There could not have been a more fitting way to kick off Pedalpalooza 2007.
Yesterday, hundreds and hundreds of fun-seeking cyclists gathered at Jamison Fountain in northwest Portland for the Pedalpalooza Kickoff Parade.
After decorating bikes and hanging out in the park, we took to the streets in a cacophony of yells and bells. Unicycles, folders, mini-bikes, kids, bakfietsen, recumbents, tall-bikes, clowns… you name it, it was there.
We wowed and pleased First Thursday crowds with our passing parade, many of them in disbelief of what was before them. Without our expected escort, we corked traffic in a downtown that was already choked with congestion from rush hour combined with First Thursday, bus mall construction, Fleet Week and the Rose Festival.
After a loop down NW 23rd, we made our way over the Burnside Bridge and into southeast and eventually Colonel Summers Park.
But don’t take my word for it, browse my photo gallery, or sit back and watch the slideshow below for a look at all the crazy bikes, people, and action.
Created with Paul’s flickrSLiDR.
…Stay tuned for more Pedalpalooza photos and ride reports! The Night of the Living Donut was historically superb…
Check out the Pedalpalooza calendar and get on out there!
Here\’s a few more photos from the Kick off Parade: http://flickr.com/photos/redbat/sets/72157600326609003/
Yay for Bike Fun
What a great time! We sure plugged up traffic and most people seated in their cars, waiting for us all to pass, appeared happy to do so as they watched us all go by.
And as an indication of just how many people there were: just before heading over the Burnside bridge to the eastside I saw a woman seated in the front seat of her car…asleep. I should have stopped to nab a picture.
Soooo fun! The best part was the looks of wonderment and joy on the faces of kids as we passed.