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Aug 19: Beast of Barlow

The day looks favorable to negotiate with the Beast of Barlow. I did do recon last Monday and have a few updates on the route:

  1. Left turn from Garfoot onto Observatory: note the Loose Gravel sign. There is some.
  2. Barlow is a beast. The dirt previously reported has been swept, but there is a 3 foot wide swatch of gravel. This poses no big danger as you will be climbing a 19% grade.
  3. Descent on Garfoot is TECHNICAL. Control your speed early and often.
  4. HARD LEFT TURN FROM DESCENT ON GARFOOT ONTO BRAUN IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE AT SPEED AND THERE IS GRAVEL. I REPEAT- DANGEROUS HARD LEFT TURN OFF THE DESCENT WITH GRAVEL AT THE INTERSECTION AT BRAUN.
  5. Previously reported sections of gravel on Garfoot off of Mineral Point and on Union Valley have been paved. Nice.

A few other worthy Drafter updates:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE TOBACCO CITY BOY! He ages up tomorrow, so if he rides tonight, beer is on the house (the Brick House).

  • C-Monster and Footer made their debut in the Birch Scroll, representing winter Draft activities.
    Sweet green Drafter beanies are thanks to our friends at SweatVac.

Congratulations to the 5 Drafters who participated in the Ride Across Wisconsin (RAW). Bond finished a wee bit earlier than the rest of us, and was gracious not to drink all the "good" beer at the post-ride party.

  • The choice is yours

Bond may not have been the first rider across the line, but he did sprint to claim the Titletown sign! I think Paul McCartney was spot on with these lyrics, which I have taken the liberty of modifying slightly to honor Bond's accomplishment.

Stuck inside Wisconsin
Ride across forever
Two hundred twenty-five miles
Crazy again like you

Drafter you, Drafter you

If I ever finish this ride

Thought of giving it all away
To a registered charity
All I need is a pint a day

If I ever get outta here
If we ever get outta of here

Well, the ride exploded with a mighty crash
As we rode into the sun
And the first one said to the second one there
I hope you're having fun

Bond on the RAW, Bond on the RAW
And Booker J, Slinger and Drafter Z
Were searching every one
For the Bond on the RAW
Bond on the RAW
Bond on the RAW
Bond on the RAW

I signed up for RAW but ended up completing a new ride I like to call RAAW... Ride Almost Across Wisconsin. Nothing like a broken spoke to put a wobble in the day. Thanks to Cronometro on call, the fine mechanic from Wheel and Sprocket, and my wing man Z who didn't leave me behind. The breakage was limited to the spoke and not my spirit. Thanks for the help, guys.

  • We earned our beer in RAAW.

I'd like to put in a plug for every Drafter (and cyclist) to join Bike Fed. They are advocates for us on the road. I can't require membership, but I strongly encourage all of you to join. Link to Bike Fed: https://wisconsinbikefed.org/join/individual-members/

And if you want to bike in green to support the Draft, reorders for Hincapie Drafter gear are available now.

  • Call 888-826-7870

Cycling is good on so many levels: fitness, green transportation, camaraderie, post-ride beer. Here's one that Duchess discovered that was news to me that might pique your interest: https://apple.news/AcCMvzGp-R3CEV4tjLpV5HQ

Draft responsibly, and remember the two danger intersections in bullet points 1 and 4 above.

BrickO

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The Beast Wins: RIDE CANCELLED

I sent Duchess and Sandlot to negotiate with Mother Nature. They put up a great fight (with M.N., not each other) but ultimately lost the argument for a dry Draft.

Duchess and Sandlot put on their best pouty faces, but you can't argue with Mother Nature.

I really don't want to cancel given that the current precipitation is nothing more than an irritating drizzle, but given the treacherous descent on Garfoot and looming cells on the radar that could potentially become more threatening, I think it would be unwise to ride. That was a really long sentence, so I ended it before finishing my thought: I also am sad not to say goodbye to KickA$$K (and enjoy watching her beat the beast of Barlow).

I found some solace in these lyrics by the Rolling Stones.

I want to ride the beast of Barlow

My back is broad my butt will be hurting

All I want is for you to climb that hill with me

I want to ride the beast of Barlow

I’ve ridden for miles my feet are hurting

All I want is for you to climb that hill with me

Ain’t I fast enough

Ain’t I strong enough

Ain’t I smart enough

I’m not too blind to see…. It’s frickin’ raining

I want to ride the beast of Barlow

But let’s stay home and draw the curtains

Put some music on the radio

Come on Drafters, climb Barlow next week with me

For those of you riding across Wisconsin on Sat (and Sun), have a blast. If RAW isn't challenging enough, consider Penny Farthing racing:

https://www.cbc.ca/sportslongform/entry/louise-armaindo-canadian-professional-sports-pioneer

Draft responsibly,

BrickO

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