[{
"name": "Ad - Medium Rectangle CC01 - 300x250",
"id": "AdMediumRectangleCC01300x250",
"class": "inlineCenter",
"insertPoint": "8",
"component": "2963441",
"requiredCountToDisplay": "12"
},{
"name": "Ad - Medium Rectangle LC01 - 300x250",
"id": "AdMediumRectangleCC01300x250",
"class": "inlineCenter",
"insertPoint": "18",
"component": "2963441",
"requiredCountToDisplay": "22"
},{
"name": "Ad - Medium Rectangle LC09 - 300x250",
"id": "AdMediumRectangleLC09300x250",
"class": "inlineCenter",
"insertPoint": "28",
"component": "3252660",
"requiredCountToDisplay": "32"
}]
It’s mid afternoon on Sunday, Dec. 13, and I’m sitting outside at McCarthy’s, working my way through a shot and a beer—scandalous, I know, but I’m on staycation and tomorrow’s Monday to you but just another day in paradise to me.
It’s a crystalline fall day, hazy blue sky filled with scattered clouds—reminders of a recent rainstorm. We climb, arrive upon a plateau, and we’re surrounded by bike aficionados in outfits, yes, outfits: a downhill ski helmet and goggles, tutus, little pink wings, a faux grass hula skirt, knee socks, day-glow ‘80s aerobic togs, two—count ‘em!—two teal jumpsuits, and one guy with black bike shorts over which he wears a camouflage, one-piece girl’s bathing suit replete with plunging neckline.
I feel raw energy, giddy excitement. People chatter, swilling cheap canned beer or coffee drinks from a table set up with two insulated urns and a bottle of off-brand liqueur.
“Five minutes to race time,” someone bellows, as spectators nervously eye the seven bikes (one’s a tandem!) laying midfield, the rutted muddy track, the riders psyching-up their fellow teammates, taunting opponents.
‘Round and ‘round they go, 14 laps total. Most spectators line-up near the bike handoff where teammates try to switch without flopping face first into mud. Moderate success, but enough muck-filled face-plants to keep the bloodthirsty throng cheering.
Glen Starkey takes a beating and keeps on bleating. Contact him at [email protected].
Latest in Arts
-
Female forward: Actor turned writer-director Heather Graham wins the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival King Vidor Award for Excellence in Filmmaking
Apr 25, 2024 -
Vocal Arts Ensemble honors late founder, announces new director
Apr 25, 2024 -
Cinco de Mayo Senior Prom features live music from local band and students
Apr 25, 2024 - More »
Readers also liked…
More by Glen Starkey
-
Dawn of the Dead
Apr 25, 2024 -
Female forward: Actor turned writer-director Heather Graham wins the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival King Vidor Award for Excellence in Filmmaking
Apr 25, 2024 -
Ripping dance band Riff Tide plays the SLO Film Fest's Surf Nite on April 26, in the Fremont
Apr 25, 2024 - More »
