Mother Nature has been toying with us today, but I have it on good authority from aviators Captain Joe and Z Rex that the skis will be clear to ride.
Personally, my legs are toast thanks to a Mother’s Day gift which included time to sneak in a 70mile ride to Blue Mounds State Park. Barlow, Blue Mounds Trail, Zwettler and Pinnacle were all eager to show me who was boss. With that, I am planning a shorter route, maybe just to Dane or perhaps the cut off on Lee (see former map). For anyone wanting to ride the full route, have at it! For anyone wanting to follow the slow train, find me at 5:30.
Here’s a little inspiration from K2 from her weekend Draft.
Oh, what a ride. 21 Drafters, including 4 newbies, took a tour out west on a gorgeous evening. I would introduce all 4, but Dave W rode like Houdini (which is now his Drafter handle) and disappeared into the night. I do hope to see Houdini again. Lorin “Sweet 16” joined our over 60 cohort. I met his wife a few weeks ago at Cronometro, during Colin’s climbing clinic. A delightful woman, she made no excuses for her husband, “He might be 60+ but he acts like he’s 16.” Welcome to the Draft, Sweet. Dan-yelly brought a buddy, and when I asked her his name she said, “I don’t know. It’s an orange box.” I suspect Dan-yelly thought I was asking what kind of vehicle her friend, Alp, was driving. He will from this Draft forward be known as orange box, O.B./Obie for short. May the force be with you. And not last nor least, Tracy Q, who has for years proclaimed herself a slow but steady rider. Similar to Zeno’s paradox of the Tortoise and Achilles (Greek version of the Tortoise and the Hare), she’s never last. And henceforth, we will look forward to Zeno kicking butt and taking names.
In my comfortable drafting position behind the boys who led us out west, one of my favorite songs as a kid was John Denver’s “Country Roads” rolled around in my head. As we speed along at an average of 18.5mph, including a max downhill speed of 50mph (as reported by Loose Screw who was choosing to exhibit No Brains and All Brawn, making up time lost climbing Braun to our tireless leaders), the lyrics morphed into this rendition:
Almost heaven, West Wisconsin
Union Valley, Braun, Timber and Stagecoach
Life is old there, older than my knees,
Young guys on Colnagos, blowing like a breeze
Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Wisconsin
Mountain mamma, take me home
Country roads
All the fast guys, gather round them
Modest Drafters, Bomber, Tick Tock, Too Hip
Dark and creamy, on tap at Free House
Malty taste of Porter, teardrop in my eye
Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Wisconsin
Mountain mamma, take me home
Country roads
B2 Bomber, Too Hip and the Human Metronome set a relentless pace. It should be noted that the Human Metronome has substantionally increased his power to mass ratio since the 2017 season. He warned the Drafter XX sector on the first night that he is “not just a playground”- he has feelings. And his feelings Monday night were to dominate the field. His rhythm is still unshakable, like a metronome. But I think, given his metamorphosis into a power machine, he needs a new name. Tick Tock. At one point, Tick Tock blew by the pace line yelling, “HERE COMES WIGGINS!!!”. Bomber and Too Hip were up for the challenge. Wiggins didn’t claim KOM, and I didn’t point out to Tick Tock or Too Hip until we were back at the Free House that Bomber was riding a frickin’ cross bike with one front chain ring. It was the 150rpm downhill that gave it away. Man or machine? It is hard to say. Z Rex offered up a mechanical excuse for not keeping up. Apparently, his “battery life” expired unexpectedly and he was stuck in the small ring coming off of Stagecoach (which, by the way, has been repaved and no longer requires a trip to the dentist to replace fillings after riding). BrickO had a medical waiver after being exposed to the crop dusting event on Airport Road, followed by Loose Screw’s spit ball, which was a direct hit. I wonder if wipers on sunglasses have been invented? All was forgiven at the Free House. There is little a good Milk Stout can’t cure.
Two 14% climbs ahead
Z Rex, Rainbow Maker and Loose Screw
Our waitress was visibly distraught by the absence of Hit-the-Wall. It was with great anticipation that she awaited the return of his beer demands (and may have mentioned that previous ex-husbands were easier to deal with).
Tick Tock, Z Rex, Bomber, BareFooter, Whamo, TCC, Too Hip, Loose Screw and Sully and 2 innocent bystanders.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: 1) The ride May 21 will include video footage by the Drone Master. Please ride in your most stunning Drafter gear. We will be sure to let Tick Tock know that the guy seemingly driving too close behind our team is a friendly, so as to avoid a repeat of cussing him out. 2) No organized ride on May 28, as it is Memorial Day.
Next week, May 14, we will do the ROCK OF AGES 35mile ride, holding just short of Fish and Crystal lake. The Short Pour can ride to Dane (24miles) or take the cut off on Fellows. We DID have a short pour ride last week thanks to KiloWatt, MegaWatt and Slow Cow. Let’s see if we can’t add a few more Drafters to the 6PM group! There is an option to take the bike path home, should somebody (Tick Tock) wine incessantly about the last climb up Woodland.
A southerly breeze at 28mph blew 18 Drafters, including Newbie Anne “Bolt”. She is no relation to Usain, but rather wife of Loose Screw. There has to be a reason that man keeps it together, and I’m sure she’s it! The tail wind on the way out made us feel like rockstars, as did the rare incidence of B2 Bomber lagging behind, compliments of a respiratory virus. It appeared to be a “10 mile virus”, eradicated at the Viaduct climb, as he blew by all of us, hopefully not spreading germs in his dust. Tobacco City Cousin made a debut- first time on his bike this spring. Must be all that wedding planning or his new job supervising Tobacco City Boy at the Lumbar Yard that has him preoccupied. TCC joined the Tall Team averaging 6’5″ of NBA Cliff, T-Wall and Billy Boy McC who collectively provided enough resistance to the head wind home to light up Dane County. It was a small moral victory for those Drafters who waited in vain for a late growth spurt- offering up a host of short and quick excuses for a slow ride home.
Cycling is 50% pedaling hard and 50% staying out of the wind. With a cross-wind, you definitely want the Tall Team forming your echelon.
E$ and Too Hip were singing the medical student and resident blues. Too Hip let it slip that he had a 6 mile spring training ride with his son, which we collectively decided provided enough fitness to pull us a good stretch home. Cookie Monster, just finished 6 qualifying exams and a half marathon, but didn’t offer up any excuses. You go Girl.
Cookie Monster and Keez bring home the hardware at the Drake Relays Half-Marathon
BrickO and Z Rex claimed “no legs” after a weekend of riding in SC. They were victorious in claiming flat tires, making BrickO the leader on the board this season with 2.
This climb took the wind out of our sails and the air out of our tires, literally.
Coach Arms and her Bambino rode remotely, bringing our Drafter number up to 20.
Arms on the Beach
Hit-the-Wall offered up the earliest excuse. Before leaving the parking lot, Hit-the-Wall was preparing his slow Draft defense by claiming to have skipped lunch. Apparently, somebody gets a bit grumpy when he’s hungry. The waitress handled Hit-the-Wall’s beer demand with class, serving him before taking any one else’s order. Her only retort, “This is not my first rodeo with your type.” Notice the empty chair at the head of the table below, a sign of his early eviction from the premises. We did welcome two guests for the after ride party- Mrs. Billy Mc C and Big Dub, offspring of BrickO.
18 head out
Mrs. McC and Dub join us at Free House
We will travel west for the ride on Monday, a test of Brains and Brawn. This Brawn adventure towards Cross Plains will require a climb up Braun. BE AWARE THAT CHURCH STREET IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION at the corner of St Francis Xavier. Follow the Detour Signs through town to cross Hwy 14, and then get back onto P, and turn right onto Bourbon St as indicated below. The SHORT POUR can cut off the western most loop, staying on P past Hwy 14 and turning left onto the recently repaved Stagecoach. Dental visits will be reduced this season ass we won’t loosen up our fillings riding Stagecoach.
Our inaugural ride was full of “firsts”- this is the first time 1) our season kicked off so late into April, 2) with such force, 3) so many newbies, and 4) a remote rider. We had 15 cyclists show up to Draft. True that. Welcome newbies Two Fist Bock, who couldn’t decide between wine and beer, so why not use both hands? Her friend Teri has yet to receive a Drafter handle, but it’s coming. WhamOStramO will be a nice addition to our growing medical staff. Now we can count on a full anesthesia cocktail rather than the brown ale supplied by the Free House. K2 rode remotely, and sent a timely photo just as we were finishing our gorgeous ride to Riley Tavern.
K2 checking in from Oregon
A few quotes of the night are worth repeating:
“This ain’t Florida. The Riley Tavern route has more elevation than my last 20 rides in Sanibel put together”- Billy Boy McC.
Clearly, it is not lack of training that caused Billy Boy distress, but lack of a bike that likes to climb. The boys at Cronometro took it upon themselves to set Billy Boy up with a machine that will climb anything, or at least look darn good attempting it. Every bike needs a name, right? How about The Stallion?
The Stallion
“What exactly is being measured in these 11″ Hincapie shorts?” – Hit-the-Wall making sure the Drafter Team shorts will fit appropriately. For those unsure and feeling insecure, 11″ refers to the inseam measurement.
You too can order Hincapie shorts, bibs, jerseys, etc. If you want something and don’t see it (jacket, vest), contact Seth. Here is the info:
Below are the instructions to select your items and pay for their order at the same time. The store will close on May 6th at 11:59PM ET.
If this is your first time ordering with Hincapie Sportswear, click on “Create Your Account Now.”
If you have ordered with us before, click the “Log On” icon in the top right corner of your screen.
Shop and add any items to your cart that you would like to order.
Once you have selected everything you would like to order, click on your cart then click “Continue.”
Double check to make sure that your billing address and shipping address is correct. Please note that Hincapie CANNOT ship to a PO Box and a signature WILL be required upon delivery.
Click “Continue” to proceed through the checkout process.
Please let us know if you have any questions. Thank you!
The weather for Monday looks delightful, so let’s plan to ride the historic Viaduct Route. This is a 35mile jaunt, with an option to ride 30 or 20 (out and back to Dane).
I am hopeful that the 6PM Short Pour will start to attract some riders. There is a GroupMe app for those interested in the Short Pour to communicate- let me know if you want to be added.
Sing along to our spring kick off song (provided by the Beatles)…
Here comes the sun (doo doo doo doo)
Here comes the sun, and I say
Let’s all ride
Little Drafter, it’s been a long cold lonely April
Little Drafter, it feels like years since we’ve biked here
Here comes the sun
Here comes the sun, and I say
Let’s all ride
Little Drafter, the smiles returning to the faces
Little Drafter, it seems like years since we’ve drunk beer
Here comes the fun
Here comes the fun, and I say
It’s all right
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Fun, fun, fun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Fun, fun, fun, here it comes
Sun, sun,…
Let’s roll along the Sugar River en route to Riley Tavern. This is a nice short 20 mile route to shake the cobwebs loose. Wheels up at 5:30 sharp. The short pour, departing at 6:00, has a cut off which involves staying on Timber Lane.
JERSEY ORDER OPENS UP MONDAY. If you want to try on a sample jersey or shorts, let me know. I can bring them to Free House, and will be sending them back on Tuesday.
Remember, in order to be considered for the Drafter photo competition, you must submit a photo with some Drafter gear- headband, t-shirt, towel (hopefully not wearing it) or jersey. But, I do appreciate photos capturing the Drafter spirit even without official gear. Dr. Wampus has a spitfire on her hands. This girl will ride in all conditions.
Well into my 2 hour ride on the trainer, I received a bit of inspiration (which is fortunate as I had already dropped my FTP twice out of boredom). This junior Drafter is not deterred by a little snow. Seize the day. It is yours only once, and then it is gone.
The weather outside is frightful. Hopefully you’ll find the blog delightful. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
Climate change is requiring an attitude adjustment to stave off the threat of depression as we delay commencement of the Draft. I’m going to dig deep to see the sparkle in the snow. Literally, I had to dig deep Friday when the winter storm dumped 14″ at the cabin. Trying to get out of the driveway, I found the snow had the chassis of my Jeep elevated higher than the wheel base. I don’t recall shoveling my way out in April, ever. We regrettably cut our cabin get away short and drove home Saturday afternoon, for fear that the eye of the storm on Sunday would leave us stranded up north, unable to meet the rigors of work on Monday, Monday, can’t trust that day. Sipping coffee this AM, watching the snow fall, I am grateful we made the choice to drive home yesterday. That’s sparkle number one. Here are a few more:
Niger Seed Gone!
Slow is my speed
After sitting in the feeder untouched for months, the birds were desperate enough to decide Niger Seed is edible.
I was able to test my snowshoes out for the first time this spring.
I already started base training for the Birkie 2019.
My legs will be soooooo fresh come first Drafter ride, and I’m well tapered for the myriad of events this summer. This is in stark contrast to Billy Boy McC, Dan-yelly and Tobacco City Boy, who will clearly be exhausted and overtrained, due to their Vitamin D seeking Sanibel junket.
Vitamin D
I can put off shaving my legs for another week. I’m not confessing how long it has been since my last shave…
In my three rides outdoors this spring, I managed a flat tire, thanks to a tack. I’m officially the first Drafter to join the Flat Tire club in 2018 and according to the Drafter Book of Records, hold the highest Flat:Mile ratio in the history of Drafter cycling. My flat tire changing skills are sharp and honed in. We will no longer rely on the mechanical prowess of 5 orthopedic surgeons to do this simple procedure.
Z’s new Colnago, “T Rex“, is white so he can ride camouflaged for another few weeks.
My blinky lights are charged. In fact, they’ve been on the charger in the garage so long, I think they’ve melted into the outlet. If we have to move the Draft onto trainers in my garage, they will serve as mini disco lights. Feel the city breakin’ and everybody shakin’. And we’re stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive. Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive.
The chances of repeating the same ride twice this summer are dwindling.
The temptation for Coach Arms to eat an entire plate of sweet potato fries at Free House, a craving that has stood the test of 2.5 trimesters, has been eliminated again this week. Rumor has it that last Monday, after learning of the Executive Committee ruling on cancelling the Draft, she was forced to make her own.
Not to be denied sweet potato fries
We had the snowblower tuned up in March. This will be an excellent chance to see how it runs before next winter.
My son is hoping for a snow day tomorrow. Let the joy ring out.
The 2018 Drafter Jersey design is complete and orders will open up next week!
On that note, we welcome you to try on the samples of Hincapie jerseys at our home MONDAY APRIL 16 from 5:30-7PM. Feel free to stop by for a beverage even if you don’t want to place an order. Even if you have purchased Axis (club cut) or Velocity (race cut) in the past, please note the style has changed somewhat. I also have bibs and shorts so that you know which of the two lengths work best for you. If you can’t make it Monday, please contact me to arrange a fitting. I can keep the samples for one week, and then the order will go live for one more week.
An executive committee was appointed this AM to determine the fate of this evening’s ride. The attendees of Drafter Yoga were appointed to serve on the Ex Co. This is a one day appointment, due to the high stress and demands of the task. Yoga Master and Chairperson, Pipes, opened up the floor (along with our hamstrings and other various tight muscles) for discussion. Vice-chair Sully, recently returned from her Arizona junket, was opposed to exposing her bronzed skin and sun kissed blonde hair to the harsh winter environment. Secretary Loose Screw is looking into the next flight to Sanibel, where Billy Boy McC is currently lounging, and cast his ballet as “no ride”. Treasurer BrickO (who in their right might would leave me in charge of anything financially related???) conceded that a ride in the snow, unless on a fat tire, would not be in the best interest of the group. Namaste inside tonight.
Monday, Monday, so good to me
Monday mornin´, it was all I hoped it would be
Oh Monday mornin´, Monday mornin´ couldn´t guarantee
That Monday evenin´ you’d still be here drafting with me
Monday, Monday, can´t trust that day
Monday, Monday, sometimes it just turns out that way
Oh Monday mornin´ you gave me no warnin´ of what was to be
Oh Monday, Monday, how could you turn so blustery?
Every other day, every other day
Every other day of the week is fine, yeah
But whenever Monday comes, but whenever Monday comes
A-you can find me cycling´ all of the time
Monday, Monday, so good to me
Monday mornin´, it was all I hoped it would be
But Monday mornin´, Monday mornin´ couldn´t guarantee
That Monday evenin´ you’d still be here drafting with me
Circa the Mamas & Papas is my trusty rusty Spin bike, equipped to see me through another indoor workout while positioned perfectly to appreciate (?) the 8″ of snow that fell up north on Sat.
More inches of rust on this fly wheel than snow on the ground. It’s a classic.
Budding Drafter (circa 2017) was not deterred by the set back in cycling weather. Her first bike, gratis of Tobacco City Cousin, provides versatility for indoor and outdoor terrain with a wide rear tread that conquers carpet and concrete. Notice the Nuk to keep bugs out at high speeds, patent pending, and the extra chamois to prevent chaffing. Obviously, a cycling prodigy.
Nuk to keep the bugs out at high speeds
Serious cycling chamois
The Hincapie design crew has come up with a helluva jersey for 2018. Details for ordering will be forthcoming. Let me know if you are interested, and if you want to try on a sample size so that I can get the appropriate ones to demo.
Let’s regroup (can you re-group if you haven’t grouped?) next Monday, April 9.
The Spring Equinox seems an appropriate occasion to officially welcome the start of another cycling season. I am excited to see equal day and nox (Latin for night), knowing that the light that shines after the work day will offer opportunity to turn the cranks with the Drafters.
A quick review of the articles of organization to keep us all on the same road:
Be safe, follow the rules of the road. Always ride with somebody, preferably a friend who won’t make you feel bad for not keeping up. Ride at your own risk. BrickO and the Drafters are not liable for anything that may occur on the road or at the bar.
Have fun. Crabbiness and bad attitudes will be extricated by being asked to pull the group alongside B2 Bomber and Captain Joe, who will force you to smile while singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow. This will serve to eradicate all demons, along with all other sources of energy.
Be prepared to change your own flat. This means having a CO2 cartridge and trigger (yes, I mention this as some imagine the CO2 magically filling the tube without a mechanism), spare tube with appropriate stem length. Don’t be caught with your stem too short (Bomber, I’m referring to your flat tire experience). Fortunately, we have a full service orthopedic group who is often eager to repair the damage, but please allow 45min for this operation.
Be on time or be prepared to ride with Dan-yelly. We are wheels up at 5:30PM from the BMO parking lot on Parmenter on Mondays, starting April 2, weather pending. Rides cancelled due to rain, sleet, snow or just plain inhospitable conditions will be posted on the blog no later than 4:30PM. Mother Nature has agreed to make her decision clear before 5:25PM, which was her modus operandi last season.
Know the route or have Dora the Explorer on speed dial (Hit-the-Woll has the number committed to memory). She has the map. I will post my own map and Garmin GPS coordinates on the blog. The former has been known to lead people astray. Billy Boy got lost all the way down in Sanibel and may never find his way home. The Garmin coordinates are more reliable.
Worried about keeping up? The 5:30PM group has been known to pound it, on occasion, and there are certainly some cyclists who effortlessly (and unintentionally) keep my needle buried in the red zone. There are an equal number of rides where the atmosphere is more casual (and I can actually breathe it in). It just depends on the mood, and who raced hard over the weekend. The Drafters range in level of experience and fitness, but the expectation is that you can hold your own on a bike for 40 miles (with plenty o’ hills). If you aren’t sure if you can keep up, take comfort in knowing that you don’t have to. Ride at your own pace- just be sure to ride WITH somebody. We have had a 6PM Short Pour group for those who want a shorter distance to cover before settling down for a Draft at the Free House, or perhaps a less vigorous pace. This is a good place to start if you feel uncertain of which group to join.
I think that covers the basics.
We will have Hincapie 2018 Drafter jerseys/kits available soon. The design team has been busy creating something special for this year. I will unveil the art once it is completed and wait to see if the response is favorable- if so, taking all the credit. If not, I will throw Cookie Monster, Tobacco City Cousin, Coach Arms and Z under the bus. Thanks in advance for your creative efforts.
Need a tune up? We all strive to be sagittally sound on the bike. But, spending so much time in one plane can wreak havoc on your body. Join us for 45min of Cycling Yoga with 2-time Olympian Karen Rigsby Mondays at 6AM this summer in Middleton. Contact Karen at karenkraftrigsby@gmail.com Karen also practices at Inner Fire, where you can take a cycling yoga workshop.
Back by popular demand, we will kick the season off by inviting everyone to join the Draft Pic competition. Ok, actually, nobody demanded or even requested the tradition continue. That aside, I’m excited to see where the Drafters team colors pop up on the globe and live vicariously through your travels, trials and tribulations. Recall that last year’s Draft Pic award went to Coach Arms and Legs, who planted the Drafter flag on Kilimanjaro and solicited cooperation from an elephant while on safari to sit for a photo. Let the games begin. Send me your photos.
I will post the route for April 2 later next week, and also give details about the 6PM Short Pour ride. I am looking for 2 volunteers to lead those rides. Email me if interested.
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