On Saturday, May 12, I jumped in the car with my folks and headed to downtown Springfield. We got to the race course painfully early, as my mother was convinced that parking would be a hassle. We found a spot on the street and headed toward the starting line. The race started at 10am but when we got there at 8:30am an impressive crowd had formed by the Old State Capitol.
My parents and I camped near the radio station tent, which was providing the get-your-blood-pumping tunage. More and more people filtered into the general starting area while faux stretching, dancing and talking. As 10am approached, I headed toward my corale. My parents stood close by, my father explaining that it made more sense than to walk back to the walking corale, only to walk back up to where they would be standing.
My fellow fatasses.
The National Anthem played and a man in the distance yelled "Gentlemen, start your engines!" What I didn't yet realize was that up at the front of the race was a group of motorcyclists - on hogs, if you will, for the sake of the Fat Ass mascot - who literally started their engines. It could not have been 20 feet ahead of the starting line that Cold Stone Creamery was passing out sample sizes of their ice cream. I turned the corner to find the first band and the next refreshment stop. Coors Lite had set up shop and was passing out beer (to those of age).
The route was overall flat and included treats such as doughnut holes from Mel-O-Cream and corn dogs, in addition to the water stops. Live entertainment (including the likes of Captain Geech and the Shrimp Shack Shooters) was around just about every corner.
Mmmmel-O-Cream
If you have not been to Springfield, I would recommend this weekend to plan your trip. You can also check out the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Memorial Library and explore the downtown shops. I would also recommend stopping at Cafe Andiamo; their lattes are delicioso.
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