June 19: Stuck in Lodi Again 40, 35 or 25 mile options

The weekend proved a challenging one for racing.   Hot with a top knot pretty much sums it up.  I'm talking about the weather conditions.  The Tour de Coulee reached 92 degrees with a 30-knot wind, fortunately a cross for most of the 100 miles. The ride declares an official King of the Mountain. Although Arms and Legs didn’t ride the Tour de Coulee, they definitely won the Queen/King of the Mountain award (and likely the Drafter photo competition)!Z placed top 10 overall and 2cd in his age group (40-45, right?) at the Tour de Coulee. His push was just what I needed to finish seconds ahead of him. Good thing he can shoulder such a heavy load.

On a more somber note, I want to recognize the loss of a cycling icon, Steve Pye. I had the privilege of being mentored by Steve when I attended the USA Cycling Coaching Clinic in MN in May. In a mere 3 days, he made an impact on my approach to coaching that will last a lifetime. Little did I know that his lifetime would only extend a few more weeks. Steve was hit by a SUV while on a training ride in Denver, CO on Thur, June 8th. May we honor his memory, and our own lives, by riding visibly and respectfully. Bad things may still happen that are out of our control, like this tragedy, but please take whatever steps possible to improve our odds.  Ride with a blinky light, wear brightly colored clothing, follow the rules of the road and be aware of your surroundings.In the words of Creedence Clearwater Revival, the route for Monday will have us "Stuck in Lodi Again".   When I did recon yesterday, I was happy to see that the stretch of Hwy 19 has been repaved.  However, the lines have not been painted and cones were still out, so ride with caution (well, you should always ride with caution).  The full route, including the top knot, is ~40miles.  Skip the top knot to knock off 5, or further shorten to  25 miles by hanging a left on Kopp (Hyer loop in reverse) or simply do an out and back to Dane. Lodi GPS linkDraft responsibly,BrickO

June 12: Order Me A Double

Quick recap of the highlights of last night's epic ride:

Newbie Schubie upon approaching the hill on Woodland uttered, "Is THIS the beast?"  We will save Bitney for another time, Shubie :)

A few of us could almost keep B2 Bomber in sight when he would take off for a Strava challenge.  Sadly, we learned later that he had ridden 112 miles the day before...including 3 repeats up Blue Mounds.

The green machine was a thing to behold.  A season record of 15 Drafters were out in full force, many in their new kits, which looks fabulous.  Being my first kit EVER, I am pretty darn excited to be sporting Drafter green top to bottom.  Billy Boy McC was decked out in green socks, helmet, and handle bar tape.  Rumor has it that he has Cronometro ordering him a lime green saddle. Such a good Irish boy.

Cliff was getting in some last minute training before heading of to San Francisco to race the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon this weekend.  He didn't really pay close attention to the race details before signing up.... like how long or cold the swim might be.  We hope that he comes home with all his parts in tact.

How Ya Know Hujanen made an inaugural appearance after coaching MHS Pole Vault for the past few months, which precluded him from fulfilling his Drafting duties.  Conveniently, he had a "meeting" at 6:30, which prevented him from riding the full route.  Aerospace engineers are no dummies.

Dan-yelly gets the Drafter Momma of the night award.  How many mommas can ride 42 miles so quickly after giving birth?  Here's a shout out to the Drafter Mommas and the next generation of Drafters.

Next week we have something special on tap.  Order me a double, it is happy hour!  PLEASE JOIN US FOR YOGA MON JUNE 12 AT 6:15AM at the Middleton VFW.  The first class is FREE.  After that, the cost for remaining 6 weeks is $72, or drop in for $15/class.  Please contact Karen Rigsby to reserve your spot karenkraftrigsby@gmail.comFollowing yoga, will be good and loose for the second round, our ride to Riley Tavern at 5:30pm.  I've intentionally made this a short ride given that many Drafters are doing the Tour de Coulee Century on Sat or the Half Ironman on Sunday.  Go Get Em! There will be many tired bodies primed for Yoga and a short spin.Riley Tavern Garmin LinkDraft Responsibly,BrickO