Apologies to the lovely Bill Withers for the lyrical hack.

When I wake up on a Monday, love
And the sunlight hurts my eyes
And something without warning, love
Bears heavy on my mind

Then I check the wind
And the draft’s alright with me
Just one knot or two
And I know it’s gonna be

A lovely day (lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
A lovely day (lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)

The wind to drafter ratio was greater than 2:1. Those aren’t great odds, but 14 Drafters buckled up and got er’ done.

The B Team was Bad*ass. This was Coach Arms’ first time off the ice and one two wheels since claiming the 2025 NC women’s ice hockey national championship, defeating Ohio State 4-3 in overtime. The Badgers won their fourth national championship in six seasons and a record eighth in program history. Straight off the ice and onto recruiting for next season, Coach Arms hasn’t even taken a hot minute to enjoy a glass of wine. But she made time to Draft responsibly. Compared to the battles on the ice, 35mph winds didn’t seem much of a challenge for the Canadian Goddess.

The A Team huddled up to discuss strategy. Vilks proposed rerouting to Riley Tavern in order to suffer the nasty wind head on, right out of the gate. Reflecting on the B Team’s bold pursuit north, as the Good Fellows route dictated, shame fell over the group for considering anything else, and they drafted into submission.

Only later did Speedy, the spokesperson for the B Team, confess to a TSN Turning Point, chopping 10 miles off of the route. The route was all GOOD but no FELLOWS (that road was part of the omission). That’s what happens when two Canadian skaters are running point. Shaq defended the Canadian’s tactical decision, “We were smart AND safe.” The implication being that the A Team was safe, but not so smart.

Vilks ran a shuttle service for the A Team, continuing his pole position as MVD. He had two repeat customers: Skipper and BrickO, and two elderly ladies out for a walk in their house coats who were happy to take a ride, if he was offering.

Somewhere along the way, things got a little wet. Not enough to get anyone too excited. Except for Car Wash, who was adamant that the shower be credited to Mother Nature and not his perspiration. He has less to sweat since his retirement last week. CONGRATS, CAR WASH!!

Nobody was too proud to take the bike path home. No shelter from the wind, but at least the group escaped a few hills.

Safely back at base camp, the group retreated to the back yard for a beverage. Garmin Connect flashed a recovery warning of 66 hours. BrickO is seeking someone with software expertise to create a Garmin Readiness to Drink Beer score. Her’s would undoubtedly flash green after every ride. But never before a ride, in accordance with the draft responsibly covenant. Shaq lobbied for a Bourbon Readiness score, as apparently that applies to almost everyone.

WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS: Congrats to all the Drafters who were getting down and dirty at the Dairy Roubaix (Cujo, Herbie, Spigot, BrickO, Marco) and Driftless 100 (Twinkle Toes, JRad). Shaq was in Big Girl mode, conquering her fear of gravel, riding much of the Dairy Roubaix course with a little help from Spigot on Sunday.

Tuesday’s Highlight: Z’s back!!!

THREE IMPORTANT CHANGES FOR NEXT MONDAY, MAY 5

1. The first Monday of each month, starting May 5, we will ride from Crossroads Coffeehouse/ Creekside Scoop located at 2020 Main St, Cross Plains. There is parking behind the building, and along Bourbon Road. A huge thanks to Katy Ripp (owner) and Abby (right hand woman) for welcoming us back. Creekside Scoop doesn’t officially open on Monday nights until July, so we will have the place to ourselves. They WILL have service for the Drafters, so please be a respectful patron. The beer floats are surprisingly delicious.
2. Starting times will move to 4:45 and 5PM.
3. There will be a full strength and short pour option for rides where it makes sense, especially as we continue to increase miles. You can ride either one at 4:45 or 5PM.

This week from Creekside Coffeehouse, the full strength route is 34 miles and the short pour 24.5 miles. When in doubt, climb.

Link to RidewithGPS Drafters | Crossroads Coffeehouse

Link to RidewithGPS Drafters | Crossroads Coffeehouse Short Pour

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

The winds of change seem to be blowing. There isn’t much to do about that, except embrace what is coming. Grateful for the 6 Drafters who blew in to ride Riley.

Numbers were down in the B Team. Watson wasn’t the only one without a clue as to why. Apologies to Watson, who graciously offered not to Draft, as to adhere to the code, “No Drafter Left Behind”.

The most beautiful part of the day came around 4:45, when the sun shone and wind subsided. Grateful for those who drafted responsibly.

Wind wasn’t the only thing that eluded the A Team. Loading the course is, of course, the hardest part of drafting responsibly.

Spigot had the faucet OPEN WIDE. With his new set of road wheels, he led the entire route. And not by a little. He attributed his well fueled ride to Shaq, who brought food enough to feed a small army post-Draft.

Spigot is also responsible for the fine photography at the Horribly Hilly Hundreds clinic on Friday. Thanks to all the Drafters (Octane, Shaq, Car Wash, Spigot, Cujo) who volunteered their time and watts to supporting the 6th best single day road event in the country, according to the final results of the USA Today survey.

Madison MultiSport and the Drafters support the HHH clinic at Blue Mounds on Sat.

The route for next Monday is a 33 mile route to the north.

WINDS OF CHANGE:

DEPARTURE TIME: 4:45.

Feel free to organize amongst yourselves for a 4:30 departure.

PLEASE NOTE: due to poor road quality of Pheasant Branch, we will be taking the bike path out and back in to town. If you have this route previously loaded into your Garmin (clearly not talking to Vilks and Twinkle Toes), you may want to upload this one with the *.

RidewithGPS link: Drafters | *Good Fellows

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Snow White was missing, but 7 Drafters heigh-ho, heigh-ho’d it’s off to High Street they goed, where they were immediately dwarfed by the wicked winds of the west.

There are few tales to tell, as conversations were muted by the defending sound of the howling wind. A tail wind on the return voyage did a fine job of boosting the average mph. All 7 Dwarfs had an important role to play. Rimshot forgot he was Bashful, busting to the front of the line to start the pull down the homestretch on Schneider Road. Hammer Time was Happy to jump on that wheel. Keez was too, until she ran out of gears (one downside to a 1x with a ferocious tailwind) and was Grumpy. BrickO was Dopey to think she wouldn’t run out of gas chasing those 3. The Colonel held as long as he could, but became Sneezy after eating so much of Hammer’s dust. Octane was a bit Sleepy off the line due a few minor mechanical inconveniences. Knievel might be a retired Doc, but there is nothing tired about him on the bike!

Bigger than our Disney ride comes this news:

Congratulations to Thing 1 on matching in Family Medicine at UW -Madison!! It will be good to keep her, Vintage and our junior drafter in the hood.

And congrats to Coach Arms (and of course, Mark Johnson and the rest of the amazing staff) and the Women’s Badger Women’s Hockey Team on their 8th National Championship. It was arguably the most exciting game ever played, barring perhaps the Miracle on Ice in 1980. The genius coaching, pure will and grit of the players to win, and remarkable talent on and off the ice made us proud to be Badgers. Go Green! And Red!

Next week we will ride the Bridge to Nowhere. Departure times 4:30 and 4:45PM. This 27.5 mile *route is slightly altered from the typical exit, as we did last week for the Pine Loop, to avoid Century Ave.

RidewithGPS Link: Drafters | *Bridge to Nowhere

Draft responsbily,

BrickO

Monday was a night of firsts.  First Draft of the season.  First 70-degree day in March. First time 23 Drafters enlisted this early in the season, a group so large, the photo had to be divided into east and west divisions.  First serious crash in the history of the Draft.  

Some reflection on that. I accept the inherent risk of riding on the road.  Each time I hear of a crash, whatever the precipitating factors and surrounding circumstances, I recognize that it could have easily been me.  In that same moment, I also enter a state of denial, pointing at those exact precipitating factors and surrounding circumstances, orchestrating my escape plan. 

The crash on Monday left no room for denial. It was a direct hit on our home and Drafter family. The wounds are still raw and painful.  Our thoughts and healing vibes go out to those involved in the crash.

Amidst the darkness, there are rays of bright (green) light to be grateful for.

1. Our tribe.  Every single Drafter stopped and rose to the occasion, rendering assistance to those down.  Nobody panicked. It is a bit foggy, but I clearly remember Herbie assessing Z Wrecks.  Duracell charging to call Speedy, who was faster than the ambulance (living up to her name once again) getting Z Wrecks o the hospital.  Keez and Slim giving the group confidence to continue the ride, clearing the scene so that Thing 1 could put her 4^th year medical skills to good use, adding triage to her resume as she awaits match day.  Nurse Shaq kept a close eye on Hawkeye, and on me, even when I didn’t think I needed it.  Marco and JRad made sure Twinkle Toes was back on his feet, with a quick bike check to ensure he was safe to dance on the pedals.  And many more who are a blur in my mind, but I know were there to help.
2. Barb Kalscheur, off duty EMT from Waunakee who stopped to render aid.  With so much of the world upside down, with lack of empathy and kindness, she restored my hope in humanity. I’ll have a card for all to sign on Monday, with a Food Fight gift card.
3. UW trauma, neuro and ortho teams, who put our men back together again.
4. The dozens and dozens of messages of support in the following hours to days, a meal train, and endless offers to help.

I’m sharing two of those dozens of messages from Drafters, as they express so eloquently what I am struggling to convey. 

“Riding is a thrill we all have a passion for, but sometimes we are so rudely reminded of the risks involved.”

Every time we get in the saddle, we accept the risks that lie ahead.  Pot holes, especially in the spring, are abundant and unpredictable. As are vehicles that don’t see us.  Please continue to draft responsibly, reminding ourselves before mounting our trusty steeds of a few basic principles of safety. To my knowledge, everyone has been following these rules and guidelines, so this is not a reprimand. Rather, it is a reminder to take inventory before each ride.

1. High visibility clothing. Because bright green is my favorite color.  High visibility clothing, especially green, really enhances the beauty of your natural skin tone. And, it has the best chance of catching the eyes of unsuspecting drivers. Of course, green isn’t the only high vis color. Choose one that works for your skin and hair tones.
2. Lights.  Non-negotiable. Rear radar and a front LED light, along with a rear blinky light on your helmet are highly recommended.
3. Helmet.  I recently learned that they have a 5-year shelf life. Not sure how much of that is marketing and how much is actual deterioration of the material.  After seeing Z’s cracked helmet, does it really matter?  Please be sure your helmet meets the standards, fits well (Pipes, be sure not to put in on backwards and Booker J, no more forgetting it after a lsat minute wardrobe change), and securely fastened.  Kudos to Loose Screw for wearing his helmet during yoga, just in case his Warrior goes down.  
4. Spotting and calling out road obstacles, pot holes, etc.  I’m aware that in a true paceline, nobody calls out these things as it is the job of the drafter to follow the wheel in front.  We rarely are in a formal paceline, and few of us are very skilled at it, so calling out obstacles in a timely manner is critical.  Point to the object with your arm stretched out so riders back can see your signal. For a parked vehicle or larger debris, a sweeping motion behind your back to indicate a shift away from the obstacle is appropriate.  Unfortunately, not all things are easily seen, even with the most attentive rider.  And when there are multiple pot holes on both sides, it is very difficult to communicate. We can’t escape the risk all together, but we can minimize it with signaling.
5. Spacing. Riding single file out of town, and no more than 2 abreast once out of town is the rule.  We draft in part for the social aspect of cycling, and it is easy to pull up 3 -wide, to be part of a conversation.  I’ve done it.  I will likely do it again.  And it is up to all of us to check one another’s behavior. 

“You can’t control the roads or the winds or the way the cookie crumbles.  You can only curate a place where we all come to escape from all the things life throws, and a community that’s there in good times and tough ones too.”

I’ve wrestled with how to move forward, if we should move forward with Monday night rides.  These words helped strengthen my resolve to move forward with the Draft, to honor and grow our community.  A good time, perhaps, to review the Drafter code.

Drafter Community Tenets

1. No Drafter Left Behind

1. These are NOT no-drop rides. Every effort will be made to keep small, cohesive groups with multiple departure times at 4:30 and 4:45PM.  The spirit of the 4:30 group will be a bit more relaxed pace, with the 4:45 group having a bit more wattage in their quadage.  Once the rides get longer, we will add an additional 5PM departure, along with Short Pour options. Drafters are at liberty to create their own groups to meet their needs (I’m referring to you, Footer, Pipes and Special K of the FO group).
2. Buddy system. Drafters vying for position of Lantern Rouge are encouraged to find a fellow Drafter to share the honors.
3. Text BrickO if you choose to depart from the group and head back early. A group photo is taken at the beginning so that all team members can be accounted for at the end.

2. Drafters of ALL ages and fitness levels are welcome.

1. Drafters are encouraged to ride in a way that meets their objectives for the evening, and to respect that other drafters may have different goals and ambitions.
2. This is not a pro development team, but we encourage strong riders to get stronger.
   • Strava hunting. If you are jonesing for a segment, please communicate that in advance to the riders around you.  For those on the rivet, having a sudden and unexplained surge in speed can be frustrating at best, dangerous at worst.  Helping our youth riders get on the Strava board can be tons of fun, and give the older horses a sense of purpose.  Again, communication is key.  Please be sure everyone understands the group riding dynamic.
3. Nor is not a group for novice riders.  We simply do not have the infrastructure to give inexperienced riders the instruction they need and deserve.  Old and slow (speaking for myself) are not the same as inexperienced.  The expectation is that Drafters have the basic bike handling skills through years of experience to be safe in a group ride.

And with all of that important business behind us, let’s get ready for Riley Tavern!

This is a nice 25mile southerly adventure.  Departures at 4:30 and 4:45PM from Middleton Hills.

Link to RidewithGPS Drafters | Riley Tavern  

Tomorrow, March 16th, is the last day to order Drafter gear from the Hincapie Team Store.

The space heater and fire pit are ready on the back porch, so bring a lawn chair and beverage for the post-draft social.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

It was a wild and wonderful weekend on the ice. CONGRATULATIONS to Coach Arms and the Badger Women’s Hockey Team on their 11th WCHA tournament title, this being its second-straight WCHA Final Faceoff crown.

Substituting studs for skates, a team of Drafters swept the podium at the Fat Tire Birkie on Saturday (and were back at the cabin just in time to catch the hockey game on TV).

And now the snow can be gone, mercury can rise, and the Draft to commence tomorrow, March 10th at 4:30PM. This first draft will be a social, NO DROP ride. The route is 23.7 miles, starting from our usual location in Middleton Hills.

RidewithGPS link Drafters | Easy Street

For those who ordered socks, they are in! You can pick them up tomorrow, $10 if you have not paid in advance. And remember that you have until March 16th to order Drafter gear from Hincapie Sportswear.

Looking forward to drafting responsibly,

BrickO

The Mamas & The Papas and at least half of the two dozen drafters who came for the Final Draft broke into song at Missouri Tavern.

Actually, it was the Happy Birthday song to Vilks, but it could have been these lyrics:

All the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown)
And our kit is green (and our kit is green)
I’ve been for a ride (I’ve been for a ride)
On an October’s day (on an October’s day)
I’d be safe and warm (I’d be safe and warm)
If I was in L.A. (if I was in L.A.)

Drafter, drafter dreamin’ (Drafter, drafter dreamin’)
On such an October’s day

Stopped into a bar
I passed along the way
Well, I got down off my bike (got down off my bike)
And I decide to stay (I decide to stay)
You know the drafters like a beer (drafters like a beer)
He knows I’m gonna stay (knows I’m gonna stay)

Drafter, drafter dreamin’ (Drafter, drafter dreamin’)
On such an October’s day

15min later and the low sun has already cast the A Team into shadow.

The rode is sometimes a lonely one. Sort of the anti-draft for our team photographer, Skipper. As a tribute (and apology), a homage to some of his work Monday night.

STAGE 1: Denial

STAGE 2: Anger. Mostly with Vilks, who had made a pact (in addition to all Drafters who swore to uphold the code, “No Drafter left alone”) to never leave his wingman.

STAGE 3: Bargaining

STAGE 4: Depression

STAGE 5: Acceptance

Twinkle Toes was also riding solo due to a technical issue. He’s had a few this season: forgetting his cycling shoes, throwing his derailleur into his spokes, innumerable flats (20?). This one, however, was a cruel twist of fate. Better late than never, Twinkle Toes figured out how to load the course onto his Garmin. The course did not follow the bike path to Missouri Tavern.. that was an optional route deviation.

Twinkle Toes did ultimately find his way to a cold beer and warm fire. The conversation around the fire pit somehow turned to wood ticks. Skipper and Z Wrecks showed their tick shedding moves to the Brazen Ballerinas.

Catching the Tik Tok fever, Rimshot showed his gangsta moves, sporting his new headwear. Thanks to our friends at SweatVac for creating this small tribute (no reference to the size of the brain in the headwear) to those 21 Drafters completing 10 or more rides: Hammer, Midas, Twinkle Toes, BrickO, Pit Stop, Speedy, Duracell, Rimshot, Octane, Presley, Knievel, Slim, Shaq, McGritty, Cujo, Queenie, Skipper, Vilks, Keez, Z Wrecks and Car Wash.

Not making 10 rides, but making something pretty special….. congrats Squirrel and Granny! And no Vilks, you had nothing to do with this.

It has been a wonderful season. Heartfelt thanks to every single Drafter who drafted responsibly, building quads and community. The season saw the births of two new Drafters (congrats again to Cannibal & Jen and Vintage & Thing1), with two more on the way (congrats Granny & Squirrel and Hawkeye), marriage of Bomber and Belle, retirement of Pit Stop and Cujo and new knee for Z Wrecks (and he only missed 4 rides!). And some Drafters lost loved ones. We stand as one through it all.

Here’s a look at the books.

Treasurer’s report: rich beyond compare with community. Special thanks to our friends at Hincapie Sportswear, Online Cycling Gear (Funtathalon and Tour de Dane), Sweat Vac (headbands), and the local bike shops who keep us rolling.

Secretary’s report:

24 rides covering 771.9 miles.

69 Drafters on the roster, with 19 newbies enlisting (Tinker, Hammer, Twinkle Toes, Rocky, Unicorn Blood, Car Wash, 9 Volt, Spigot, Marko, LaFleur, Fab, McGritty, Colonel, Slimmer, DJ Jazzy, Grit, Hawkeye, Herbie, Lost Boy).

30% of roster made 10+ rides, and 16% made 15+ rides

Slim made all but 1 Draft! Special mention to Vilks (because he begged) who was up from 9 rides in 2023 to 16 rides in 2024.

Average draft size 21, max 29

Flat Tire Club Induction: Coach Arms (Twinkle Toes, despite 20 flats, avoided an episode on a Monday night so technically was not eligible, although losing a derailleur has merit).

That’s a wrap!

Dirty Drift MTBing, Drift Draft fat biking, UW Women’s Hockey games and other shenanigans will be posted on the blog and/or GroupMe. Look for our outdoor road season to resume in March. Until then…. thank you for sharing your Mondays with the Drafters.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Earth, Wind & Fire were singing to 23 Drafters on Monday night.

There was a
Ba-dee-ya (dee-ya, dee-ya), say, do you remember?
Ba-dee-ya (dee-ya, dee-ya), draftin’ in September
Ba-dee-ya (dee-ya, dee-ya), never was a cloudy day
And we’ll say
Ba-dee-ya (dee-ya, dee-ya), say, do you remember?
Ba-dee-ya (dee-ya, dee-ya), draftin’ in September
Ba-dee-ya (dee ya, dee-ya), golden dreams were shiny days

The B Team formed a tunnel of love. Duracell’s battery was so full, he wanted to ride (and pose) in both the B and A teams. We welcomed a Newbie, Herbie, who lined up in the tunnel, but her quads were quickly detected and she was extradited to the A Team. It was good to have Captain Joe back from his junket in Montana. Clearly, more stringent border patrol will be implemented as we can’t have our Captain flying out of state so often.

And then there was one, late to the tunnel of love. Welcome, Dan-yelly! In hot mess mode that we have all come to love, she forgot her water bottle (Speedy was happy to render hydration aid) and suffered a failure of the mount for her phone, which was luckily recovered. There is still an APB out for her car keys, however, from last season.

After a hiatus for Ironman, we were happy to welcome Tinker back to the line up. Also on Dan-yelly time, so not in the photo, but in our hearts. Hawkeye flew in after receiving confirmation from the stork that his daughter wouldn’t be delivered until after the Draft.

Two things were off with the A Team, both much appreciated by all in the peloton. First, our newbie was having some serious mechanical issues. Not for lack of proper bike maintenance, as Herbie had just come from the bike shop. As the line of Drafters listened to her bottom bracket creak and clank, it was a relief to have watts fall away as she climbed up Twin Valley. Just like the Love Bug, her mechanical issues did not deter her from crossing the finish line right up there with Slim, Keez and Vilks.

The other thing off was Vilks. Having just returned home at 1AM from a 2000 mile trip to watch the Badgers play the Trojans of Southern California, he was not in typical form. Or he was, but not typical for a Monday night Draft. BrickO, fulfilling her relegated role as caboose, passed him just before the climb up Mid Town and shouted some sass, thinking that was the last she would see of Vilks. True to form, he decided to punish himself for the days of imbibing, and turned up the watts. BrickO tried to be the little engine that could, but a red light on Pioneer Road ended her tortuous failings. Gratefully, she joined the B Team, where Z Wrecks had been leading the charge only 2 months after his total knee surgery. Gritty guys, both of them, battling back from elective procedures. Nothing a little yoga can’t fix.

WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS: Congrats to all those Drafters who “competed” in the 3rd annual Funtathalon, and a shout out to all of the volunteers who made it possible. 9 teams divided up 4 cycling segments: 8 mile MTB ride, 13 mile road race, 24 mile gravel grinder, and a final 24 mile time trial to test their metal. When not riding, they were challenged with corn hole, Kubb, monkey tail, puzzles and trivia. Huge thanks to SweatVac for the volunteer t-shirts and OCG for the custom jerseys.

No ankles were turned with the running Le Mans start. Luckily, Twinkle Toes remembered his shoes.

The transitions were well rehearsed.

Oddly, the women proved to be better at monkey tail than the men.

Everyone had an opportunity to (moon) shine.

Everyone was a winner. After an exciting day of back and forth, these 3 teams were on the podium:

All good things must come to an end. Or at least hibernate over the winter to recharge. Monday, Oct 7 will conclude the 2024 Drafting season. This is a very short route (21 miles), reversed from the typical chapel ride in order to provide an opportunity to wash away those sins just confessed. Option: skip the turn onto Lodi-Springfield/Woodland Rd and take the bike path home, stopping at the Missouri Tavern. Departure times 4:45 and 5PM.

For those Drafters completing 10 or more rides, headbands from SweatVac will be awarded. Congrats to: Hammer, Midas, Twinkle Toes, BrickO, Pit Stop, Speedy, Duracell, Rimshot, Octane, Presley, Knievel, Slim, Shaq, McGritty, Cujo, Queenie, Skipper, Vilks, Keez, Z Wrecks…. and Car Wash if he makes the last draft!

Link RidewithGPS Drafters | Reverse Chapel

Draft responsibly,

BrickO