The Final Draft: October 9
An ode to the Doors.
Riders on the storm
Riders on the storm
Into this sport we're born
Into this draft we're thrown
Like a dog without a bone
An actor out on loan
Riders on the storm
Mother Nature promised a dry draft, until she didn't. Too late to call it off when the storm cell appeared at 4PM, the forecast for our 4:30/4:45 rides looked like this:
18 Drafters paid tribute to the Doors and were riders on the storm. The majority of Drafters played it smart and left while the sun was still shining. That's not to say they all left at 4:30... Newbie Chippendale sauntered in at 4:32. Pretty bold for his debut on the last Monday draft of the season. Once he explained that he had to rent a bike and buy cycling clothes for the evening, the 2 minute tardy slip was torn up. Clearly overheating during the ride, fellow Drafters suggested he shed the jacket. Seems cycling gear is hard to come by- Chippendale was able to purchase shorts and a rain jacket, but no jersey. Free riding.
We do have a dress code. At least on Monday nights. Skipper thought the Chippendale attire was fair game during his Barnyard MTB event on Saturday. Clearly, he was trying his best to join the ranks of Drone Master's calendar with Miss October Drafters, BrickO and Wampus.
In contrast, GrannyZilla blitzed from clinic, arriving promptly at 4:38PM. You aren't late if you declare in advance that your "group" is leaving at 4:38PM. In contrast to her colleague Chippendale, GrannyZilla dropped her scrubs to reveal a full cycling kit underneath. Will the final draft be the "special occasion" to don her new Drafter kit??? Granny and Hit-the-Wall, who also rushed from clinic to Draft, are proposing a scheduling template that provides excellent care to all patients up to but not one minute beyond 4PM. Draft responsibly.
Speedy and Duracell also came in hot. As pictured below, only Speedy departed with the 4:30 group. Duracell was running late, and without shoes.
Luckily, Skipper was up to code and back in proper Hincapie gear for the Monday night Draft.
Riders on the storm. Nobody got wet. The rain started to fall just as the last Drafters (Skipper, Rimshot, BrickO, Queenie and Duracell) pulled into the driveway. Duracell, who had secured proper footwear and caught back up, and Queenie should have been in well before the droplets fell, but due to a wrong turn, became the Lantern Rouge. Billy Boy was at the finish line to be sure all Drafters arrived safely, and took great satisfaction in learning that BrickO's infamous cue sheet once again may have contained misinformation. To be fair, the official Drafter Cartographer, Columbus, was not able to provide her services this week. Typically, the cue sheets are flawless, Billy Boy.
Vintage showed his true colors, riding up to the Drafter code. He took a detour from the Chapel Tour to shelter his wife, Thing 1, from the storm as she commuted home from a hard day of medical school. He might resist wearing green, but his true colors are Drafter.
The rain brought the post-draft festivities in doors. It also blew in some Drafters who couldn't ride, but may caught wind of the sazeracs. Billy Boy, Coach Arms, Squirrel (also caught up in clinic and signing the petition noted above) and his dog were welcomed additions.
Pipes brought enough sazeracs to keep the troops warm. Speedy thought she was drinking a "sassyass". Close enough.
Notably absent was Belle, once again recovering from a weekend of crushing gravel at the Barry Roubaix. This Drafter has come into her own this season, from criteriums to gravel racing. For those looking for some gravel adventures, check out the Red Granite Gravel Grinder in Wausau Oct 16. There may also be a Drafter edition of the Dairy Roubaix on Nov 6. Let BrickO know if you are interested.
Speaking of going the distance- HAPPY HALF CENTURY to Vilks this Friday!
The sazerac and aging antidote is readily available Tuesday mornings at 7AM.
The final draft will begin promptly at 9AM on Saturday Oct 9th. There are also a short pour and a shot options for those who want to tap out a bit earlier. All drafts will roll out together. The awards ceremony will commence around 12:30PM and wrap up by 2PM (your hosts have a tailgate party to attend) Please bring a lawn chair, lunch and a beverage (we will have some on tap). IF ANYONE HAS HINCAPIE KIT THAT IS TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL, please bring it on Saturday. I'll do my best to make it right.
FULL DRAFT
RidewithGPS link A-MAZO FINAL DRAFT
SHORT POUR: this route starts with the full draft, and diverts at mile 18.
THE SHOT: this 27 mile ride also starts with the full draft and short pour, turning off at Pine at mile 9.5.
Draft responsibly,
BrickO
Oct 4: Last Dance, To the Chapel
Sweet 16. A great turn out for Pit Stop's return! 10 weeks after sustaining pelvic, clavicle and thumb fractures, compliments of an inattentive driver, she is back in the saddle. Conquering The RIDE on Sunday with fellow Drafters Sandlot, Duchess, Winston, Gopher and Badger, Pit Stop saddled up with the Drafters to hit Riley Tavern.
Pit Stop was in better shape than her trusty Parlee steed, which suffered a flat right out of the gate. Gopher, LuLu and Squirrel to the rescue.
The rest of the B Team, not realizing they had left a Drafter behind, set out for Riley Tavern. Nearly all members of the dirty dozen were kitted up. Squirrel and GrannyZilla just got the Hincapie Drafter gear this week, but GrannyZilla is saving her green gear for a "special occasion". Gopher gets a free pass, as his Drafter kit didn't make the laundry after suffering greatly during the RIDE on Sunday when he rode with a broken spoke.
The A Team was small and mighty happy to pick up Busch Latte near Blackhawk to help rein in Cannibal, whose quads seem to grow stronger each week.
There was also a C Team this week, manned by solo rider, Rimshot. Dressed and ready to ride to Riley Tavern, he stopped off first at the Free House. After a few beers, he drafted responsibly to the finish line, bypassing the Riley Tavern.
September riding in Wisconsin is hard to beat. Riding country roads in nearly 80 degrees, with a gentle breeze, fall colors just starting to pop and black walnuts being the only obstacles.
Backyard festivities were more lively than usual. Captain Joe provided a curious sample to GrannyZilla, raising many things, including questions about its contents. Granted, GrannyZilla is a MD, but how many dermatologists request samples???? Back to her earlier comment about saving her Drafter kit for a special occasion....
Dan-yelly proposed a scavenger hunt for her lost car key, with a reward. Your choice: 6 pack of beer or a play date with her 3 children.
The Drafters had some tired legs after a weekend of athletic endeavors. The Northern Woods welcomed the Birkie Trail Run Drafter Relay team, which placed first in their division.
Which division, you might wonder? "Create your own 26.2". The trail less traveled is where you will find the Drafters.
The Drafters also found their way north to Shawano Bike the Barn Quilts, where they too dominated the podium, or would have if there had been a podium. Rimshot, BrickO and Z finished 1, 2, 3.
The after party lacked Drafter flair, but the Stubborn Brothers Brewery was only a block away. It appears the Stubborn Brother's logo may have been heavily influenced by the Drafters.
The last dance will draft by several chapels. And taverns. They seem to go hand in hand in Wisconsin.
While this is the final Monday night draft, please join us for the Final 50 to Mazo on Saturday, October 9 at 9AM. Bring a lunch and beverages to enjoy while we celebrate another wonderful year of drafting during our awards ceremony.
Draft responsibly,
BrickO