Lance's invitation

[straatvark]

Ok, I really though I'm above this juvenile behavior, but what would you do if you see this on twitter:

 

"Good morning

Dublin. Who wants to ride this afternoon? I do. 5:30 pm @ the

roundabout of Fountain Rd and Chesterfield Ave. See you there.."

 

A "no" decision quickly converted to a "ja-broer" when our dinner guest send a message that he is going to be a hour late, so there i was - joining the (ever increasing at every traffic light with shy smiles) critical mass ride trough the city center.

 

Basically, those that wasn't there don't have bikes and more chaos than the Argus start without fencing:

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_S-w3OhLoCSw/SpRcpRtbP4I/AAAAAAAAEqI/qjmbbnOVhaQ/s800/Lance%20006.jpg

 

 

After some inside information from the press photographers after their meeting with the traffic honcho I was able to strategically position myself to be at the front when Lance came trough. I slowed down and he passed right by me.

 

And then... "net klippe wierook en hare" .... enough testosterone, aggression and nerves to put the Argus B bunch to shame. I was quickly worked about 10 rows back but then the beast in me awoke and my elbows start to do their thing

 

After one lap I pull out for my personal photo session:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_S-w3OhLoCSw/SpRdJoQJUdI/AAAAAAAAErA/1zCp_M2TnD4/s800/Lance%20019.jpg

 

Enought cyclist to keep this up for about 10 minutes:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_S-w3OhLoCSw/SpRdMz8LAcI/AAAAAAAAErE/EWsYcEGvoc4/s800/Lance%20020.jpg

 

Some road manners:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_S-w3OhLoCSw/SpRddrfUGqI/AAAAAAAAEro/rXzAFcVOm70/s800/Lance%20028.jpg

 

 

The album:

http://picasaweb.google.com/gert.conradie/20090822_LancePhoenixPark?authkey=Gv1sRgCJGmoPH-1r2YsAE#

[HammerHed]

Nice one, that looked like fun!

[Ratty]

My question is why are there so many idiots without helmets!

[HammerHed]

 

My question is why are there so many idiots without helmets!

 

Cos it's in Ireland!

 

[splat]

Cool photos.

So, its safe to say that Lance mania is stronger than ever?

[straatvark]

I got this from the Irish "thehub":

 

there was a few kids getting involved yesterday. i overheard one of

them (about 10 year old on her mini bike) say to her dad (i

assume)..."daddy, does the man know we are cycling in circles?" 

[Spinnekop]

Cool.

 

Thanks for sharing SV!

 

[Saffa_G]

yup.... v cool ... nice pics, I saw the post on twitter .. 

[AndreZA]

He's got a very limp wrist on him.

[TYGA]

Funny the chic on the Mountainbike in the  front of the bunch!

[straatvark]

 

Funny the chic on the Mountainbike in the  front of the bunch!

 

Yes, from that smile it is clear that Lance say something about her pink shoes

 

[straatvark]

 

Cool photos.

So' date=' its safe to say that Lance mania is stronger than ever?

[/quote']

 

It certainly are, in our house as well

 

I was not the biggest liveswrong fan, but I got caught in his spell the last week with the TOI and Livestrong Summit here.

 

To see how gracious he are with all this hundreds of fans competing to be close to him changed my mind a bit. It is a very special kind person to handle that pressure. Just look at his schedule for the last 14 days, and then to fit fans in as well... having pints with them etc.

 

And yes he probably do the PR on purpose, but believe me he do that very very well. (just like climbing mountains)