No riding today...instead we journeyed to Somerville NJ, about 30 miles north to take in the Memorial Day bike races. They advertise themselves as the oldest continuous bike racing event in the country. They have been doing this every year for seventy years and I have been going off and on for the last 15 years or so. The opening event is a juniors race (15-18) at 20 miles and this is followed by a cat 1/2, a seniors (50+) 15 miler, a womens pro + cat 1/2 and finally the mens final, 50 miles of pro and cat 1. They block off a big section of downtown Somerville and set up a course that is something just over a mile in big rectangle. The great thing is that spectators can wander the entire course or find a place in the shade and just sit (we did both) but wherever you go you are right at the barriers on the street. At times the peleton moves so closely that you can feel the draft. The camera, of course, stops the action but believe me those folks are moving when they go by. I had a great time taking pictures and trying to catch the perfect shot...I'm guessing that I got a decent focus maybe half the time but it was fun trying. Truly a great way to spend Memorial Day....
It is truly remarkable how fast they go as they pass you by. It gives you a little extra incentive to up your effort.
ReplyDeleteBob,
ReplyDeleteNext time try a few shots with a slow shutter speed (1/10 sec) to capture the movement; pan as you shoot. The riders will be in focus with blurred background. Really cool.
Jim
Jim - Thanks, don't know why I didn't think of that...too caught up with being an active spectator. Next time....
ReplyDelete