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Another group rides in review, flying their
flag.
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Hey buddy, your head is on fire!
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A proud flag bearer rides past crowds flowing
ever closer to the middle of the street.
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Don't slap that child!
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The riders come in fits and starts, as they
escape the affection of the adoring crowds pressing in on upper Wisconsin
Avenue. A passenger throws out her arms in enthusiastic revelry.
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And so they come. A huge flag unfurls in the
background, while riders wave at the crowds lining the streets, and rising
up in the air.
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There is something odd about the way bridges
affect the city of Milwaukee. These freeway overpasses are part of Interstate
794. They divide the city roughly between the downtown area, and the warehouse
and factory area of the near south side. This area was formerly known as the
Third Ward, but was destroyed as a working neighborhood by massive freeway
construction projects.
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The people under the bridge. Are these trolls
or hobbits setting up house under the bridge, or merely crowds gathered to
watch the bikes pass?
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A street vendor offers soft drinks. The day
was pleasant enough, but it could get hot standing out in the sun.
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Between freeways, people sit on cars, out
in parking lots, and even stand on the roof of the lot tender's shack. Many
wander out into the street. There isn't even the pretense of order here.
Note the people standing on the roof off in the distance.
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Passing through the warehouse and loft area
of the near south side.
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A view from the other side, as riders pass under
the freeway, and leave downtown.
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For these riders, pulled over and parked on
one of the side streets just off of the parade route, the parade is over,
and the party has begun. All of the side streets in this area have been closed
to be turned into gigantic motorcycle parking lots.
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Yet another New Zealander.
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Riders pass through the crowd narrowed street
single file.
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Another reunion rider reaches out to the crown.
Children seem especially amused by the idea of touching the riders.
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A friendly gauntlet forms another choke point.
Note the spectators filling the parking structure, standing on the roof, and
sitting on the canopy.
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These two Scotsmen are heading away from the
parking areas and towards the festival grounds. For many of the early riders,
the parade is over, their bikes are parked, and they are ready to start the
party.
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Showing her exhalation, this woman holds her
arms out like she wants to give the whole city a big hug. A number of riders
were caught doing this. People line the streets and cheer. There are even
a number sitting on the canopy of the parking structure.
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Testing out the footpegs. Of course, if he hits
a bump, he risks a two octave change in his voice.
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Who is this clown, and shouldn't he be riding
a little motorcycle, or getting out of a little car?
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