It was a wild and wonderful weekend on the ice. CONGRATULATIONS to Coach Arms and the Badger Women’s Hockey Team on their 11th WCHA tournament title, this being its second-straight WCHA Final Faceoff crown.
Coach Arms and her assistant coaches
Substituting studs for skates, a team of Drafters swept the podium at the Fat Tire Birkie on Saturday (and were back at the cabin just in time to catch the hockey game on TV).
Pipes, Cookie Monster, Speedy, Footer, Momma Monster and Ninja revving their engines (not pictured E$)Papa and Momma Monster, Z Wrecks, BrickO, Pipes, Ninja, Footer, Speedy and GFKSqueak, BrickO and Nina on the podium
And now the snow can be gone, mercury can rise, and the Draft to commence tomorrow, March 10th at 4:30PM. This first draft will be a social, NO DROP ride. The route is 23.7 miles, starting from our usual location in Middleton Hills.
For those who ordered socks, they are in! You can pick them up tomorrow, $10 if you have not paid in advance. And remember that you have until March 16th to order Drafter gear from Hincapie Sportswear.
March Madness. As defined by a 46-degree temperature swing in 10 days. The Fat Tire Birkie will once again face a challenge in providing a snow packed course for all of those studs (referring to tires). Good luck to all of those drafting responsibly on the hills of Hayward next Saturday. After the Fat Tire, Mother Nature has our permission (as though she asks) for full on sunshine, warm temperatures and dry roads. Daylight savings will also be helpful in giving us more time to Draft Responsibly. Be sure to check the blog and GroupMe for updates on the first draft of the season. The only predictable detail is that we will ride on a Monday. The rest is up to Mother Nature.
A shout out to DJ Jazzy for letting us draft responsibly in his studio all winter. This was the first the Drafters had the option to cycle from the comfort of their home. Huge thanks to Octane, Cujo, Dan-yelly, Hammer Time, Keez, Shaq and Rocky for their patience as I leaned that the headset does in fact need to be recharged between sessions, the camera only runs on a dongle, and while the music doesn’t broadcast to your homes, my singing sure does.
Knievel, Z Wrecks, Duracell, Pipes, Speedy, Nemo and Footer drafting indoors
Not all drafting was confined to the trainer. Although the snow was scarce for fat biking, it made the lakes a prefect retreat.
Libery and justice for allSkipper, Slim and Co.
While some of us were hibernating over the winter, others were embracing it. Here is a recap of a few of the outstanding events that I can recall.
Expansion (congrats to Squirrel and Granny) and development of the Drafter Junior Team. E$ and Cookie Monster are scheduled for delivery later this spring.
This generation is in good hands, looking to Coach Arms to help them find their way.
We’ve got a new fur baby to celebrate, too! Congrats to Slim and Keez on their puppy, Lozi.
Slim, Keez & Lozi
Bomber and Belle started something big. Hammer Time and the Colonel are tying the knot, but not before Tick Tock and Sarge say “I do” in May.
Bomber and BelleThe Colonel and Hammer TIme
Footer and The Legend extended their fame outside of barefoot skiing.
The Stokes of Waunakee. Also knows as The Legend and Footer of the Draft
Vilks made sure the Grinch didn’t steal Christmas.
Vilks and the Grinch at the Santa Rampage
And Skipper took a new job modeling for Lagerado.
Skipper looking dapper in Breckenridge
Congrats to all the Birkie competitors! Octane, Footer, Mario, Queenie, FishNBoots, Bomber, Momma Monster, E$, Ninja, the Colonel and likely many more.
As we turn our focus back to Drafting Responsibly, please consider voting for USA Today 10 Best Road Rides. Vote early and often through March 24. The Horribly Hilly Hundreds is currently in 3rd place! And you can still register for this epic event.
Need something to wear for the 2025 season? The Hincapie Sportswear Drafter Store is open for business. Get your 2025 Drafter gear, same design as 2024, though March 16. In addition to the Axis club cut and Velocity race cut, we are now offering Endurance gravel bibs with side pocket. Vests, winter jackets and arm warmers are also available.
Thanks to Griz for setting us up with a sock supplier. First batch will arrive next week. For all those who ordered, swing by and pick them up whenever it is convenient. If there is more interest, a second batch can be cooked up.
Speedy and company organized a surprise at the end of the 2024 Drafter season, and it is too good not to share with all. Thanks to the artist, Justice Lighting Design for the artwork.
The Mamas & The Papas and at least half of the two dozen drafters who came for the Final Draft broke into song at Missouri Tavern.
Actually, it was the Happy Birthday song to Vilks, but it could have been these lyrics:
All the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown) And our kit is green (and our kit is green) I’ve been for a ride (I’ve been for a ride) On an October’s day (on an October’s day) I’d be safe and warm (I’d be safe and warm) If I was in L.A. (if I was in L.A.)
Drafter, drafter dreamin’ (Drafter, drafter dreamin’) On such an October’s day
Stopped into a bar I passed along the way Well, I got down off my bike (got down off my bike) And I decide to stay (I decide to stay) You know the drafters like a beer (drafters like a beer) He knows I’m gonna stay (knows I’m gonna stay)
Drafter, drafter dreamin’ (Drafter, drafter dreamin’) On such an October’s day
LaFleur, Fab, Speedy, Midas, Z Wrecks, Pit Stop, Shaq and Tinker (Spigot there somewhere)
15min later and the low sun has already cast the A Team into shadow.
Keez, JRad, Marco, Twinkle Toes, Car Wash, Velo, Sandals, Hawkeye, Hammer, Rimshot, Skipper, Slim, Vilks and Octane
The rode is sometimes a lonely one. Sort of the anti-draft for our team photographer, Skipper. As a tribute (and apology), a homage to some of his work Monday night.
STAGE 1: Denial
They did not leave me.
STAGE 2: Anger. Mostly with Vilks, who had made a pact (in addition to all Drafters who swore to uphold the code, “No Drafter left alone”) to never leave his wingman.
They left me
STAGE 3: Bargaining
If I ride with my shadow, I’m not riding alone
STAGE 4: Depression
The cattle are loyal
STAGE 5: Acceptance
F you and I love youOctane, JRad, Car Wash, Marco, VIlks, BrickO and Rimshot draft responsibly at Missouri Tavern
Twinkle Toes was also riding solo due to a technical issue. He’s had a few this season: forgetting his cycling shoes, throwing his derailleur into his spokes, innumerable flats (20?). This one, however, was a cruel twist of fate. Better late than never, Twinkle Toes figured out how to load the course onto his Garmin. The course did not follow the bike path to Missouri Tavern.. that was an optional route deviation.
Bike Path an option, but not on the official route
Twinkle Toes did ultimately find his way to a cold beer and warm fire. The conversation around the fire pit somehow turned to wood ticks. Skipper and Z Wrecks showed their tick shedding moves to the Brazen Ballerinas.
Tick Dance
Catching the Tik Tok fever, Rimshot showed his gangsta moves, sporting his new headwear. Thanks to our friends at SweatVac for creating this small tribute (no reference to the size of the brain in the headwear) to those 21 Drafters completing 10 or more rides: Hammer, Midas, Twinkle Toes, BrickO, Pit Stop, Speedy, Duracell, Rimshot, Octane, Presley, Knievel, Slim, Shaq, McGritty, Cujo, Queenie, Skipper, Vilks, Keez, Z Wrecks and Car Wash.
Rimshot is ready for prime time
Not making 10 rides, but making something pretty special….. congrats Squirrel and Granny! And no Vilks, you had nothing to do with this.
Squirrel and Granny made something better than 10 rides
It has been a wonderful season. Heartfelt thanks to every single Drafter who drafted responsibly, building quads and community. The season saw the births of two new Drafters (congrats again to Cannibal & Jen and Vintage & Thing1), with two more on the way (congrats Granny & Squirrel and Hawkeye), marriage of Bomber and Belle, retirement of Pit Stop and Cujo and new knee for Z Wrecks (and he only missed 4 rides!). And some Drafters lost loved ones. We stand as one through it all.
Here’s a look at the books.
Treasurer’s report: rich beyond compare with community. Special thanks to our friends at Hincapie Sportswear, Online Cycling Gear (Funtathalon and Tour de Dane), Sweat Vac (headbands), and the local bike shops who keep us rolling.
Secretary’s report:
24 rides covering 771.9 miles.
69 Drafters on the roster, with 19 newbies enlisting (Tinker, Hammer, Twinkle Toes, Rocky, Unicorn Blood, Car Wash, 9 Volt, Spigot, Marko, LaFleur, Fab, McGritty, Colonel, Slimmer, DJ Jazzy, Grit, Hawkeye, Herbie, Lost Boy).
30% of roster made 10+ rides, and 16% made 15+ rides
Slim made all but 1 Draft! Special mention to Vilks (because he begged) who was up from 9 rides in 2023 to 16 rides in 2024.
Average draft size 21, max 29
Flat Tire Club Induction: Coach Arms (Twinkle Toes, despite 20 flats, avoided an episode on a Monday night so technically was not eligible, although losing a derailleur has merit).
That’s a wrap!
Dirty Drift MTBing, Drift Draft fat biking, UW Women’s Hockey games and other shenanigans will be posted on the blog and/or GroupMe. Look for our outdoor road season to resume in March. Until then…. thank you for sharing your Mondays with the Drafters.
Earth, Wind & Fire were singing to 23 Drafters on Monday night.
There was a Ba-dee-ya (dee-ya, dee-ya), say, do you remember? Ba-dee-ya (dee-ya, dee-ya), draftin’ in September Ba-dee-ya (dee-ya, dee-ya), never was a cloudy day And we’ll say Ba-dee-ya (dee-ya, dee-ya), say, do you remember? Ba-dee-ya (dee-ya, dee-ya), draftin’ in September Ba-dee-ya (dee ya, dee-ya), golden dreams were shiny days
The B Team formed a tunnel of love. Duracell’s battery was so full, he wanted to ride (and pose) in both the B and A teams. We welcomed a Newbie,Herbie, who lined up in the tunnel, but her quads were quickly detected and she was extradited to the A Team. It was good to have Captain Joe back from his junket in Montana. Clearly, more stringent border patrol will be implemented as we can’t have our Captain flying out of state so often.
Spigot, Speedy, Shaq, Presley, Duracell, Z Wrecks, Knievel, McGritty, Cujo, Captain Joe, Herbie and Midas
And then there was one, late to the tunnel of love. Welcome, Dan-yelly! In hot mess mode that we have all come to love, she forgot her water bottle (Speedy was happy to render hydration aid) and suffered a failure of the mount for her phone, which was luckily recovered. There is still an APB out for her car keys, however, from last season.
After a hiatus for Ironman, we were happy to welcome Tinker back to the line up. Also on Dan-yelly time, so not in the photo, but in our hearts. Hawkeye flew in after receiving confirmation from the stork that his daughter wouldn’t be delivered until after the Draft.
Two things were off with the A Team, both much appreciated by all in the peloton. First, our newbie was having some serious mechanical issues. Not for lack of proper bike maintenance, as Herbie had just come from the bike shop. As the line of Drafters listened to her bottom bracket creak and clank, it was a relief to have watts fall away as she climbed up Twin Valley. Just like the Love Bug, her mechanical issues did not deter her from crossing the finish line right up there with Slim, Keez and Vilks.
Herbie
The other thing off was Vilks. Having just returned home at 1AM from a 2000 mile trip to watch the Badgers play the Trojans of Southern California, he was not in typical form. Or he was, but not typical for a Monday night Draft. BrickO, fulfilling her relegated role as caboose, passed him just before the climb up Mid Town and shouted some sass, thinking that was the last she would see of Vilks. True to form, he decided to punish himself for the days of imbibing, and turned up the watts. BrickO tried to be the little engine that could, but a red light on Pioneer Road ended her tortuous failings. Gratefully, she joined the B Team, where Z Wrecks had been leading the charge only 2 months after his total knee surgery. Gritty guys, both of them, battling back from elective procedures. Nothing a little yoga can’t fix.
VIlks, Midas, Octane and Speedy stretching it outVilks, McGritty, Z Wrecks, Captain Joe, Twinkle Toes, Tinker, Shaq, Cujo, Octane, Spigot, Slim, Speedy, Herbie, Keez & MIdas’ knee
WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS: Congrats to all those Drafters who “competed” in the 3rd annual Funtathalon, and a shout out to all of the volunteers who made it possible. 9 teams divided up 4 cycling segments: 8 mile MTB ride, 13 mile road race, 24 mile gravel grinder, and a final 24 mile time trial to test their metal. When not riding, they were challenged with corn hole, Kubb, monkey tail, puzzles and trivia. Huge thanks to SweatVac for the volunteer t-shirts and OCG for the custom jerseys.
Our Amazing Volunteers! Pit Stop, Legend, Momma Monster, Ma Brick, BrickO, Sandlot, Erby, Queen Bee, Sully, Rocky, Pandora, Venus and CujoJD, Minnow Monster and LucyPip and Squeak, Hammer and Colonel, Footer and Fish, Dan-yelly and TCB, Speedy and Duracell, Cookie Monster and E$, Sarge and Tick Tock, Keez and Twinkle Toes, Comet and Midas
No ankles were turned with the running Le Mans start. Luckily, Twinkle Toes remembered his shoes.
MTB competitors line up for the Le Mans start: Midas, Speedy, Sarge, Dan-yelly, E$, Footer, Pip, Twinkle Toes and ColonelPit Stop directed them up Ziggy for the first lap, and Fenceline to finish!
The transitions were well rehearsed.
Bone CrushersKrusen Where’s the Swim Start?Sweet and SaltyTrout Van AertAre We Late?
Oddly, the women proved to be better at monkey tail than the men.
Fish figures it outSqueak has the fastest split
Everyone had an opportunity to (moon) shine.
Speedy opts for NA whiskeyFooter is first to go full strength with Sully and Sandlot
Everyone was a winner. After an exciting day of back and forth, these 3 teams were on the podium:
3rd Place: Trout Van Aert, Hammer and The Colonel2nd Place: Brazen Ballerinas, Keez and Twinkle Toes1st Place: Where’s the Swim Start?, Comet and MidasPit Stop, Sandlot, Sully and Queen Bee quadruple check the score board
All good things must come to an end. Or at least hibernate over the winter to recharge. Monday, Oct 7 will conclude the 2024 Drafting season. This is a very short route (21 miles), reversed from the typical chapel ride in order to provide an opportunity to wash away those sins just confessed. Option: skip the turn onto Lodi-Springfield/Woodland Rd and take the bike path home, stopping at the Missouri Tavern. Departure times 4:45 and 5PM.
For those Drafters completing 10 or more rides, headbands from SweatVac will be awarded. Congrats to: Hammer, Midas, Twinkle Toes, BrickO, Pit Stop, Speedy, Duracell, Rimshot, Octane, Presley, Knievel, Slim, Shaq, McGritty, Cujo, Queenie, Skipper, Vilks, Keez, Z Wrecks…. and Car Wash if he makes the last draft!
23 headed out for Black Widow. 24 made it home. How’s that, you ask? Dan-yelly departed after the B team, before the A team, and from a secret location. In other words, late and lost, but happy. Which is the point of drafting. Loose Screw was lucky to be counted amongst the two dozen to return. Black Widow claimed his battery. And his back up battery, as he pedaled home on his single speed.
McGritty, Shaq, Loose Screw, Z Wrecks, Queenie, Duracell, Velo, Cujo, Pit Stop, Squeak, Speedy and Presley
It was good to see Velo back after 52 weeks MIA (otherwise known in academic circles as a sabbatical). The friendly Canadian, Speedy, tried to strike up a conversation, but once she realized Velo’s sabbatical involved the intricacies of nuclear engineering, she steered the conversation towards maple syrup.
Hawkeye, Hammer, Colonel, Keez, Skipper, Slim, Vilks, Twinkle Toes, Car Wash and Unicorn Blood
The A Team stayed together for a hot minute. Skipper was the first to fall when he got separated from the peloton by a tractor leaving a tobacco field on Woodland Rd.
Tractor interference foils Skipper’s draft
Next to get dusted were Twinkle Toes,BrickO and Car Wash. The peloton got held up at Lodi-Springfield Rd and 19 just long enough for the BrickO and Car Wash to catch up, but when they came to heavy traffic on Hwy P, it was lights out. Hammer Time was next to get dropped on Black Hill. The 3 gave up the ghost when they hit Dane and realized the peloton was taking no prisoners. By the looks of the QOMs and achievements, Keez and Unicorn Blood were flexing their young quads. Strong work, ladies!
Speaking of ladies doing strong work, congrats to the Tour de Dane Femmes participants and competitors. 10 Drafters took the challenge, with 6 competing all 10 stages. Pit Stop and Shaq shared the podium in the yellow jersey. Hammer Time claimed the green jersey, with Cujo in polka dot. Keez climbed Alp d’ Blue faster than anyone, earning polka dot socks. The Tour de Dane Femmes committee awarded the polka dot jersey to the fastest climber who completed all stages of the tour. Congrats to all of the drafters who participated (Sandlot, Speedy, Keez, Thing 1, and BrickO)! And a shout out to Online Cycling Gear for the custom podium jerseys and East of Eden Stained Glass for the finisher awards.
The Drafters are currently scouting for young strong females. Here is our latest recruit:
Keez puts Baby Cannibella, our newest Drafter recruit, through testing
On the theme of ladies, if you find a circle of strong women, you are likely to find a Fuzzy Little Peach Man. Cannibal and Jen were wise to keep Baby Cannibella away from the dangers lurking outside around the fire pit.
Speedy, looking to redeem herself after little to say on the topic of nuclear engineering, seeks out Vilks to discuss the delicate nature of warming her buns by the fire while being commando. Fuzzy Little Peach Man was happy to share his experience.
The route for Monday Sept 30 will be a short 25.5 mile draft to Riley Tavern, departure times 4:45 and 5PM. If the weather cooperates, we will shoot for two more rides in October.
13 Drafters celebrated the last day of summer, or close to it, with a 55 mile A-Mazo ride.
JRad, Colonel, Hammer, Squeak, Octane, Cujo, Griz, Gopher, Skipper, Z Wrecks, Keez and Vilks
The group drafted responsibly to Mazomanie, enjoying blue skies that would later turn dark and dump several inches of rain. What would a finale be without one last climb up Enchanted Valley, Schuman, Dunlap Hollow and Lueth Roads? When in doubt, climb.
Enchanted Valley never disappointsJRad, Cujo, Squeak, Keez, Vilks and Hammer conquer Schuman and Vilks gives a fist bump to Spring Valley RdSkipper, JRad, Vilks on Racek Road
On the climb out of Dunlap Hollow, Keez spied a juvenile barred owl in distress. All were concerned, but only Skipper stopped to offer aid. Examination reveled a broken wing (or a dislocated shoulder- nobody was really sure of the anatomy).
The crew pulled over at On the Rox in Roxbury to enjoy a PBR while Skipper phoned the animal rescue folks. Actually, only Vilks proved to be an all American sipping a PRB. The rest of the Drafters sucked down electrolytes and gels. At this point, the Drafters decided to divide and conquer. Keez, Cujo, Squeak and Gopher headed back to home base while the members of the team waited on Skipper to make safely deliver the owl to animal rescue.
Willie Nelson saw us off after a 30 min delay.
On the road again I just can’t wait to get on the road again The life I love is riding bikes with my friends And I can’t wait to get on the road again
On the road again Goin’ places that I’ve never been Seein’ things that I may never see again And I can’t wait to get on the road again Everybody sing
On the road again Like a band o’ gypsies, we go down the highway We’re the best of friends Insisting that the world keep turning our way And our way
Vilks, BrickO, Colonel, Hammer (photo credit Skipper) on the road again, climbing Lueth
Back yard beverages were cut short by the violent storms that swept Dane County, and ultimately caused the Sunday Badger Challenge to be cancelled. Pit Stop and the Hot Toddies raised over $10,000! Congrats to all those who rose to the challenge, even if they were unable to ride the ride. Good news is that there will be many with fresh legs for the Draft on Monday! Hopefully we can sneak in a few more rides.
CONGRATS to Shaq on completing the Ride the Ridges century, her 7th endurance ride of the summer. It takes some big quads and aerobic fitness to conquer the Trek 100, Horribly Hilly Hundreds, MS 150, Ride Across Wisconsin, Door County Century, North Shore Century and Ride the Ridges all in one season!
Tour de Dane Awards: reminder that awards will follow the Draft on Monday. Departure times are 4:45 and 5PM for Drafters | Black Widow.
A Monday night Draft recap is typically where this blog begins. But not this week.
The youth Drafter team has a new addition. Congrats to Cannibal and Jen!
Congrats Cannibal and Jen!
Moving up to the next age group, congrats to Minnow Monster and JD on their Little Loggers finish at Chequamegon.
And moving much, much further up in the age bracket, congrats to all the Drafters who competed in the Cheq40!
Momma Monster, Cookie Monster, E$, Z WrecksSpeedy, BABES and Cookie MonsterBrickO, Bomber and BelleEli, Ninja and the crew!
Congrats to Keez on her invitation to the Fount Talent Camp in KY. True grit, this one.
Day 1. 3 days to go. 3rd place in the Criterium
Following Pit Stop’s lead last week, Cujo joins the ranks of retirement. Surgeon General’s warning: retirement increases risk of cycling fever. Do not give in to the urge to ride on Mondays before the Draft due to increased flexibility in your schedule.
Now for the Drafter recap. Pit Stop was notably absent. A Strava investigation revealed Pit Stop ignored the Surgeon General’s warning (see above) and rode at 9AM to avoid the heat. 26 non-retired Drafters deemed it a glorious night for a ride, including two Newbies, Faberge and Lost Boy.
Lost Boy was found years ago by the Drafters at The Ride, known now as the Badger Challenge (still time to join or donate to Pit Stop’s team, the Hot Toddies). He has been tracking our activities since 2018, but just now joined the Draft. Recent recruit Le Fleur enlisted her husband, who might be a Faberge hair shampoo model rivaling Joe Namath. Or Vilks.
The short pour was short on riders. Grit found her way back after weeks of roaming around National Parks with her recently retired hubby (see Surgeon General’s report, again) and teamed up with Watson to deduce the best short pour route.
Watson and Grit represent the Short Pour
The B for Bad A** Drafters photo has two newbies and 3 new faces. It is the only documented photo since the club’s conception in 2013 of Dan-yelly in the line up (read: on time). Well done, Dan-yelly!
La Fleur, Faberge, Queenie, McGritty, Pepe, Speedy, Car Wash, Lost Boy, JRad standing in for Duracell and Dan-yelly
The Colonel showed up promptly at 5:30PM. The only caveat being that the A Team left promptly at 5PM. Military time can be so confusing.
Hit-the-Wall reported a mechanical that kept him from reaching the front line.
That’s a bad fracture
The team photographer, Skipper, captured the Formidable Festge route beautifully.
Headed out Blackhawk RdKP headed towards the formidable Festge climb: Octane, Hawkeye, Slimmer, JRad, Vilks, Slim, Hammer, BrickO
The Festge climb was the last BrickO was seen in the line up. Hammer Time led the charge, crediting the power of green and her new jersey for the extra watts. Fortunately, the turn onto Table Bluff Road (another “hillacious” climb) was missed by the peloton. BrickO seized the opportunity to capitalize on their confusion, moving into first position to slog up Table Bluff. Vilks was incensed that BrickO took advantage of his hospitality, claiming he had been “waiting” at the missed turn. As the two bickered, the group did a head count and came up short.
Mid-bicker, BrickO thinks to call Twinkle Toes
The birthday boy was amiss. Telecommunication confirmed that Twinkle Toes and his derailleur had been dropped on Timber Lane. An extraction team had successfully removed him and his derailleur and were in route to a birthday dinner. The group came together in perfect harmony for a chorus of Happy Birthday as they drafted responsibly on Otto Kerl.
Otto Kerl crawl: Hawkeye, Vilks, Skipper, Hammer, JRad, Octane
The A and B teams came together on Enchanted Valley.
Dan-yelly and Slim race against the setting sunMidas, BrickO and Speedy head up Enchanted Valley
The final push on Schneider Road started as a finely oiled machine, with Vilks at the head of the paceline. As rested legs came to the front, the finely oiled machine started to crack. Hammer Time pulled up back together as we rolled into Middleton.
Vilks and Slim: a well oiled machine
Back at base camp, The Colonel showed up for roll call.
JRad, Car Wash, The Colonel, Hawkeye and Hammer Time
Lots of Junior Drafters showed up to be counted as well.
Speedy and Coach Arms with the next Drafter generation
Daylight is fading fast. Sunset for Monday Sept 23 is at 6:51PM . The routes will continue to shorten to avoid night riding. THERE IS ONLY ONE ROUTE since the full strength is so short. Groups will depart at 4:45 and 5PM. Bridge To Nowhere is a 28mile route that can be modified to come home via the bike path (and Missouri Tavern). Please opt for this if you find daylight to be outpacing you.
Tour de Dane Awards will be presented after the Draft on Monday. Yellow, green and polka dot jersey winners will be crowned (thanks to our sponsor OCG), and all those who participated will receive some sweet swag, compliments of East of Eden Stained Glass. Congrats to Pit Stop, Hammer Time, Cujo, Sandlot, Shaq, Keez, Thing One, Speedy, BrickO and Cristalyne.
FINAL 55\42 Drafter Finale Saturday 9AM. The end of year Drafter Finale is not going to take place at the end of the season per tradition, but rather this Saturday at 9AM, departing from Middleton Hills. Choose a 55mile A-Mazo Finale Rox or 42 mile Rockin’ to Roxbury option. Those Drafters who completed 10 or more Monday rides will receive a 2024 headband from our friends at SweatVac at a later Monday Draft. Also breaking with tradition, no goofy awards and fanfare this year- just a ride! On the Rox (formerly Roxbury Tavern) is a great mid-point to refuel. Their pizza is amazing. And of course you can bring a lawn chair, beverage and food to enjoy post Draft in the backyard.
Oh, what a night Late September, a year past ’23 What a very special time for me As I remember, what a night
Oh, what a night You know, I didn’t even know her name But I called her Pit Stop seemed all the same What a lady, what a night
Oh, I, I got a funny feeling When she walked in the room And UW, as they recall It ended much too soon
Pit Stop left her cycling cap to Dr. Wampus to operate responsiblyWhat a Lady. What a night.
24 Drafters came out to play, and celebrate Pit Stop’s first post-retirement Draft. After 30 plus years of caring responsibly for patients at UW, the OR will never be the same. What a lady. What a night.
McGritty, Z Wrecks, Queenie, Duracell, Pepe, Presley, Pit Stop, Speedy, Loose Screw, Watson, Cookie Monster, Footer, Yubba Dubba and Nemo
Z Wrecks gave his new knee a spin. No mechanical issues to report.
Happy to see Griz back in high vis for his 2024 debut.
No action photos were taken this week, in part due to Skipper’s absence. There seemed to be an epidemic of 4:30 conference calls tacked on at the last minute. Cookie Monster took hers from the Drafter launch pad, but Skipper didn’t get so lucky. Even in our famed photographer had been Drafting, it was unlikely for anyone to capture the break away group. Vilks and Slim were hellbent on having Keez take the Pheasant Branch QOM. All take and less action, the boys couldn’t finish, leaving her 20 yards short of the climb. She had to settle for sharing the title. Just as well as she will need a little extra fuel in the tank for her races in KY this weekend. Go get em, Keez.
Party for Pit Stop
A few Drafters made guest appearances for the party, with valid reasons for not drafting. Shaq and Spigot finished a chilly Door County Century, with head winds both ways. Shaq had to resort to drafting behind some big cocks…
Clucking hilariousSpigot and Shaq at DC Century
Congrats to all the Drafters who completed the event without help from the big cock bike club (Pres). And to Cujo, Knievel and Hundo for drafting responsibly in the Frank Lloyd Wright century!
Squeak came to celebrate Pit Stop, and would have ridden but her “bike was tired” from winning her age group at Ironman Wisconsin on Sunday. Everyone is invited to Kona next October 🙂
Can you imagine how fast she would be in green? GO SQUEAK!!!
LOST AND FOUND: A green Drafter water bottle (that’s redundant- what other color would their be?) and a green drafter headband (not redundant, surprisingly we have done white) from a few weeks back found in the garage.
Oh, how does your garden grow?
The routes for next Monday will include a full strength 30 mile (4:45 or 5PM) and short pour 22 mile option at 5PM for Formidable Festge. Just like last week, departure at 4:45 for FULL STRENGTH B TEAM only. Short pour and Full Strength A Team depart at 5PM. This will ensure all groups return at roughly the same time. Thanks!
There may or may not be an end of the year 50 mile weekend ride this season. Possible dates are Sat Sept 21 or Sunday Oct 13. Stay tuned. If a finale doesn’t fly this year, we will celebrate the end of the season after a regularly scheduled Monday night program.
We honor those who have gone before us by living each day to the fullest. We retired the jersey of this wonderful original Drafter, Anne, 10 years ago today. We draft behind in remembrance of those who have pedaled on ahead.
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