Category Archives: Uncategorized

Creekside 2.0

14 Drafters sang this song by the Lovin’ Spoonful:

Hot town, summer in the city
Back of my neck gettin’ dirty and gritty
Been down, isn’t it a pity?
Doesn’t seem to be a shadow in the city
All around, people lookin’ half dead
Walkin’ on the sidewalk, hotter than a match head

But Monday night, it’s a different world
Go out and find a ride
Come on, come on, and draft all night
Despite the heat, it’ll be alright
And babe, don’t you know it’s a pity
The days can’t be like the nights
In the summer in the city
In the summer in the city

The bar was open, but no shots were ordered. There were two takers for the short pour.

Sweeps and Speedy

Kudos to Z for making the leap when he discovered the B Team had transitioned to the AC Team. There was a strong showing for the A for Acclimated Team. GQ was fearful is pretty face would melt, and Car Wash certainly did his best to keep his friend hosed down. Dr. Dewey, Z and BrickO broke the wardrobe code but beat the heat putting on a gun show. Rimshot was lobbying for a hydration break at Missouri Tavern, and was last been seen riding home on the bike path. It is possible there was a shot ordered after all?

Spigot, Car Wash, Z, GQ, Vilks, Keez, Dr. Dewey, Enrob, Hawkeye and Rimshot

Duracell get’s full credit for drafting full strength, with a permissible head start as he was needed home for parental Uber duty.

Duracell at the half way point. Half way in miles, not work, as he faced a headwind alone.

The heat advisory wasn’t issued for the temperature, but for Speedy looking cool and ridin’ hot on her new fire engine red Madone.

Sweeps and Speedy appreciating the historic viaduct

WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS:

LuLu and Vintage did some aerodynamic testing. Turns out the kitchen sink has more drag than anticipated.

LuLu and Vintage in the wind tunnel

Congrats to Gopher on his Olympic distance Triterium triathlon. His pace picked up after this HIGH-FIVE from his #1 fan.

Gopher and his #1 fan
Gopher and his support crew

CONGRATS to Grit and JR, Herbie and Tank on their SBT GVL victories. A win for sure finding a window without the fires threatening air quality.

Grit caught looking bad ass by FinisherPix
Herbie and Tank find some single track before SBT GVL

The SpokeNFour reunion was in full swing at CamRock. Sadly, it ended in one wing in a full sling. Sending Slim healing wishes for his next flight.

SpokeNFour dirty drafting

So much green. Feeling left out? The HINCAPIE STORE is now reopened through July 4th. at midnight. PLEASE note when ordering there are options for jerseys: Velocity (race fit) or Axis (club fit). Bibs come in race or endurance (side pockets) and 2 inseam lengths. Link to Drafter store. Looking to make a deal? New, never worn women’s medium bib (2025 logo) and men’s medium axis jersey (2026 logo). Contact BrickO (or Watson and Hawkeye, respectively through GroupMe).

HAVE A SAFE JULY 4th WEEKEND! Ready to take the INDEPENDENCE CHALLENGE?

Not sure of the logistics, but gonna run with this half baked idea. Octane, Momma Monster and Spigot are the bakers, so I welcome there ideas on how to perfect this challenge. I suspect most of you equate riding with freedom, and given our country’s 250 anniversary, it seems fitting to link the two. Send BrickO via email or text (not GroupMe, please) a photo of you on a bike that gave you a sense of flying, freedom, or pure joy. If you have a Junior Drafter and want to share their first moment of movement freedom on two wheels, that would be great. These will be posted in an Independence Day Edition. Or something like that. TBD. Here’s a preview.

First bike
First Unbound XL
Freedom Rider
Freedom to ride anywhere in the world, and his favorite turf is home (photo credit Joey Klein)
Rebel without a clue
Less rebel, even less clue

July brings the Draft back to Crossroads Coffeehouse in Cross Plains. No pizza, but there should be beer on tap. The bridge on KP is still out, so please note the routes are Creekside version 2.0. Full strength 39.7 miles and short pour 28.1 miles options. There is rumor of a KickAssKK return, so saddle up.

RidewithGPS Link: Drafters | Creekside 2.0 ShortPour Departure time 5PM

RidewithGPS Link: Drafters | Creekside 2.0 B team 4:45, A team 5PM

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Stuck in Lodi Again

Two dozen Drafters were excited to be reunited with Belle and Bomber. Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band led the serenade.

They’re totally committed
To major independence
But they are Drafters through and through
They give them quite a battle
All that they can handle
They’ll bruise some, they’ll hurt some too


But oh, we love to watch them draft
Oh, we do respect em’, but
We love to watch em’ draft
Ooh, oh, yeah, oh

Belle and Bomber draft again!

Some other familiar faces made their way back to the Draft. So, so, so good to have Midas and Footer in the lineup. Midas may have to repeat bootcamp. Rolling in seconds before wheels up with wheels that needed pumping up…. good thing she has that Midas touch! Sweeps rolled in 3 minutes after departure time. Firing out of the hole with such gusto, she blew a derailleur. Best 3 minute power ever. Well done, Sweeps.

Midas, Presley, Shaq, Z, Twinkle Toes, Knievel, Booker J, Queenie, Footer, Barkley and Belle (Sweeps 3′ out)
Dr. Dewey, Keez, Speedy, Hawkeye, Octane, GQ, Vilks, Skipper, Bomber, Rimshot and Spigot

Aside from Sweeps’ 3 minute best max power, no records were set. Fresh pea gravel on sections of Spring Valley Road kept the tempo. Dr. Dewey, proving the UW doesn’t give away PhDs, showed up on a gravel bike. It didn’t hurt the pace to have Keez limping along after her VO2 repeats at Nationals on Sunday.

Spring Valley Gravel Road

Mentally exhausted from navigating through the the pea storm, Shaq and Barkley took a big break and even bigger short cut home. Skipper gave some sage advice as he passed by the big riders, “try to relax your shoulders and hold speed”. It might be aero to have your acromion processes above your earlobe, but it sure isn’t comfortable! Shaq had her massage therapist on speed dial.

Big smiles for Shaq and Barkely
Queenie, Belle and Twinkle Toes drafting responsibly
BrickO and Skipper sweeping up

Gravel wasn’t the only big surprise. LuLu and Columbus showed up with some Swedish Cinnamon Rolls!

Columbus discovered a new Swedish Cinnamon Role recipe
Skipper negotiates sharing some Swedish delight with Lozi

An unhappy surprise… we wave goodbye to Cannibal as he and his beautiful family move to TN this week. Road trip for garden drinks is being planned.

Cannibal and his garden drinks will be missed

WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS:

There has been a Gopher and Badger sighting in Oregon. Their natural habitat is only 2 blocks from the Drafter corral, but these beautiful creatures are rarely seen.

Badger and Gopher out in the open!

Knievel got dirty and failed to crash at the Belgian Waffle Ride in Montana, taking top 10 in his age category!

Knievel takes top 10!

The CanAm team was fueled by cow pies at the Trek 100. Congrats to SneakO on his longest ride in 15 years!

SneakO, Speedy and Duracell

Nemo’s son advanced to a Cat2 racer. That’s good. He decided to race Cat3/4 at Tour of America’s Dairyland. That didn’t turn out so good. Heal quickly. Just keep riding. Just keep riding.

#1 or a broken finger? One in the same.

Keez made her pro National Championships debut, but missed the Crit due to storms that delayed her flight by 24h.

Keez with her United teammates

Keez got her money’s worth at the road race on Sunday. Ice ice baby, to go, to go.

Keez on fire

A shout out to all of those who put it on the line. It is hard to line up at the start of any event. It doesn’t matter if it is a pro national championship or riding your first 100K at the Trek 100. Hard stuff is good stuff. Congrats to all of those Drafters who challenge themselves.

Riding and racing is full of excitement, but also danger. Plenty of our fellow Drafters have been struck by vehicles- Vilks, Pit Stop, Keez, Sandlot come to mind in recent years. Tree of Rown, an honorary Drafter, was hit in a round-a-bout this week, clipped by a truck driver who felt the need to cut her off.

Enter into evidence, Exhibit 101

None of these Drafters did anything wrong. In every case, it was the fault of the inattentive (or worse yet, attentive) driver. The best we can do is draft responsibly. I appreciate all of you following the rules of the road, riding no more than two-wide, skinnying up on busy stretches, having front and rear blinking LED lights, radar, and wearing bright green drafter jerseys (ok, any bright color will suffice). Thank you. Let’s keep up the good behavior.

No green drafter jersey? If there is enough interest, the Hincapie store can be reopened. There is a men’s medium Axis (club cut) jersey available, ordered by mistake. Text or email BrickO if you are interested. Please don’t be shy about asking to try on a size and style (Velocity=race fit, Axis= club fit) before ordering as custom orders cannot be returned.

Brand new, never worn men’s axis jersey

The theme song for next week comes from Credence Clearwater Revival. This is one of the longer routes of the season. As such, a SHOT will also be added to the drink menu.

SHOT 31.4 miles 5PM DEPARTURE.

RidewithGPS Link: Shy of Lodi

SHORT POUR 33.6 miles 5PM DEPARTURE.

RidewithGPS Link: Shy of Lodi Canning Co Short Pour

FULL STRENGTH 38 miles 4:45 if you need a head start, otherwise 5PM.

RidewithGPS Link: Drafters | Lodi Canning Co

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Spring Valley and Bomber’s Bridge

Theme song brought to you by Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band.

Who’s goin’ to ride that carbon two-wheeler?
Who’s goin’ to make that first mistake (Octane or Rimshot)?
Who wants to wear those Hincapie chamois?
All the way to Crystal Lake

15 Drafters, many with horribly tired legs and brand new kits, showed up for Crystal Lake. The Colonel and Hammer Time made a guest appearance, their FIRST draft as Mr. & Mrs.! Traveling light from San Francisco, the couple had to choose between packing bikes or a tux and wedding dress. Good call.

McGritty, Z, Booker J and Mr. & Mrs. Hammer Time (Duracell en route)
Short Pour: Presley, Speedy, Hammer Time, Colonel (Pepe on the way)
Rimshot, Vilks, Skipper, Hammer Time, Colonel, Hawkeye, Octane, Cujo and Supe

Vilks, Hawkey and Cujo had 200k of Horribly Hilly miles in their legs, yet still managed to bring the heat.

Vilks and Hawkeye regaling in HHH climbs

Their heat was chill enough for a photo op at Crystal Lake. Skipper jerry rigged a tripod using two bikes and wooed us with technology as he controlled the timer from his watch. The name is Bond. Skipper Bond.

Octane, BrickO, Vilks, Rimshot, Hawkeye, Supe, Cujo and Skipper

“Do you want to take a picture of me looking off into the distance?” The appropriate response violates Drafter Code of Conduct. So Vilker obliged.

Rimshot wistfully looking off into the distance
Come on the rising wind
We’re going up around the bend, ooh

Octane dropped a chain and caught some flack on shifting technique. Not to be outdone, Rimshot registered his second mechanical for the year.

Another pair of guests were waiting at the finish line! Thing 1 is carrying two more little things. Can you spy with your little eye where the other one is hiding? Home stretch, T1… September is just around the bend!

Thing 1 with two other wonderful things

WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS:

The Colonel and Hammer Time Tie the Knot

Congrats to all of the brave Drafters who dared to climb the Horribly Hilly Hundreds! A special shout out to Cujo who volunteered to ride the 200k SOLO, starting an hour early to make sure the route was well marked and free from vandalism. Huge thanks to the Drafters who volunteeed at packet pick up at Wheel and Sprocket on Thur: Cujo Clyde, Pit Stop, Gopher, Duracell. The HHH is the flagship road event highlighting the Driftless region of WI. Gratitude for the hard work of Greg Wiegand and the Friends of Blue Mound. There are precious few endurance road rides left in WI. This event has survived despite countless obstacles (like the Town of Berry’s ban on HHH riders on their roads). Appreciate the Drafters who support this event by volunteering and/or riding.

Vilk’s…. al that is left of him after HHH
Lost Boy, Cujo, Shaq, Pepe and Pit Stop
Cujo, Barkley and Shaq
Hawkeye
JRad and Vi-King

HINCAPIE KITS HAVE ARRIVED! Credit to Skipper for the awesome design.

Sweeps is pretty much ready for anything

A special treat next week: BELLE AND BOMBER return to draft responsibly! There is only one route suitable for their return. Spring Valley will highlight many of the roads from the couple’s wedding prelude ride 2 years ago, and takes us over Bomber’s Bridge (35 miles). Departure 4:45PM B Team, 5PM A Team. Short pour 27 mile option departs 5PM. **NOTE: this is a brand new short pour route.

RidewithGPS link: Drafters | *Spring Valley

RidewithGPS link: Drafters | Spring Valley Short Pour

In the event of rain, please join us at Longtable at 5PM for a celebratory beverage.

Draft responsbily,

BrickO

Bomber and Belle!

It is 4:15PM on Monday. The Crystal Cat ride has been officially cancelled. Let’s hope the next 30 minutes deliver the promised rain to justify the decision.

Bomber and Belle will be drafting next Monday, June 15 . We are excited to retrace some of the roads from their 2024 Wedding Pedaling Prelude. Be sure to wear your best greens for a photo shoot at Bomber’s bridge. Can’t draft? Stop by to say hello after the Draft.

Full strength B team 4:45. Full strength A team and short pour 5PM.

Full Strength: 35 miles

RidewithGPS link: Drafters | *Spring Valley

Short Pour: 27 miles

RidewithGPS link: Drafters | *Pine Loop

In case of rain, we will convene at Long Table at 5PM.

WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS:

And epic weekend for Belle, Bomber and Momma Monster at Epic Bike Fest.

EPIC Singletrack MTB race champion!
Momma Monster on the podium again for EPIC gravel
Bomber and Belle, an EPIC powerhouse couple

BACK LOGGED HIGHLIGHTS : Cujo has been grinding away on gravel rides, crushing it at Heywood, Ten Thousand Gravel and Coulee Crusher.

Coulee Crusher Supper Club. Winner, winner, chicken dinner.
“Looks terrifying but is a blast”

OTHER NEWS: you should be receiving FedEx info regarding your Hincapie cycling gear within the next week or two. Deliveries are directly to you, and require a signature. Not going to be home? Log into your FedEx account and sign for the package in advance.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Crystal Cat

110 vertical feet per Drafter. The horribly hilly ride out of Cross Plains wouldn’t seem so formidable if you could assign it that way.

30 miles. 2400′ of climb. 22 Drafters. When in doubt, climb. No doubt.

The B Team showed up in full force. Welcome back, Grit! A little tune up draft before disappearing to Steamboat for her next gravel adventure.

Grit, Speedy, Watson, Pit stop, McGritty, Queenie, Z, Knievel, Loose Screw AND

And one more squeaked in just after departure, burning a match to catch up with the B Team. Squeak has 3 young boys at home, so sprinting after a group posed no problem.

Squeak!

The air is thin at the summit of Shitcliffe. Pit Stop’s nasal passages were primed for the climb. This generated a physiological and anatomical discussion about inhalation and exhalation. Can you breath through your mouth and nose simultaneously? ChatGPT seems to think so, but the citations were suspect. Queenie’s air passages were also wide open, as he reportedly was overheard singing up the climbs. McGritty was inspired to take vocal lessons if it aids in climbing. Queenie was quick to dismiss his vocal training as the source of his climbing prowess, instead pointing to an isometric lunge as his secret climbing weapon. So many ergogenic climbing aids available.

Breathe easy, Pit Stop

To counter balance Squeak coming in hot, GQ was on site an hour early, securing the parking lot.

GQ, Keez, Duracell, Cujo, Booker J, Twinkle Toes, Hawkeye, Octane and Spigot

There must be something in the water at Creekside? Hawkeye flew up the hills so fast the group decided it best his wings be clipped before the next Draft. Octane lost plenty of sweat but his tank was full of gas, as he pulled the group back home on KP. Booker J drank the same Kool-Aide, which he bought for $80, along with blue shoes and sunglasses. His AI algorithm is set at the $80 price point, apparently.

Dr. Dewey and Enron didn’t drink the same Kool-Aide. A little late to the party as Dr. Dewey had mistakingly dedicated Monday as laundry night, she and hubby Enron made a run at catching Keez using Find My Drafter. Dr. Dewey took the QOM on Full Braun, but never caught up with the Draft.

The Drafters enjoyed the Creekside Patio and a special visit from Granny and Squirrel and their junior drafter. This Nordic blondie knows how to fuel.

Squirrel, Granny and two junior Drafters- only one can ride
Speedy shares well with others
Creekside Patio

WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS

Anything is bound to happen at Unbound. Lightening, hail, mudfest. Sweeps conquered it all! And Spigot was there crewing for some 200 bounders, a selfless and grueling task.

Toto, Sweeps and Spigot pre-Unbound
Hike a bike mid-Unbound
Sweeps victorious at Unbound

June 8 will take the Drafters to Crystal Lake. The route got it’s name from a rescue in 2021.

Squirrel on kitty rescue duty
Keez dropping of kitty at a nearby farm

Back to Middleton Hills, departures 4:45PM and 5PM for 35 mile route. Short Pour 5PM departure for 26 mile route.

RidwithGPS link: Drafters | Crystal Cat Short Pour

RidewithGPS link: Drafters | Crystal Cat

SPECIAL GUESTS! Belle and Bomber will be drafting the following week, June 15. Rain or shine, let’s celebrate their return.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Update: Bridge Out

The next Draft on Monday June 1 is out of Crossroads Coffeehouse/ Creekside Scoop in Cross Plains. The bridge on KP between Garfoot and Union Valley is scheduled for construction, so the route will need to be modified in order to avoid that obstacle. The updates routes are 24 and 31 miles, respectively. B team departs 4:45, A team and short pour 5PM.

Ridewith GPS link: Drafters | Bridge Out Short Pour

RidewithGPS link: Drafters | Bridge Out

WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS

Lots of big rides logged over the Memorial Day weekend. Well done, Drafters.

Shout out to Cujo and Momma Monster on their gravel adventures, including Heywood. While in the porto line, they spotted one another in Drafter gear!

Cujo and Momma Monster at Heywood (well, actually, in the port line)

The Northern Drafter cohort has been working hard on junior development.

Cookie Monster, Momma Monster, E$ and the Junior Team

Looking for a bike to add to your quiver? Could be an upgrade, could be a downgrade , bike relegated to the trainer, or maybe just a back up. She (Annie) was the queen of her era (2015) and still has lots of life in her (8413 miles). Colnago CX Zero, RED SRAM 11 speed, Chris King hubs, HED Belgium alloy rims 28 spoke. $1000 OBO for a Drafter who will give her the love she deserves. Frame 52s, which is like a 56 in most other brands. Text BrickO if interested.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

June 1 Bourbon Brawl

The Rocky Mountains are far from Wisco, but we have Black Hill (aka Black Widow) to give us that high, and a song by John Denver that speaks to it. Sort of.

And the Black Widow Hill Drafter Monday high
I’ve seen it rainin’ fire in the sky
I know he’d be a poorer man if he never caught a wheel and fly
Black Widow high

13 Drafters set out to be the widowers of Black Hill, not the widowed. A bold Newbie move picking this route to make his debut. Welcome, Denver! Thanks to Gopher and Badger for hosting the Draft.

Presley, Pit Stop, Queenie, Shaq and Barkley

A member of the junior Draft was able to hang with the A Team. At least until the curb. Strong work!

Hawkeye, Denver, Rimshot, Skipper, Cujo, Octane, Twinkle Toes and a junior Drafter

Team photographer, Skipper, sacrificed his position in the lead group to capture the threesome breaking away on Black Hill.

Hawkeye, Rimshot and Cujo charge up Black Hill

WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS: BrickO and Z went off to play bikes in Portugal. Originally slated for May of 2025, this trip was cancelled 14 months ago due to Z’s bike crash. The physical strength to overcome the injuries, and the resolve to bike without fear are commendable and inspirational. Way to go, Z. We are so proud of you.

6 days from Porto to Lisbon
Congrats on your comeback tour, Z!

Anyone looking for a highly organized outfit to provide an unparalleled cycling experience should check out Will Levy at Two Wheel Tours. Will and his team of transporters, massage therapists and mechanics provide top notch support for events like Ride Across Portugal Cycling Challenges or Haute Route Alps, or can craft a private tour in the Dolomites, Slovenia or just about anywhere on the globe where there is land to ride. Bonus: TWT’s team color is green, so you are already well equipped.

Will Levy (green, second from left) and the Two Wheel Tours group at RAP

BrickO’s beloved green machine, Hopper, is getting on in years. One of the TWT riders compared her to a flip phone (the Colnago, not the rider). BrickO isn’t sure if she’s ready for an iPhone, but Pedro and Antonio might have a strong opinion after spending many, many hours keeping her ready for battle. Her old bones didn’t take kindly to the cobbles (this reference is to BrickO AND Hopper).

Pedro spent half of a day getting Hopper road ready
Antonio patiently diagnosing and fixing a recurrent rear flat

Next Monday is Memorial Day, so there will be no Draft on May 25. Moving into summer, the Drafters will enjoy the hospitality of Crossroads Coffeehouse/ Creekside Scoop in Cross Plains the FIRST MONDAY of June, July and August. Note: pizza is no longer available, but ice cream and beer floats are still on the menu.

The roll out format will stay the same: B Team 4:45, short pour and A Team 5PM. Please park behind Crossroads Coffeehouse/ Creekside Scoop or along Bourbon Road if the lot is full. Roll out will be from the parking lot. Full strength is 32 miles, short pour 26 miles.

Link: RidewithGPS Drafters | Bourbon Short Pour

Link: RidewithGPS Drafters | Bourbon Brawl

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Gopher’s Great Adventure

It was Ground Hog Day for Drafters riding out of Fitchburg. Thanks to Vilks for hosting round two in the same season. His sacred Strava rides are no longer a secret. 14 Drafters enlisted in the fun.

Dan-yelly, Coach Arms & Sweeps
Hawkeye, Barkley, Rimshot, Goose, Twinkle Toes, Keez, Pepe, Octane, Spigot and Vilks (photo credit, Skipper)

Our Flat Tire club has expanded to include a Broken Chain chapter. The first member was initiated Monday night. Congrats to Rimshot on his induction. May he be alone, forever, in this unfortunate chapter. Shout out to Chief for leaving her Verona Area Community Theater meeting to rescue Rimshot. Apologies to all the budding actors and actresses for stealing the show.

Skipper suggested Rimshot take the Cock and Buggy home.

No drafter was left behind, and no cocks were harmed in this ride.

Octane, Vilks, Keez, Twinkle Toes, Spigot and Goose

When in doubt, climb. That part is clear. Drafting responsibly after a John Deere tractor is questionable.

Goose, Vilks and Keez climb after John Deere
Goose and Hawkeye having a moment, Keez, Octane Spigot, Twinkle Toes (photo credits to Skipper)

WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS: Congrats to Spigot on his Hungry Bear Gravel Hundo!

We go from Ground Hog Day to Gopher’s Great Adventure next Monday. Same schedule: B team 4:45, A Team and Short Pour 5PM. Route will appear on Group Me. Meet in Middleton Hills, a block north of the usual location.

REMINDER: No Draft on Memorial Day, May 25. The first Monday of June, July and August will be hosted by Crossroads Coffeehouse / Creekside Scoop in Cross Plains. There will be LIMITED staff and no pizza. Please be patient and gratuitous when ordering ice cream and beer floats.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Fitchburg Classic

Given the cancellation last week for rain that never came, it was a relief to have the radar unequivocally clear. For the first time in a long time, the forecast was 100% sunshine and temperatures perfect for drafting. The winds did not play nice, swirling and switching direction to seemingly never be a tail. Nothing is perfect. The night was darn close.

22 Drafters came out to play. There were three teams to choose from, but Ruby couldn’t decide which one was just right so made her own team.

Full Strength B Team: Knievel, Z, Car Wash, Queenie, Von Diesel, Cujo and Spigot (and Ruby to follow)

The short pour turned into a shot for two riders. Shaq and Barkley decided to go big and go home. Welcome to the FLAT TIRE club!

Short Pour: Speedy, Pepe, Coach Arms, Shaq, Barkley, Presley, and Watson
Shaq’s big flat
Barkley drafted to the flat tire team with Shaq

The full strength A team welcomed Tank to his first Drafter ride. A well accomplished Dirty Drafter and Drift Drafter, and Tank earned his stripes on the road.

Herbie, Tank, Keez, Octane, Rimshot and Twinkle Toes

Octane was the only one with gas, and happily pulled the rest of the A team to Riley Tavern. He even picked up a stray rider on Old Sauk Rd, who was overjoyed to have a free ride. The group also picked up Ruby, who was stranded between groups, battling the wind without draft protection. “What are you doing out here alone?”, BrickO inquired. “Waiting for you”, Ruby replied. Duh.

Rimshot whined his way out of climbing Blackhawk, directing the group to a short cut. Octane looked at Rimshot’s jersey and read, “When in Doubt, CLIMB!”, and backtracked to make up the missed elevation. In his second good Samaritan act of the night, Octane picked up Twinkle Toes, who had not taken the short cut and was surprised to see his teammate back tracking to the bottom of Blackhawk Rd. Octane received the “Leave no drafter behind” metal of valor, even though he was totally unaware of his selfless act.

During the procession through Green Way Station, the A Team came upon Queenie waiting patiently for a green light that never came. Pro move by Herbie to hit the crosswalk button. This is the sort of wisdom that only comes on the eve of a BIRTHDAY!!!!! Had the group not come upon him, Queenie may still be at the intersection drumming his fingers. Next drafter discovered in the land of the lost was Watson. Following the Garmin is apparently not elementary. With every drafter accounted for, Cujo provided fuel in the form of delicious brownies back at base camp.

WEEKEND x 2 HIGHLIGHTS: Congrats to the fleet of Drafters who completed the Escape the Badger gravel event at the Badger Army Ammunition Plant on April 25. Who knew Badger colors included so much green? Shout out to Tank for providing hospitality and a route from his house to the event.

Spigot, Sweeps and Pit Stop
Sweeps, Pit Stop and Grit
Presley and PIt Stop (with unknown Mick Jagger fan)
Tank and Spigot

Congrats to all the Drafters who poked The Bear 100 last Saturday. In her first gravel race debut, Sweeps took 4th in her age group! Comet proved he is more than just a 2 x Funtathalon champion.

Comet orbiting the single track
BrickO playing bikes on her monster truck tires

Good luck to all those grinding gravel at the Hungry Bear this coming Sat!

CHAOS. IN A GOOD WAY. PLEASE NOTE:

WE HAVE GUEST HOSTS FOR THE NEXT TWO DRAFTS. Huge thanks to Vilks and Gopher for hosting the drafts on May 11 and 18, respectively. Please check GroupMe for route information. Expect a departure from Fitchburg on May 11, and Middleton Hills on May 18 (just one block further north on Glacier Ridge Rd) at 5PM. That rolls the calendar to May 25, with no Draft on Memorial Day weekend. Next blog post will be in June!

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Backdoor Full Strength & Short Pour

23 Drafters battled the southerly wind, which curiously did not carry warmth. Squeak took precautions with her polar jacket. “I may be over dressed?”, she said, sheepishly. The wind blew in two newbies, bringing the roster to 202 Drafters!!!! The wind apparently also blew Lost Boy off course. There was a brief sighting near Dane, before he got lost again.

Z, Knievel, Pit Stop, Queenie, von Diesel, Squeak, Sweeps, Shaq, Barkley, Watson & Cujo

Big Girl Shaq brought a friend who can really play ball. Barkley has been officially drafted. Expect big things from this not so very big newbie.

Barkley and BrickO

The A Team was well represented. Octane was on time, Booker J stayed the course, and the Myrland crowd was in full force with Air Bourne, von Diesel and Supe.

Keez, Skipper, Rimshot, Vilks, Car Wash, Octane, Booker J, Air Bourne, von Diesel and Supe (Duracell on course)

Vilks promised to lead out below 400W and shared his secret fuel with all of the Drafters: caramel and jalapeño popcorn. Sounds awful but actually is quite tasty. And effective.

The choice: get better or stay the same. Two “senior” drafters took that challenge (even before eating caramel and jalapeño popcorn). Dang. Smokin’. Need a boost? See opportunity below.

Newbie Supe was feeling strong and happy to take some pulls on on the way out. Into the head wind home, he realized Superman had lost his cape in the wind. With Keez and Vilks trading pulls, he marveled, “They are frickin’ Energizer bunnies.” Caramel and jalapeño popcorn on tap for next week.

Drafters powering up Schumacher Rd in Vienna (WISCO, not Austria)

Flying Burrito and Speedy set their own records for most food comments per mile. Typical teenage boy – he noticed the size of Keez’s burrito and headed straight to Lupe’s.

Flying Burrito and Speedy

WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS:

Congrats to all the Drafters who got dusty at the Dairy Roubaix. Spigot conquered the formidable 111 miles of Driftless gravel. Tornadoes in the Viroqua area on Friday night caused Cujo, Tank and Herbie to do their own version of the Dairy Roubaix, while Grit and Vilks slept in. Separately.

Z and BrickO explored the Monterey Aquarium and played bikes at the Sea Otter Classic. It is a pretty cool experience to start and finish on a race track (for cars, not bikes).

Z and BrickO on the Laguna Seca Raceway

Looking to get stronger on the bike but not into caramel and jalapeño popcorn? Check out this Virtual Strength Training Program. There is a crew of Drafters who have been training with Corey at Digman Fitness over the past two years and will attest to his methods and results.

Click this link for more info

Looking go go GREEN? The Hincapie Drafter store is open through April 26th midnight. Road options include Axis club cut or Velocity race cut. Shorts and bibs come in two inseam lengths. The Endurance Bibs have a side pocket for your cigarettes and gels. Long sleeve jerseys include light weight, great for spring and fall, and polar, for you Drift Draft fat bikers. Vests and polar jackets (Squeak wore hers last night, so clearly not only for winter). You pay direct, and shipping is direct to you (signature required as package coming from Columbia). ETA 5 weeks.

PLEASE NOTE DEPARTURE SCHEDULE FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SEASON:

Full strength B team departs 4:45PM.

Full strength A team departs 5PM.

Short Pour departs 5PM. Please abide, Dudes. We’ve tried two departure times for the short pour in past years, and it has been met with confusion and folks getting mixed into the wrong distance. 5PM ONLY for short pour. Thanks.

Full strength route just over 30 miles, short pour 25 miles.

RidewithGPS Link: Drafters | Backdoor Riley

RidewithGPS Link: Drafters | Backdoor Riley Short Pour

Looking for the PDF map? You are welcome to print one from the link above.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO