The Drafters succumbed to two weeks of rainy Mondays. The first was valid. In the prophetic words of the late and great Gordon Lightfoot, “Rainy day people always seem to know when it’s time to call”. 40 degree temperatures made the rainy day call an easy one for Speedy and Duracell. They are in the running with Captain and Tennille for best rain out hosts! Last week was more of a light mist, but “Rainy day people all know how it hangs on a piece of mind” and BrickO’s mind was not in a frame to pedal in the drizzle. Apologies for those who rose above the mist and drafted responsibly.
Rainy day Drafters know there’s no drizzle they can’t rise above
And a shout out to those with tired legs from extraordinary feats over the past few weeks.
The gravel season is well underway for Belle as she tackled the Driftless 100.
Keez continues to supplement her graduate student income (zero) by sweeping the premier Midwest cycling classic, the LaCrosse Omnium with a second place podium.
CriteriumTime Trial
Z Wrecks had the best century of his life while racing in Mallorca, disproving the physiological principle that nothing gets better with age.
And climbing her way back from the injured reserve list, kudos to Sandlot for her strength, perseverance and eternal positive attitude.
Down but not out!
And with those bursts of inspiration, let’s ride!
There are been two iterations of the Viaduct Route. In order to create more chaos and uncertainly, here is the third and final route, leaving from Middleton Hills and exploring a historic Viaduct and 100 Mile Grove Road.
Looking for some more adventures with the Drafters? Consider joining us for the TREK 100 on June 10 and the HORRIBLY HILLY HUNDREDS on June 17. Thanks to the 8 Drafters who courageously volunteered to help with the HHH pre-ride event on May 20th. See you at Blue Mound State Park shelter at 11AM. If you have not enlisted but would like to join the troops, shoot BrickO an email or text. The Skills and Thrills Clinic with Coach Slim of Ascend Performance on May 21st is FULL!! Looking forward to a morning of skills, lunch at Crossroads CoffeeHouse (included), an afternoon ride, followed by pizza at BrickO and Zs.
Too many good things came from the Draft last night not to be illuminated in a separate blog, despite the two-fer post last week (and the author found a few extra minutes that she didn’t think would be available to write them down for posterity).
LuLu has been industriously forming an Austrian Drafter Contingent. We are well represented in Northern Wisconsin, but clearly our wings are spreading to the far reaches of the planet.
LuLu and his Austrian Drafter Team
Keez remained on home soil, earning her crown at the Battle on the Border. In her first criterium, Keez took first place in the Cat 3-4 division (check out the Drafter green mini Snap On tool box) and 6th in the Cat 1-4. She took home $25 in prize money, bumping her up a tax bracket. Her annual earnings are now $25. Minus the $20 race entry fee. Congrats to Keez and Coach Slim!
Blurple and Rimshot fought another battle against snow and sleet during their first gravel race, the Dairy Roubaix. Congrats on showing (and eating) true grit.
17 Drafters braved the shifting winds on Brains and Brawn. The B Team was small but mighty. Nemo joined the squad later on and did her bit with the other sexagenarians (curious term, no?) to battle the westerly wind on the way out to Cross Plains.
Keez and Slim came in hot (a bit late), but quickly made up for lost time by pulling the crew out Airport Rd. The weather was fickle, with temperatures dropping precipitously and the wind changing direction such that it was always working against the Draft (for real). The weather icons showed 70% chance of rain at 5PM, but Mother Nature graciously delayed that until the Drafters were warm and dry (or at least dry- some resorted to the sauna and sipping hot water to reach homeostasis). Cannibal questioned why our group doesn’t include more Mennonites (men in tights). The Drafters are working hard to increase diversity and inclusivity. Cannibal is a sensitive soul. He took it upon himself to clear Granny’s glasses of obscuring mascara, mistaking it for chain grease. Somehow Cannibal ended up with her wallet and keys during the chivalrous act. Draft responsibly.
The RAW gang is back together: Skipper, Vilks, BrickO and Slim (photo by Midas)
The RAW team was back together. Back being the operative word. Skipper claimed to have dropped the boat anchor on the climb up Union Valley Road. But by the home stretch on Schneider Rd, he had traded an anchor for a sail and pulled us to shore. The promise of Midas Touch Butterscotch/ Chocolate/ Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats (GF) may have been the bait.
The Midas TouchKnievel, Speedy, Vilks, Midas, Skipper and Keez
This is a very cultured group of cyclists. Speedy and Squirrel spent the evening conversing in the foreign tongues of Canadian and Minnesotan, with a hint of Norwegian and UPer thrown in for diversity. Granny contributed with her Iowegian lingo. All seemed to speak the common language of Rice Crispy Treats.
May Day ride will be through the historic Viaduct. Speedy and Duracell will be graciously hosting this epic ride. Departures from North Lake (see GroupMe for the address) will be at 5PM and 5:30PM sharp.
Mother Nature was very thoughtful last Monday, swinging 50 degrees from the weekend high of 80, so that Speedy could get in one snowy ride on her new Trek Farly Fat Bike. And now we can be done with snow.
The snowed out Brains and Brawn ride will be recycled for Monday April 24th. The B for BadAss Team will head out at 5:00PM, with the A Team departing at 5:30PM from Middleton Hills.
PLEASE NOTE THIS BLOG IS A TWOFER with respect to routes. There will not be a blog next week (insert disappointing sigh). The following Draft on Monday, May 1 will depart from Speedy and Duracell’s abode in the North Lake neighborhood and head to the historic Viaduct. Please see GroupMe for the address. As per the new usual, departure times will be 5PM and 5:30PM. Please bring lawn chairs and beverages for post-draft festivities.
HHH Recon Ride with Sag Support May 20: thanks to all who have volunteered! If you are interested, there is room for everyone. Start at Blue Mounds shelter at 11AM, riding a 30 mile loop of the HHH course once or twice, your preference. Full sag support provided by W&S, who invited you to their GRAND REOPENING on May 5. You do not need to be signed up for the HHH to enjoy the hills out west.
SKILLS AND THRILLS CLINIC MAY 21: we have 5 spots left! This is a clinic that will benefit all cyclists below Cat 1 and Pro level. If you are anything but 100% confident on cornering, descending, and group ride tactics, this is for you. Not game to spend a whole day with Slim? No worries. Feel free to attend the clinic from 9-12 and bug out on the group ride. Email BrickO if interested.
It is amazing what 30 degrees can do to turn things green. Last Monday, rain and 40 degrees spouted 5 Drafters. This week, sunny and 70 degrees multiplied that x 6= 30 (if you count LuLu and Gopher who rode before the dinner bell and Surly who rode before breakfast). The executive committee voted unanimously to allow those rides count in the official tally. Gopher’s babysitter had a hard 5PM deadline, and LuLu honored the code, “leave no Drafter behind”. LuLu and Gopher were spotted on the return route from Riley as the group left the big city, verification of their draft. Surly’s Strava post credited the Drafters for the route (although he doubled the fun… on a FAT bike).
Vilks, Walton, Pepe and Loose ScrewHit-the-Wall, Pit Stop, Footer, Skipper, Duracell, Squeak, Squirrel and GrannySkipper, Duracell, Booker J, Footer, Squeak, Squirrel, Bomber, Belle, Granny, Z Wrecks, Captain Joe, Knievel, Busch Latte, Cannibal, Rimshot, Keez, Hit-the-Wall, Vilks, Speedy, Walton, Pepe, Loose Screw, Pit Stop (Slim in route, photo by BrickO).With a bike this cool, why drive to the start? Nemo rolled from home and joined the Draft at Blackhawk.Surly gets extra credit for doubling the miles on a fat bike
Drafting responsibly with 27 cyclists through the streets of Middleton is not without its challenges: 1) what is the engineering principle behind leaving water and man hole covers an inch above or below instead of level the street? Perhaps an obstacle course for those looking to up their bike handling skills. Challenge accepted. 2) the stop lights sensors on Donna Drive and Parmenter are not sensitive to bikes, even 27 of them. After what seemed like an eternity of smelling butter burgers, it took incredible will power not to bag the ride and head directly to the strategically located Culver’s at that intersection. 3) while approaching said intersection red light, a silver car decided to part our green sea as Moses did the red one. Kudos to all the Drafters for accepting those challenges and conquering them with grace and respect. Thank you for drafting responsibly.
Butter burgers must have wet Cannibal’s appetite as he devoured the climb on Midtown Road. Someone in the group yelled out, “We have a gap. Let’s wait up for the rest of the pack.” Vilks, Keez, Granny and Squirrel may not have needed the breather, but BrickO had lactate escaping from her eyeballs. As every molecule of oxygen was being diverted from her brain and other body parts to fuel the legs, she heard Squirrel, fearlessly shouting and pointing out acorns, ensuring nobody cracked their nut.
Granny, also unfazed by the climb, humbly asked how to shift the front derailleur into the small chainring. Perhaps Granny was a handle too hastily given. Change is hard, but Granny takes this literally. One gear Granny.
The post-draft festivities commenced in the back yard. The world’s problems were likely solved by Z Wrecks, Skipper and Vilks around the solo stove.
Z Wrecks, Skipper and Vilks solve world hunger. Tell No One.
Tennille may not have solved world hunger, but she brought gluten free pasta to solve our hunger. Forks out, dig in!
Tennille, Captain Joe, Squirrel and Granny with a strong showing of forks.
It was hard to miss the fashion show going on below the knees. Slim was sporting green kitty Christmas stockings, while Booker J pulled these off:
Booker J in the running for centerfold
Sitting around the campfire/solo stove, Rimshot proposed photos be submitted for an official Drafter Calendar. Certainly, socks of the month will be highlighted, along with Baby Daddy centerfold. There is one submission thus far (warning: extreme cuteness and a little nudeness)
Baby Daddy Gopher (posted with permission from a legal guardian)
Babies are just too cute, so we can’t possibly choose (no offense, Gopher). Congrats to Han Solo on registering the newest Drafter. She’s dressed in green and ready to roll!
May the force be with you, little one in green
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS: the Horribly Hilly Hundreds folks have asked if the Drafters would be willing to work the packet pick up on Friday, June 16 from 3:30-6:30PM. If you are willing, please text me before Friday. You earn a guaranteed spot for 2024. THANKS! Also would really, really super really appreciate 2-3 women to ride some of the HHH course on Sat May 20th at 11AM. You do NOT need to ride fast or far- seriously. Please contact me if you would enjoy getting out to ride with some Drafters (and HHH clinic folks) that day (thanks to the guys who volunteered- much appreciated).
Looking to up your bike handling skills?Coach Slim has generously granted my request to host a clinic for up to 10 interested Drafters on Sunday May 21. Group riding/paceline tactics, cornering, descending, climbing, crash control will be practiced from 9AM-noon, followed by lunch. A no-drop group ride 1-4PM will give ample time to practice those skills, followed by pizza. All that fun for $50. Please contact BrickO to reserve your spot. You can opt for just the AM session and pizza if you prefer to skip the group ride.
Starting next week, the Draft will return to A and B team departures. The staging area will open at 4:45, with the B Team rolling out at 5PM. The A team will follow at 5:30. The route for Monday April 17 with require more “Braun” than brains. Remember to BYO lawn chair and beverages. Grass to sit on and water provided by your generous hosts.
The Clash has a tune that sums up Monday’s conundrum nicely:
Drafters, you got to let me know Should I stay or should I go? If you say that you are shine I’ll be ridin’ ’till the end of time So you got to let me know Should I stay or should I go?
BrickO ponders the forecast at 4:45PM
The forecast called for rain. No doubt. But it called for rain at 11AM. Then noon. Then 1PM. The only constant was the forecast calling for clear skies by 5PM. Until it wasn’t. 15 minutes before game time, the rain started to fall. The cadence of rain drops was matched by the dinging of BrickO’s cell phone, as text messages from Drafters near and far came in hot. “Turning around”. “Not for me”. “See ya next week”. Rimshot was a surprising no show. Strava reports of his work commutes on days of inclement weather are down, suggesting his recent aging event has left him a bit soft. Only speculation.
Some were savvy enough to ride earlier in the day. Pit Stop selflessly rode early so as to leave a vacancy in the powder room for others needing to don rain gear. Nemo was second guessing her fitness more than the precipitation. Silly Nemo. She may be the most senior Femme Drafter, but her AARP card is for Above Average Riding Power.
Pit Stop paying tribute to the family nameNemo, proud AARP card carrier
Keez changed into her kit and then changed her mind as the faucet opened up from sprinkles to full shower.
Keez: Should I stay or should I go now?
Granny, too, was kitted up and ready to Draft until her hubby advised otherwise. What did the Squirrel say? “You don’t handle a bike well enough to go around wet corners.”
What does the Squirrel say?
LuLu texted to say he was ready to roll, but only if others were crazy enough to Draft. As if on cue, Cannibal and Cujo pulled up, hungry for a ride.
Umbrella Academy: LuLu, Cujo, BrickO and Cannibal
The only (really) uncomfortable part of the ride was the first 5 minutes, as the rain slowly seeped into chamois and feet sloshed inside of not-so-water-proof shoe covers. Once fully saturated, the ride was entirely pleasant (save some frozen toes) and musical. The cacophony of sounds from the disc brakes could be heard for miles. LuLu was in D sharp. Fortunately, no flats.
LuLu, BrickO and Cannibal 10% saturated already. Cujo is apologizing to her new gold Cervelo for what it to come. Photo by Z Wrecks, who was also fully kitted up but had a change of heart once the rain came.
Busch Latte joined the Draft briefly, and then went MIA. Could have been that his Costco base layer wasn’t as advertised. Shop responsibly. LuLu was using his head when he put on an Ass Saver. It was more like a face saver for whoever was Drafting. To that end, LuLu was the only Drafter worth drafting. The impressive rooster tail of spray off the Ass Saver-less bikes made for poor visibility but excellent hydration.
The second ride of the season is none too early to be thinking about the end-of-the-year MVP award, issued to the Drafter with the highest attendance record. As of now, there is a 3-way tie. LuLu has petitioned to be included as the fourth contestant, as he Drafted responsibly from his basement on the first ride. This will be presented to the Executive Committee for review, but your vote counts.
Your vote matters.
Cannibal had the brilliant idea to cut the route 3 miles short, making the Riley Tavern route Riley-less. To pay homage to the historic tavern, we will be repeating the Riley Tavern route next week (except for those who prefer the short pour, which will shorten the route to bypass the famous watering hole). The staging area opens at 5PM. Wheels up at 5:30.
For those looking for a short pour, here is the RidewithGPS link Drafters | Riley-less Riley Route. From Timber Lane, skip the turn onto Mauer Rd, and stay the course until you intersect with Mid Town. Turn left and you are back on course!
Looking for a few volunteers to help with the Horribly Hilly Hundreds clinic on Sat May 20. Wheel and Sprocket has generously offered to provide bike check from 10-11AM in the shelter for those participants enrolled in the clinic. Following bike check, we will roll from the Blue Mound shelter (near the pool) at 11AM. We anticipate a 30 mile loop, which most folks will ride twice. There is sag support from W&S and the Friends of Blue Mound State Park. What is needed are a handful of Drafters to be sure all the participants are having fun and drafting responsibly. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, please contact BrickO.
Looking for a good warm up to the HHH? Join BrickO’s Drafters for the Trek 100 on June 10.
According to weather folklore, life holds balance, so if March came in roaring like a lion, it should go out like a lamb. Bad spirits (or attitudes) are thought to affect weather adversely, so it is the charge of the Drafters to think positively about our first ride in April.
The route for Monday, April 3 will take a respectful bow to the lion and proceed past the house of spirits known as Riley Tavern. Sadly, they are closed on Monday or we could stop for a mid-route refreshment. Wheels up promptly at 5:30PM from Glacier Ridge Rd. Please feel free to arrive anytime after 5PM for primping, pumping, and pit stopping.
A friendly reminder that we will be riding no more 2 wide, and single file through town, up blind hills and on country roads with a vehicle back. Offenders risk losing their draft card. Road rage is on the rise, and bad cycling etiquette only fuels the fire.
The Riley Tavern route is a 25 mile jaunt south and west. Fingers crossed for a warm southernly breeze. In some years, we have skirted around the bend on J near Riley Tavern onto Klevenville-Riley Road to enjoy a little gem of a climb on North Station St. Given the gravel and grit on that side street, we will stick to J.
Cancellations or last minute changes will be posted on GroupMe. Don’t want one more distraction? Roger that. Turn off Drafter GroupMe notifications and just check before the ride each Monday.
BARGAIN CORNER: Saris hardly used Hammer, seller asking $400. Contact BrickO if interested.
Astronomical spring begins at 5:24 p.m ET on Monday, March 20, 2023, in the Northern Hemisphere, according to the National Weather Service. According to the Executive Board of Drafters, spring begins at 5:30 p.m. CST, Monday, March 20, 2023 in the Northern Hemisphere of Middleton Hills. 19 Drafters enlisted in the inaugural ride, a record setting spring turn out.
Keez, Cujo, Vintage, Cannibal, Rimshot, Blurple, Booker J, Vilks, PitStop, Footer, Squeak, Skipper, JRad, Queenie, Captain Joe, Z Wrecks, Squirrel and Slim. Photo by BrickO.
There was certainly some spring ride shaming that went into to recruiting such a large crew. Here’s an early afternoon exchange between Queenie and BrickO.
With new cleats in place, Queenie proudly rolled in. And then rolled over in the grass, supine with his bike in proud quadruped position. Putting cleats on and securing them are two different things. No Drafters were injured in this demonstration.
There were plenty signs of Drafter green with individual fashion touches to welcome spring. Vintage achieved full man-bun status over winter and conquered the ponytail versus helmet battle. Squirrel opted for a full sail wind breaker, but saved a few grams on socks. Bare ankles to make up for the extra wind resistance on the top half? Seems like a fashionable trade. Squeak arrived with two left gloves. Admittedly, the hand surgeon relies on a sharpie to mark LEFT and RIGHT hands before operating and will consider this practice for her cycling gloves. Pit Stop may borrow that sharpie to mark her bikes, plural. N+1! Same for Cujo, who found a new gold bike at the end of the rainbow.
Several Drafters should be recognized for drafting remotely. Clearly, proper head wear is open for creative interpretation with upside down headbands (LuLu) and lopsided helmets (CookieMonster’s lil’ Drafters). They got the green right!
Speedy and her lil’ Drafters were accounted for at La Bahn, helping Coach Arms and the Badger Women’s Hockey Team celebrate their 7th National Championship! Congrats on a new record.
Back to the Draft. Goin’ to the Chapel was 3 miles short of the advertised 20 mile route. Blurple figured out the mapping error, which included hill repeats on Woodland. Please see PVL to apply for a job as Assistant Drafter cartographer (Columbus creates flawless maps, which are seemingly used sparingly). BrickO has been fired, again. One climb on Woodland is plenty. No need to add repeats. Sheesh.
While BrickO received a vote of no confidence for her map making skills, Skipper was unanimously voted to remain Drafter Photographer.
And Vilker Drafter whiskey and wine connoisseur. The RAW boys were in fine form Monday night.
The first day of spring also marked the start of another lap around the sun for Slim. Keez was there to light the way, but was a bit confused on the numbers. Those 5’s are difficult directionally. Happy 2Z, Slim!
Z Wrecks broke out a heart sweat and bottle of wine for the occasion.
The route for Monday, March 27 is down relatively short EASY STREET, promising to hit 20+ miles, without hill repeats on Woodland. Departure time 5:30 for all from Captain Joe’s house in Middleton Hills. See GroupMe for details. Tennille regrets to inform the Drafters that her famous risotto will not be served, but hospitality will be otherwise fabulous.
The forecast, however, is predicted to be less than fabulous. Please check GroupMe for updates and cancellations.
Planning way ahead….. Captain Joe is entertaining a team for the Iditarod Ultra Fat Bike Feb 26
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR DIRTY DRAFT UPDATES (separate GroupMe list) starting as soon as the ground is fully thawed and dried out. Rides will take place on Tuesday evenings from various COPR trail locations. Be sure to renew your membership to support the trails.
Wanna get dirty racing? Consider the Wisconsin Off-Road Series (WORS). Super Q and Vintage are great resources to tap into.
Not a lick of Irish courses through these veins, but March 17th is a favorite as the Drafter spirit flows through a sea of green. Spring is here so let’s see some green back on the road!
Spring isn’t the only season that brings green. Here are some of many hibernations highlights.
DRAFTER POND HOCKEY with curb side lace tying service by Cannibal and lessons by Speedy. Squirrel and Granny shed their full face masks for the photo.
BADGER HOCKEY with Coach Arms (paying in the Frozen Four today- Go Badgers!).
BIRKIE OR BIRKIE WANNA BE TRAINING
FAT TIRE BIRKIE
Fame strikes as Skipper becomes SINGLETRACKS COVER BOY
And just some good femme fun. More of these to come!
For those re-enlisted, welcome back! For those new to the Draft, we are excited to have you join our community. A few ground rules and expectations:
Above all, we are a cycling community. We welcome the fast and the not so fast, and even those who don’t adore and don green, so long as there is a strong passion for pedaling.
Departure times are strictly enforced, most of the time. Wheels up at 5:30PM , most often from Glacier Ridge Road in Middleton Hills, but there will be other hosts throughout the season. As the days and routes get longer, there will be a division of “A and B Teams“. The B for Bad Ass group will leave at 5PM to allow extra pedal time. Please self-seed so that you enjoy the Draft.
The blog will be the source of important information regarding weekly routes, and other organized cycling events. Each post (one per week) will auto generate an email, of which you can certainly opt out. Are you likely to show up Monday without a clue? Same. Downloading the wordpress app on your phone (you’ll need to create an account, but it is free) will allow quick and easy access to the route in GPS and PDF formats.
Please download the GroupMeapp on your phone for last minute updates on route changes, draft cancellations, and important birthday notifications. Don’t want the interruption and distraction? Understood. Turn off the notifications but PLEASE check GroupMe before riding in case there are changes. Route updates will NOT be noted on the blog. Contact me if you aren’t on the GroupMe list.
Each Drafter has unique goals for the season, but all Drafters must share the following common goals: have fun, avoid injury, improve in some way- be it fitness on the bike or passion for cycling, and love your fellow Drafters, or at least don’t leave them with a flat.
Follow the rules of the road. Single file in town, stopping at stop signs. Once we are out of town, riding two wide is acceptable so long as there is not a vehicle back. Pacelines may form when and where appropriate, but ironically are not the mainstay of our Drafters. Always ride within your abilities. Call out potholes and traffic as you see and hear them coming, respectively. Gotta Strava? Do what you need to do, but please don’t interfere with the group ride dynamic.
All Drafters are invited to partake in post-draft drafts. BYO lawn chair, beverage, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, and sustenance as desired.
Weather permitting, the first draft will depart from the usual location on Glacier Ridge Road at 5:30PM on Monday March 20th. This is a VERY short route, a little warm up to make sure your bike, legs and cardiovascular system are in working order.
Helios, Vintage, Blurple, Gopher, Bomber, Thing One, Cannibal, Cujo, Z Wrecks, Sandlot, Speedy, Ninja, Slinger, Nitro, GFK, Hit The Wall, Han, Pipes, Duracell, Special K, Sandals, Pepe, Queenie, Busch Latte, Pit Stop, Booker J, Rimshot, Belle, Momma Monster, Cookie Monster, Columbus and LuLu. Not pictured: Slim and VilksPipes warms up her hamstringsGopher and his pink flamingos find the groove
Beware listeners: this version has been agnosticated, not out of disrespect for they hymn, but to honor just how amazing the last Draft of 2022 was for 35 Drafters (record tie for the season high).
Amazing draft how sweet the ride No flats no wrench need be
No one was lost, and beer was found Was bonked but subs fed me
‘Twas Dunlap Hallow my heart did fear And quads my fears revered How precious did those watts appear The hour I first believed
Through many dangers, toils, and snares We have already come This draft that brought me safe thus far And paceline lead me home
When we’ve ridden five hundred miles Drafting under the sun We’ve few more days til’ snow stays As when we first begun
Amazing draft how sweet the ride No flats no wrench need be
No one was lost, and beer was found Was bonked but subs fed me
Sub sandwiches, plenty of baked good and beer to remedy the bonk
The next generation of Drafters carries on the spirit.
Circle of life: Pipes, Coach Arms, Speedy & Duracell’s offspring dance responsibly
What started in 2013 as a small group of cyclists who gathered each winter to train indoors has evolved into a Drafter Family of 155. Tracing the cogs back 30 years, Sully is really to be credited as the family matriarch, as she convinced BrickO to give cycling a try (that first ride did not go well).
Drafter Matriarch Sully with her biggest cycling conversion challenge, BrickOData missing for the first 3 seasons. Were computers even a thing back then?
2022 was a tremendous growth year. And while it is exciting to welcome more cyclists, we must take a moment to remember those who have retired, bought a van and are drafting responsibly across the country. Happy retirement, Slow Cow. His story fittingly made the front page of the WSJ on Sunday, which we read before setting out on our final draft.
Slow Cow slow rolls into retirement
The end of the year awards ceremony gave us an ample opportunity to honor and poke fun at many of our Drafters.
Newbies! Along with your Drafter handle, you earned a key to the city. In Drafter speak, that translates into a bottle opener. Welcome Nemo, Pepe, Cujo, GFK, Momma Monster, Nitro, Calico, Venus, Sarge, Zephyr, Knucklehead, Sherpa, Sean Connery, GQ, Gov, Charlotte, Taquito, Comet and Fly Boy Joe .
GFK put his to use later that same day
The 10+ Club. This isn’t a Bo Derek 10. The 10+ club is even hotter. 23 Drafters committed to 10 or more rides during the season. Thanks to our friends at SweatVac for keeping the sweat out of our eyes so we can Draft Responsibly.
Headbands compliments of SweatVac and bib number fasteners for the 10+ Club
Rimshot was the first drafter in history to have perfect attendance, earning him an embroidered foldable cooler/lawn chair to put up his feet after a long draft. The 10+ inductees are: Rimshot, Pit Stop, Duracell, LuLu, Vintage, Speedy, Thing One, Cannibal, Gopher, Cujo, Skipper, Pipes, Z Wrecks, Booker J, Blurple, Queenie, Octane, Nemo, Captain Joe, Footer, Squirrel, Granny and BrickO.
Rimshot scores perfect attendance on his report card
Two Drafters volunteered to host the Monday night ride. Captain and Tennille got a 5 star rating for the risotto. In order to encourage future fine dinning experiences, they were awarded a personalized serving tray.
Let there be risotto.
Cannibal hosted a route with plenty of elevation, and rewarded those thirsty Drafters with his famous garden drinks. May his cup always runneth over.
Cannibal’s Garden Drink Pitcher
When Cannibal hosts, the fear of running out of Garden Drinks is real. But there is never a fear of Vilker, Slim and Skipper running out before the beer is gone.
Vilks earns a bottle opener as Cookie Monster, Sully and Queenie look on in awe
There are always plenty of baked goods to soak up the Garden Drinks and beer. It is rare to have a Draft that results in caloric deficit, thanks to our fine bakers, Gopher, Cookie Monster, Momma Monster and Octane. Personalized aprons will ensure that they bake responsibly.
Gopher, Momma Monster and Cookie MonsterOctane
Fashion is never far from our list of priorities. It is hard to argue Slim’s choice of basketball cotton socks as he is one of the strongest and most accomplished Drafters enlisted. If we can’t convince him to wear cycling socks, we can certainly ensure his cotton crews are Drafter green.
Slim goes green
In order to raise awareness and promote women’s cycling, the Drafters hosted their own event concurrent with the Tour de France Femmes, called the Tour de Dane Femmes. We celebrate all of the contenders: Dan-yelly, Coach Arms, Cujo, Belle, Sandlot and BrickO. The podium winners, with jerseys supplied by our friends at Online Cycling Gear, are:
Maillot Blanc: Young Rider Award goes to Granny (oxymoronic, right?)
We thought it only just to have a Maillot Silver award for the most “mature” rider. This year, Nemo joined the Draft as a newbie, make the 10+ club, and was 0.32 seconds from claiming the sprinter’s jersey in the Tour de Dane Femmes. As our “most mature” femme, she earned the Maillot Silver jersey. Nemo had to miss the final draft as she was parenting responsibly, but was ready to roll the following Monday.
Maillot Silver: The Masters Award goes to Nemo
On the podium: Squeak, Maillot Verde (sprinter’s green jersey); Columbus Queen of the Mountain (polka dot jersey), and our overall winner, Pit Stop, Maillot Jaune (yellow jersey). Congratulations to our Tour de Dane Femmes champions. We are all winners, and if you would like a podium jersey, please use discount code 20%brickson on your next order at OCG.
Congrats to the Tour de Femmes Champions: Columbus, Pit Stop and Squeak
Also on a podium for World Champion Master’s Barefoot Water Skier, and therefore unable to be at the final Draft, Footer!.
The Drafter organization needs little aside from a posted route and a place to drink beer. People who draft are passionate about biking, but the Drafters are more passionate about looking out for one another. We need more Drafters in the world. What I give each week is very little. What I get each week is priceless. I cannot thank you enough for that, along with the incredibly thoughtful gift basket.
First concussion. Clearly recovered.
Our Monday night drafts have come to a natural seasonal end, but please join us for the Dirty Draft on Mondays at 5PM as we rotate through the various CORP MTB trails. Once the snow flies, we will Drift Draft on fat bikes until spring, when we will reconvene for our 11th year of drafting responsibly.
19 Drafters made their way to the final 2022 destination: the Bridge to Nowhere. The cool of the evening set in as quickly as the light began to fade away.
A gorgeous bridge to nowhere: a connection close but not close enough to the bike path.
The B Team was 9 strong. Well, 8 strong and one concussed following a crash. BrickO leaned on Knievel and Z Wrecks for experienced Drafter crash-support.
Knievel, Cujo, Han, Squeak, Duracell, Speedy, Z Wrecks and Loose Screw.
The Clash (aka the Crash) was running through BrickO’s concussed head as she pondered the Bridge to Nowhere.
Should I stay or should I go now?
If I go there will be trouble (breaking concussion protocol).
And if I stay it will be double (crabby, crabby, crabby).
So come on and let me know.
Should I stay or should I go?
Crash sings the Clash: should I stay or should I go?
Keez and Slim took the credit for a delayed departure. Keez spent time making sure she looked her Sunday best in her new Drafter kit.
But not on time 🙂
And Slim took this last opportunity to join the Flat Tire Club on his way to the Draft, slowing down the departure as they played musical wheels (a spin off of musical chairs). Slim raided the garage for a spare wheel. Finding none that fit his enormous rotor, Gopher swapped his wheel for one on Z Wrecks’ gravel bike, surrendering his own to make Slim whole. At last, the A Team was off like the wind.
Granny, Rimshot, Squirrel Booker J, Keez, Vintage, Vilks, Thing 1 and Gopher. Slim is changing wheels.
If they A team had delayed any longer, Tick Tock and Sarge could have commuted home from work, changed and joined the draft rather than drafting responsibly together. Could be timing… could be love. Hard to know.
Sarge and Tick Tock looking good in their new Drafter kitsA November sky (and temperatures) in September
The Drafters were eager to return to base camp and warm up by fire. Gopher is really heating up as he prepares to turn another year older this week! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GOPHER.
Cujo, Squeak, Gopher and Thing 1 huddle close to the fire
We said a final 2022 farewell to Granny and Squirrel, who will be joining Captain and Tennille on a mountain adventure in Montana over the weekend. Granny was presented with the Tour de Femmes Maillot Blanc jersey, gratis of our friends at Online Cycling Gear. Use code for 20%brickson off your Tour de Femmes jersey! The young rider jersey rewards those under 25 (we are raising the bar) who show ambition. Granny earned her handle as a Newbie last year when she wasn’t sure how, why or when to shift out of the small chainring. She’s figured it out, bought a bike that weighs less than she does. WATTS OUT for Granny!
Granny earns the Maillot Blanc jersey
Clean jerseys are one thing. But handling Vilker’s left behind kit required nothing short of a hazmat suit. The embers were still hot enough the next morning to take care of the contamination.
Disposing resonsibly
Many of the usual suspects didn’t draft as they were recovering from The Badger Challenge. Congrats to Pit Stop, Nemo, Duchess, Sandlot, Dan-yelly, Pres and Walton on their extraordinary efforts drafting in the rain.
Pit Stop and her son take on the Badger ChallengeClearly not the Badger Challenge, but a good shot of Sandlot representing the Draft
Further north, the Shawano Bike the Barn Quilts event drew a big crowd. The race to the podium for the 70 mile route included 4 contestants, including 3 Drafters: Rimshot, Z Wrecks and BrickO. BrickO almost didn’t make it, after an epic crash half way through the event. It must have been something in the cheese curds at the rest stop.
One crash in 30 years of road riding is not a bad record, especially considering her earlier years. At age 3, in a fit of jealously over her older cousin riding a two-wheel bike (without training wheels), BrickO challenged her to a race down a rather steep hill at the farm, requiring a hard left turn to avoid the Yahara River. The tricycle pedals were faster than BrickO’s little legs could turn (no doubt -you have witnessed her max 70rpm cadence). She abandoned the race and her trike, just as it became airborne and secured a water landing. DNF. The second crash was much more sophisticated. Looking to christen her 10th BD present, a new Ross baby blue 10 speed (after sleeping with the color advertisement for months under her pillow this was a big deal), BrickO thought she would see how many pedal strokes she could achieve. With her eyes closed. Turns out not many due to the parked utility van. Maybe not her first concussion?
Calm before the crashBrickO and Z’s quiltRimshot, BrickO and Z podium
Even further north, Squeak was running her 13.1 while her kids were “Kruse’n” to the podium (1st and 3rd). What do they say about picking your parents wisely?
Kruse’n to 1st and 3rdPip Squeaks
And further to the south in the Big State of Texas, Footer is battling it out for the World Championship Barefoot Title. Catch her live on ESPN 6 between 2 and 3AM lunar time. And we thought women’s cycling was under appreciated….
Wheels up!Footin’
Lil’ Monster has a Drafter Towel waiting for Footer when she’s done playing in the water. Warning: towels may vary in size.
Full body wrap for Lil Monster
The FINAL 50 DRAFT and PARTY will take place on Sunday, Oct 2 at 10AM. Spoiler: it is actually 55 miles. Jimmy John’s subs and beer to follow. Please feel free to bring goodies to pass and more beverages as you see fit. If you can’t Draft but want to attend the awards ceremony, please do! The ceremony should start around 1:30PM.
Next week, Monday night will morph into the Dirty Draft. Our first ride will be Oct 3 at CamRock starting at 5PM at the trail head on Water Street. Come early, come late, but ride the gorgeous trails and stay for beer. We will use GroupMe Dirty Drafters to communicate. Email me if you want to be included. If you enjoy the MTB trails, please consider joining Capital Off Road Pathfinders (CORP). The madcity.com website gives trail condition and other important information. Trails are maintained by volunteers, so your support is appreciated.
“But what would I wear??”
But what would I wear, you ask? Gottcha covered, Grinch. Hincapie Drafter MTB jerseys are available through Monday Oct 3 using this link.
brickosdrafters 
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