To borrow a line from a famous CCR song, we are “stuck in  Lodi again”.  There are 3 options (see map below).  Sully is out of the country, so we won’t have a formal 6pm bike path option, although you are free to ride that at your leisure.  Stay tuned for a rain report.  As of now, the forecast is threatening an 80% chance of rain.  This is Dr. Corr’s final ride before heading back to New York, so rain would be just plain rude.

1) turn around in Dane for a 20 mile route

2) skip the right turn onto Riddle Road into Lodi and back- that cuts off roughly 10miles

3) Get stuck in Lodi for a 40 mile route

A new Drafter high of 16 riders set out to dodge the storms on Monday night.  An offering to the Rain Gods was made in the form of two sacrificial flat tires.  In an effort to conserve tubes, we offered up one mountain bike tire (thanks, Liz) and one tri bike tire (Christa has a tendency to be the first in most things she does, including having a flat tire).  The Gods were kind to those brave enough to endure the full Spring Valley Loop, but punished those who took the short cut with a brief deluge.  In the short cut group included our visiting professor from New York, who was sporting a loaner Colnago from Cronometro.  Dr. Corr was overheard mumbling something about taking the rest of his sabbatical off to clean the Colnago and reflect on the post-deluge rainbow.

We welcomed 4 new Drafters.  Frank and JB set the pace. Fortunately for morale, we didn’t learn until well into the first round of beers that JB had ridden 70miles BEFORE joining our humble group.  Good luck at Ironman Coeur d’Alene in two weeks.  I think you can start your taper now.  Ting finally had a day off from her rigorous orthopedic surgery residency and decided to spend it with us.  Not wanting to be outdone, Ting decided to ride the full loop on a mountain bike.  After heavy sedation and therapy, she agreed to ride with Nurse Sully and Counselor Liz, where she received excellent counsel on the art of shifting. Finally, we welcomed Susan, our long track speed skating time trial wonder.  Had she been here last week, the Ice Queens would have had competition for the Drafter’s Magazine Best Legs Edition.

Jackie was notably absent, wish some fish tale excuse (see below).  Kudos to Matt and Danyelle for conquering Blue Mounds on Saturday.  Note: there is only beer at the top when you finish the Horribly Hilly Hundreds.

The Trifecta of cycling happiness- three routes to provide something for everyone.  Warning: The full spring valley loop is one of the toughest rides we will conquer.  Shy of Blue Mounds, we will hit the biggest hills west of Middleton.  The full Spring Valley loop is roughly 40 miles.  If you are seeking to cut off 10 or more miles, turn left on Pine, KP or Scherbel (see second link). These rides will leave PROMPTLY at 5:30.

WE HAVE A THIRD OPTION FOR THOSE ON MOUNTAIN BIKES or just hoping to burn a few calories.  Nurse Sully and Counselor Liz will be departing Free House at 6pm and cycling the bike path along Hwy 12.  In addition to sharing their sun shinning personalties, they will address medical and legal needs as they may develop on the ride.

Full Spring Valley Loop

Short Spring Valley Loop

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

The full moon brought out a full house of Drafters.  We hit a season high (and the season is just warming up) of 14 riders.  A special welcome to newbie Drafters Tracy, Jackie and Michelle.  Drafter Magazine was on site, preparing for the annual Best Legs Edition.   It was a tough decision, with many strong legs to choose from.  Ultimately, a tie was declared between the Ice Queens.  Cornell hockey standout, Tracy, and UW-Badger legend, Jackie went quad to quad, calf to calf, before agreeing to a tie for the gold.  Michelle receives the “I’m not just any soccer mom” award.  While her daughter may get the kudos on the field, Michelle can hold her own on 2 wheels.  Some other notable quotes from the evening:

“I can’t race Ironman this year.  I am too busy husband shopping.”

“I’m not slow.  I had a really bad mechanical.”

“My wife just got the bill for my new bike.  I can’t stay to drink beer.  I need to go home and look at feng shui colors for the living room.”

LAST CALL for Drafter jersey orders!  The Hincapie Team Center link will close on June 4th.  At that time, anyone who has placed an order will be asked to provide credit card information and jerseys will go to press.  As a reminder, the jersey cost is $75 plus $10 shipping to your abode.  I will have men’s and women’s Med, Large and XL sizes available on Monday night to try on after our Fish and Crystal Lake Ride. Donna has requested a 2XL and Dr. Corr a 4XL. These sizes will not be on site Monday but can be ordered through Isthmus Sailboards.  Please see previous blog post for order information.  The jersey image on the Hincapie website is generic, but you can click on links below to view the Drafter jersey.  They will also have Cronometro, Crono PT and Free House logos on the sleeves. These are cool jerseys.  Did I say that already?

Jersey Front

Jersey Back

See you Monday.

BrickO

I hope you all enjoyed your Memorial Day weekend.  A long overdue shout out to the 3 Amigos, Matt T, Gary J and David C. These “Wind Warriors” were the only three to conquer Indian Lake in the gale force winds the preceding Monday.  Apparently, there is a weight and height requirement for wind toughness as these guys tip the scale just north of 200 and stand well over 6 feet tall.  Jackie might be all  tough on the Badger ice, but decided the wind was too much for her (she meets the height but not weight requirement).

We have a treat next week with one of my favorite routes to Fish and Crystal Lake.  The distance is roughy 40miles and change.  To knock off 15 miles, cut over on V or Y and loop back home.  Please note that the cheat sheet old school map and the Garmin link are slightly different with respect to the last few miles home.  I get bored going out and back the same way, so Garmin comes home Hyer while the map comes home Lodi-Springfield.  Same distance.  Your call.

Fish and Crystal Lake Garmin link

I’m flying home Monday from a course in Oregon, hoping to be wheels down at 3:30 and wheels up again at 5:30.  If I’m late, leave without me.  I will either catch you on the route or at the Free House.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

The new Drafter Jersey design is AWESOME and will be processed through Hincapie Sportswear.  I can say, hands down, this is the highest  quality jersey I own.  The cost will be $75 plus $10 shipping (unless we order a huge quantity… which is possible since the race official at the Assault on Mt. Mitchell may order a dozen for his team).  This price is a mega discount, as we are getting the Velocity (high end) jersey for the Axis (medium line) jersey price.  I’m not making a profit- this is as low as we can go.

Bricko’s Drafters Jersey Final (click to see image)

Directions:  NEW TEAM MEMBERS WITH EXISTING HINCAPIE TEAM CENTER ACCOUNT:
Click the link below to go to the Hincapie Team Center home page. Log in to your account, and then use the drop-down menu at the top right-hand corner of the screen to select Account. Scroll down to My Teams and enter the access code provided below. This will link your account to our team order.

After you have done this, click Home at the top of the screen and click New Order begin your product selection.

Please click on this link:  Hincapie Jersey Order link

Access Code: BrickOsDrafters

WE HAVE TWO WEEKS TO PLACE JERSEY ORDERS.  After that time, you will be asked to provide payment and your address for FedEx delivery.  A signature is required, so you may want to use your work address.  Delivery is likely late August (bummer… but worth the wait).

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Cycling shouldn’t be painful, except on those occasions when you are pushing your physiological limits.  As I like to say, “The choice is yours.  Get better or stay the same.”  While the body must be stressed in order to adapt, that is not to say that pain should be a routine part of your ride.

We have teamed up with local cycling legend and bike fitting expert, Colin O’Brien of Cronometro, to offer you the whole package: Fit your body.  Fit your bike.  Fit both under the same roof.  For details, please see our website:

Crono PT

Congrats to the fearsome 6 pack who attacked the gnarly wind Monday en route to Indian Lake and to our 2 faithful bike path patrollers.  It was not a night fit for man nor beast (name that Holiday Classic), and yet two newbies, Laurie and Kevin made their debut with the Drafters (as my son would say, definitely Beast).  Despite his brand new fancy Trek Tri-bike, Gary refused to pull….. Bad Gary.  Although enjoying a leisurely draft, he apparently expended enough energy to warrant a bacon cheese burger, with extra bacon (generously donated from my BLT).

As the winds convinced us to shortcut Indian Lake (not sure how to name that route – perhaps Indian Lake Sans Indian Lake), the route for next Monday will be the same.  I will not be there to oversee operations, however, as I am doing the Assault on Mt. Mitchell on Monday.  Please feel free to join me if you would like an alternative to Indian Lake.

Assault on Mt Mitchell Link  or

There is no class the following week, as May 25th is Memorial Day.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

The route for this week will take us to beautiful Indian Lake.  Enjoy the breathtaking view, as shortly thereafter we will climb Whippoorwill Road.  The only dicey part of this ride is the downhill on K just before it intersects with P.  THERE ARE THREE RUMBLE STRIPS.  They aren’t dangerous, but unpleasant if you hit them at high speeds.  Be prepared to have your fillings rattled.

The Garmin link takes us out of town from my house, but we will actually be leaving from Free House.  The attached old school map is more accurate.  There is a cue sheet, too, for those who are directionally challenged (me).

A SHORTER VERSION simply skips the loop around Indian Lake.  See the cue sheet for instructions.

Sully will be on site at 6pm, dressed in her fluorescent crossing guard safety vest, to lead any interested party for a ride on the bike path.  Be warned: last week, she attracted the eye of a man with a megaphone, who expressed his appreciating for beauty and style.  Sully maintains that he was more interested in her “Grandchildren” (Liz and K2) who were also riding.  Sully had a birthday recently, but remains ageless.

Indian Lake Route Link

Indian Lake Cue Sheet