August 24, 2008
In Boise, yesterday, at Ann Morrison park, was the yearly gathering known as Tour de Fat. Very briefly: it was all about bicycling with a focus on the positive environmental impact of bicycling-as-primary-means-of-transport. Plus beer. The latter because the tour was largely sponsored by the New Belgium brewing company out of Colorado. Everything was free except the beer and 100% of those profits go to a local bike club.
Since I'm a long time bike fan and Leah is also enamored, we made plans to meet some friends and attend. The whole "do" had a wacky, bohemian feel. People wore costumes with no unifying theme. Some costumed their bikes. Some of the crowd looked rowdy but were not, notably during the city-touring parade. After the parade and back at the park, there were a couple of bands and more than one M.C., extolling the virtues of cycling. One person was selected to receive a free bike and give up his car for a year. Someone else won the bike raffle. In the center, was a ring where anyone could freely try many wonky bikes. There were bikes with axles off center, various wheel configurations, some requiring careful balancing and frames that moved in odd ways. Most were difficult or impossible to ride. So, of course, I had a lot of fun. And took far too many pictures:
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| Tour de Fat |
