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

Headlines should sound familiar: chance of scattered showers for Monday, likely to start at 5:30 on Parmenter Ave, and traveling 34 miles west over portions of the Horribly Hilly Hundreds course.  Looks like I will be forced into early retirement, spending every Monday on vacation so that the Drafters may ride without rain. Sacrifices must be made.

This is a new route for the Drafters, so be sure to download the Garmin link or print the map to ensure safe travels.  We did a recon mission 3 weeks ago and discovered that several of the roads had received fresh gravel.  It should be settled by now, but use caution on the descents.  There is an easy cut off for a shorter 20 mile route by simply riding through Cross Plaines and heading back home.  If you choose to ride the entire 34 mile route, you will be treated to several beautiful and challenging roads, including Union Valley, Vermont Church, Moen Valley.

Reminder that wheels up is promptly at 5:30 and bring a light.  We are losing daylight, so routes will continue to get shorter until we only have time to drink beer.

Garmin Link to West HHH Route (note time not accurate as it includes 30min helping an IM chick change her flat tire).

Last call for jersey orders is August 31.  The quality is the best of any jersey I own. We stopped into Hincapie Sportswear last week while in SC.  My agenda was to see George, but missing that opportunity, I settled for sealing a deal for jerseys next year.  They fit a bit snug.  Great for showing off guns, but unfortunately, also my post-vacation gut.  Here’s the skinny:

NEW TEAM MEMBERS WITH EXISTING HINCAPIE TEAM CENTER ACCOUNT:
Click the link below to go to the Hincapie Team Center home page. Log in to your account, and then use the drop-down menu at the top right-hand corner of the screen to select Account. Scroll down to My Teams and enter the access code provided below. This will link your account to our team order.
After you have done this, click Home at the top of the screen and click New Order begin your product selection.
RETURNING TEAM MEMBERS WITH EXISTING HINCAPIE TEAM CENTER ACCOUNT:
Click the link below to go to the Hincapie Team Center home page. Log in to your account and click New Order begin your product selection.
TEAM CENTER LINK: https://teamcenter.hincapie.com/
Access Code: BrickOsDrafters
Seth Withers
Custom Inside Sales | Hincapie Sportswear
Main: 864-400-3040 | Direct: 864-400-3051 | Fax: 864-298-2616
45 Pete Hollis Blvd. | Greenville, SC | 29601
swithers@hincapiesports.com | http://www.hincapie.com

In an effort to remain true to my scientific training, I must go on vacation (again) next week.  It would appear that my former precipitation hypothesis has been challenged.  I showed up Monday and it failed to rain.  Therefore, in order to rigorously test the BrickO= rain hypothesis, I will be absent for the Riley Tavern Route on Monday.  Jim and Matt will be your tour guides.

Due to the rapidly disappearing daylight, routes will become shorter.  Sigh.  The Riley Route is approximately 25 miles.

Jersey update: they arrived today and look spectacular.  If anyone is interested in placing an additional order, I think Hincapie Sportswear will honor the current pricing through Aug 31.  Shoot me an email if you are interested.

Newbie update: Welcome Kaiya and Tom to the illustrious ranks of Drafter.  Apparently, Tom has another ranking… that of Cat 2 racer.  He was humble and tried to hide his quadzilla legs beneath bike shorts, but after the first climb, his secret was out.  Allegedly, Kevin baited him to sprint up the hill, but I think he is incapable of generating less than 500 Watts.  Just a guess, since I don’t have a power tap (not that power tap training was a topic of heated discussion over drafts and dinner).   Kaiya was so exhilarated by the riding experience that she purportedly stayed up until 1am, ordering new bike shorts and shoes (borrowing Tom’s pair 2 sizes too big with 10 years of wear warrants an upgrade, I think).  Welcome to the Draft.

Oops… I forgot to attach the cue sheet (see link below).  I rode a recon mission this morning and found that our route has one minor inconvenience (aside from a few hills).  Warming: there are two short patches of gravel on County Line Road, just before 113. There is a generous bike lane on 113 into Lodi.  The ride is splendid.

Dane And Lodi

It looks like we have discovered an antidote for the Monday Precipitation Phenomenon.  I just have to go on vacation!  I can live with that.  After a week at the cabin, I have lost most of my biking fitness and all of my biking tan, but my enthusiasm for dark beer survived and is ready to go this Monday.

The ride is a gorgeous hybrid between our Insane Dane route through the Viaduct and Lodi, including the Canning Company and Lodi Marsh State Natural Area. The full route is 40 miles.  There is a 30 mile cut off point and it is 20 miles out to Dane and back.

Garmin Link to Dane Lodi Route

Ride responsibly,

BrickO

The Sports world was shocked to learn of a weather scandal targeting BrickO’s Drafters.  For the 5th consecutive week, rain clouds closed in and drenched the cyclists, who are considering changing their name to The Rainmakers.  It is unclear who is responsible for the conspiracy against the cycling group.  The Drafter’s welcomed a new rider last evening, Counselor Liz (yes, we now have two Counselor Lizs), who has promised to lead the investigation.  We wish Liz godspeed as the forecast for next week is as follows:

In other sports news, it appears the XY representatives from the Drafters also deserve some kudos.  Well acclimated to rain and hurricane like conditions inherent to Monday rides , Gary, Frank and JB ferociously battled their way to the finish line of the Door County Half Ironman.  JB landed on the podium, as did Frank’s teen offspring (way to go, Mal).  It was heard tell that Gary had painted his bike fuchsia as part of a feng shui movement.  Going back a few weeks, Donna qualified for Boston (easily).  She is grateful to dominate a sport that does not require clipping in and out of pedals.   Congrats to all the Drafters.

Jersey update: for those of you who ordered jerseys, they are scheduled to be shipped on July 24, arriving 3-6 days thereafter.

Indian Lake Route July 27: The time has come to hand over the reigns.  Matt out climbed me on every hill last night and therefore has been charged with leading the ride next week while I lick my battle wounds up north at the cabin, with a bit of whiskey to take away the sting.  It is roughy a 30mile route.  If you cut off the top loop (stay on Martinsonville instead of taking Indian Lake Rd), you can lop off 10miles.  Sully and Liz will be golfing and therefore the bike path tour will not be guided.  Feel free to ride at your own risk (the risk being the temptation to stop at the Missouri Tavern).

Draft responsibly always, but especially while I am gone,

BrickO