Our Team of Drafters is filled with Superheros.  Some are working the front lines of health care,

while others are the cape and mask wearing kind who keep our streets safe.

The return of the Dark Drafter

Special K in her Supreme Court gown

The time has come for all Drafters, great and small, to rise up.  This would be the perfect opporutnity to interject lyrics from Hamilton, but I’m itching to get out and ride so this will be unusually and refreshingly short.

For continued safety for the Drafters, please consider:

• Self-seeding into 4 groups
• Staggering starts at 4:30, 4:45, 5:00 and 5:15
• Continue to bring lawn chairs and spread out 6′ during the post-draft festivities

This is somewhat about optics, but also about doing the right thing to keep us relatively safe.  After being run off the road Wednesday riding up Enchanted, and feeling threatened coming home yesterday on Hyslop, I’m more worried about being taken out by an angry driver than the virus.  Neverthelss, let’s continue to Draft responsibly.

Reminder that Captain Joe is hosting on Monday.  Roll out from Middleton Hills at High St and Apprentice Place (near the watertower), B team starting at 4:30, A team leaving at 5:15. Everybody else, start at 4:45 or 5PM. Use GroupMe to coordinate and communicate.

Pizza afterwards.  Please bring a lawn chair and beverage.  

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

22 Drafters faced the Beast of Barlow, including Newbie member, Yoda.  Showing up to join the B Team, he remarked, “I’ll try.”  Do. Or do not. There is no try.

Special K started the Draft armed for battle, with snacks in both holsters.

It wasn’t the Beast that took Special K down. It was a broken rear derailleur cable.  For her birthday last week, Special K rode a 100 mile victory lap around Devil’s Lake.  I guess her bike aged less gracefully than its rider.

Kermit performed his Knightly duty, sacrificing his Strava segment up Mineral Point Rd to assist Special K.  Or, perhaps, he was struggling to keep up with Blurple traveling at the speed of purple light and needed an out.  Unable to reconnect the rear cable, he sped off to reconnect with the A team.

BrickO MacGyver’d the rear cable by fastening it to the chain stay with an extra hair tie provided by Pipes, rendering the bike safe to ride, albeit with only 2 gear options.  Reluctantly, they voted unanimously to skip Braun, opting for the more downhill and direct route home on Garfoot. Special K lamented the fact between two bikes, she has a total of 3 gears and “1 good hamstring” (we had an anatomy lesson to clear up that misconception).  Sounds like the Drafter version of the 12 days of Christmas… “3 working gears, 2 bicycles and a hamstring completely avulsed.”

Pipes redeemed her athleticism, stopping at the top of every climb for Special K without falling over. There was some mathematical debate about just how slow Special K could pedal before Pipes would tip over.  Her new motto: “WHEN IN DOUBT, CLIP OUT.” 

The A team showed up in full force. Almost.  Belle got an early start, not out of fear for the Beast (although the A team could hear her gasping on Barlow as we were departing Middleton Hills), but to get home in time to open up Facebook market to sell her daughter’s childhood. Anybody looking for a good deal on American Girl stuff?  Duchess also left early, and was sighted in Cross Plains wearing a disguise (red jersey).  Sandlot told investigative reporters that he was baiting the A team, as if they need a carrot.

Skipper had himself a Draft. Chugging up each hill in his “big ring”, a 21-tooth cog, he would revive himself on the descents, fully recovered to pull Z Wrecks and Thing 1 home.  He’s already endured a Drafter handle change, but if you called him “The Phoenix“, he would answer.

The A team caught the B team on Schneider and gave them a taste of what it means to Draft. Speedy exclaimed, “So this is what is feels like to hang with the big kids!” as they howled at 28mph without putting much wattage through the quadage. Dan-yelly, late to start with the B team was not privy to this drafting experience. “I was going so slow on the way home (and took a wrong turn in Cross Plaines) that the same deer fly kept biting me.  I couldn’t out run it.  It was just insulting.”

Surley rode late and solo, as he was working on the front lines until after 5.

Back at the yard, the A team consulted the medical professionals about signs and symptoms of a heart attack.  “I thought Rimshot was having the big one on Barlow.  Is it normal to breath like that on a hill?” It is when you are fueled by PBR.  At least he brought his own beer this week. Cannibal self-selected the high-risk category, given his winter weight.  His coconuts are a size smaller, but now Covid is making the road back to svelte a bit longer.

Apologies to the Polish Moon riders: beer, coffee and swag were feloniously but inadvertently withheld.  Bad BrickO.  Next time, remind me.  Or just take them from the dining room table.  Shirts should arrive soon.

Next week will be a classic, an all-around favorite: the Spring Valley Loop.  Rumor has it that Booker J and Slow Cow will make an appearance. Wheels up at 5PM from CAPTAIN JOE’S HOUSE at Apprentice Place in Middleton Hills. Check GroupMe for the address.  Pizza to follow, bring beer and lawn chairs per routine.

Garmin Link (this is from Glacier Ridge, not Apprentice Place, but Garmin will find it: Spring Valley Loop

RidewithGPS Link: Spring Valley Loop from Captain Joe’s

Download map and cue sheet: Spring Valley Loop from Captain Joe’s

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

 

A tribute to the Moody Blues, Nights in White Satin.

“Knights” in Green Jerseys

Knights in green jerseys

Pedalin’ to reach the end

Blog posts I’ve written

Never meaning to send

Climbs I’d always missed

With these quads before

Just what the elevation is

I can’t say anymore

‘Cause I love them

Oh how I love them

Knights in green jerseys

Never reaching the end

Blog posts I’ve written

Never meaning to send

Climbs I’d always missed

With these quads before

Just what the elevation is

I can’t say anymore

‘Cause I love them

Yes I love them

Oh how I love them

18 Drafters rocked Roxbury, technically 20 as Sandlot and Duchess pre-road the course.  Some people have to be on the front lines Monday at 5PM. Thanks for keeping us safe, Drafter knights in white coats.

The ride in the holler’ including one newbie, Derby, as in roller derby.  With the first annual Funtathalon only weeks away, skaters are honing their skills to compete with this 1980’s roller phenom. She’s no slouch on a bike, either.  Dark Knight was hanging on by a thread.

Cannibal took the week to review the Drafter’s Code of Ethics, drafted by da’house staff of counselors, Billly Boy, Queen Bee and Special K.  Bylaw 3.4.26-7.891/2 clearly states that “No Drafter should knowlingly be left behind with a mechanical failure, unless that failure is a direct result of failure to procure maintenance  of his or her machine.” ** Please refer to cases 06.16.14 Drone Master vs. Frequency of Bike Tire Inflation; and 06.17.19 Pipes vs. Missing Front Wheel.  It is the responsibility of all fellow Drafters to render assistance.  Failure to help with a failure is grounds for dismissal.  So when Cannibal came across this wounded Drafter, he slowed his pace before the descent on Dunlap Hollow to holler,  “You don’t need any help, right?” His sins have been washed. Knightood bestowed.

When the 2 time Olympian was asked how the tip over occured, Footer confessed to giving Pipes a friendly shove.  “I won’t be last,” she uttered under her breathless breath.  And that’s how gold is won.

The B team (B for Bad Ass or maybe bruised ass) was testing out the emergency broadcast system well before Pipes needed first aid.  Speedy inadvertently butt-dialed Slinger‘s wife 3 times while cycling on Schneider.  Sending out an SOS, sending out an SOS. 

Today Speedy is sending out for cake and a few dozen candles.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Speedy and Special K. 

With the southerly wind pushing the pace, the lead pack was in Roxbury in no time flat. And without any flats, Rimshot earned his Knighthood by providing draft protection for Cannibal, Bomber, Captain Joe, Skipper, Kermit and Thing One.  Knighthood was short lived.  At least 2 infractions of bylaw 3.4.6 1/3.8889 were cited: 1) Skipper was dropped on Katezenbuechel and  2) BrickO shortly thereafter in Roxbury when she paused to text the B Team with a construction update.  Nobody paused.

The most serious infraction was 3) Rimshot brought a voracious thirst, but no post-ride beverages.  A unanimous vote by the Drafter Board of Rejects has put him on probation.

Left behind to face the now unfriendly southerly wind, with no hope of catching a draft, BrickO’s spirits were dampened. But then a

Knight in a green jersey (actually not),

came back in the end,

picking up BrickO,

when she needed a friend.

Kermit on his shining gravel bike provided draft protection until his quads failed.  Not in a green jersey, but Kermit is always wearing green. If you speak Training Peaks lingo, TSS of 98 will mean something to you. The only thing higher was his wife’s MCAT score of 99.  Brains and brawn, well done, Thing One.

Why a gravel bike, you wonder? It is (now) a known fact that riding with a chain one link too short can and will result in carbon fiber failure of chain stays.  So many mechanical lessons to learn.  Here is a short documentary by Octane, depicting another lesson about spoke integrity.

Octane earned his knight status by casting aside his human need for beer, as he headed back out onto the course to give the B Team a chivalrous escort home.  His intentions may not have been pure, as rumor of Speedy‘s freshly baked peanut butter cookies were spreading throughout the Draft.  Belle was first to claim that prize, and claimed more than one. Both have been put on probation: Speedy for not baking enough for everyone and Belle for making sure there was a shortage, regardless.

The backyard was filled with knights in green jerseys, along with a cameo appearance by Nurse Sully.  She is a founding member, most senior in membership and otherwise.

One of many beautiful Drafter attributes is members that fill each and every age group.

HINCAPIE UPDATE: FedEx packages arrive tomorrow.  Be sure to allow indirect signature if you won’t be at home.  LAST CHANCE to order: store closes Sun July 19 at midnight. Hincapie Store link

Next week we will visit the Beast of Barlow, only 34 miles but will seem longer. ** Descend cautiously on Garfoot to prepare for tight, unnatural left turn onto Braun. Departure 5PM from Glacier Ridge Rd.  Pizza to follow.  PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN BEER (Rimshot) and LAWNCHAIRS so we can socially distance responsibly.  For those 18 Drafters who participated in the Bike Fed Polish Moon ride, there will be beer (and hopefully coffee arriving soon) and some swag to enjoy.

Download map and cue sheet: Beast of Barlow

Garmin link: Beast of Barlow

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

It was hotter than hell riding to Church on Monday. 16 sweet and sweaty drafters, including 3 newbie members of the flock, found redemption. The newbies picked the hottest and longest ride on record for 2020 to join the Draft. Welcome Ninja, Rimshot and Blurple.

Not all Drafters rode under the hotter than hell sun.  The Dark Knight  interrupted his torpor state to ride early in the day, sending a bat signal alerting us to danger on the Blue Mound Trail descent. BrickO, having departed with the B team 30 min before the official start, was at the top of Blue Mound Trail, fielding a phone call (from her son who was being confronted by the local sheriff after having set off the cabin security system- so happy to be his “one” phone call), when she saw a flash of purple light.  It was Cannibal escorting two newbies, Rimshot and Blurple, down Blue Mound Trail. Undeterred by Dark Knight’s cautionary tale, the trio raced at the speed of (purple) light down the aforementioned 3 gravel stretches.   Ending the call, BrickO carefully descended in their afterglow, per the Dark Knight’s warning.

When what to my wondering eyes did appear,

but a gaggle of cyclists with flat tires, front & rear,

With Cannibal and newbies deflated so quick,

I knew in a moment they had been ficke’d  (urban dictionary: to learn the hard way)

Rimshot tied the long-standing record, held by Z Wrecks, for 2 flat tires in a single ride.  He double flatted shooting down those gravel stretches on Blue Mound Trail.  Cannibal and Blurple stopped to render assistance, which left  Bomber free to break away and catch his breath.  And for me to catch him. Bomber: “I told myself to go easy in this heat.” BrickO: “Did you really think that you would?” Bomber: “Yeah, but then those new guys showed up with Cannibal and hammered down Airport Rd.”  BrickO: “And you had to go with them?”  It was a rhetorical question.

After fixing 2 flats, the trio was back in action and howling over 30mph down KP in Cross Plains.  They came upon the B team, who had stopped for a mechanical. Oblivious to the Drafter code of ethics, which is a one-time allowance, Cannibal hollered out as they flew by, “Couldn’t stand the pressure?”  What he should have said was, “Can we stop to offer roadside assistance?” Ficke #2: what comes around goes around. Shortly after KP, rolling on enough CO2 to reach 40psi, Rimshot flatted a third time on the Bourbon St train tracks,  ruining his rim.  Bourbon isn’t for everyone. Looks like the pressure, or lack thereof,  got to Rimshot.   Flat tire #3 is an uncontested new record and puts him in first place for the 2020 Flat Tire Club Award.

LuLu and Kermit didn’t stop for Bourbon, but rode through Culver’s drive thru for a peach melba waffle cone. For anyone else looking to offset the caloric debt,  Belle brought oatmeal apricot almond cookies, which she baked in lieu of completing her indoor air conditioned Zwift ride, in lieu of drafting in hell’s kitchen.  Her failure to ride benefited all of us.

Home from church, recovery pizza, beer and cookies runneth over.  The newbies were carefully interviewed.  Ninja isn’t really a newbie.  She’s been coerced  by BrickO on numerous occasions  to suffer through various endurance cycling events. This was her first Monday night appearance, traveling from Green Bay and back to enjoy the heat and company.  Her insanity is undisputed. Membership granted.  Blurple and Rimshot’s  riding capabilities gave us pause.  Did we really want to induct members who make Bomber sweat? And to do so on a purple bike wearing a jelly bean jersey? The decision to induct (indict?) to the Draft was unanimous, despite their excessive fitness.  Rimshot showed strength of character not fussing over his costly ride. And Blurple’s compelling charm was revealed when he rebutted a nick name predicated on something superficial like his bike and jelly bean color (Grape Ape v.1). But, a little research into jelly bean anatomy revealed that there is much more beneath the surface and we agreed that a Drafter handle should about be something more than color.  It should be about family.

Happy Birthday this week to Speedy, Special K and Caboose.  Speedy isn’t about to wind down anytime soon. Neither is her smile.

Special K is celebrating her again event by gearing up for a 100 mile run on Aug 1.  Drafters are being summoned to lend support. There is one very Special rest stop, whereby Special K will be sworn in, giving Wisconsin the highest percentage of women on the state’s highest court.

Caboose has left the station, headed to MN.  He may not draft with us on Monday nights, but always in spirit.

Bike Fed Polish Moon Ride: we will soon be receiving beer, coffee and t-shirts (check your email from Jake at Bike Fed to give your size) for our two first place finishes for largest team and most miles.  Congrats!  Thanks for supporting the BikeFed and the Draft. Kermit clearly did not comply with mileage submission instructions.  25.6 miles? You rode more than that on a single Draft!

HINCAPIE DRAFTER GEAR UPDATE:  Several drafters have inquired about placing another order for jerseys, kits, etc.  The store is open through July 19.  This will be the FINAL order of the season. For those still waiting on the previous order, I will keep you updated. Typically, in non-pandemic times, the turnaround is ~2 months.  Apparently, this order is closer to one month?

Bricko’s Drafters Individual Rider Store:

• This link is to share with team members so they can place their own orders which will ship directly to each individual.
• Link: https://order.hincapiecustom.com/BRICKOS2020
• Dates: Now – midnight of Sunday, July 19th
• Orders ship (4) weeks after the close date of the store and deliver within 2-4 business days

This coming Monday, July 13, we will ride 42 miles down (and up) in the holler.  Our plan is to do recon this afternoon.  Stay tuned for changes and updates.  5PM departure. Pizza provided.  Beer and lawn chairs are your responsibility. 

On that note: please turn on your GroupMe app for Drafter and Dirty Drafter updates (separate groups). If you are NOT on the list and want to receive updates on things like road conditions, weather updates, etc., text me and I will add you.

DISCLAIMER: The Drafter administration is partial to Garmin, but can’t figure out how to make cue sheets using that platform.  RidewithGPS (for a fee, covered by your dues) creates cue sheets, but in my limited experience, can have non-operator dependent errors (plus operator errors). In short, I am not impressed. Like anyone gives a rip. Please carry a map, load coordinates into your Garmin if possible, do not ride alone, carry food and water to last through the night, and send a bat signal for help.

RidewithGPS link: Dunlap Hollow

Download map and cue sheet: Dunlap Hollow

For those wanting a shorter version, may I suggest you try the Tom Collins (30mile).  The only reservation for this route is the stretch on Hwy 19. No love on that section of road. This route provides excellent viewing of the Bridge to Nowhere over Hwy 12, connecting nothing to nothing.

RidewithGPS link: Tom Collins

 

Download map and cue sheet: Tom Collins

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Red, white, (black) and blue.  That sums up my July 4th mountain biking adventure.   I was able to protect my investments (brains and teeth), but other parts, including my Garmin, didn’t fair so well.  Skipper and Porkchop were teaching us the lingo at the Dirty Draft on Wednesday.  I learned the term “OTB” (over the bars).  I find active learning really drives concepts home.  I’ve also learned that I prefer the “ATB” (at the bar) maneuver.

This post isn’t about my brains and teeth, although I do have a tangential soliloquy about my right central insisor.  Shortly after college, I was playing raquetball with my Mom.  The combination of her wicked backhand and my slowness in the backcourt resulted in a collision of her racquet and my #11 (see dental numbering system).  The tooth still exists in my mouth, but is quiet dead and required a root canal.  My Dad’s comment: “That’s too bad. It was your only good feature.”  He didn’t really mean it the way it sounded.  Or maybe he did?  I am aware that my teeth are disproportionally large.  Standing in line once at the grocery store, a small child whispered, “Look, Mommy.  That lady has teeth like a horse.”  I gave the precousious tike a little neigh and whinny.  The mother was mortified.  I was satisfied.   I’d like to think teeth size reflects brain size, but realize that statement alone disqualifies me from any academic position.

So what is this post about?  Saying thank you and recognzing amazing local bike shops and one big business. 

Upon crashing my Ibis Ripley LS, I noticed what I thought to be a crushed crinkle in my frame.  Zach at Blue Mounds Bicycle, who sold me the Ibis last year, took my call on the 4th of July (sure the shop was open, but I know he was swamped). He spent several minutes asking me questions about the damage, and explaining the mechanical properties of carbon fiber failure.  Thank you, Zach. This is one reason why I love local bike shops.  Colin and the boys at Cronometro have done the same for me numerous times, answering my SOS calls from the road when I have an issue that I can’t Sherlock.  Crono flat out replaced my carbon Cervelo frame that had failed.  HERE IS A SHOUT OUT TO LOCAL BIKE SHOPS.  Please continue to support them.  When you need help, you need a real person to answer the phone and stand behind the product.

My Garmin did not survive the crash.  I would not have expected it to. I doubt any GPS device is made to withstand direct impact of this magnitude (the vertical fall wasn’t that impressive, but there was nothing to break it other than my Garmin and chest, which is not in proportion to my teeth.  Possibly my brains.  I emailed Garmin on July 4th, with full disclosure of how the Garmin came to expire, and asked if the screen could be repaired.  Never did I think that I would get a response THAT DAY.  Nor did I expect them to send a replacement for a fraction of the cost of a new Garmin.  Furthermore, the company gave me the option to 1) send back the trashed unit and wait for a replacement, or 2) pay upfront and have a new unit sent immediatley, with a refund when my unit is returned.  This is a big ass company, responding to me as if I were the only Garmin user on the planet, or a major league cyclist who gives them tons of visibility.  I am neither, evidence of the later obvious.

Anyway, as I’m popping Aleve in preparation for tomorrow’s 40 mile Draft in 90 degree weather, I thought I’d say thank you.  Reminder that we are riding SHORT CUT BACK DOOR TO CHURCH, leaving from Glacier Ridge Rd at 5PM.  Pizza to follow.  Please bring a lawn chair and beverage of your choice.

Draft responsibly (and in accordance with your skill level, not your ambition),

BrickO

The past two Mondays we have heard the sound of thunder.  How far off we sat and wondered.  I started humming a song from 1972.

I was a little too slow could have used better quads
Tight lycra shorts hardly renown
He was a green-helmeted beauty with big strong thighs
Drafter kit of his own, green and bright
Lycra green and bright

Out past the cornfields where the woods got heavy
Out in the saddle seat of my 64 Colnago-ee (?)
Workin on new routes without any clues
Workin on our draft moves
Tryin to make some frontpage cycling news
Workin on the draft moves
In the summertime
Mmm in the sweet summertime

We weren’t Cat 1, oh no far from it
We weren’t searchin for some Blue Mound State Park summit
We were just old and restless and bored
Livin 6 feet apart, oh Lord

And we’d steal away every chance we could
To the Hyer Loop, to Spring Valley, or the trusty woods
I drafted him, he drafted me, but neither one cared
We were gettin our share

Workin on our draft moves
Tryin to lose the Monday rainout blues
Workin on our draft moves
Mmm and it was summertime
Mmm sweet summertime summertime
Ohhh

We are going to shed the bad weather mojo surrounding Back Door to Church and ride a slightly shorter route on Monday July 6.  This should alleviate the angst many were feeling (though most of you have completed this route at some point over the past two weeks), and lengthen our beer drinking, pizza eating time in the back yard.  DEPARTURE from Glacier Ridge Road at 5PM. 

RideGPS Link

Download Map and Cue sheet: Short Cut Back Door to Church

If anyone is interested in some July 4th pedaling ideas, here is the map and cue sheet for the 70 mile route I posted to Black Earth- Hyde- Blue Mounds: Hyde Blue Mound Cue Sheet

In other cycling news: CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 18 DRAFTERS WHO ENTERED THE POLISH MOON RIDE.  We rocked it, around the moon and back. No other team came close in numbers of riders or miles.  Well done.  Look for beer and t-shirts coming soon, according to the BikeFed website.  There was some suspicious behavior not conductive to the spirit of the game, but we will take the high road on our victory lap.  And not mention how a rider signed up on the last day, back logging miles to oust Vilks from first place.  Or a rider who waited to enter her last 3 rides until after BrickO’s were posted, cluthing victory by 2.57 miles.  These things are not worth mentioning.  I couldn’t be more proud of the Drafters.  We represent the spirit of cycling at a time when spirits are hard to keep high and light.  Well done.

Rain has been a foe to the Wednesday Dirty Draft as well, but yesterday we were able to get dirty at Quarry Ridge.  Huge thanks to Skipper and Porkchop for their coaching tips.  Footer and BrickO learned how to better handle the trail and some key MTB phrases: chunder, schralping loam, OTB (over the bars).

And a review of some familar terms: beer me.

Have a wonderful July 4th.  BrickO and Z Wrecks will be shredding (likely ourselves more than the trail) at Ringle the next few days if anyone wants to do a little MTBing.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

This therapy session is not intended for young listeners, or any viewer with an adverse reaction to the f’bomb. Language in this therapy session is strictly intended for cathartic purposes, and is not recommeded for daily use, although in some cases the prescribed dose may be considerably higher.  Please consult with your physician before trying this form of therapy. My apologies to Prince.

 

The upside of an F’in rain indoor training session is that I was able to confirm the (un)reliability of my new bioimpedance scale.  3 pounds were lost during the ride, none of it water, according to my WiThings bioimpedance measurements.  Magically, I now have 3% less body fat. Brilliant marketing tool.  Now, if only I had hooked up PowerDot, think of how much my muscle mass % may have increased?

POLISH MOON:  FINISH STRONG.  LOOK WHAT IS ON THE LINE.

If we win most registrants and top distance, there will be a celebration next Mon rain or shine.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

In the words of the great Prince…..

I never meant to cause you any sorrow
I never meant to cause you any pain
I only wanted to one time to see you drafting
I only wanted to see you
Drafting without the Monday rain

Monday rain, Monday rain
Monday rain, Monday rain
Monday rain, Monday rain
I only wanted to see you
Drafting without the Monday rain

I never wanted to be your wheel sucker
I only wanted to ride with our kind of friends
Baby, I could never draft from another
It’s such a shame the sunshine had to end

Monday rain, Monday rain
Monday rain, Monday rain
Monday rain, Monday rain
I only wanted to see you
Drafting without the Monday rain

Drafters, I know, I know
I know weather is changing
It’s time we all reach out
For something new, that means riding Zwift or Rouvy, too.

You say you want the radar
But it can’t seem to make up its mind
I think you better close it
And let me guide you from the Monday rain

Monday rain, Monday rain
Monday rain, Monday rain
If you know what I’m singing about up here
C’mon, raise your hand

Monday rain, Monday rain
I only want to see you
Only want to see you
Drafting without the Monday rain

RIDE TODAY IS CANCELLED.  Strike two on Back Door to Church.  I’m trying not to read too much into that. We will try again next Monday.  In the interim, if you find some sunshine and a free afternoon, this route to Black Earth, Hyde and the ultimate climb to the top of Blue Mound State Park is worth your while.

Garmin link to 70 mile ride at your leisure

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Many Drafters preemptively rode the Back Door to Church on Sunday, sensing the holy water would fall from the heavenly skies today.  Their forecast of the forecast was devine.

Queenie didn’t make it to Church, but did pay his penance for missing Black Hill last week. Better late than never.

Duchess sampled some holy water. How is it that Duchess appears drenched while   Sandlot barely looks winded?

The flood gates have opened, so we will reschedule Back Door to Church for next Monday.  Plan to leave in shifts starting at 4:30, 4:45 and 5PM from Glacier Ridge Road.  It is a helluva route, so plan for at least 2.5 hours. Pizza and beers to follow. Some hydrations choices are difficult. Pray that I make the right one.

Happy 40th BD to Cannibal tomorrow. Sorry that we can’t celebrate as planned this evening.

We can celebrate with a  Polish Moon Ride.  Join BrickO’s Drafters team here: Race Registration

And if you have not yet filled out the Dairyland Dare survey, please do: DLD survey

300 riders will allow the ride to run on a modified basis!

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to all the Drafter Dads.  Here is the newest Drafter Dad and GrandDad out on Sunday.

Draft responsibly,
BrickO

Legal drinking age.   ____ Pilots. ___ Jump Street.  That’s the number of Drafters who conquered Black Hill, or as Speedy renamed it, Black Hell.  21 is a record high for 2020, virtually and really.

The Draft inducted 3 new members: jRAD, Special K and the Rock.  Captain Joe brought along his buddy, jRAD, a humble man of few words but many watts. Special K introduced the concept of snack time. We rivaled any kindergarten class for the number of snack breaks. Granted, Special K’s fuel stores were depleted after 60 miles earlier in the week, training for her Aug 1 century ride run, but a full stop for trail mix every 5 miles? The jury is out on her membership status. Verdict, Judge?

The Rock provided an excellent illustration of the laws of gravity while riding sweep with Z Wrecks.  Z would wait at the top, and the Rock would wait at the bottom.  Welcome Newbies.  May the Draft be with you.

Technically, only 20 Drafters reached the summit.  Draft Queen  conveniently missed the turn, which also led to missing the climb up Bitney.  Overcome with guilt and reciting the Drafter motto, “when in doubt, climb”, he did a  U-turn after his Bitney Rd descent as to make amends, one climb at a time.  Footage is being reviewed to determine if Octane summited Black Hill. He was sighted traveling the wrong direction on Brereton Rd, but for sure, Queenie and Octane made it back to base camp for beer and pizza.

There were departures for Black Hill from two gates at two times. There is no easy name to describe the 4:30 group. “Short Pour” is inaccurate, as they ride the same distance as the 5PM departure group. Not sure they ride any slower either, but as noted above, they pause often for snack time.  “Team Estrogen” is no longer approrpriate.  Maybe “Team Testostogen”? “B Team” was suggested.  But B Team isn’t really fitting for a 2 x Olympian, Supreme Court Justice, front line RN and anesthesiologist, former D1 hockey player turned coach (including players who went on to be Olympians), and world class barefoot water skier/ aerospace engineer.  The B is for BrickO, who pretty much made every B team, except the Spelling B, which she never qualified for. Every Achilles needs a heel.

The highlight of the B Team was finding Duracell waiting on Balzer, biding his time with the pack until the head wind home.  Fully charged, Duracell brought us home.

The 5PM group blew by the B Team on Kinglsey, led by Captian Joe, Vilks, jRAD and Thing 1.  Kermit trailed behind, looking but not wearing green, mumbling, “My legs are shot.” The following dialogue ensued, BrickO: Did you put in lots of miles this weekend? Kermit: No.  BrickO: Did you have a late night?.  Kermit: In bed by 10:30. BrickO: Did you have too much to drink?  Kermit: No.  BrickO: Some days we just don’t have it. Kermit: No response.

Huge thanks to Drone Master for hosting the post-Draft draft.  The outing is being formally reviewed by the Social Committe. According to “Party Etiquette Rules” posted by the Etiquette Scholar, the following observations are disquieting: 1) there were insufficient left overs for Tick Tock’s following day lunch, 2) gluten free pizza was not provided.  Fortunately for Vilks and Surly, Drone Master had prepared deviled eggs.

3) Water and beer, but not wine were available. Let’s not discriminate, shall we? Surly and Pit Stop wandered down the street in search of vino, finding their way to the cellar of Z Wrecks.

Late night wanderings are usually reserved for Slow Cow. He did not disappoint this week, wandering as far as Lodi Canning, Spring Valley and Black Hill undetected by Drafters.  GPS data is being reveiwed by the “I call BS Squad”.  All 3 destination photos arrived mysteriously and simultaneously Monday PM.

Let’s focus on who was NOT Drafting and examine the legitimacy of their absence: Belle and Bomber were in South Dakota riding a mere 100 mile gravel and 100 mile road virtual event. There were rumblings of leaving Monday at 3AM in order to make the Draft. No mystery who was rumbling… and who had the veto power.

Cannibal required the week to prepare for his major aging event next week.  A few of us are further down that road.  Happy 40th Birthday, Cannibal. There’s a roll of tape with your name on it.

E$ and Cookie Monster were tempted, but Audia had barely finished her first day of life, so they decided to wait at least another week before Drafting.  It is also apparent that smaller headbands need to be ordered. CONGRATULATIONS!!!

The Back Door to Church route for next week is brought to us by the late John Denver.

Almost heaven, West of Middleton

Mound View Mountain, way of Moen Valley

You feel old there, older than the trees

Younger than the mountains, draftin’ in the breeze.

Country Roads, take me home

To the place, I belong

West of Middleton, mountain mama

Take me home, country roads

Back Door to Church 40ish miles is pending ongoing chip seal and other random acts of road repair on JJ and H/HH.  The Drafter recon crew has been furloughed, but volunteers have stepped up to pre-ride the route on Saturday.  Stay tuned. An alternative route might be required.  5PM departure and post-draft fesitivies will resume at our normal spot on Glacier Ridge Road.  Pizza will be ordered.  $5 max donations will be tolerated.  BYO beers and lawn chairs. 

GPS link: Back Door to Church GPS

Map and cue sheet download: Back Door to Church

Draft responsibly,

BrickO