The inaugural Draft was a bit drafty.  Thanks to gale force winds out of the south-southwest, 14 Drafters felt like rockstars leaving the corral and heading north.  BrickO and Z Rex were sure to take turns pulling early (read: while tail winds were strong), leaving the Highway Men to do the dirty work on the way home.   Too Hip and Tick Tock definitely earned their cold draft at the Free House, pulling us through the wind tunnel.  These Highway Men did not miss a day commuting throughout the winter months (need I remind you of the snow fall and sub-zero temperatures in Feb?) and it showed in their quadriceps strength and mitochondrial density.  All I have to show for my “winter training”, which consisted of a serious Netflix regime and sampling of dark and mysterious microbrews, is a few more adipocytes.  Time to taper, I think…

The route was pretty straightforward, or so I thought. Tough Girl ignored the GPS coordinates and posted map, ending up in Waunakee.  What is that saying about the road less traveled (by someone wearing his wife’s bike shorts- or is that a different literary work)?  When accused of getting lost, Tough Girl retorted, “I wasn’t lost.  I live in Waunakee and knew exactly where I was. I just didn’t know the bike route.”

Despite nothing but sunshine (and wind) in the forecast, we rode hard to escape the looming black rain clouds that appeared approximately 2 miles into the ride.  Tick Tock muttered under his breath as we rode into town, “We couldn’t get out from under it the entire ride”,  to which I jubilantly responded, “Yeah, but we never got wet”.  Famous last words.  Let it rain, let it rain, let it rain.  It wasn’t so much the volume of water that fell as it was the tenacity with which the drops struck (Z Rex counted 12, confirmed by the divots on Sandlot’s helmet).

Drone Master is currently running unopposed for “best dressed” Drafter.  He looked stunning in his green kit, but I’m talking about the post-ride wardrobe.  This guy is brilliant- not only does he cut the ride short by stopping at his house on the way into town, but he showers, shaves, puts on cologne and looks fresh as a daisy for dinner at the Free House.  Table for One, please.

A few riders represented the Draft from east to west in the south.  From Sanibel (Tobacco City Boy and Billy Bob) to Arizona (Nurse Sully), green was seen (or making a scene, probably both).  From far reaching corners of the county, we were represented earlier in the day (some folks just can’t wait to get in their miles) from Fitchburg (CM and Vilks) to Middleton (Captain Joe). I appreciate flying the colors even when you can’t join us.  Mysteriously absent was Bomber.  His teammate, Slinger, confessed that Bomber might need some alone time after pulling him (literally, with a rope) mid-Adventure race due to a pedal mechanical failure on Saturday.  Rumor has it that Bomber also rode the Railroad Roubaix route on Sunday (in the rain, as you may recall), just because Saturday didn’t kill him.

The route for next week, April 15th, will head west to  Disenchanted Valley to test your quadriceps strength and mitochondrial density.  We won’t attempt the full Spring Valley loop quite yet as we need to leave something hillacious to look forward to when the days grow warmer and longer.  For now, we will take the short cut on Pine Rd (~27miles).  There are a few nasty pot holes on Enchanted Valley before the Autumn Pond subdivision.  WATCH THE GRAVEL at the bottom of Schuman Rd and Spring Valley.  KP is more pot hole than asphalt. Imagine yourself as Peter Sagan bunny hopping his way to victory on the cobbles of Paris-Roubiax.  Other than that, it is delightful.

PDF map to download:  Pine Loop

Garmin link Pine Loop

One more thought to share: as we drafter out Pheasant Branch Road on Monday, I was struck by the number of beer cans (I counted over a dozen can of Fosters- who drinks that??) and countless other pieces of garbage.  It makes me sad, as I do think we owe our planet a bit more respect.  So, I’m thinking maybe we can give back a little to the earth that allows us the opportunity to ride around on it.  I have put in an application for “Adopt-A-Highway” on behalf of the Drafters, specially requesting that stretch of road.  Should we be selected, the commitment is 3 clean-ups between April and November.  I’m happy for any and all help, should we be selected.  Beer will be provided for all who participate.  And it won’t be Fosters or Duchess.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

The forecast looks promising for our 2019 inaugural Draft, at least for today.  Snow tomorrow, so let’s make the most of this window of opportunity to Draft.  We will start with a short 25 mile loop due north taking the Hyer Rd cut off at P.  Watch for gravel at Pheasant Branch and Meffert Rd.

• Wheels up 5:30 sharp from the parking lot on Parmenter. As you may recall from seasons past, the Draft waits for no one at the start, and everyone during the ride. If you are running late, consider parking at the Pheasant Branch Conservancy and joining the pack on the fly.
• Bring a blinky light, helmet (duh), and tools to repair a flat.  Bomber has had two already, a healthy start to reclaiming his championship title from Skipper.  Vilks is making a strong attempt at the title as well.  Skipper, on the other hand, seems more interested in creating a new championship bracket for most stitches.  I will order more trophies.

• Drinking and other debauchery will commence after the Draft at the Free House. Amy will once again take care of us.  Please tip her well.
• Happy birthday to Hit-The-Wall

PDF map to download: Hyer Loop 25

Garmin Link

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Due to high winds and low interest, we will delay the start of the drafting season. Don’t be afraid to get dirty in the meantime. It’s a perfect day for that.

Monday Night! by the Middleton City Drafters (with back up vocals by the Bay City Rollers)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BKKaKT_dtM

M-O-N-D-A-Y night!
M-O-N-D-A-Y night!
M-O-N-D-A-Y night!
M-O-N-D-A-Y night!

Gonna keep on biking
To the rock and roll
On Monday night, Monday night
Cyclin’ to the rhythm
In our heart and soul
On Monday night, Monday night

I-I-I-I
Just can’t wait
I-I-I-I gotta date

I’m good at the ol’ climb and roll
Drafter ride, I’ve gotta go!
Monday night
Monday night

Gonna climb it up
Roll it down
Take a pull, ride like a bull
Monday night
Monday night

M-M-M-Monday night
M-M-M-Monday night
M-M-M-Monday night

M-O-N-D-A-Y night!
M-O-N-D-A-Y night!
M-O-N-D-A-Y night!
M-O-N-D-A-Y night!

Gonna draft with my buddies
‘Til the night is through
On Monday night
Monday night

I-I-I-I love to ride
I-I-I-I’m so glad not to be inside
On Monday night
Monday night

M-O-N-D-A-Y night!
M-O-N-D-A-Y night!
M-O-N-D-A-Y night!

M-M-M-Monday night
M-M-M-Monday night
M-M-M-Monday night
M-M-M-Monday night

Winter was good to the Drafters.  Here’s a brief recap of a few memorable moments.

Indoor training at CXC kept us warm on cold winter nights, and also highly entertained. Fish-N-Boots had several wardrobe malfunctions, including forgetting cycling shoes which necessitated cycling in winter boots, and mistaking his wife’s cycling shorts for his own.

Not all of us stayed inside.  A fair number of Drafters ventured out on two skis instead of two wheels.  I’d like to say that I was one of the Birkie finishers, but alas, the photo is not of the Birkie finish. Cookie Monster and E$ weren’t fatigued enough after the Birkie, so traveled to Switzerland to do another ski marathon.

Skipper wasn’t afraid to bike in a little weather.  I wouldn’t be either if I could grow a beard like his (with my recent half century accomplishment, that shouldn’t be far off)! Look for more opportunities to bike with Skipper this summer as we kick off the Dirty Drafter rides at CamRock.

A few beardless Drafters sought out warm weather riding excursions this winter.

And some winter victories didn’t involve a bike at all.  Congrats to Coach Arms and the Badger Women’s Hockey National Champions!

We will aim to kick off the Drafter season this Monday, April 1 (no fooling), pending cooperative weather.  Wheels up at 5:30 from the parking lot on Parmenter, with beers to follow at the Free House.  We will start with shorties, building miles as the weather grows warmer and daylight longer.

Garmin link: Hyer Loop

PDF to print: Hyer Loop 25

DANGER: there are more pot holes than asphalt on the segment of Pheasant Branch between the Conservancy parking lots at the top and bottom of the hill.  There is GRAVEL down on the intersection of Pheasant Branch and Meffert.  The city has up barricades to alert you to the fact.

A reminder to ride smart, at your own risk, and with another Drafter.  Please consider using a blinky light.  Have fun, get fit, don’t be a jerk and respect the rules of the road.

Last announcement:  2019 Drafter gear from Hincapie clothing order is due APRIL 2nd.  Email me if you want the link.

Let the games begin.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

What a sweet last dance.  The weather cooperated beautifully and the daylight held out just long enough to see a record 22 Drafters round the corner from Riley Tavern to the Free House.  Several rounded the wrong way, but it wouldn’t be a suitable official end of the season without Drafters gone astray.  Tick Tock halted the lead peloton and made the executive decision to turn left on Old Sauk, sighting Rule V. “BrickO would have us climb every last hill, including Twin Valley and Blackhawk.  Harden the F up, Cannibal and Booker J, and turn left.” Many of the ensuing Drafters failed to yield Rule V and turned right, eluding the elevation gain- which is always the wrong way.

Drafter quads were a bit sluggish from the RIDE the day before.  Cannibal was sporting his RIDE number, definitely a Velominati violation of rule 57. Skeeter Bait, Footer, Whamo and Sandlot rode the full 100.  Skeeter pulled Footer for the first 50, before saying, “so long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen,  adieu.  I’d like to stay but I need to taste my first cold beer before you.” Whamo and Sandlot managed to avoid the medical tent, a definite improvement over Tyranena.  Cookie Monster, E$, K2 and Billy Bob  missed the 60 mile mass start, kindly waiting for fellow Drafter Dan-yelly.  Who would have guessed she’d be running late? I’m sensing a name change in 2019. Equally predictable, BrickO got off track and ended up riding on Highway on 151 before engaging in some cross bike over the shoulder maneuver and billy goating down the steep embankment to find traffic traveling less than 70mph. Sheesh.

Dan-yelly, E$, CM, K2 and Billy Bob pre-60

Skeeter and Footer

Whamo and Sandlot

Does this number make my quads look big?

Is Hwy 151 part of the RIDE route?

I am directionally impaired, but I had other more pressing impairments to contend with during the RIDE on Sunday.  For one, I was exhausted from the Bride Ride on Friday.  Haven’t heard of it?  Likely because only a few women have lived to tell the tale. 4 to be precise. The Bride Ride itself was only 20 miles, but the first half into a 30 knot headwind.  As the story goes, the wind changed direction, such that a 30 knot headwind was enjoyed the entire loop.  Pipes hadn’t been on two wheels since the birth of her daughter 3 years ago. Once an Olympian, always up for the games.  The physical demands of the Bride Ride required immediate resuscitation at the Missouri Tavern, which was CLOSED ON A FRIDAY BEFORE NOON IN WISCONSIN.  What the???? Fortunately for the bridal party, the Craftsman was open and dark beers readily available.  Seeking nourishment after 20 miles of pedaling, the bridal party feasted.  Dr. Wampus, concerned for our health, insisted on medicinal doses of whiskey and several other Drafters arrived on the scene to render nutritional support.

Olympic rowers clearly don’t know much about helmet fitting

Bride Ride: Footer, BrickO, Pipes and CM

A quick shout out to Dr. Lucius Corr for his gallant attempt to make the wedding.  When plans fell through, he rode in honor of the Draft.

The Bride Ride is a two day stage race.  The elements were not a factor in stage 2, which was held indoors at the Overture Center velodrome. This stage is well known for its cookie toss, an extremely dangerous display of athleticism and precise aim.

Billy Bob and Dan-yelly win the cookie toss

Do they make white bike shorts for these occasions?

Catch, E$! Drone Master and his significant other look on.

An acknowledgment to Ruthie Hauge Photography- I’m quite sure she had never been asked to take a Drafter bridal party photo quite like this.

Headband or garter?

Drafters clean up nice

So, in short, I had good reason to be a little fuzzy on the directions during the RIDE on Sunday AM.  Where are we in this story?  Back to the Monday night Draft.  With 22 Drafters all staying for dinner, and a few more making appearances, we had a total take over of the front patio.

Caboose at the head of the table

Patio take over

Co-pilot Ann with Baby Riley

Evil Twin 11%… good to the last drop.

The 11% Evil Twin was no match for Footer.  Speedy and D2 Duracell took a sip and there were immediate repercussions.  Speedy did the quick math and calculated that she had drunk 8/9 of a sip and therefore consumed 0.97% alcohol.  When waitress Amy asked Duracell how he wanted his burger done, he said “with coleslaw, please”.

I think the Evil Twin should not be underestimated.  Look what evil fun Footer and Skeeter Bait had at CamRock this weekend?

Evil Twins

11% pain

BrickO and Z felt like the weather was evil on Saturday as they rode the Shawano Bike the Barn Quilts.  I’d say the name lacks luster, and while it is true that the terrain is less evil than CamRock, the 30 degree start made us earn the green jersey.

The Drafter family brings me such joy- and I am honored to ride each with with all of you.  Thank you for being kind to one another, pushing each other to be stronger and faster, and for putting all the “stuff” aside and enjoying a beer with one another at the end of the night.  I have your back, and know you have mine.  I’m not big on math and even less of a fan of statistics.  I don’t need numbers to know that this group is significant.

Two other awards to be given out: 1) Flat tire club inductees: Booker J, Skeeter Bait and Tick Tock and 2) best Drafter photo: for the category of most miles traveled, Billy Bob; for the category of most committed, Cookie Monster and E$; and for capturing the most Drafters under one rainbow, Skeeter Bait.

Billy Bob full of V

E$ and CM say I do

Skeeter under a rainbow

I wish you all a wonderful hibernation and look forward to Drafting again next spring.

D

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

In the words of the late and great Tom Petty…

She grew up in a Midwestern town
Had a good lookin’ Colnago she road all around
But she road hard and she climbed alright
With them Drafter boys on a Drafter Monday night

Well she started the Draft in two thousand thirteen
She didn’t blow the boys away, but it was more than they’d seen
The Draft was introduced and we all started groovin’
She said, “I dig you Drafters, we got to keep movin’…on, keep movin’ on”

Last dance through the county of Dane
One more time to feel the pain
I feel summer creepin’ past and I’m
sad this Draft is my laaaast.

Well I don’t know what I’ve been told
You never slow down, you never grow old
I’m tired of changing flats, I’m tired of goin’ down,
but never grow tired of biking this town

Oh my my, oh hell yes
Honey put on that Drafter dress
Buy me a drink, sing me a song,
Take me as I come ’cause I can’t stay long

Last dance through the county of Dane
One more time to feel the pain
I feel summer creepin’ past and I’m
gonna make this night laaaast

There’s mosquitos down at Free House square
Sully’s standin’ in her Drafter wear
Lookin’ down from a beer menu
Spotted Cow will be comin’ soon

Oh my my, oh hell yes
You’ve got to put on that Drafter dress

Last dance the county of Dane
One more time to feel the pain
I feel summer creepin’ past and I’m
gonna make this night laaaast

We had an excellent turn out Monday. 17 Drafters  “Wauan”ted to Ride Easy Street.

Z Rex riding into the sunset

Skeeter Bait and Z Rex

Green Sea

That isn’t to say we all wanted to ride Easy. We had an abundance of lead-legged Drafters.  Bomber was still licking his Ironman wounds, leaving Cannibal and Captain Joe to sprint for the town sign.  Booker J may have to change his name to Booker BS, as he taunted Cannibal to take the sign from nearly a mile back.  “How far is the town sign?”  “Oh, just over the hill (unsaid: and up the next one, and then another half mile past that).

Captain Joe sat back in Cannibal’s exhaust, until the thigh endowed man had no fuel to burn, and then claimed the sign.  Tick Tock declined the invitation to sprint as he had just finished the most challenging race of his life- the Chequamegon, with mud so thick racers were literally stopped dead in their tracks, being catapulted over their handlebars.

Billy Bob was also feeling a bit sluggish after his “Ironland” event.  Stunning photos from across the pond.  You know where he draws his strength?  From the Velominati Rule V.  And I thought V was on his license plate because he was Billy Bob McC the V.

Cork Rebel Tour link

Searching for leprechauns

Billy Bob full of V

Several fierce Drafters found their legs despite being plied with 11% porters compliments of the Tyranena Oktoberfest post-ride party.  Footer and her Dad, Electro, Skeeter Bait, BrickO, Z Rex, Whamo and Sandlot enjoyed what could have been the most epic cycling day ever; no rain, wind or humidity and ample beer, food and music post-ride. The weather was so perfect that Electro, who currently resides in Texas, decided to get off his bike and walk for awhile, just to enjoy the cool weather, and then grabbed a beer at the rest stop at mile 30, conveniently the Hubbleton microbrewery.

Rest stop Hubbleton Brewery

Footer and Electro

Whamo apparently forgot that one still needs to hydrate, and ended up with road side assistance.  Good thing Sandlot is a nurse-  “For better and for worse”, right?

Sandlot drafting at work

Whamo seeking aid from a volunteer, a UW nurse and his wife Sandlot, also a RN. Go big of go home on the medical coverage.

Better than the medical tent was the service at the food and beer tent.  I strongly recommend you consider Tyranena on your list of events next year.

Footer and Z Rex

Skeeter, BrickO and Electro

Whamo and 2 RNs

That’s a fairly complete list of excuses for why many of us had tired legs on Monday and didn’t challenge Cannibal and Captain Joe for the town sign sprint.  None of us could challenge this new record set- 184mph by a woman on a bicycle.

Link: She just rode 184mph on a bicycle. Really.

I expect those of us doing the RIDE this Sunday to challenge that.  The Drafter force will be felt- I’ve got Bomber, Footer, Coach Arms, Sully, Wampus, Captain Joe, Caboose, Cookie Monster and Vilks on the roster along with special appearance by K2!  Congrats on your recent summit race.  She’s got more miles on those legs running up mountains than most of us do biking!

All 17 Drafters, with our without legs of lead, completed the Wanua Ride Easy Street before the sun set.  Waitress Amy was ready at the Free House with beers and an extra side of olives and buffalo sauce for BrickO.  Sandlot brought her son, Evan AND wrote a poem. Much appreciated.

Last dance of the season will be the Riley Tavern Route, a poetic end as it was also our first ride of the season.  Short but sweet this is a 21mile oldie but goodie.

Map download PDF: Riley Tavern 20

Garmin link Riley Tavern

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

In the lyrical words of Queen,

Bicycle bicycle bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle bicycle bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my bike
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride it where I like

But, the earth is tilting away from the sun on its imaginary axis, gradually restricting our Monday night ride distance until there will be none.  All 10 Drafters were in before dark on the Cocktail ride, but only by cutting the ride down to 25miles and taking the bike path home.  I am hoping we can safely squeeze in 2 more short rides before calling it a helluva season.

The Cocktail crew was missing a few usual suspects, possibly due to fatigue. Congrats to Dan-yelly, Tobacco City Boy and Booker J on their Door County Century.  Ironman WI indoctrinated two Drafters, Wandering Slow Cow and B2 Bomber.

Well done, boys.  Billy Bob decided to get out of town for his endurance event, traveling to South West of Ireland to ride in the Cork Rebel Tour.  One one of these endurance competitions had the chutzpah to show up to the Draft Monday… and not to ride, but to drink and eat copious amounts of red meat.  Wandering Slow Cow credited Cookie Monster Wille with his strong finish.  Allegedly, Wandering Slow Cow was exhibiting the characteristics of his name sake when he stumbled upon CM.  Her strong encouragement and possible reprimand for demonstrating behavior unbecoming of a Drafter (not enough Rule V of the Velominati) was enough incentive to pick up his walk to a passing running pace (at least until out of sight).

The route for next week will take us to Waunakee.  It’s a 26 mile route, which is going to be a push against the darkness.  PLEASE be ready to ride at 5:30 sharp, and if you can leave earlier with a buddy, please do.  PLEASE PLEASE BRING FRONT AND READ BLINKIE LIGHTS. 

Download PDF map: Wauna Ride Down Easy Street?

GPS link: Wauna Ride Easy Street

Our last ride will be Riley Tavern on Sept 24.  Be sure to submit your prize winning Drafter photo if you want to be considered for the competition.

I believe registration for the Tyranena Oktoberfest ride is still open.  Barefooter, her dad, Skeeter Bait, Whamo, Sandlot, Z Rex and I will be there.

Tyranena Oktoberfest Ride link

There is also a big Drafter showing for The Ride.  This is super well organized and obviously supports a good cause.

The Ride registration link

Lastly, don’t forget about scenic Shawano Bike the Barns on Sept 30!

Shawano Bike the Barn Quilts ride link

Draft responsibly, and visibly especially these last two rides.
BrickO

Earth Wind and Fire.  I am starting to wonder why the band didn’t include water in their handle?

Seems to be the predominate natural element as of late. No matter, we will not be riding on Labor Day, but hopefully dryly Drafting in September.

Hey hey hey
Ba de ya, say do you remember
Ba de ya, drafting in September

My wheel is with you
Holding pace with your bike to see you
Only trash talk and love
Remember how we knew drafting was here to stay

We are losing daylight fast.  The AC/DC Back in Black ride last week pushed the limits of visibility for all 17 Drafters, but particularly BrickO, who came in behind Caboose and his newbie friend, S-Cat.  You might imagine that S is short for Scaredy since he came late and left early, avoiding detection from anyone other than Caboose. Or maybe S is for Smart as he successfully avoided our slipstream bantering. Hard to say, but I hope he returns to Draft another day.  No doubt you are wondering why I was the Lantern Rouge on Monday night?  Well, maybe that isn’t a mystery that needs solving.  But, I will say that my new gravel bike, “Jessie“, a wedding gift from Z Rex wan’t to blame. (Who wants diamonds when you can have gravel? And with enough compression and shifting of my tectonic plates, it’s bound to form a diamond eventually) Jessie took inventory of the other gravel bike, ride by B2 Bomber, and went directly to the back of the line.

Exiting to the back of the paceline may have been a bit premature (which implies it was premeditated and therefore under my control- none of which are true), as Bomber was a bit beat up from his Race the Lake excursion the previous day.  The lead peloton took a horrific crash with only a few miles left to go.  Bomber left it on the course, literally, and still managed to finish in the top 20%.  Praise be to the Integument System.  Jessie missed her chance to go gravel to gravel with Bomber, but had a lovely time catching with with Coach Arms, who made her first post-baby Drafter debut.  In the words of Captain Joe, “I can’t even tell she had a baby.”  For those of us who were in maternity clothes continually between children, we are insanely jealous, but in the spirit of the Drafters, really excited that you look so damn good a few weeks after labor.

Bomber wasn’t the only one in need of a bandaid after a long ride.  As previously reported, Vilks was in the lead group at the Dairyland Dare 300k before succumbing to what he thought was a monster bonk and intense stomach pain.  A rare but not unique incident (see results from Triple Bypass circa 2005ish), Vilks did not cross the finish line.  This is a legit “I only rode 240k” cycling saga.  Turns out, Vilks had more than a little gas.  Nothing like an appendectomy to remind us to listen to our bodies, especially when they make us vomit.  His biggest obstacle in recovering is mental, after learning whose company he was keeping in the lead group. Vilks had been riding along side Dave Haase, a Fond du Lac native and 5 time Race Across America finisher. If only his appendix had cooperated, Vilks may have gotten some press instead of an ED admission…..  FDL Reporter link

In other endurance event news,  Wandering Slow Cow has taken up cross-training to sharpen his skills for the upcoming Ironman.  My dear friend, Safari Kris, who was present at the Triple Bypass to witness Vilker’s non-appendicitis DNF, endured the long but worthwhile trip to Africa for a hiking adventure.  Arms and Legs still hold the gold medal for capturing a Drafter photo with an elephant, but I would say any Drafter photo from Africa qualifies for competition.  I wish I had a photo of MegaWatt at the finish line of his Cascade Crest 100 mile trail run in Washington.  I only know he finished because I have to be back at work next week, which means he’s alive and still my boss.  Congrats to all on your magnificent feats.

Make new friends and keep the old. One is silver and the other gold.  There is nothing silver about my new friend and Drafter, Formula One.  She’s raw energy and can hold her own on any descent, which I witnessed numerous times at the Haute Route in Norway.  By way of South Africa to England and now residing in the Big Ass state of Texas, welcome Formula One to the Draft!

Formula One

At the Haute

From here on out, the rides will be substantially shorter until we reach the critical mileage of 20, whereby we will deem the miles to beer ratio too small to justify.  Please bring FRONT AND REAR BLINKIE LIGHTS if you have them. If said illumination modules are not part of your Drafter gear, consider investing, borrowing, or riding strategically between Drafters who are in compliance with the laws of the light.  This should go without saying, but please be READY TO RIDE at 5:30.  We need every minute of daylight.  I know there are unforeseen circumstances and unusual predicaments, like Tick Tock finding himself locked in the bathroom (while he is an excellent bike mechanic, I strongly discourage you from calling upon Tick Tock for household remodeling projects), which is why we have set up a hotline.  Nurse Sully will be on call for such emergencies.  Several weeks into retirement, she has taken a part-time job at Pleasant View golf course.  If you call, expect to hear this in a sunshiny voice, “Hello. Thanks for calling Pleasant View where every hole is a birdie.  This is Sully.  How can I help?”

The September 10 route is named after a cocktail which I’ve never imbibed.  Next year I will come up with a Sazerak route, for which I am fluent imbiber.  The Tom Collins route is a 30 miler, which can easily be cut to 25 by taking the bike path home.  It occurs to me that the Missouri Tavern is a historic landmark along the bike path that should be visited, for educational purposes, of course.  I propose we arrange for such an interlude, but only if we have blinkie lights and Nurse Sully on call.

Download map PDF: Tom Collins 30 25

Garmin link: Tom Collins Cocktail Ride GPS link  

Garmin link with bike path home: Tom Collins mini-cocktail Ride GPS link

HINCAPIE JERSEYS ARE EN ROUTE, arriving today through Wednesday. If you will not be home to sign for your gear, sign onto the FedEx website and give permission for delivery sans signature.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

Do you remember how nice and sunny it was for the Draft one week ago?

Well, we aren’t so lucky tonight, which is a bummer for a variety of reasons: 1) we can’t raise a beer glass to toast Tobacco City Boy’s birthday.  Actually , we can raise and drink said glass,  just not together at the Free House post-ride, 2) Pipes put on an extraordinary Drafter yoga class this AM and my posterior chain is in prime flexible form to tackle Black Hill, 3) all of the rain gear I ordered while in Norway has arrived.  I’m wondering why I ordered it at all, given that I am quick to cancel the first opportunity I have to try it out?  Oh yeah, rain gear looks good in my closet.  Maybe I will put on my neon green VeloToze and walk through some puddles, just to test them out (see matching neon green POC gloves and socks in photo above- also part of the retail therapy post Haute Route).

I hope to see you all next Monday for the Back in Black ride.  There will be NO RIDE the following Mon, Sept 3 as it is Labor Day WEEKEND.

REMINDER: Hincapie orders due Aug 22.  Orders placed in July will be sent Mon Aug 27. You must sign for FedEx or go online once you get the notice and give permission for it to be left without a signature.

Looking for a bike event?  Consider riding Tyranena Oktoberfest on Sept 15.  Great music and food, not too many hills.  Register here: Oktoberfest

Draft responsibly,

BrickO