March Madness
Welcome to the 2016 Draft! The weather is cooperating beautifully, so let's get this party started. If last year is any indicator, planning our first Monday ride will ensure rain.I propose we host our inaugural Draft on Monday March 14th at 5:30, departing from the BMO bank parking lot across from the Free House on Parmenter St. Please refer to the "Draft Responsibly" prologue of this blog for details. In brief:
- RIDE AT YOUR OWN RISK. There is no fee to ride with this group, and subsequently, the responsibility for safety is all yours.
- Carry spare tubes & CO2 and know how to use them.
- Print your own map or at least know how to get home (clicking your heals three times is not a viable option, unless the shoes are stilettos like Coach Friesen will be wearing today as she coaches the Badger Women's Hockey Team towards the Frozen Four).
- Bring your own beer money and be prepared to cover a friend who didn't.
- Wheels up at 5:30. If you are going to be late, plan to park and meet us on the route- we usually head out Pheasant Branch or Airport Road and there are ample parking spots on both routes. Text me and I will be sure you are not forgotten.
- Most importantly, come with a great attitude and ready to ride, but not like an idiot, have fun and be safe.
Once we get a taste of the Draft, we will take the next two weeks off. Over training is a real risk that I feel compelled to avoid. Coincidentally, I will be in Europe those next two weeks sampling their drafts. We will reconvene on Monday April 4th. We also need to allow time for the arrival of two new bikes. Rumor has it that the Human Metronome has purchased a shiny new Colnago from Cronometro. Given that Jim had two bikes stolen last year, I will refrain from oozing jealousy. The bike fairy also paid a visit to Chrissy Quinoa, our newest Drafter and contender for the best legs contest. Photos of said bikes (not legs) are available upon request.The route is the short but sweet ~20 mile Hyper Loop. This is the short cut (in green on map) from the Hyslop Hustle 30, which you are free to ride if daylight cooperates. The clocks spring ahead on Sunday, but I can't guarantee enough daylight for the full loop. I have Native American blood, but there are limits to my ability to control the weather and daylight.Garmin Link to Hyer Loop *Garmin links are from my house, not the Free House. Close enough in proximity and both have a well stocked beer fridge, so feel free to use them interchangeably.
Draft Responsibly,BrickO
Garth Brooks Serenades Jackie
Despite my upbringing on a tobacco farm in rural Wisconsin, I failed to acquire a taste for country music... until yesterday. The last Draft held our finest weather experience and brought out 13 riders (my lucky number) and a few surprises. Kaiya pushed the pace in the lead group (mind you, this former collegiate basketball star JUST bought a bike, borrowed shoes 3 sizes too big and transcended from back of the pack to leader of the pack in short order), the Human Metronome allegedly got out of his saddle to climb Enchanted Valley (counselor Liz is reviewing the tape, wearing her driving gloves to avoid damaging the evidence), BrickO did not place her typical high maintenance ABLT order without avocado or bacon, add cheese please (ABCLT) and Christopher wore a men's Drafters jersey. The biggest surprise was a coming out by Regina's hockey star and contender for Best Legs in Drafter Magazine. Jackie talked openly in an interview with Nurse Sully about her heart palpitations over Garth Brooks. After listening to his recent re-release of "I've Got Friends in Low Places", I concede that country music is not all bad. At least one song by Garth (she's on a first name basis with him now, with complimentary concert tickets in the third row), will find its way onto my spin playlist this winter.Watch Video of Garth Brooks and Jackie or sing along...I'VE GOT FRIENDS IN LOW PLACES (DRAFTER REMAKE)Blame it all on my roots, I showed up in Hicapie bootsSet the pace for the Drafter affairThe first one to ride, the last one insideWe were the cyclists the Free House bartender hoped to see there.And I saw the surprise and the fear in her eyesWhen I ordered a microbrew and toasted youSaid, “Drafters, we may be through, but you’d never hear me complain”‘Cause I’ve got friends in Spin classes where the music drownsAnd the beer chases my blues away and I’ll be okayI’m not big on social graces, think I’ll slip on down to the Supreme Spin Studio oasis
End of song, end of an extraordi-rainy outdoor season. I thank all 45 (!) of you who rode with the Drafters. I hope to see some of you at Spin and if not, stay tuned for next season. Same bat time, same bat channel.BrickO