If you didn't see it, you almost certainly heard about it by now. I'm talking about Monday's Freedom Ride, the annual DIY (and not recognized by the city) bike parade that has grown into one of Bend's great Fourth of July traditions.
What started a few years ago as a small group of rebels blocking off downtown streets is now several thousand people strong -- I'm not sure of the exact number, but as I rode down Wall Street, it was bikes as far as the eye could see.
From my perspective, things seemed largely in control. The police seemed to expect it this year and assisted with some traffic control, mostly leaving people to exercise their right to two-wheeled transportation. And no one seemed to mind the blended drink handout on Riverside Drive. Thanks for that, friendly stranger.
Who knows what next year will bring, but this was incredible to see. For those stuck in car traffic by the sudden road closures, well, sorry about that.
Click here for some photos from Bike Around Bend. And here are Jason Brownlee's shots from the ride.
Thanks to Kristi Knight-Simmons for the photos on this page..
