the main peloton

a couple of the team cars carrying replacement bikes in case something goes wrong

This is the big finish.  The guy in third place, Mark Cavendish, is freakishly fast.  That was at just 150 meters to go and between this picture and the finish he managed to get out in front all by himself.

This year’s Moonlight Ramble was a blast.  That was the first time I’ve ever ridden with thousands of people at the same time.  It is a unique experience to be sure. This years route started right in front of city hall and went to forest park, looped around the park, and returned back to downtown.  Right at 14 miles.  Unfortunately I put my front wheel on backwards or else I’d have some more stats for you   I wish I had taken more pictures of all the cool bikes.  Riding with that many people and taking pictures at the same time probably would have been a bad combination.  We had pirates, a flamingo, old school bikes with the huge wheel little wheel (can’t think of the name) and lots of tandem bikes.  I thought it was really cool to see all the kids there for a ride that started at midnight. I plan on taking Sam and Novalie as soon as they’re old enough.

This picture below was taken about 45 minutes before we actually started.  A ton more people shows up during that time but you can get the idea of how many people were there and that picture was taken right in the middle facing the start.  There were just as many people behind us.

I got to ride with my friend Dan and his sister (the one taking the picture).  We get together for events like this to keep appearances but we’re actually arch enemies in our own quests to take over the world through wedding photography.

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In my own cycling exercise I’ve done pretty well at keeping my goal of 50 miles per week.  Cycling is really the only thing I can do for over an hour without sheer boredom.

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This weekend is the gateway cup which consists of four different criterium races thoughout the city.  We’re planning on going to Sunday’s race in the Hill and then to the pasta dinner afterwards.  If you can find me at the race I’ll give you a half off portrait session coupon.