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:
- Left turn from Garfoot onto Observatory: note the Loose Gravel sign. There is some.
- 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.
- Descent on Garfoot is TECHNICAL. Control your speed early and often.
- 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.
- Previously reported sections of gravel on Garfoot off of Mineral Point and on Union Valley have been paved. Nice.
- Garmin Link: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/27224638
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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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