balloons to the rescue

I had a great time creating balloon helmets in the plaza before we left. They are really actually pretty easy to make and if you ever want to get people to smile...well, having a helmet that extends 4 feet beyond your head is great. Anyway, the mass was pretty slow at first, but I had a great time getting my picture taken and giving people high fives. While we were stuck on Michigan some tourists got in the picture with us. I also enjoyed being a landmark for people trying to find each other within the mass.

Once we got going, I found that having massive balloons on one's head makes one a very effective cork and negotiator. After we got all separated at the Division Milwaukee intersection, a black car drove got into the mass. His window was open, so I talked to him about how it wasn't a good idea to drive in the midst of so many bikes and he responded angrily. So, then I asked how he'd feel if he hit someone, and then he turned onto a side street. Later someone else was trying to drive in from an alley and I corked them and then they backed up to go a different way. I don't think anyone wanted to argue with me.

When we went by Cabrini Green I had a bit of a scary moment when dozens of little kids swarmed my posse and tried to grab our balloons off of the helmets. I think I lost one, but I was more scared of being pulled off of the bike. Luckily I stayed upright and ended up being okay.

The ride was fun. Come find me next month and I'll hook you up with some smile inducing helmet flair.