I first got word that something unusual was happening today (Saturday, June 26, 2010) in Green Lake when I saw this tweet from lifeguardliz01, posted at 4:46 p.m. this afternoon:
why are there SO many women dressed as pirates riding scooters along greenlake dr?
This caught me by surprise … frankly, I had no idea what this event might be. I put out a call for help, and received this tweet from marcadelic:
Tour de Green Lake is happening now…never heard of it, but mostly attractive (ok, hot) individuals in costume being friendly
Tour de Green Lake?
I headed down to the lake and found the Tour had stopped at Tacos Guaymas (6808 E Green Lake Way N). At 6:30 p.m., the place was hopping. Much of the crowd was costumed, and the general vibe was cheerful and celebratory. Spotted in attendance: Superman, a caveman, several cowboys and cowgirls, a couple of pirates, and a cheerleader.
I asked around and found out that 2010 marks the eleventh (or twelfth … reports varied) annual Tour de Green Lake. It all started with a man named Karl, who invited a handful of friends to participate the first year of the Tour. Since then, word has informally spread and the event has grown every year. All that is required to participate is a costume and a bike.
The Tour de Green Lake is not affiliated with any formal group and it is not advertised in any way. It is always the last Saturday in June, and it always begins at 1 p.m. at Little Red Hen (7115 Woodlawn Ave NE).
Thanks for making our neighborhood a little more colorful, Tour de Green Lakers!
