bomber, who caught us quickly).  For those typically riding the Short Pour at 6PM, I would recommend heading towards Dane, and being back by 7PM.  Winter is coming, and stealing our daylight.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Pffttttt.  All 15 of us heard it, reverberating loud and clear throughout the stratosphere of the BMO parking lot as we lined up to depart on the Pine Pedal Push.  Arms, looking somewhat aghast, claimed responsibility.  Welcome to the Flat Tire Club!  When Rainbow Maker suffered the same pffffate, he and 4 other orthopedic surgeons managed to change the tire in, oh, 25min flat.  I’m sure the tire lever instruments weren’t up to par; certainly our Bone Menders can repair something as simple as a flat tire, right?  Fortunately for Arms, Newbie Drafter Colin O’Brien of Cronometro was there to show us how it’s done.  In a flash, out with the old and in with the new, and we were wheels up without delay.  Flash might be new to riding with the Draft, but not a new face in our group.  The lion’s share of Drafters have purchased their bikes and/or had their bikes fit by the Flash.  He’s a former USA Hour Record Holder (if you’ve never cycled on a Velodrome, you should), world renowned bike- fitter,  patent holder for cool cycling stuff and beer drinker extraordinaire.

Changing tires isn’t the only thing Flash does fast.  B2 Bomber, Captain Joe and The Flash kept the pace line above 30mph on the way down Schneider Rd.  Flash is still recovering from the Italian Screw Job, which claimed some of his hip function after a crash in Tuscany.  The screw comes out in early Oct, so we will see how that impacts his acceleration.  As I held on by a thread to the pace line led by the Flash, I secretly hope the Italian screw removal doesn’t translate into more power! Speaking of hips, One Hip Wonder is now Too Hip.  Crutches are slowing him down for now, but we expect great things in the spring.  Here’s to a speedy recovery, Too Hip! In other screw news, Loose Screw is practicing safe yoga,  a safety measure mandated after his previous tip over.

For those interested in Safe Yoga, we meet Monday at the VFW on Century Ave in Middleton at 6AM.  There are still safe spots available.  Email Karen Rigsby if you are interested in expanding your motion: karenkraftrigsby@gmail.com

Channel 27 News Reporter Zach Nelson (aka Tobacco City Cousin) covered the sports edition of the Drafter broadcast for the week, dutifully leaving live coverage of Hurricane Irma to report on Drafter athletic feats.  Congrats to Wisconsin Ironman finishers, Legs and MP Hilly.  Word has it that Legs called Loose Screw to get the Drafter discount on nemesis bags.  His dutiful wife, Arms, gets the wifey award for bringing him fudge ice cream at 11PM to aid his post IM recovery.  MadPower Hilly DOMINATED her age group, despite a near catastrophic bike crash 3 weeks before the event. I predict that it won’t be long before this Drafter sees the lava fields.

Sans crash, I’d say Kona bound

MP Hilly with a strong finish

Congrats to the Human Metronome and Dan-yelly on the Door County Century.  As a new mother, Dan-yelly has been limited to a 40 miles max distance riding this summer,  and yet found the strength to finish a century.  Damn.  You go Girl.

An update on the Drafter outrageous photo completion results: we have a new entry that rivals the African Safari elephant pose submitted by Arm and Legs.  Big Foot, Heather Hartwig Stokes, has me inflicted with a serious case of calf envy.  My good friend, foot and ankle surgeon, and fellow Drafter, Dr. Katie Wampus, has diagnosed me with an accessory soleus, frequently and sadly misdiagnosed as a cancle.  Although I am an accessory soleus card holder, with no shame about the size of the tissue around my ankles, I seriously would trade calves with Big Foot and even throw in my new Cervelo to sweeten the deal.  Holy crap.  Can you imagine what it feels like to barefoot behind a boat at 40mph, nearly twice our average on a Drafter ride????? Big Foot starts face down, feet towards the boat.  It is a thing of strength and beauty.  Neither of which I possess, but can appreciate.

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Did you catch the reference to my new Cervelo?  Her name is Red Dog. I believe every bike needs a name.  My Kestrel is Ruby, my Colnago is Annie, etc.   I picked her up at Cronometro yesterday, which happened to be my Grandmothers birthday.  I grew up on my Grandma’s farm, and per my previous and loquacious blog entry, you know that this included being born in a milking parlor affectionally called the “Cow Palace” and indoctrination into cycling was by means of a motor.

What I failed to mention is our beloved Irish Setter, Red Dog.  She was a stray, and my parents warned my not to get attached, as it was likely she would be claimed.  After several weeks of running ads in the Edgerton Reporter (this was decades before the Internet or even touch tone phones), when we were sure nobody would claim her, we adopted her into our family.  The descriptive name “Red Dog” was never changed.  She ran like the wind and was most happy to be outside chasing bird shadows.  My new Cervelo has many of the same tendencies, and today, at the Tyranena Oktoberfest bike ride, I new that “Red Dog” was the right name for her.

1977 Trail Jet

2017 Red Dog

Sadly, the hair and bust fullness from 1977 to 2017 has gone largely unchanged, while the fullness of the lower quadrant and experienced exponential growth.  Still, the thrill of a new bike and going fast (a relative term) on two wheels is as exhilarating now as it was in second grade.

Congrats to Z and AquaPhobe on their strong Tyranena finish.  There were no hills to challenge our mitochondria, but a great selection of strong beers at the end to challenge our livers.  Tomorrow is The RIDE, so please come out and support the UW Cancer Center if you can!  My good friend, Deric Wheeler, is in charge and is one helluva good guy. We were graduate students together at the UW. He’s now a tenured professor and I’m writing this blog.  So there’s that.  If you RIDE, please join me, Z, CM Wille and Arms for a Draft.

For Monday, we have a ride down Easy Street in Waunakee.  There’s not short pour, since this ride is a short pour.

Garmin link to Easy Street

Reminder: if you want to join winter Spin on Monday nights at Supreme starting 6:30PM or indoor cycling at CXC Tue at 10AM, please email me ASAP.  We have a few spots left for Spin and need a few more bodies to make CXC fly.  Thanks.
Draft responsibly,

BrickO

According to http://www.timeanddate.com (not any relation to Match.com- I’m only interested in the reliable kind of dating service), the sun will set Monday at 7:14pm.  What this means for the Drafters: 1) wheels up at 5:29PM.  Latecomers will suffer the consequences of darkness  2) ride like the wind (or get behind Captain Joe, the elusive B2 Bomber, or Vilks if he’s done doing his 300k Dairyland Dare victory dance and shows up to ride with the meek), 3) fully charge your blinky light, and 4) hope you don’t have a mechanical, and have a “call a friend” option if you do have a major break down.

Speaking of major mechanicals, despite taking meticulous care of my bikes (yes, that noun is plural several times over- but I don’t indulge in jewelry or other expensive impractical things, so it is totally justified.  So there.), they are subject to breakdowns.  Last weekend, while riding in the Blue Ridge Mountains of South Carolina (violins playing in the background), my front derailleur derailed.  The good news: it failed in the small chainring, which made climbing Caesar’s Head tolerable.  The other good news: it provided a unique cadence training opportunity descending the mountain.  I have now invented and mastered the 150rpm and 0 Watt training program, which I will recommend to no one that I love.

I’d like to give a SHOUT OUT to CRONOMETRO and CERVELO. They take care of their customers.  Buy local whenever you can.  I know online shopping is tempting, and I have to confess that I do take advantage of deals every once in awhile.  But, a deal is only as good as the follow through service when you need it.  My derailleur failure compromised my carbon frame, and only because the guys at CRONOMETRO know their stuff and advocate for their customers do I have a new Cervelo on the way.  Thanks, Colin, Scott, Josh and Paul.  You guys ROCK.

Back to business- we will return to one of our staple rides out Enchanted Valley to Spring Valley.  As the names indicate, riding into two valleys means climbing back out of them.  We will adopt the Short Pour short cut onto Pine Rd as a way to get home safely before the sun sets.  Because I am inherently lazy, the map below includes the full Spring Valley loop, but please turn LEFT on PINE (Tobacco City Boy, Dan-yelly, and Hit-the-Wall, I am talking directly to you, the directionally impaired).

Pine Pedal Garmin Link

Draft responsibly, and probably only through Sept on Monday nights with the Drafters,

BrickO

Just passing this message along:

Please come out and help support a great non-profit organization that builds and maintains all of the mountain bike trails in Dane county.

CORP Movie Night returns for 2017! We’ll be at the Capital Brewery and Bier Garten on September 14: Doors open at 6:00, movies begins at 7:30. First 70 IMBA members through the door receive a CORP pint glass and a fill-up of beer. Not a member? Sign up at madcitydirt.com/join, or we can help you join that night!

Mongoose has generously donated not one, but two bikes as door prizes! Just by showing up, you’ve a chance to ride home on a Tyax Supa 27.5+ hardtail or a Salvo Pro full-suspension bike.

Movie details are still being worked out, but expect to enjoy a classic of the mountain bike film genre along with some shorter features.

There will be food: details coming shortly.

Tickets, $10 in advance, $12 at the door. All proceeds go to support, improve, and expand the trails you love to ride.

Tickets available here: http://www.projkt360.com/?page_id=142