May 20: Take Me To (Vermont) Church

Lyrics by CCR Just about a year agoI set out on the roadSeekin' my fame and fortuneLookin' for a pot of goldThing got bad things got worseI guess you will know the tuneOh Lord, stuck in Lodi againSlightly modified to suit the DraftJust about a night agoI set out on the roadSeekin' my ride and good beerLookin' out for those potholesThing got good things got greatI guess you will know the tuneOh Lord, rode to Lodi again

The Lodi ride brought back lots of old timers and some new fashions. Cannibal showed up with new garish sunglasses so large the rest of him looked dainty in comparison. Pres elected to join the fashion show, looking dapper in his Drafter green leggings.  Skipper finally retreated from the woods, where he has been playing with his new Yeti, back on the road decked out in the new Hincapie Drafter kit.  A bonus feature of this year's kit is the calf slimming feature. I barely recognized Skipper as I drafted behind his nearly invisible calves, the same ones that offered protection form the wind only a few weeks back. I thought I had specified "butt slimming" feature, but according to my mirror, that didn't manifest.  Actually, my kankles aren't any slimmer either.  This feature must only be available in  men's kits.  Arms finally took a break from celebrating the NCAA Championship to Draft.  Are you kidding? Yes, I'm kidding.  Before the trophy started collecting dust, she has been busy drafting the UW hockey team for next year.  Despite few bike miles and a new baby, Coach Arms rocked (no surprise there). Thing 1 joined her hubby, Vintage, and easily claimed the power couple title, formerly held by Mega and KiloWatt.  This is my shameless attempt to summon Team Watt back to Draft.  

If you are interested in the calf slimming  2019 Hincapie Drafter kit (feature available only in mens), you can order here through May 26: Hincapie Drafter Store

The ride for next week is one of my favorites. I do recognize that I make this claim of favoritism nearly every week. It isn't my fault that we live in epic cycling territory. I simply cannot choose a single favorite.  Vermont Church is a challenging 40 mile route.  The cut off at Braun is the 30 mile No Brains all Brawn ride we did earlier in the season.  Post-ride rehydration will commence at the Free House. 

And if you are looking for an event this Sunday, check out: Wesby Syttende Mai Bicycle Tour

Lyrics by Hozier Take me to church I'll worship like a dog at the shrine of your lies I'll tell you my sins and you can sharpen your knife Offer me that deathless death Good God, let me give you my life 

Drafter Version, with apologies to Hozier Take me to church I’ll climb Vermont like a dog and tear up my thighs I’ll tell you my watts cause Barlow cuts like a knife Offer me that drafter deal Good God, let me draft you for life

Garmin Link Take Me To Church

PDF map download: Vermont Church 40

As our group continues to grow, just a few gentle reminders:

• Blinkie lights should be blinking from the start of the ride
• No headphones, please- we need to hear approaching traffic
• Follow rules of the road WI DOT link
• "Persons riding bicycles  upon a roadway may ride 2 abreast if such operation does not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic."  We have the right to ride side by side, so long as traffic can freely pass.  That said, it doesn't pay to be right if you aren't alive to enjoy it.  Please call out "car back" and do your best to get into a single file line.  Please stay in a "tight" side by side formation, not veering near the center line.  Point out potholes.  
• Pheasant Branch Road is more potholes than pavement, and is our main artery out of town.  My feeling is that riding close to the shoulder on the descent between the Conservancy parking lots to allow a car to pass is a death wish.  That stretch reminds me of how I descend a black diamond in CO..... I need ALL the available real-estate to be safe. This isn't the Tour de France- we aren't in a paceline holding our line at all costs.  There simply isn't enough solid pavement to allow a car to pass with 3 feet of clearance (see rules above).  As such, I tend to ride mid-lane and give myself plenty of room behind the rider in front of me.  In short, follow the rules and practice good cycling etiquette and above all, use common sense.

Draft responsibly,

BrickO