Rose of the Rally

In case my observations didn't explicitly show it, this rally (the 71st) has been a pretty tame rally. Traffic and congestion have been pretty mediocre and definitely not unbearable. Overall this hasn't been a very negative experience for me at all. Granted, I haven't experienced it in the most raw places (bars, the late night, concerts) but I also haven't been totally sheltered working on Main Street. I get the impression that this is group of ordinary people (who are sinners just like the rest of us) that happen to have a common interest in a particular culture (the biker culture). The most fascinating part is that this culture attracts such a variety of people. People from London to Australia to Canada to Texas, California, and Maine. Gang members, faithful Christians, and people of no particular religion who all enjoy the grit of being a biker. It's true that the ways of this culture don't always draw out the best in people, but every culture has their darker side and many of these people have a heart of gold beneath that brawny exterior. Their desires and misconceptions about happiness, beauty, love, and life aren't all that different from the rest of the world. My favorite part of this experience is that I have seen so many kinds of people under one sky.


Three more days. I've started counting down and to fatigue a bit, but I'm not totally worn out yet. Choosing not to work double shifts definitely has a factor in that I think. But all the same, I'll be happy to have my summer back and time to do the things I want to.


Recap of yesterday: two more Parisians graced the store with their presence as well as a few more Aussies (with an accent so thick you could cut it with a knife), I found Waldo (twice!) wondering about, I was complimented by a man that I was reading (I'm reading while I man my booth to help pass time), and I feasted on Indian tacos for dinner. I'm reading the Space Trilogy by C.S. Lewis and I guess the biker crowd isn't very learned of C.S. Lewis, at least no one seems to know the name when I tell them what I'm reading. I suppose I didn't expect it. My complimenter was impressed by the fact that I am old fashioned enough to enjoy reading. Thank you. And I'm enjoying the seasonal food! After all, the way to my heart is through my stomach. There's this place with Indian tacos, roast beef sandwiches, hand dipped ice cream, and espresso, all for reasonable prices. Mmm!


Here is Hell fighters (Christian motorcycle ministry) at work:

Here is a man that likes to make his rounds on Main Street blasting oldies with a little shoulder dance to boot. He's wearing those slit style sunglasses; in the second photo he's posing for someone. Wish I could have gotten better photos, but I'm in my booth!

Recap of today: met three Greeks. They were speaking Greek (obviously) and all had a very confident look about them, like they were very settled in their skin. I made some conversation with one of the men for a while in his broken, but good English. I love finding foreigners from other countries. They are so captivating to me.

Here is a picture of a man riding a buffalo motorcycle I saw today. Again, I took the picture from my booth so it's not the best, but you get the idea.