Thundering Pub Crawl

October 14, 2012

I had a late night out participating in some bicycle-related hi-jinks last night.  I was made aware of an enjoyable event called the Pub Crawl that included costumes, bicycles, bars and fund-raising for T.H.O.R.  On the way there, my friend Rich and I noticed a crowd of lively looking creatures moving about in somber throngs.

We arrived at the Crescent Moon and had some tasty bar food.  There I ate a tasty meal, had a beer and met up with a buddy of mine who informed me that former Circle Jerk Keith Morris will be performing in his band OFF! at the Waiting Room on October 30.  Then we tried to catch up with some costumed bicyclists at Sullivan's, but they had already moved out by the time we finished locking up our non-valuable, classic bicycles.  We inadvertently skipped the Old Dundee Bar and Grill stop and pedaled on over to the Homy Inn.  On the way to the Homy, we enjoyed a low-traffic cycling experience along 40th Street, north to Hamilton and across Saddle Creek to our destination.  It seemed like the entire route consisted of bicycle lanes, sharrows and a few signs that stated "bicyclists may use entire lane."  Pretty cool!  Although we never really used the entire lane it was nice to know that we had the option.  We enjoyed a couple drinks at the Homy and eventually were joined by a good-sized group of mostly costumed bicyclers.  Eventually an assertive man began corralling us towards the door, bellowing things like "Move out!" and "Let's go!"  There was a moderately heavy rainfall taking place.  Some irresistibly barricaded, former roads (now sloppy mud) to ride through.  Our final destination was Benson’s The Sydney.  A $5 cover for the Filter Kings preceded the giving away of many prizes, including a New Belgium bicycle and various bicycley items.  Prizes for costumes were awarded.  A couple dressed up as Lance Armstrong with a blood transfusing bag hanging from a hook attached to a shoulder strap and his syringe and blood-toting nurse won the couples prize.  A guy dressed as Fred from “30 Rock” won the best men’s costume award.  I didn’t realize he was in a costume.  I thought he just kinda looked like that guy from “30 Rock.”  As usual your subtlety and nuances are lost on me, people!  That zombie had a golf ball stuck in his forehead!  Hahahahaahahahahaha!  Now that’s in-your-face fun!  (In more ways than one!  Get it!  Hahahahahahaha!).  Now that’s a hole-in-one for humour folks!  Oh.  I am lucky to be so easily amused.  Filter Kings sounded great.  It had been a while since I’ve enjoyed their steadily chugging power rockabilly.  I think that some guy that looks kinda like Josh Dunwoody (former Filter Kings guitarist and singer) is now in the band!  Good show old chaps!  Good show!

Many bicyclers danced and carried on for quite some time in a manner that was quite festive.

The rain had stopped and we had a refreshing ride back to the Crescent Moon.  Thanks to T.H.O.R. and Kent McNeil for getting this fun event together!  Ken said the event has been occurring for 15 years, although this is the first time they’ve used it as a fund-raising opportunity.  I’m pretty sure everyone had a blast.  Let's do it again sometime, by Odin's beard!