August 18, 2004
Pan Mass Challenge
There was a double event in our little seaside town a couple of Saturdays ago. A blues festival and our shorter, domestic version of the Tour de France. the Pan Mass Challenge The events attracted cyclists of both the bi and motor varieties. Since there are several versions of the bicycle route - ranging from 84 miles to 192 miles, some of the short routers, who were doubling back, rode through town twice. The second time at 5 AM, my sunrise shift. The motorcyclists weren't up yet, and we all know why.
You have to look good in spandex to do this ride. You also have to have developed excellent crotch callouses. Some sissies stayed over at the Inn, instead of camping out or bunking at the Maritime Academy .
I, the twenty-mile-a-day-if-I'm-lucky-girl, certainly have a nerve calling anyone on this trip a sissy. Just like George W. questioning the severity of Kerry's wounds in Vietnam. What really counts here? Did you show up and ride the race, or were you AWOL. I was AWOL, taking pictures
Big photo note: As you can see, some of the riders made intimate contact passing by. I can't decide whether to add or subtract points for the glowing ray emitting from the third eye of the first rider. The blues festival is taking place on the right.
View larger image View larger image
Little photo note: The cycles, bi and motor, mixing it up, with the cars new and antique.
View larger image View larger image
Little photo note: Going the other way at dawn.
View larger image View larger image
Little photo note: The Inn stayers costumed to match the flag.