Monday was a night of firsts.  First Draft of the season.  First 70-degree day in March. First time 23 Drafters enlisted this early in the season, a group so large, the photo had to be divided into east and west divisions.  First serious crash in the history of the Draft.  

Some reflection on that. I accept the inherent risk of riding on the road.  Each time I hear of a crash, whatever the precipitating factors and surrounding circumstances, I recognize that it could have easily been me.  In that same moment, I also enter a state of denial, pointing at those exact precipitating factors and surrounding circumstances, orchestrating my escape plan. 

The crash on Monday left no room for denial. It was a direct hit on our home and Drafter family. The wounds are still raw and painful.  Our thoughts and healing vibes go out to those involved in the crash.

Amidst the darkness, there are rays of bright (green) light to be grateful for.

1. Our tribe.  Every single Drafter stopped and rose to the occasion, rendering assistance to those down.  Nobody panicked. It is a bit foggy, but I clearly remember Herbie assessing Z Wrecks.  Duracell charging to call Speedy, who was faster than the ambulance (living up to her name once again) getting Z Wrecks o the hospital.  Keez and Slim giving the group confidence to continue the ride, clearing the scene so that Thing 1 could put her 4^th year medical skills to good use, adding triage to her resume as she awaits match day.  Nurse Shaq kept a close eye on Hawkeye, and on me, even when I didn’t think I needed it.  Marco and JRad made sure Twinkle Toes was back on his feet, with a quick bike check to ensure he was safe to dance on the pedals.  And many more who are a blur in my mind, but I know were there to help.
2. Barb Kalscheur, off duty EMT from Waunakee who stopped to render aid.  With so much of the world upside down, with lack of empathy and kindness, she restored my hope in humanity. I’ll have a card for all to sign on Monday, with a Food Fight gift card.
3. UW trauma, neuro and ortho teams, who put our men back together again.
4. The dozens and dozens of messages of support in the following hours to days, a meal train, and endless offers to help.

I’m sharing two of those dozens of messages from Drafters, as they express so eloquently what I am struggling to convey. 

“Riding is a thrill we all have a passion for, but sometimes we are so rudely reminded of the risks involved.”

Every time we get in the saddle, we accept the risks that lie ahead.  Pot holes, especially in the spring, are abundant and unpredictable. As are vehicles that don’t see us.  Please continue to draft responsibly, reminding ourselves before mounting our trusty steeds of a few basic principles of safety. To my knowledge, everyone has been following these rules and guidelines, so this is not a reprimand. Rather, it is a reminder to take inventory before each ride.

1. High visibility clothing. Because bright green is my favorite color.  High visibility clothing, especially green, really enhances the beauty of your natural skin tone. And, it has the best chance of catching the eyes of unsuspecting drivers. Of course, green isn’t the only high vis color. Choose one that works for your skin and hair tones.
2. Lights.  Non-negotiable. Rear radar and a front LED light, along with a rear blinky light on your helmet are highly recommended.
3. Helmet.  I recently learned that they have a 5-year shelf life. Not sure how much of that is marketing and how much is actual deterioration of the material.  After seeing Z’s cracked helmet, does it really matter?  Please be sure your helmet meets the standards, fits well (Pipes, be sure not to put in on backwards and Booker J, no more forgetting it after a lsat minute wardrobe change), and securely fastened.  Kudos to Loose Screw for wearing his helmet during yoga, just in case his Warrior goes down.  
4. Spotting and calling out road obstacles, pot holes, etc.  I’m aware that in a true paceline, nobody calls out these things as it is the job of the drafter to follow the wheel in front.  We rarely are in a formal paceline, and few of us are very skilled at it, so calling out obstacles in a timely manner is critical.  Point to the object with your arm stretched out so riders back can see your signal. For a parked vehicle or larger debris, a sweeping motion behind your back to indicate a shift away from the obstacle is appropriate.  Unfortunately, not all things are easily seen, even with the most attentive rider.  And when there are multiple pot holes on both sides, it is very difficult to communicate. We can’t escape the risk all together, but we can minimize it with signaling.
5. Spacing. Riding single file out of town, and no more than 2 abreast once out of town is the rule.  We draft in part for the social aspect of cycling, and it is easy to pull up 3 -wide, to be part of a conversation.  I’ve done it.  I will likely do it again.  And it is up to all of us to check one another’s behavior. 

“You can’t control the roads or the winds or the way the cookie crumbles.  You can only curate a place where we all come to escape from all the things life throws, and a community that’s there in good times and tough ones too.”

I’ve wrestled with how to move forward, if we should move forward with Monday night rides.  These words helped strengthen my resolve to move forward with the Draft, to honor and grow our community.  A good time, perhaps, to review the Drafter code.

Drafter Community Tenets

1. No Drafter Left Behind

1. These are NOT no-drop rides. Every effort will be made to keep small, cohesive groups with multiple departure times at 4:30 and 4:45PM.  The spirit of the 4:30 group will be a bit more relaxed pace, with the 4:45 group having a bit more wattage in their quadage.  Once the rides get longer, we will add an additional 5PM departure, along with Short Pour options. Drafters are at liberty to create their own groups to meet their needs (I’m referring to you, Footer, Pipes and Special K of the FO group).
2. Buddy system. Drafters vying for position of Lantern Rouge are encouraged to find a fellow Drafter to share the honors.
3. Text BrickO if you choose to depart from the group and head back early. A group photo is taken at the beginning so that all team members can be accounted for at the end.

2. Drafters of ALL ages and fitness levels are welcome.

1. Drafters are encouraged to ride in a way that meets their objectives for the evening, and to respect that other drafters may have different goals and ambitions.
2. This is not a pro development team, but we encourage strong riders to get stronger.
   • Strava hunting. If you are jonesing for a segment, please communicate that in advance to the riders around you.  For those on the rivet, having a sudden and unexplained surge in speed can be frustrating at best, dangerous at worst.  Helping our youth riders get on the Strava board can be tons of fun, and give the older horses a sense of purpose.  Again, communication is key.  Please be sure everyone understands the group riding dynamic.
3. Nor is not a group for novice riders.  We simply do not have the infrastructure to give inexperienced riders the instruction they need and deserve.  Old and slow (speaking for myself) are not the same as inexperienced.  The expectation is that Drafters have the basic bike handling skills through years of experience to be safe in a group ride.

And with all of that important business behind us, let’s get ready for Riley Tavern!

This is a nice 25mile southerly adventure.  Departures at 4:30 and 4:45PM from Middleton Hills.

Link to RidewithGPS Drafters | Riley Tavern  

Tomorrow, March 16th, is the last day to order Drafter gear from the Hincapie Team Store.

The space heater and fire pit are ready on the back porch, so bring a lawn chair and beverage for the post-draft social.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

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.

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).

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.

RidewithGPS link Drafters | Easy Street

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.

Looking forward to drafting responsibly,

BrickO

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

15min later and the low sun has already cast the A Team into shadow.

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

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.

STAGE 3: Bargaining

STAGE 4: Depression

STAGE 5: Acceptance

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.

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.

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.

Not making 10 rides, but making something pretty special….. congrats Squirrel and Granny! And no Vilks, you had nothing to do with this.

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.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

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.

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.

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.

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.

No ankles were turned with the running Le Mans start. Luckily, Twinkle Toes remembered his shoes.

The transitions were well rehearsed.

Oddly, the women proved to be better at monkey tail than the men.

Everyone had an opportunity to (moon) shine.

Everyone was a winner. After an exciting day of back and forth, these 3 teams were on the podium:

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!

Link RidewithGPS Drafters | Reverse Chapel

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

Link RidewithGPS Drafters | Riley Tavern

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

13 Drafters celebrated the last day of summer, or close to it, with a 55 mile A-Mazo ride.

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.

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

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.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

The original route for Monday Sept 23, Bridge to Nowhere, leads exactly there. Don’t upload, download or do anything other than off load that course.

We will reroute on this 27 mile beauty, Black Widow, with departure times at 4:45 and 5PM.

RidewithGPS Link: Drafters | Black Widow

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

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!

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!

Congrats to Keez on her invitation to the Fount Talent Camp in KY. True grit, this one.

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.

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!

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.

The team photographer, Skipper, captured the Formidable Festge route beautifully.

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.

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.

The A and B teams came together on 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.

Back at base camp, The Colonel showed up for roll call.

Lots of Junior Drafters showed up to be counted as well.

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.

Link RidewithGPS Drafters | Bridge To Nowhere

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.

Link RidewithGPS Drafters | A-Mazo Finale Rox

Link RidewithGPS Drafters | Rockin’ to Roxbury

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

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

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.

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.

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…

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 🙂

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.

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!

RidewithGPS link Drafters | Formidable Festge

RidewithGPS link Drafters | Formidable Festge Short Pour

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.

The Badger Challenge is Sun Sept 22 and Pit Stop and the Hot Toddies are still taking members/donations!

Draft responsbily,

BrickO