There are many reasons not to ride.  This one, however, I found novel and worthy of press: “I have to do my taxes.”

CRIME REPORT: 13 riders were definitely taxed around Indian Lake, due in large part to the Human Metronome’s improved speed on his new Colnago.  An investigation is currently underway to determine if an electric motor was part of the package price. Also under investigation are allegations of cheating.  Our resident Feng shui Master started the ride well after 5:30, and yet appeared at the Free House fresh as a daisy. Timing chips secured to ankles will be required if this seedy behavior continues.

ENTERTAINMENT: Back by popular demand, the comedy portion of the Draft was provided by Counselor Queen Bee, who regaled us with dinner time stories of her friend Steve. The flavor will be lost in translation, but suffice to say, you should order the burger.  In other Drafter news, the Wahoo KICKR is now available to all 50 Shades of Cycling customers. Nobody has admitted to owning this fitness device.

SPORTS: #1 Drafter from UW-Madison PT class of 2017 and #1863 in the Men’s Olympic Distance USA Triathlon Collegiate Club National Championships will be competing this Saturday in Clemson, SC. Live coverage at teamusa.org

WANTED: elbow and knee pads.  Check with Coach Friesen for slightly used hockey gear if you are new to clipless pedals and tired of Band-Aids.

SCIENCE AND FASHION: University of Oregon PhD student, K2, may have transitioned from Badger to Duck, but her intelligence is not to be questioned.  Check out this recent action photo from her “work in the lab”. Who knew you could study to become of Bike Doctor?

On a fashion note, jerseys identical to the one on the model above are available through MAY 3, along with long sleeve, vests and jackets.

1. Go to the Hincapie Team Center website https://teamcenter.hincapie.com
2. If you are a Returning User, please login using your email and password you previously created. Skip ahead to “Step 2.”
3. If you are a New User follow these steps to create your account:
   1. The Access Code for is: BrickOsDrafters
   2. Provide your first and last name.
   3. Provide your email address, phone number and create a password.
   4. Click the “Create Account” button.

WEATHER: the forecast for Monday is calling for rain. They were wrong most of this week, so let’s hope the trend continues for our ride.  We will be riding the Tour de Dane, a 32mile route.  There is a shorter option on the map below.

**6pm ALTERNATIVE RIDE   There are several riders who need a later start time.  I’m proposing a shorter route, due to daylight restrictions.  The Hyer Loop is ~20miles, with an option to take the bike path home (shorter yet).  If you are game for this, maybe leave a comment so riders can look for one another at 6pm in the BMO Harris parking lot.

Draft Responsibly,

BrickO

Quote of the night: “We didn’t fall behind.  We hung back in order to watch the sunset.”  Billy Boy McC’s recap surprised Dan-yelly, who didn’t realize until their safe return to Free House that they had lost the pack.  There is a down side to wearing a winter parka with the hood up while riding behind someone nearly 7 feet tall…. limited visibility.

20mph winds gave good cause to share and enjoy the Draft.  However, one of our Edgerton natives (one of several in the group who have left the tobacco farm to join the ranks of beer drinking bicyclist) struck out alone.  He was either wanting to earn a plate of sweet potato fries without the guilt of having saved calories drafting, or was late getting out of work.  Regardless, kudos to Zack for the strong solo riding effort in that wind.

The next ride will take us to Indian Lake, roughly a 30 mile venture.  For a shortened version, simply do the loop without the “figure 8”, by staying on Martinsville Rd. CAUTION: the full route has a descent on Indian Trail that is pot-holey and gravely.  State Rd 19 has modest traffic and a narrow shoulder.  This segment ends with a fun climb up Whippoorwill, a true b..b…bear.  If you are apprehensive about any of those three things, the shorter loop is a safer bet.

Anyone interested in ordering Drafter jersey, vest or jacket from Hincapie Sportswear should shoot me an email this week.  The design (beer theme) and colors (blue and red) will remain the same as last year.  Also, we will order 1/4 zip dri Smart long sleeve shirts ($35) from Sweat Vac (see http://www.sweatvac.com) with the Drafter logo if we have 15 or more (currently 8 people have expressed interest).  Let me know if you are wanting to purchase garb. 

Indian Lake Garmin

Draft Responsibly,

BrickO

We’ve got sunshine and temperatures above 40 degrees, so the ride is on.  What isn’t on, apparently, is my BS detector.  It appears as though I have been duped, taken for a ride not on a bike, but by the color of a bike. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Clause, but there is no pink bike in the Drafter fleet. Good one, Counselor.  I only hope that your new black Colnago has pedals that can fly like the wind, which will be gusting tonight.

The route is posted below.  If you are hoping to ride a few less than 25 miles, I’d suggest jumping on the bike path at the end of Woodland Rd and doubling back.  We will be leaving promptly at 5:30 from the BMO Harris parking lot, weaving our way out of town on Parmenter St, right on Donna Dr, into Middleton Hills, and shooting down to Pheasant Branch.  The pot holes on the Pheasant Branch descent are plentiful, so mind your neighbor and your wheel and draft responsibly. Just a reminder to have a light in case darkness reigns while you are still on the road.

The Free House would like our cooperation in preparing for the onslaught of hungry and thirsty Drafters post-ride.  If you plan to stay for dinner, perhaps you could shoot me a text so that I can call in a head count?  Or add a comment here on the blog, whichever is easier. Thanks much.

It’s too frickin’ cold to wauna ride.  Let’s regroup next week.

BrickO

The forecast for Monday April 4 , according to the unsophisticated weather app on my iPhone, reveals a snowflake. Surely this is not accurate.  Perhaps I’m misinterpreting the symbol. A crystal could be a representation for the diamond that now sits on Jackie’s left hand.  I propose we ride.  Say I do.

Let’s shoot for a short 25mile ride towards Waunakee.  For those who seek a slightly shorter loop, hang a left on Woodland and catch the bike path along highway 12 back to the Free House. If you want to make it a truly casual ride, I suggest a pit stop at the Missouri Tavern, one of Dane County’s finest historical treasures.

If the snow does fly, I do not anticipate riding.  This has nothing to do with an aversion to riding in the cold.  Or the fact that over the past 10 days of vacation, my cycling miles totaled zero, such that I am frantically trying to make up some fitness before facing the Drafters.  Z was able to get in one ride while  on Tenerife (evidenced below), and is therefore nominated to lead the draft.

The true nature of the potential cancelation is that I am looking out for our fleet of shiny  new bikes. The Human Metronome, Ms. Iceland (AKA Ivy League Rower), Quinoa Chrissy and Counselor Liz have recently boosted the economy.  Any guesses as to the owner of this beauty? This bike is apparently  so well designed and engineered for negative drag that pedals are optional.

GPS link to Waunakee Ride

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

The inaugural Draft was full of firsts.  Here is a brief recap of the evening which consisted of 9 riders and 3 fans.

This is the first time we have started the draft in March, and savored a dry Monday, followed by rain on Tuesday. Typically, we see precipitation around 5:25pm on Monday, while the Cap Brew riders head out in perfect conditions the following night. I’m not keeping score, but so far 1-0 Drafters.

Reportedly, this is the first ride whereby the Human Metronome was forced to stand on a climb AND came back to camp winded.  Might have something to do with our newest additions, Vilks and The Terminator, JoeJoe McD.  It’s hard to say for sure if Jim had to stand on the climb in order to keep the boys in sight, or if he was merely trying to read the fine print on Vilks’ cute Vilas Zoo kit.  Most of us aren’t quite so fashionably kitted up.

The Drafters, for the first time, would like to extend pest control services to their members. Jim recently received professional training on how to successfully release a squirrel from chimney captivity into the living room with free reign.  The Terminator specializes in bat control, and his rates are on a sliding scale depending on the “hours away to beer consumed ratio”.  Safety glasses are recommended.  Ann may be willing to negotiate terms.

Kim took the inaugural draft literally, bolding biking for the first time in clipless pedals and with aerobars.  You wouldn’t have guessed by watching her bike… although it was hard to watch her, as I took a wrong turn with newbies Kim and Rick and got us a bit lost.  Reminder to all: print your maps and do not rely on your leader to have a sense of direction.  And, be sure to have lights on your bike in case you find yourself out past dark.

The most exciting first of firsts, by far, is the engagement of two Drafters, Tall Ironman Tim and Coach Friesen for a Reason. Look at the expressions on the faces of the hockey team when they received the news!  The diamond will add to the sparkle on the ice as the Badgers kick some Gopher butt this weekend. See earlier notification for our pest control service.

Hope to see you all for our next ride on April 4.  I will post a map upon my return.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Welcome to the 2016 Draft!  The weather is cooperating beautifully, so let’s get this party started. If last year is any indicator, planning our first Monday ride will ensure rain.

I propose we host our inaugural Draft on Monday March 14th at 5:30, departing from the BMO bank parking lot across from the Free House on Parmenter St.  Please refer to the “Draft Responsibly” prologue of this blog for details.  In brief:

1. RIDE AT YOUR OWN RISK.  There is no fee to ride with this group, and subsequently, the responsibility for safety is all yours.
2. Carry spare tubes & CO2 and know how to use them.
3. Print your own map or at least know how to get home (clicking your heals three times is not a viable option, unless the shoes are stilettos like Coach Friesen will be wearing today as she coaches the Badger Women’s Hockey Team towards the Frozen Four).
4. Bring your own beer money and be prepared to cover a friend who didn’t.
5. Wheels up at 5:30. If you are going to be late, plan to park and meet us on the route- we usually head out Pheasant Branch or Airport Road and there are ample parking spots on both routes.  Text me and I will be sure you are not forgotten.
6. Most importantly, come with a great attitude and ready to ride, but not like an idiot, have fun and be safe.

Once we get a taste of the Draft, we will take the next two weeks off.  Over training is a real risk that I feel compelled to avoid. Coincidentally, I will be in Europe those next two weeks sampling their drafts.  We will reconvene on Monday April 4th.  We also need to allow time for the arrival of two new bikes.  Rumor has it that the Human Metronome  has purchased a shiny new Colnago from Cronometro.  Given that Jim had two bikes stolen last year, I will refrain from oozing jealousy.  The bike fairy also paid a visit to Chrissy Quinoa, our newest Drafter and contender for the best legs contest.  Photos of said bikes (not legs) are available upon request.

The route is the short but sweet ~20 mile Hyper Loop.  This is the short cut (in green on map) from the Hyslop Hustle 30, which you are free to ride if daylight cooperates.  The clocks spring ahead on Sunday, but I can’t guarantee enough daylight for the full loop. I have Native American blood, but there are limits to my ability to control the weather and daylight.

Garmin Link to Hyer Loop *Garmin links are from my house, not the Free House.  Close enough in proximity and both have a well stocked beer fridge, so feel free to use them interchangeably.

Draft Responsibly,

BrickO

Despite my upbringing on a tobacco farm in rural Wisconsin, I failed to acquire a taste for country music… until yesterday.  The last Draft held our finest weather experience and brought out 13 riders (my lucky number) and a few surprises.  Kaiya pushed the pace in the lead group (mind you, this former collegiate basketball star JUST bought a bike, borrowed shoes 3 sizes too big and transcended from back of the pack to leader of the pack in short order), the Human Metronome allegedly got out of his saddle to climb Enchanted Valley (counselor Liz is reviewing the tape, wearing her driving gloves to avoid damaging the evidence), BrickO did not place her typical high maintenance ABLT order without avocado or bacon, add cheese please (ABCLT) and Christopher wore a men’s Drafters jersey. The biggest surprise was a coming out by Regina’s hockey star and contender for Best Legs in Drafter Magazine.  Jackie talked openly in an interview with Nurse Sully about her heart palpitations over Garth Brooks.  After listening to his recent re-release of “I’ve Got Friends in Low Places”,  I concede that country music is not all bad.  At least one song by Garth (she’s on a first name basis with him now, with complimentary concert tickets in the third row), will find its way onto my spin playlist this winter.

Watch Video of Garth Brooks and Jackie or sing along…

I’VE GOT FRIENDS IN LOW PLACES (DRAFTER REMAKE)

Blame it all on my roots, I showed up in Hicapie boots

Set the pace for the Drafter affair

The first one to ride, the last one inside

We were the cyclists the Free House bartender hoped to see there.

And I saw the surprise and the fear in her eyes

When I ordered a microbrew and toasted you

Said, “Drafters, we may be through, but you’d never hear me complain”

‘Cause I’ve got friends in Spin classes where the music drowns

And the beer chases my blues away and I’ll be okay

I’m not big on social graces, think I’ll slip on down to the Supreme Spin Studio oasis

End of song, end of an extraordi-rainy outdoor season.  I thank all 45 (!) of you who rode with the Drafters.  I hope to see some of you at Spin and if not, stay tuned for next season.  Same bat time, same bat channel.

BrickO

It has been one helluva summer.  Thanks to everybody who showed up, usually in the rain, to Draft.  A quick tally shows just over 40 official Drafters, including our newest inductee, Ironman Tim.

Most of you know what makes me tick.  It is pretty simple: biking, dark beer (or whiskey- medicinal, obviously), and good people with whom to share life, laughter (Sully and Liz take this to an extreme) and tears (I try to minimize the latter, but they do happen from time to time).  I am grateful to all of you for contributing to the “good people” portion of the equation, which contributes exponentially towards creating a rich life.  Dr. Corr, did you see how I used a function in that equation?  Your calculus tutoring has really paid off.

This will be the last call for a 2015 Monday night Draft. The theme is “Home Talent” as our route takes us by two baseball diamonds, Ashton Corners and Martinsville, a tradition which has been a highlight of Sunday afternoons for decades.  Home Talent is also a fitting theme, given that our vey own Coach Bannink just rocked the ITU World Championships.

Greatness has many forms.  Taking the podium in two events at the World Championship is certainly of of them.  Riding in the middle of the pack during a Drafter ride, not speaking a word about your achievements as a triathlete, but instead enjoying the company of others is another form of greatness.  An accomplished athlete I know once said “if you are really that good, you don’t need to talk about it.  People already know.” Congratulations to the truly great, and truly humble, Coach Bannink.

Garmin link to Home Talent Route

Air goes in to our lungs with roughly 20.9% oxygen.  Air comes out with less.  How much less depends on what you choose to do with it.  If you choose to talk the talk, little oxygen is consumed though copious volumes of air may be exhaled.  If you choose to swim, bike or/and run,  oxygen consumption is maximized.  Congratulations to many Drafters this weekend for their superb utilization of O2.

A big shout out to Feng shui Master Gary, who finished his first Ironman despite a blue card for drafting (forgetting it wasn’t a Monday night ride, obviously), a mechanical breakdown in Mt. Horeb, and nausea (which may have been attributed to the former two incidents, although he maintains it was electrolyte imbalance).  In a post-IM interview, Gary seemed to relay mixed emotions, “The run sucked. But it was a blast. Liz and Sully were all over the run. I did hear them well before I saw them!”  Apparently, it is a myth that only dogs are sensitive to high pitched frequency sounds.  Iron Jeanne also crossed the finish line- not her first rodeo.

Husband and Wife Team Tronnes ventured north for the Door County Century, along with Father and Son Team Carlson.  Apparently, Dan-yelly rode much of the event without her groom, as he took a wrong turn in Sturgeon Bay, leaving the Peninsula and headed toward the mainland.  He still wasn’t back for wheels up Monday night (hence lack of a century finish line photo), but made it in time to join us for a draft.  The Human Metronome rode with his father, age 75, to complete their fifth consecutive Door County Century.  Senior Carlson, sporting a jersey “This Guy Needs Beer”, declared it his last (century, not beer). 42 degree temperatures at the start may have played a role in his decision to retire, but Junior has plans to lure him back with a tandem next year.

Lastly, Drafter K2 successfully completed her cross country journey to Oregon… via Jackalope.  She is the only American to have attempted this mode of transportation and has declared it an official event.  Bumper stickers are available “Jackaloped 2K”

Due to the high volume of oxygen consumption these past few days, the route for next Monday will be a meek and mild 20 mile excursion past the Riley Tavern.

Garmin Link Riley Route

Draft responsibly,

BrickO