The Farmer’s Almanac reminds us how special the ride was last week, marking the first time the full moon and summer solstice have coincided since ~1948.  16 Drafters enjoyed the sweetness, including Newbies Tim (see previous photo of unidentified man drinking beer post HHH with Billy Boy), Dr. Watt (who powered up the 200k HHH on 25pounds of raw steel), and Alex (a man who drinks beer from a chalice is instantly likable- code name ChaleX).  Returning to the scene after a pole vault coaching hiatus was WhoYaKnow Hujanen, our resident aerospace engineer, currently in charge of the Drafting Drone. Be sure to look sharp next week (perhaps in the team Hincapie apparel that just arrived), for the drone footage, which will conceivably be airing on the Channel 27 Morning News.  Tobacco City Boy has made no promises, but if there’s a slow news day, we aren’t a bad option (kudos to our Drafter who rides then immediately goes to work while the rest of us imbibe).  Without a doubt, we have enough material to fill the sporting news: congrats on strong Milkman finishes (or at least a finish) to Slow Cow, MadPower McKaylah, NBA coulda but didn’t Cliff, Tall Tim and CoKeHo.  With that starting lineup (3 being over 6’5″),  we may consider drafting our own basketball team.

We have another longish 42 mile route for Monday through Roxbury, with a 25mile cut off for those departing at 6pm.  Per Billy Boy’s request, arrows have been added to demonstrate a counter clockwise riding pattern. The section on 19, just after the 25mile cut off, is brief but dicey.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

What a week it has been!  The Draft last Monday included newbie MitochonRODria, who earned a spot as power house and amature team photographer.   Clearly, his camera angle needs adjusting to prevent making some objects appear larger than they really are. Rod did received a warning for “riding up hills while talking fluidly, fluently with an irritating amount of extra energy left over to make feverish hand gestures, without regard for the hypoxia experienced by his fellow riders.”

The conditions for the Horribly Hilly Hundreds ride on Saturday were epic, with a gentle breeze, temperatures hanging below 90 and many Drafters shredding it.  Congrats to Billy Boy McC and his buddies, Tall Tim & Coach Freezin’ for a Reason, and Z (who made the 3pm wedding in Janesville with 10min to spare) on a strong finish. A special shout out to Quinoa, who was on site to cheer on her husband, bro- and father-in-law across the finish line.  Congrats to Team W3 (three generations crossed the finish line-the youngest on foot) on being served one of the very last beers at the HHH.

Please cheer on CoKeHo, Slow Cow and Tall Tim at the MilkMan half Ironman today.  I guess the HHH wasn’t enough of a challenge for Tall Tim, or maybe he’s trying to get REALLY fit before his wedding in Aug?

As for tomorrow, we will enjoy a leisurely 40mile recovery ride to the Lodi Canning Co. Wheels up at 5:30 sharp. There is a 30 mile and 20 mile (out and back to Dane) option for those wanting a little less miles or a bit more recovery.  The 30 mile turn off on Stevenson requires a bit of a jog on P, which isn’t my favorite, but the shoulder is descent.  THERE WILL BE A GROUP DEPARTING AT 6pm riding one of the shorter options.

Garmin link to Lodi Canning

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

There was plenty of excitement following the Draft, prompted in part by this fine literary work, a gift from Dr. Stitch. Seriously, there is more to the book than sexy bike pictures- there are inspirational quotes from JFK, cycling legend Eddie Merckx and numerous others.

14 Drafters took Merckx’s advice to heart.  Slow Cow started the long course with a short cut. He is an oxy moron.   The 6pm charge was led by Lady Digs, who showed incredible strength but much less wisdom following the removal of her hindmost molars a few days ago. The vitamin I wore off mid-ride, but she bit down hard on her remaining teeth and led the determined XX Drafters down Whippoorwill.  Counselor Queen Bee and Quinoa conquered the technical descent and expired the warranty on their brake pads.  Billy Boy McC, legal counsel for the Big and Tall members of the team, might have been the only Drafter who came prepared (ever) with a map and readers.  He diligently turned left onto Lodi-Springfield, as indicated by the cue sheet.  Sorry for the typo, Billy Boy.  I meant right.  I will talk to my editors about proofing the maps and blog more closely, heaven forbid we ride into the furry instead of the fury again.

In preparation for the upcoming Horribly Hilly Hundreds event and to honor the return of K2 from her first year of graduate school (the PhD kind to supplement the DPT kind, because you can never have too many initials), we will ride her favorite route: the Disenchanted Valley- Spring Valley loop.  Yup, it’s back on our schedule, as promised.  Human Metronome and Tall Tim will be providing Cliff Shots and Gatorade to all those threatening to bonk.  Pay it back, pay it forward.  Wheels up at 5:30.  Dan-yelly, please arrive at 5:15 to serve your time in the penalty box.

The 6pm crew will have an equally exciting HHH route, albeit slightly shorter so as to avoid delay of game “rehydrating” at the Free House.  The previous gravel patches on Enchanted Valley have been paved, finally.  Turn left on Pine to shorten the route to 30miles.

Garmin Link to Enchanted & Spring Valley Loop

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.  I’m sorry that the Rock of Gibraltar ride got bolloxed up.  Slow Cow reported an alternative 10 hour tour of Blue Mounds, although his mileage was suspiciously unreported. Funny how he really excels when there are no witnesses…  I did witness Z rocking Gibraltar on Monday and can attest that there were no shortcuts.  Instead, additional miles were unintentionally tacked on due to a striking similarity between “Chrislaw” and “Chrisler” roads.  Who knew? Add map reading to my long list of shortcomings and ineptitudes. That said, my faux pas resulted in touring a rustic road well worth being lost on.  Long live Chrislaw.

What goes up must come down.  Many of you have suffered up Whippoorwill and this week, will have an opportunity to descend this beast.  PLEASE ride cautiously.  It is a technical descent with a hairpin turn and an abrupt stop on Hwy 19 awaits at the bottom, with traffic that will not hesitate. We will be on 19, unfortunately, for a short bit before climbing back up Matz Rd.  This is a much tamer route compared to the Enchanted-Spring Valley loop, but certainly not flat.  Once we cross Hwy 12, there is an option to shorten the route by taking the bike path home (25miles).

OFFICIAL 6pm RIDE OPTION.  We are going to pilot an official group ride at 6pm for those wanting a later start time, and slightly shorter ride.  If there is enough interest and regular riders, this will become a weekly occurrence.  Two dedicated Drafters, Digs and Quinoa, have agreed to lead the Draft this week.  The ride can be 25miles (see map below and Garmin link) or 20miles.  Simply follow the dark hashed lines on the map, continuing on Martinsville to P, ,Kick-A-Boo, Pahl, Riles, Church, Schneider.

Garmin 25m route home on bike path

Draft Responsibly,

BrickO

My apologies, but the Drafter ride for Memorial Day is off.  I do hope you all have taken advantage of some glorious riding conditions this holiday weekend, and drafted responsibly.

BrickO

The Enchanted Valley-Spring Valley loop was taking names on Monday night- 14 to be exact.  2000 feet of vertical climb over 38 miles claimed the glucose of many Drafters.  No worries if you felt defeated or deflated… we will have another opportunity to ride this route again in mid-June.  Promise.  It’s a good thing we aren’t in Salem during Witch Hunt times, as Tall Tim was pointing a finger and chanting, “Evil Woman”.  And it wasn’t at his finance, who rode Disenchanted Valley Road twice looking for her glucose deprived mate. Interesting that so many riders became disoriented and rode off course, and yet, nobody ran into Feng Shui Master Slow Cow who mysteriously (read: illegally?) arrived at the Free House, less thirsty and glucose depleted than the rest of us.  Hmmm.

A special shout out to Quinoa, who bravely embarked on Disenchanted Valley alone.  She estimated the vertical climb of that ghastly hill after County P and selflessly turned back to save a table at the Free House, suspecting that her fellow Drafters would return wounded and in need of drink.  True that.

Next Monday is Memorial Day and the Free House will be closed.  Several folks have expressed interest in a longer excursion, and since the holiday will prevent work from getting in the way of riding, I propose we leave at 3pm from our house.  The Rock of Gibraltar is a moderate 60 mile loop.  Captain McD argued that nothing good happens after 50 miles, so I have accommodated him with an alternate route home that meets his mileage criteria.  His bride has made clear her feelings on taking shortcuts.  It’s your ride, Cap.  Please feel free to bring beverages and snacks for a post-ride refueling session at the house.  This will be low key and informal (as if I know or am competent in any other mode of hospitality) and will not involve the stove or grill- the microwave is fully operational.  Please shoot me an email or comment on the blog ONLY if you PLAN TO ATTEND, so I can be sure to have enough clean fine paper plates and plastic silverware.  Text/call/email if you need our address/directions.

Garmin link to Captain’s 50

Draft Responsibly,

BrickO

The power of the Magic 8 ball should not be underestimated.  With grey skies threatening to unleash their furry during our ride,  I first consulted the Fly Boys Consortium to get an avionics official weather report.  Captain Joe McD stood firm with, “we may get a little wet”.  This detailed report was confirmed by co-pilot Z, who added, “the big stuff probably won’t hit until 8pm”.  Great, thanks Fly Boys.  The Magic 8 ball was much more definitive.

Fittingly, 8 brave Drafters set forth to out ride the dark curtain of doom.  We endured a mere sprinkle 35min into the ride, just enough to make our cycling chamois squeak.  Well, not all of us had cycling shorts.  Ms. Iceland was inspired to rethink the functionality of cycling in LuLu leggings. Her Ivy League training coupled with her current PhD student tax bracket were key for fostering an innovative and inexpensive solution. Patent pending.

The ride was magical, filled with majestic creatures.  Several Great Blue Herons circled Fish Lake, and we were treated to a Red Tailed Fox who sat patiently in a field as we admired his beauty.  What did the fox say? Draft responsibly.

Apparently, Nurse Sally and Counselor Queen Bee were not believers in the Magic 8 ball prediction, and sought shelter in the Free House. By the time we arrived, only their empty beer glasses remained.  The tale of drinking without cycling was relayed by Drafter Emeritus Laura, who was coerced by her companions into not riding.  Repeated episodes of frequenting the Free House without actually riding has earned her the status of Drafter Emeritus (title conferred automatically upon persons who retire at a given rank).

Next Monday we will head west towards Spring Valley.  This is a VERY challenging 36 mile ride.  Be CAREFUL on the descent on Enchanted Valley.  Recent road work has left the road less than enchanting just before you reach County P.   There is a lovely shortcut on Pine if you are game for a few less hills and miles.

Garmin Spring Valley Loop

The following week is Memorial Day, and the Free House will be closed.  It is likely that we will offer a longer ride starting mid-afternoon.  If you are interested, let me know.

Draft Responsibly,

BrickO

Wonder of the world, continents, virtues, musical notes, colors of the rainbow.  All of these have something in common with the Drafters: 7 showed up to battle the breeze on Monday.

Pair, duo, deuce, dual.  These also have something in common with the Drafters: 2 showed up to drink beer sans battling the breeze.  Nurse Sally/Sully and Counselor Queen Bee clearly have the highest IQs of the bunch.  Imagine how smart they would be if they didn’t drink beer?  What an awful thought. I can’t go there.

Needless to say, we were literally stuck in Lodi again as the wind was blowing swiftly from the southeast.  Vilks pulled all but one of us home like an animal worthy of the Zoo Kit he was sporting (love the cute Polar Bear). One of the Tobacco City Boys forgot to set his nap alarm, and was forced to go it alone.  Congrats on your new position as producer of the early AM  Channel 27News. Nothing like a bike ride to start your 11pm shift off on the right foot!

The ride for next week is one of my favorites.  We will head north and visit Fish and Crystal Lakes.  As always, shorter versions are an option.

Fish and Crystal Lake Garmin

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

The Drafters gathered last Monday to honor our eldest member in birthday celebration.  It could be said that Nurse Sully is the Mother of Drafters (not to be confused with Mother of Dragons, although I wouldn’t mess with either), not simply because she is an AARP card holder, but because she is responsible for getting many of us involved in cycling.  Prior to meeting Sully, I thought all bikes had motors , competitive sports required a ball (or puck) and victories were determined by number of points.  Little did I know that a cycling victory might look like this: “Hey, I finished the 200k Horribly Hilly  in 8 hours without bonking or vomiting!” or, “No flat tires or saddle sores this time.  Total win.”  Thanks for bringing the Draft to us, Sully.  We honored her with a cake and beer.  Actually, we honored Sally.  Ride Sally Ride!

Sticking with the late 60s musical theme, Creedence Clearwater Revival wrote about our destination for next week- LODI.  Borrowing from CCR’s chords, with lyrics from Cycling Clearheaded Revival:

Just a few years ago, we set out on the road,

Seekin’ my friends and a tailwind, lookin’ for cold beer at the end.

Things got hilly, and things got more hilly, I guess you will know the route.

Oh! Boy, drafting to Lodi again.

This is a 40mile jaunt with many options for shorter versions. You can skip the right turn onto Riddle Road and the Cherokee Marsh to knock off 5 miles (sadly, the most scenic 5).  You can take the 20/25ish mile Hyer Loop by turning at Kopp Rd.  Or, you can do an out and back to Dane for similar mileage.

Lodi Marsh 40 Garmin

Wheels up at 5:30 sharp.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

18 cyclists came out to play,

20mph winds couldn’t keep them way.

Riders 6 feet and over were on the front line for a reason:

Felt good to draft behind Tall IM Tim and his betrothed, Coach Freezin’.

Another wave of 6+ footers allegedly rode the Tour de Dane faster.

Somebody better check the odometer for the Tobacco City Boys and Feng Shui Master.

The Drafter Manual was consulted for rulings on suspected motorized doping and hematocrit >50% immense.

Please see Exhibit A, entered into evidence.

Shiny bikes and their riders with new clipless pedals were out in full force,

With saddlebags stocked with Band-Aids, bacitracin, and medicinal whiskey to remedy the road rash, of course.

A warm welcome to a few newbies who volunteered for the Draft:

Speed Skater Susan, MadPower McKaylah, Ryan from Supreme, Laura from the lab and the Road Rash Twins, Quinoa and Ivy League are now official members of the Riff-Raff.

The 20 mile route for next week is much more sane than Dane, with far fewer miles, hills and corresponding opportunities to complain.   The Human Metronome will be leading the Draft. Wheels up at 6PM,  not a moment aft. I will be goofing off in the Blue Ridge Mountains of South Carolina, a destination almost as cool as our Canadian Drafter’s homeland of Regina.

Draft Responsibly,

BrickO