The forecast for Monday April 4 , according to the unsophisticated weather app on my iPhone, reveals a snowflake. Surely this is not accurate.  Perhaps I’m misinterpreting the symbol. A crystal could be a representation for the diamond that now sits on Jackie’s left hand.  I propose we ride.  Say I do.

Let’s shoot for a short 25mile ride towards Waunakee.  For those who seek a slightly shorter loop, hang a left on Woodland and catch the bike path along highway 12 back to the Free House. If you want to make it a truly casual ride, I suggest a pit stop at the Missouri Tavern, one of Dane County’s finest historical treasures.

If the snow does fly, I do not anticipate riding.  This has nothing to do with an aversion to riding in the cold.  Or the fact that over the past 10 days of vacation, my cycling miles totaled zero, such that I am frantically trying to make up some fitness before facing the Drafters.  Z was able to get in one ride while  on Tenerife (evidenced below), and is therefore nominated to lead the draft.

The true nature of the potential cancelation is that I am looking out for our fleet of shiny  new bikes. The Human Metronome, Ms. Iceland (AKA Ivy League Rower), Quinoa Chrissy and Counselor Liz have recently boosted the economy.  Any guesses as to the owner of this beauty? This bike is apparently  so well designed and engineered for negative drag that pedals are optional.

GPS link to Waunakee Ride

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

The inaugural Draft was full of firsts.  Here is a brief recap of the evening which consisted of 9 riders and 3 fans.

This is the first time we have started the draft in March, and savored a dry Monday, followed by rain on Tuesday. Typically, we see precipitation around 5:25pm on Monday, while the Cap Brew riders head out in perfect conditions the following night. I’m not keeping score, but so far 1-0 Drafters.

Reportedly, this is the first ride whereby the Human Metronome was forced to stand on a climb AND came back to camp winded.  Might have something to do with our newest additions, Vilks and The Terminator, JoeJoe McD.  It’s hard to say for sure if Jim had to stand on the climb in order to keep the boys in sight, or if he was merely trying to read the fine print on Vilks’ cute Vilas Zoo kit.  Most of us aren’t quite so fashionably kitted up.

The Drafters, for the first time, would like to extend pest control services to their members. Jim recently received professional training on how to successfully release a squirrel from chimney captivity into the living room with free reign.  The Terminator specializes in bat control, and his rates are on a sliding scale depending on the “hours away to beer consumed ratio”.  Safety glasses are recommended.  Ann may be willing to negotiate terms.

Kim took the inaugural draft literally, bolding biking for the first time in clipless pedals and with aerobars.  You wouldn’t have guessed by watching her bike… although it was hard to watch her, as I took a wrong turn with newbies Kim and Rick and got us a bit lost.  Reminder to all: print your maps and do not rely on your leader to have a sense of direction.  And, be sure to have lights on your bike in case you find yourself out past dark.

The most exciting first of firsts, by far, is the engagement of two Drafters, Tall Ironman Tim and Coach Friesen for a Reason. Look at the expressions on the faces of the hockey team when they received the news!  The diamond will add to the sparkle on the ice as the Badgers kick some Gopher butt this weekend. See earlier notification for our pest control service.

Hope to see you all for our next ride on April 4.  I will post a map upon my return.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Welcome to the 2016 Draft!  The weather is cooperating beautifully, so let’s get this party started. If last year is any indicator, planning our first Monday ride will ensure rain.

I propose we host our inaugural Draft on Monday March 14th at 5:30, departing from the BMO bank parking lot across from the Free House on Parmenter St.  Please refer to the “Draft Responsibly” prologue of this blog for details.  In brief:

1. RIDE AT YOUR OWN RISK.  There is no fee to ride with this group, and subsequently, the responsibility for safety is all yours.
2. Carry spare tubes & CO2 and know how to use them.
3. Print your own map or at least know how to get home (clicking your heals three times is not a viable option, unless the shoes are stilettos like Coach Friesen will be wearing today as she coaches the Badger Women’s Hockey Team towards the Frozen Four).
4. Bring your own beer money and be prepared to cover a friend who didn’t.
5. Wheels up at 5:30. If you are going to be late, plan to park and meet us on the route- we usually head out Pheasant Branch or Airport Road and there are ample parking spots on both routes.  Text me and I will be sure you are not forgotten.
6. Most importantly, come with a great attitude and ready to ride, but not like an idiot, have fun and be safe.

Once we get a taste of the Draft, we will take the next two weeks off.  Over training is a real risk that I feel compelled to avoid. Coincidentally, I will be in Europe those next two weeks sampling their drafts.  We will reconvene on Monday April 4th.  We also need to allow time for the arrival of two new bikes.  Rumor has it that the Human Metronome  has purchased a shiny new Colnago from Cronometro.  Given that Jim had two bikes stolen last year, I will refrain from oozing jealousy.  The bike fairy also paid a visit to Chrissy Quinoa, our newest Drafter and contender for the best legs contest.  Photos of said bikes (not legs) are available upon request.

The route is the short but sweet ~20 mile Hyper Loop.  This is the short cut (in green on map) from the Hyslop Hustle 30, which you are free to ride if daylight cooperates.  The clocks spring ahead on Sunday, but I can’t guarantee enough daylight for the full loop. I have Native American blood, but there are limits to my ability to control the weather and daylight.

Garmin Link to Hyer Loop *Garmin links are from my house, not the Free House.  Close enough in proximity and both have a well stocked beer fridge, so feel free to use them interchangeably.

Draft Responsibly,

BrickO

Despite my upbringing on a tobacco farm in rural Wisconsin, I failed to acquire a taste for country music… until yesterday.  The last Draft held our finest weather experience and brought out 13 riders (my lucky number) and a few surprises.  Kaiya pushed the pace in the lead group (mind you, this former collegiate basketball star JUST bought a bike, borrowed shoes 3 sizes too big and transcended from back of the pack to leader of the pack in short order), the Human Metronome allegedly got out of his saddle to climb Enchanted Valley (counselor Liz is reviewing the tape, wearing her driving gloves to avoid damaging the evidence), BrickO did not place her typical high maintenance ABLT order without avocado or bacon, add cheese please (ABCLT) and Christopher wore a men’s Drafters jersey. The biggest surprise was a coming out by Regina’s hockey star and contender for Best Legs in Drafter Magazine.  Jackie talked openly in an interview with Nurse Sully about her heart palpitations over Garth Brooks.  After listening to his recent re-release of “I’ve Got Friends in Low Places”,  I concede that country music is not all bad.  At least one song by Garth (she’s on a first name basis with him now, with complimentary concert tickets in the third row), will find its way onto my spin playlist this winter.

Watch Video of Garth Brooks and Jackie or sing along…

I’VE GOT FRIENDS IN LOW PLACES (DRAFTER REMAKE)

Blame it all on my roots, I showed up in Hicapie boots

Set the pace for the Drafter affair

The first one to ride, the last one inside

We were the cyclists the Free House bartender hoped to see there.

And I saw the surprise and the fear in her eyes

When I ordered a microbrew and toasted you

Said, “Drafters, we may be through, but you’d never hear me complain”

‘Cause I’ve got friends in Spin classes where the music drowns

And the beer chases my blues away and I’ll be okay

I’m not big on social graces, think I’ll slip on down to the Supreme Spin Studio oasis

End of song, end of an extraordi-rainy outdoor season.  I thank all 45 (!) of you who rode with the Drafters.  I hope to see some of you at Spin and if not, stay tuned for next season.  Same bat time, same bat channel.

BrickO

It has been one helluva summer.  Thanks to everybody who showed up, usually in the rain, to Draft.  A quick tally shows just over 40 official Drafters, including our newest inductee, Ironman Tim.

Most of you know what makes me tick.  It is pretty simple: biking, dark beer (or whiskey- medicinal, obviously), and good people with whom to share life, laughter (Sully and Liz take this to an extreme) and tears (I try to minimize the latter, but they do happen from time to time).  I am grateful to all of you for contributing to the “good people” portion of the equation, which contributes exponentially towards creating a rich life.  Dr. Corr, did you see how I used a function in that equation?  Your calculus tutoring has really paid off.

This will be the last call for a 2015 Monday night Draft. The theme is “Home Talent” as our route takes us by two baseball diamonds, Ashton Corners and Martinsville, a tradition which has been a highlight of Sunday afternoons for decades.  Home Talent is also a fitting theme, given that our vey own Coach Bannink just rocked the ITU World Championships.

Greatness has many forms.  Taking the podium in two events at the World Championship is certainly of of them.  Riding in the middle of the pack during a Drafter ride, not speaking a word about your achievements as a triathlete, but instead enjoying the company of others is another form of greatness.  An accomplished athlete I know once said “if you are really that good, you don’t need to talk about it.  People already know.” Congratulations to the truly great, and truly humble, Coach Bannink.

Garmin link to Home Talent Route

Air goes in to our lungs with roughly 20.9% oxygen.  Air comes out with less.  How much less depends on what you choose to do with it.  If you choose to talk the talk, little oxygen is consumed though copious volumes of air may be exhaled.  If you choose to swim, bike or/and run,  oxygen consumption is maximized.  Congratulations to many Drafters this weekend for their superb utilization of O2.

A big shout out to Feng shui Master Gary, who finished his first Ironman despite a blue card for drafting (forgetting it wasn’t a Monday night ride, obviously), a mechanical breakdown in Mt. Horeb, and nausea (which may have been attributed to the former two incidents, although he maintains it was electrolyte imbalance).  In a post-IM interview, Gary seemed to relay mixed emotions, “The run sucked. But it was a blast. Liz and Sully were all over the run. I did hear them well before I saw them!”  Apparently, it is a myth that only dogs are sensitive to high pitched frequency sounds.  Iron Jeanne also crossed the finish line- not her first rodeo.

Husband and Wife Team Tronnes ventured north for the Door County Century, along with Father and Son Team Carlson.  Apparently, Dan-yelly rode much of the event without her groom, as he took a wrong turn in Sturgeon Bay, leaving the Peninsula and headed toward the mainland.  He still wasn’t back for wheels up Monday night (hence lack of a century finish line photo), but made it in time to join us for a draft.  The Human Metronome rode with his father, age 75, to complete their fifth consecutive Door County Century.  Senior Carlson, sporting a jersey “This Guy Needs Beer”, declared it his last (century, not beer). 42 degree temperatures at the start may have played a role in his decision to retire, but Junior has plans to lure him back with a tandem next year.

Lastly, Drafter K2 successfully completed her cross country journey to Oregon… via Jackalope.  She is the only American to have attempted this mode of transportation and has declared it an official event.  Bumper stickers are available “Jackaloped 2K”

Due to the high volume of oxygen consumption these past few days, the route for next Monday will be a meek and mild 20 mile excursion past the Riley Tavern.

Garmin Link Riley Route

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

The Laborless Day Ride and post-festivities were remarkable.  You really can’t make this stuff up.

10 minutes after departure, the ever present Monday night rain appeared.  While we only got a slight sprinkle , there was a downpour to the north, keeping the roads to the Rock nice and juicy.  The faces of those  drafting behind Jim (conveniently, everybody) were speckled with cow manure.  Newbie Neil got a little taste of Drafter rides. Best of luck to Neil in his upcoming West Coast Grand Fondo.  May the smell of Wisconsin, now deeply embedded in your gear, keep you fondly thinking of home while cycling through wine country.

The air was humid, but we felt a little Frost. Two roads diverged into a yellow wood, and sorry we could not travel both… (read: sorry we could not read the soggy map) we chose the one which terminated at a bar on the Wisconsin River.  Many Drafters were enthusiastic about exploring this landmark.  I’m sure the intention was to ask  for directions and not a draft.  A very sweet little elderly woman made a solid attempt to lure us into the bar, but the Drafters took the high road, which was definitely the one less traveled.

The post-ride spread offered much variety.  There were seven kind of salsa, including 4 from Chipotle, compliments of UW Women’s Hockey.  Salmon was a favorite, although I thoughtfully declined the main course in lieu of a low calorie cucumber salad, with a modest portion of green beens and almonds. This disciplined decision allowed me to devour this (correction- devour these, plural- butterscotch rice crispy bars were gone before they could be photographed) :

Next week we will venture to the outskirts of the one and only Waunakee, and enjoy a ride down Easy Street (for real).  This is a 25mile route.  We are losing light by 7pm, so please plan to be wheels up promptly at 5:30 and bring a blinky.

Garmin Link to Wauna Ride

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Something in the cosmos was definitely out of balance at 5:30pm on Monday.  It was a gorgeous night to ride. Monday night gorgeous rides have not been copacetic. Perhaps it was the influence of newbie  Zach from my homeland, the Tobacco City.  We are now mandating that he rides weekly.  With that, I am increasing the mileage to 50, just to see how tough they are growing them in Edgerton these days.  I’m also posing this aerobic challenge as a type of Myth Busters. I’ve heard tell that women in their 30s reach the height of their aerobic endurance potential.  Allegedly, Counselor Liz is celebrating her milestone birthday this Thursday at Capitol Brewery from 5-7.  Please join the party!  Gifts are prohibited and  driving gloves are required.  We will see how this Tricenarian handles the  climb to The Rock.

Let’s take advantage of a Laborless Day to ride a half-century.  The plan is to meet at our house at 4pm and ride to the Rock of Gibraltar.  Map below- 3422 Glacier Ridge Rd.  If you are so inclined, please bring a little sometin sometin to share.  Perishables and beer can remain safely behind in the fridge.  Following the ride, you are invited to stay and enjoy some food  (provided by the group- I have no idea how to function in the kitchen) and beverages (I have complete command of how the beer fridge operates). If our appetite exceeds our food supply, I have Falbos Pizza on speed dial.  A hot tub is available for those who may be chilled from the ride (likely the Canadian).

There is parking in our driveway, on one side of the street, and nearby at Craftsman or at the Trail Head of Pheasant Branch Conservancy at the intersection of Pheasant Branch and Gaylord Nelson Dr.  Middleton Hills just received a fresh batch of tar and cinders on the streets, so we will use the sidewalk to get out of Dodge.

Garmin link to Rock of Gibraltar

Draft Responsibly this Labor Day weekend,

BrickO

It didn’t rain last evening, but it was a wee bit windy and chilly (for August).  The whine cellar opened up around 4pm with this “So, if you decide to ride tonight, I will put my big girl panties on and come”.  I thought Canadians loved beer but I guess they prefer whine.   A vintage whine came from Sully: “There’s nothing fun about that NW head wind. Without my helmet I would look like Trump.”  K2, apparently well on her way to earning her doctorate of philosophy, slammed the door on the whine cellar with this insight: “If it were this temperature in April, we’d be out riding in guns.”

Gusts at 27mph blew in newbie Billy Boy McC.  He joins the existing Drafter bench of counselors to make it three. Billy Boy qualified for the offensive line, riding side by side with Cliff, there was no wind at all.

To be sure there was no net caloric debt, the Drafters imbibed and demolished the biggest cookie yet.  14 Drafters and 16 cookie slices- Heather and BrickO were up to their old devices.  2 extras pieces were devoured like a drug… anybody wonder which two Drafters found their new jerseys a bit snug??  My abdominals hurt from laughing so hard.  We all agree, driving gloves should be barred.

Ah…. leaving the wine cellar and onto Tom Collins.  Next week we will embark on a slightly new 30ish mile adventure.  From Collins Ridge Rd, you can take the bike path home, which is an excellent option if you want to knock off 10 miles.

Garmin Link to Tom Collins

Last reminder that jersey orders must be placed by Aug 31.  Some of you inquired about wind and winter cycling Drafter jackets. They are available.  I know this because the extra cookie slice isn’t the only thing I treated myself to… Email Seth for details (see previous post).

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Did everyone notice the rain that fell Tuesday at precisely 5:25 (in sheets, no less) instead of on Monday?  I know there was some confusion, with several Drafters contacting me to be sure they hadn’t misunderstood the departure day.  Ripley’s Believe It Or Not was on site to record the FIRST EVER consecutive weeks of dry Drafter Monday night rides! T-shirts will be available soon.  Donna, there is a 2XL reserved for you. Dan-yelly, I’ve requested extra wide through the armpits.

Loyal friend, Drafter, extraordinary PT and doer of all things outdoors and extreme, we will honor K2 this coming Monday by riding her favorite route, a 40 mile jaunt through the western zip codes of Dane County.  There are two short cuts for a 30 and 20 mile-ish routes, respectively.  K2 is trading in her goniometer for an opportunity to earn her PhD in Exercise Physiology at University of Oregon.  Please join us in giving her a proper send off after the ride at the Free House.

Garmin Link Spring Valley Route