Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Beast Wins: RIDE CANCELLED

I sent Duchess and Sandlot to negotiate with Mother Nature. They put up a great fight (with M.N., not each other) but ultimately lost the argument for a dry Draft.

Duchess and Sandlot put on their best pouty faces, but you can’t argue with Mother Nature.

I really don’t want to cancel given that the current precipitation is nothing more than an irritating drizzle, but given the treacherous descent on Garfoot and looming cells on the radar that could potentially become more threatening, I think it would be unwise to ride. That was a really long sentence, so I ended it before finishing my thought: I also am sad not to say goodbye to KickA$$K (and enjoy watching her beat the beast of Barlow).

I found some solace in these lyrics by the Rolling Stones.

I want to ride the beast of Barlow

My back is broad my butt will be hurting

All I want is for you to climb that hill with me

I want to ride the beast of Barlow

I’ve ridden for miles my feet are hurting

All I want is for you to climb that hill with me

Ain’t I fast enough

Ain’t I strong enough

Ain’t I smart enough

I’m not too blind to see…. It’s frickin’ raining

I want to ride the beast of Barlow

But let’s stay home and draw the curtains

Put some music on the radio

Come on Drafters, climb Barlow next week with me

For those of you riding across Wisconsin on Sat (and Sun), have a blast. If RAW isn’t challenging enough, consider Penny Farthing racing:

https://www.cbc.ca/sportslongform/entry/louise-armaindo-canadian-professional-sports-pioneer

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Aug 12: Barlow and the Beast

Mother Nature made good on her promise to hold off on the thunder, lightening and downpour until all 19 Drafters were safely back. Thank you, M N.

C Monster, Vintage, Thing 1, Duchess, Booker J, Sandlot, Loose Screw, Z Rex, Pipes, Hit the Wall, Pres, Billy Bob, T Wall, Footer and Arms. Bond is in stealth mode.

Pipes upgraded her Flat Tire club membership from Bronze to Silver (sort of like her Olympic medals). There’s no better place to flat than the parking lot, where Drafters have no choice but to comply with the code and lend a helping hand.

Pumping 100 psi is no problem with Pipes like these. I have triceps envy.

The only thing requiring more air than Pipes’ flat tire was blowing out the candles on Billy Bob and Loose Screw’s birthday cakes. That’s a big number.

The Lodi Canning Co. route was epic, without any closed roads or pea gravel to interfere with our adventure. Duchess took a long strong 2 mile pull out of town. Technically, riders must be Drafting to qualify as a pull. I’m not sure if the slip stream extends back 1/4 mile. When he isn’t bonking, Duchess has the juice! We caught up with Drone Master just south of Dane. This week our Domestique was equipped with video equipment and conducted live interviews on the road. Rumor has it that Bob Roll and Phil Liggett are interviewing him for Steve Porino’s job at the Tour de France in 2020. Outside of Dane, despite my clear directions to take a right on Johnson (to be clear on the clarity, it took 3 renditions of the map, but I got there eventually), birthday Billy Boy decided to take his Johnson left.

Birthday Billy Boy turns left on Johnson in the hills of Wisconsin.

The darkening sky and threat of rain had the lead group discussing the practicality of taking the bike path home. Tick Tock is always an advocate for the bike path, and in his absence, we were inclined to shave off a few miles and feet of elevation to honor his spirit, which is vacationing in Glacier. Willing to lead but not take charge of the decision to take the short cut made for a ridiculous sight as Bond and Vintage were held motionless in track stands at the top of Lodi-Springfield and Woodland. BrickO was riding in circles around Thing 1 as a track stand was not a viable option. This maneuver was attempted days earlier, only to have left foot come in contact with front tire, which ended badly. Z Rex saw her distress and came to the rescue, following the Drafter code by always choosing the longer and uphill route. And so we rode up Woodland, waving goodbye to the bike path and quicker route to beer.

The looming storm was not the only dark excitement. Booker J came within inches of becoming Body Bag J. As we rode past Kromrey Middle School towards the Middleton Police Station, 3 oncoming vehicles approached, traveling the appropriate speed limit. The middle vehicle decided that 25mph and double yellow lines were a mere suggestion, and darted out into our lane to pass the vehicle ahead. Booker J’s cat like reflexes saved him. This is a reminder to all who take to the road on two wheels to stay alert at all times. We do an excellent job of being visible with lights and green Drafter gear, calling out “car back” and “car up”, pointing out pot holes and riding with respect for the rules of the road. Not everything is in our control, but be sure to control what you can to Draft responsibly and minimize risk of injury .

Next week we will grant KickA$$K her wish for hills by introducing a new route, Beast of Barlow. This is a 32 mile killer route, with a short cut home on Garfoot that will not allow you to escape the beast.

Garmin Link: NOTE that I missed the hard left on Braun from Garfoot. This is perfect if you are taking the shortcut- just follow my lead. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/26543354

A few other cautionary notes: 1) Barlow has some dirt that has been swept, but it is easy to lose traction when standing (which you will most likely need to do when the grade hits close to 20%); 2) there is GRAVEL on a section of Garfoot headed home due to road work as well as on 3) Union Valley. As always, ride in control.

PDF map to download:

Last note of warning: while congregated to help Pipes change her flat tire in the parking lot, we were reprimanded by an employee leaving the BMO building for impeding her departure. She was exceedingly grumpy, but we were guilty as charged. Let’s be mindful of not parking in the reserved spots, even though it is after 5PM (I had to throw in a little snark), and giving drivers a wide berth to get out of the parking lot.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Weather Watch

The Drafter Weather Station will keep a close eye on the weather conditions for the Lodi Canning Co. ride throughout the day, and a decision will be made by 4:30PM. Unlike the rogue blog that was auto-posted last week, announcing a rain cancellation 5 days in advance, this will not be a test of the emergency broadcast system. The ride status alert will also be available through GroupMe. If you would like to receive these notifications, let me know. I have the technology.

While we keep a watchful eye on the weather, we should also look back on the weekend and appreciate the wonderful weather for Drafting.

CONGRATS to Cookie and Momma Monster on their FIREHOUSE 50 FIRST PLACE FINISH.

Cookie Monster, Momma Monster and teammates win the Firehouse 50 relay.

In an exclusive interview with the youngest rider of the winning team, Cookie Monster graciously thanked her training partners (who also happen to be a mother-daughter combo) who did a shake down ride with her a few days prior.

30 + 20 = 50 years. I must really be wise. And tired.

If not over the hill, I am certainly over the Mill. Z Rex and BrickO toured Mill Creek in Hyde followed by Mill Creek in Pella, sporting the Drafter green in hopes of qualifying for the photo competition.

You don’t need to ride to Draft…

Sandlot kicks back in Ojai

If we do ride tonight, let’s raise a glass to Loose Screw for his upcoming aging event. Happy Birthday!

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Equipment Failure. It’s ALL Right.

Sorry. There seems to be a signaling failure in the organ under my helmet. I recreated the map for the Lodi Canning Co Ride to include Johnson Road, which was so rudely omitted from the original map. It is an important road, as it always sparks the Red Hot Chili Peppers song “Around the World” to play in my head. I’d share the lyrics but you may not want to know what happens “in the woods of Wisconsin”. Anyway, with the song in my head, there was little space left for things to go right. PLEASE PROCEED RIGHT ONTO JOHNSON RD. You don’t have the option to go left, actually. That was just a teaser.

From Lee, RIGHT on Johnson.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Can(ning) Do

The day was gorgeous and provided an excellent opportunity to do a reconnaissance mission for the Lodi Canning Co route. County Line Road, previously closed on an earlier Drafter Ride, is now open for business. A fresh coat of blacktop smooth as a baby’s butt awaits. Just a reminder that prior to that stretch, half the lane near the shoulder is unridable, unless you are a cobble specialist.

Upon consulting the map poster earlier, I realized (actually, I didn’t. Z Rex gets the credit fo the find) that JOHNSON RD does not appear. This is unfortunate as we are turning right onto it from Lee Rd. The map showed turning right onto 113. I’ve updated it below, adding the road at my discretion. The easy landmark for Johnson Rd is the railroad tracks, which you will cross immediately before right off Lee Rd. Previous Garmin link and written directions remain accurate.

Lastly, you can consider taking the bike path home from the end of Lodi-Springfield Rd instead of turning at the Cemetery and climbing Woodland. It saves a few miles and a few feet of elevation.

Duchess provided a link to 22 cycling quotes listed in Bicycling Magazine. I’ve taken the liberty (much like I did with putting Johnson Rd on the map) to share my favorites. https://apple.news/AjWVbBLgcRL6DnyQedKbDTg

One more piece of terrific news: RACE DAY EVENTS will be hosting the Dairyland Dare in 2020! A huge thank you to this organization for saving an event many of us have enjoyed for years. A special should out to Abbey at RDE who will be leading the charge. As your calendar fills up for next summer, also put Pedal and Party in Pardeeville with a Purpose on your radar for early July.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Aug 5: Lodi Canning

Congratulations to the 13 Drafters who let it Rip at the Lake Ripley Ride on Saturday. Here are some action and finisher photos. A big thanks to Footer for providing her cottage and boat for after ride refreshments and entertainment. Somebody (BrickO) had an altercation with fettuccini alfredo on Friday night and was still fighting the fight during the ride. Internal combustion may be a powerful force, but not one recommended for a 100k, regardless of how flat the course and beautiful the weather. Urgh. I was sorry to have missed the after-ride party.

Drone Master was delayed in his finish and had to be photo shopped into the picture (can you even tell?). He had been detained by two different packs of riders who wanted to take a photo of his Drafter kit. His modeling career really took off on Saturday. Dress responsibly.

The good weather continued for Monday’s Rock of Ages ride. We had a RECORD HIGH 23 DRAFTERS in attendance, including 2 Newbies and guest appearance by our Italian friend, KickA$$K. This tour stage started out a little rocky, as one of our Newbies forgot his shoes and then, while making a gallant effort in sandals, sustained a flat tire. Never before has a Newbie been inaugurated, joined the Equipment Failure (Fail to remember Equipment) club AND the initiated into the Flat Tire Club all on the same night. Welcome to the Draft, Sandals. We hope things improve after basic training.

Bomber, Octane, TCB, Speedy, Duracell, CM, Tick Tock, Belle, Booker J, KickA$$K, Footer, T Rex, Slinger, Sandlot, Pit Stop and
Skipper

Octane, feeling all of his seniority on his second Drafter ride, followed the Drafter code and stopped to assist Sandals with his flat (nothing to do about the footwear). “He had radio contact with his wife. There was nothing else I could do but ride on.” The committee will have to review Octane’s behavior. This is the second questionable Flat Tire Code of Ethics violation in as many rides (see Speedy’s infraction in last week’s police report).

Coach Arms had lots on her mind- so much, in fact, that she joined the ever growing Equipment Failure club that Pipes started two weeks ago in the famous Unicycle incident. Shoeless but determined, she drove home to fetch her size 11s and returned to the Draft, riding backwards until she encountered Speedy and Duracell. Happy Birthday to Coach Arms this week. Isn’t getting old grand?

With arms like that, who would think about feet?

The lead group set a blistering pace, with Bond Bernal in the Yellow, Cannibal sporting green and KickA$$K in the polka dot jersey (and not cause she’s cute in polka dots, but because this woman can CLIMB). There were some heated words exchanged during the stage. KickA$$K was sucking wind up a climb, and Cannibal lashed out, “I knew it wasn’t Tick Tock behind me. He doesn’t breathe that hard on a climb.” Bond was playing mind games with KickA$$K as well, noting, “I was climbing the Dolomites with my Dad. He fell behind. He didn’t ask me to wait.” Nothing shakes the polka dot. Good try, fellas.

Cannibal, Bond and KickA$$K take the podium in the Rock of Ages Stage

The Chase 1 group, consisting of Tick Tock, Booker J, Skipper and BrickO was a solid 2′ behind (probably more, gauging by the beer in hand when we returned to the Free House). I watched the Tour de France closely this year and learned some valuable strategies: 1) Don’t try to out climb the climbers. Tick Tock and Booker J climb (way) better than Skipper and me. So I graciously watched them climb away; 2) Don’t try to outsprint the sprinters. Skipper is a mad sprint on the flats. So I obliged him, and Drafted as close as possible, doing as little work as possible, until we caught back up with the climbers. During this sequence of repeated events, I did feel a bit badly about my unDraftsmanlike conduct and inability to contribute. I also appreciated, after watching the tour and learning these lessons, how effective the strategy is!

I was dropped so badly on the climb up Bitney, I went so far as to swear off a post-ride beer. One small step towards improving my power to ass ratio. By the time Skipper caught us back up to Tick Tock and Booker J, I modified my vow to drinking beer less dark in color and high in calories. Once back at the Free House, I totally forgot how much I hate being dropped on a climb and ordered a Cashmere Hammer, the darkest beer on the menu. This is, after all, the Draft and not the Tour de France.

Drone Master gets credit for being the Domestique, closing the gap for chase 1 and chase 2, before falling off the back of the Peloton.

B2 Bomber took some heat for riding in the Peloton. KickA$$K traveled all the way from Italy to challenge Bomber for the podium, but he never made his move. Speedy was pleasantly shocked to be passing Bomber, and made no bones about showing it with a fist bump to the sky (she is already on probation, so this recent action will be closely reviewed by the committee). Little did they know that B2 Bomber was demonstrating character becoming of a Drafter in riding with our other Newbie. To date, there has never been a Drafter able to tame the Beast that is Bomber’s competitive spirit. As such, our Newbie will have the Drafter handle, Belle. Get it? Beauty and the Beast.

Back at the Free House, all heat dissipated as the cold beer flowed.

Duchess orders a Rachel sandwich. There is a twisted humor to this, unlikely to be translated in this blog. Bond wins the High Maintenance Award. “Can I have her olives and my check now?”

Drafter Illustrated is auditioning for the “TRICEPS SURAE” edition. Triceps surae is not a dinosaur related to the triceratops, but rather a fancy name for your calf muscles (medial and lateral gastrocnemius and soleus). Thus far, we have 3 entrants but only 2 signed waivers allowing for their calves to be photographed. BrickO is waiting for her images to be released by the team physician, Dr. Wampus. She has a unique condition resulting in a kankle like appearance due to an accessory soleus. Since she is technically a quadriceps surae, the committee must vote on her eligibility. To note: there is no aesthetically pleasing attributes to this condition, and certainly no athletic benefit in either jumping, running or climbing has been observed.

Footer and Skipper sporting their bizarro reverse Popeye for the Drafter Illustrated Calf Edition

We also have one addition to the photo competition. The prizes this year will be stellar, so keep these Drafter photos coming.

Forget a front wheel? Have a flat tire? Pipes occasionally needs a RESCUE squad.

Next week we will retry the Lodi Canning Ride. I hope to do recon before Monday’s ride to confirm that County Line Rd is no longer under construction. I’m a bit nervous about the 41 mile distance, given the rash of flat tire incidents we have been experiencing lately. There are short cuts, and I encourage you to take them if you sense a flat or nightfall coming on.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

July 29: Rock of Ages

The sea of green was cool and collected 20 Drafters . The oppressive heat broke and we were free to roll without humidity weighing heavy on our legs.  The heat was still on, however, as we welcomed Newbie, Octane, to the Draft.  Exploding upon ignition (so fast, in fact, that he was gone before the staring photo could be snapped), and burning out quickly up Enchanted Valley, the new flame will be a great addition.

Northern Twist 20
Billy Bob, Skipper, C Monster, Footer, Tick Tock, Speedy, Pipes, Duracell, Sandlot, Cannibal, Thing 1, Vintage and  Z Rex.

The weather was cool, but Bond came in hot.  I gauged his fashionably late departure to be approximately 25min, as this was the time interval required to change Pipe’s flat tire.  While the sea of green flowed through the roundabout on Parmenter, the air flowed out of Pipe’s rear tire. I learned of her induction into the Flat Tire club from Speedy, who sheepishly acknowledged skirting the Drafter Rule “leave no rider unassisted” by telling me of the mechanical issue. I  turned back to find Pipes and the contents of her bike bag spread out on the lawn for a flat tire picnic.  Pipes was digging deep into the cerebral aspects of the task, carefully organizing a buffet line of tubes and CO2.  The mechanical aspects of the task, however, were less forthcoming. 3 CO2 cartridges and 4 letter words were misfired and then we were off.  Flying down Schneider on CO2 (burning slower than Octane, but still a respectable gas), I yelled “car back” as I heard the rev of an approaching engine.  Imagine my surprise to be passed by Bond. Get your motor running, head out on the highway, looking for adventure and the yellow jersey comes his way.  Bond started late but finished with maillot jaune.

Tick Tock is usually up for a good fight for the podium, but after 500 miles of cycling in the moonscape of MI, he was happy to collect his overdue beer at Longtable.

Long Table 20
Tick Tock earns his suds after 500 miles and sporting his Vintage Velo Drafter jersey.

Tick Tock vowed he was wearing his vintage velo Drafter jersey last Monday while cycling in MI, but has no digital proof.  Team Drafter Moto photographer, Skipper, clearly needs a travel budget.  I’m partial to keeping him local, however, shooting the landscape.  In addition to his photography skills, which he attributes to a steady hand (I’m going to leave that one alone), Skipper is one of our more versatile riders.  He’s seen here in the lead out, Chase 2 group, and lantern rouge off the peloton, dutifully photographing riders throughout the tour de Spring Valley.

 

The days are starting to get shorter, as evident by the long shadows cast by these Drafters.

Thing 2 returned to the Draft after MIA for 3 years and was reunited with Thing 1.

Good thing
Good things.

In the words of Dr. Seuss,

‘i will pick up the pace.
you will see something new.
two things. and i call them
Thing One and Thing Two.
these Things will not bite you.
they want to have fun.’
then, out of the Draft
came Thing Two and Thing One!
and they biked so fast.
they said, ‘how do you do?
would you like to ride bikes
with Thing One and Thing Two?’

In other warm-and-fuzzy news, Footer and C-Monster adopted furry siblings that will  be promoted to team mascot.  Fitting, since we are dog tired after Drafting on Monday nights.

IMG_7292
Dog tired after the Draft.

If you want to meet one of the mascots, please join Footer for the Lake Ripley ride this Saturday followed by a cold beverage and dip in the lake and her cottage.  All Drafters are welcome.  BYOBB (bring your own bike and beer). Lake Ripley Sign Up Link

Screen Shot 2019-07-23 at 8.06.24 AM

 

Next week we will ride Rock of Ages. Be prepared to suffer as the climbs will demand you pump the wattage into your quadage.  Further suffering will incur as Def Leppard’s Rock of Ages lyrics, “Gunter gliieben, glauchen globen” will be unmistakably replaced in the space between your ears by “Bitten, Buethin, Brereton, Bike Path (??)“. I prefer to ride home on Woodland, but Bike Path is more consistent with Def Lepppard’s alliteration (and makes Tick Tock happy). Rumor has it that former professional cyclist, friend of Footer and Skipper’s, regular end of July Drafter by way of Italy, KickAssK will be rocking the ages on Monday.  Bring your A game, or solid excuses.

Rock of Ages 35

PDF map to download: Rock of Ages 35

Garmin Link: Rock of Ages Garmin Link

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

July 22: Spring Valley with a Northern Twist (and hopefully no closures or pea gravel)

The full moon spawned a wild ride for 18 Drafters. We were a smooth blend of new and old: C Monster, Tobacco City Boy and Z Rex retrieved their circa 2014 Velo jerseys from storage while new additions Pipes and Thing 1 cut off the tags from their recently arrived 2019 Hincapie kits.

TCB Vintage
TBC is one of the original Drafters, sporting the vintage Velo jersey to earn free beer at the Free House.

Fashioning neither vintage nor brand spankin’ new Drafter kits, Cannibal opted for the Peter Sagan look.  The green jersey wasn’t the only striking similarity to the Tour de France sprinter phenom.  It is hard to ignore (or stop staring, for that matter) Cannibal’s tree stump legs.  But, let’s not focus on the superficial.  Hell, some of us can’t focus at all.  Pipes arrived early only to realize she had left her water bottles on the kitchen counter.  Back in the parking lot with minutes to spare until wheels-up (or wheels down? I don’t know if the flight analogy works), the Drafters were amused as she unloading her bike, one sock on, one sock off.  Preparations seemed to working in reverse, as the other sock came off and helmet dropped to the ground. And that’s when I realized what else was amiss… the front wheel. This is a first for the Draft.  Tough Girl has forgotten shoes, BrickO her sunglasses, but never a front wheel.  The annual end of the season awards ceremony may have a new category.  In fairness to Pipes, when she does focus, you best step aside and let the woman kick ass.  See Humbled podcast below.  You will truly be humbled.

Back Door Church 18
Cannibal, Vintage, Thing 1, Footer, Duracell, Speedy, Booker J, Loose Screw, C Monster, Z Rex, BrickO, Sandlot, Duchess, Billy Bob. Bond is warming up, Tobacco City Boy on the course, Pipes retrieving her front wheel. Photo compliments of Skipper.

Link to Humbled Podcast: Karen Kraft Rigsby

Screen Shot 2019-07-16 at 7.38.46 AM

The Back Door to Church route threw us a curveball.  Actually, not so much a curveball as freshly laid pea gravel on the Blue Mounds Trail.  Similar to Stage 10 in the Tour, the group split, half deciding to take the long clockwise way around the Blue Mounds Tr loop and the other half taking the shorter counter-clockwise direction. Technical note: unlike the Tour, the longer way is always the correct route on Monday night.  This caused a serious gap between the lead group (lead group being singular, Bond), chase group and those Drafters who were off the Peloton (namely Pipes and BrickO, due to aforementioned Unicycle debacle 20 min delay).

Chase group
Chase group: Z Rex, Vintage, Booker J, Cannibal, Thing 1. Moto photographer: Skipper

Skipper
Skipper, Thing 1, Vintage, Z Rex and Booker J close the gap on Bond. Not really. But it was a solid effort.

The ride was hot and dry and the support vehicles weren’t able to navigate the pea gravel on Blue Mounds Tr, leaving the Drafters thirsty.  Ask and you shall receive.  The back door to Church provided water from the holy hose.

Holy water
Speedy drinks from the holy hose at Vermont Church as Tobacco City Boy waits for it to turn to wine.

Funeral
Sandlot explores arrangements for Duchess. The hose won’t suffice. 

Duchess needed more than water from a hose to rectify his physiological situation.  Sandlot had her medical kit, and rendered aid, once again.  As I came across the dynamic duo in Cross Plaines, Duchess looking 3 shades of pale begging for an IV as Sandlot dutifully wiped his brow, the Paul McCartney song “Maybe I’m Amazed” came to me.

Maybe I’m amazed at the way
You pull me all the time
And maybe I’m afraid of the way
I draft you

Maybe I’m amazed at the way
You pulled me out of time
You put me on the line
Maybe I’m amazed at the way
I really need you

Maybe I’m a man
Maybe I’m a bonking man
Who’s in the middle of something
That he doesn’t really understand

Maybe I’m a man
Maybe you’re the only woman
Who could ever help me
Sandlot, won’t you help me to understand?

Maybe I’m a man
Maybe I’m a dehydrated man
Who’s in the middle of something
That he doesn’t really understand

Maybe I’m a man
And you’re the only woman
Who could ever help me
Sandlot, won’t you help me to understand?

Maybe I’m amazed at the way
You’re with me all the time
And maybe I’m afraid if I don’t get an IV

Maybe I’m amazed at the way
You help me ride along
You right me when I’m wrong
Maybe I’m amazed at the way
I really need you
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa,
Yeah, yeah
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa
Yeah, yeah

All is well that ends well. 18 Drafters made their way safely back to the Free House, in the hood of darkness, guided by an eerie and magical full moon. Songs were sung.  Two, in particular.  Happy Birthday was sung out of tune but with enthusiasm to celebrate Speedy (and MegaWatt, who aged up the day before). The full moon inspired Bond to break into Bonnie Tyler’s iconic “Total Eclipse of the Heart”.

Free beer
Bond borrowing from Bonnie Tyler to express his need for a beer to celebrate his yellow jersey: “And I need you now tonight And I need you more than ever”

 

Not to get too sappy, but I appreciate all of you.  The Drafters are much more than a group of people who ride bikes together on Monday night.  We are a family who celebrates the simple joy of turning the pedals, understands the overpowering drive to hammer to claim the town sign, waits for those who bonk or forget their front wheel, share in births, birthdays, graduations, deaths and everything trivial in between that is the essence of life.  Thank you all for joining the Draft, for being the Draft.

Let’s see if I can buck the trend of proposing a route that includes road closure or pea gravel.  No promises.  We are going to do 38 mile route, Spring Valley with a Northern Twist. The Pine Rd short cut lops off 10 miles.

Spring Valley with a Twist Map and Cue

PDF map to download: Spring Valley with Northern Twist Cue Sheet

Garmin: Garmin link FH Spring Valley with a Twist

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

July 15: Back Door To Church

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A perfect evening for a Draft.  21 riders including one newbie, Sparky.  Like the Fourth of July fireworks, she lit up the Draft!  She might be green, but it won’t be long before she is wearing the green jersey, assuming she can figure out where the finish line is.  The Spring Valley to Springfield route was complicated, and we had many deviations from the intended route, some intentional and others not.  Sparky got lost early in the ride, but made it back to base and was able to do a set of planks, push ups and a yoga session to earn her beer at Longtable with the Drafters. Knievel described his ride as “free lancing”.  Our front line included the 6’5″ and over trio of Slow Cow, Billy Bob and Aquaman. It was like riding in a vortex down Schneider Rd.  It was a force so strong that it pulled Loose Screw’s Garmin right off his mount! Bond was reluctant to leave behind such Draft protection to chase down the lead group: Bomber, Tick Tock, Vintage and Cannibal.  He almost had himself talked into chilling with the peloton… and then I noticed the twitching. It started in his fingers and rapidly spread to his quads.  That’s the last I saw of Bond.  I rode much of the first half on my own, behind the break away and just ahead of the peloton, until what to my wondering eyes did appear, Thing 1 on her new Cervelo bike gear.  We took turns pulling until we caught the lead group.  And by taking turns I mean Thing 1 pulled and I held on to her wheel, until I couldn’t.  Alone again. And then I had my yellow jersey glorious victory dance on Lodi-Springfield.  The lead pack, or at least the ones still in my view, missed the hard right onto Rauls, plummeting down the hill they had to then turn around and climb. Victory was mine, briefly, and the Beatles song rattled in my brain.

Let me take you down
‘Cause I’m going to Lodi-Springfield
Cold beer is real
And nothing to get hung about
Lodi-Springfield forever

Drafting is easy with eyes closed
Green Drafter jerseys all you see
It’s getting hard to catch Tick Tock
But it all works out.

It doesn’t matter much to me

Let me take you down
‘Cause I’m going to Lodi-Springfield
Cold beer is real
And nothing to get hung about
Lodi-Springfield forever

A few Drafter Birthdays that I would like to toast: happy birthday to Caboose and Speedy!

The photo competition is starting to heat up.

 

Table Rock
Table Rock State Park- $10 to climb 18%. What a deal!

Pipes pose
You will have to trust me that Pipes is balancing on her Drafter headband.

Atlantic
Footer Drafting from the Atlantic

E
Dan-yelly and Tobacco City Boy welcome a new Drafter

 

We will head west next week and take the back door to church.

Back Door To Church

PDF map to download: Back Door To Church

Garmin Link to Back Door to Church

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

July 8: Spring Valley to Springfield (attempt 2)

Crystal 11
Sandlot, Tick Tock, Booker J, Klutch and Vintage set out to Crystal Lake

Ten little Drafters went out to climb; Sandlot took a wrong turn and then there were nine.
Nine little Drafters pedaled at a very fast rate; Klutch rode home early and then there were eight.
Eight little Drafters thought Crystal Lake was heaven; Bond turned up the watts and then there were seven.
Seven little Drafters sprinted for kicks; Vintage went ahead and then there were six.
Six little Drafters went into overdrive; Thing 1 caught Vintage and then there were five.
Five little Drafters wanting to push the ride more; Booker J broke a cable and then there were four.
Four little Drafters included Rex Z; until a hill swallowed him up and then there were three.
Three little Drafters with a rogue map didn’t know what to do; Tick Tock took a right and then there were two.
Two little Drafter girls having such fun; until Footer rode straight home to Waunakee and then there was one.


One little Drafter thought she was the last to be done; BrickO set out late to join Pipes so that none would be none.

We will make a second attempt to ride the 42 mile Spring Valley to Springfield route, which was rained out two weeks ago.

Spring Valley to Springfield

PDF map to download: Spring Valley to Springfield

Garmin Link: FH Spring Valley to Springfield via bike path

Post-ride libations will be at Longtable.  We will delay the Vintage Velo ride until the following week when we are back at the Free House.

There is one new entry for the photo competition, submitted by E$.  It may have wrangled itself into first place.

CM wrestling
C-Monster wrestles a calf in Drafter style.

 

Looking for another fun event?  Check out this link: Lake Ripley Ride Sat July 27

Draft responsibly and enjoy a safe July 4th.

BrickO