Open Bicycle

Yesterday, our nation’s capital witnessed an amazing moment in history:  the Inauguralleycat.  Couriers and racers from around the country hit the crowded streets of D.C. to hustle hard for fun, glory, and to celebrate monumental social change.  The District’s own Elliot Caldwell won first place, and received an autographed copy or “Bike Messenger’s Life” by “Fast” Eddie Williams and some free beer.  Everyone else won some free beer and a whole lot of hope and confidence in our tattered homeland.

Eddie, Elliot, and race organizer John Dinn.  Photo via DC Courier/Hub Racing.

No entry fee, no staggering prize list, just riding to celebrate and recognize…  many of the participants continued on to inaugural rides or parked their whips with Washington Area Bicyclist Association’s free bike valet parking and stepped onto the Mall to join the 2 million people witnessing the swearing in of Barack Obama.  City officials encouraged attendees to ride, citing congested traffic condition and severe lack of parking.  Obama and bikes:

the perfect combination.

RIP Bush Administration!