Rice on the Side
The Countdown is On!
… to what you may be asking? Well silly reader, you must not be a true Northwest native. There are only 3 days left until the start of Ski to Sea Weekend! I’ll pause here for those of you still without a clue as to what I’m talking about – and will kindly ask that you open a second internet window in which to view the following site – http://www.skitosea.com.
Alright, now that we’re all up speed & on the same page…This year marks the 100th anniversary of Bellinghams crazy Ski to Sea tradition! I say crazy because where else would thousands of willing participants volunteer – nay, beg to get up before the crack of dawn on a holiday weekend, only to ultimately end up drenched (c’mon we do live in Bellingham remember) – either by the rain, the bay, or your own tantalizing persperation. As you may sense, I’m not a race participant myself – I enjoy the festivites in my own way.
I usually waste a bit of time parusing the website for the most creative, twisted, and intriquing team names. My hat goes off to these folks – they’ve truly outdone themselves once again this year. My personal favorites are, in no particular order… “Arse N All,” “Asses to Ashes,” “Best Staff Meeting Ever,” “B’hams Bodacious Beerbellies,” “Chuck Norris Nunchucked You In The Nooksack” (who doesn’t love a Chuck Norris reference), “Drinkers With A Racing Problem,“ “Octomoms Kids,” “Rei Speedwagon,” & “Team Cowbell” (because you always need a little more cowbell).
Some of the festivities actually start a week prior to the main event. On Friday, May 20th – the Junior Ski to Sea Parade goes through the heart of downtown Belligham, running down Cornwall Ave & ending on Railroad Ave. Followed by the Junior Ski to Sea Race on Saturday, May 21st – at Lake Padden. I don’t personally attend this “leg” of the event – but for the younger crazies, this is their time to shine!
The following weekend, on Saturday, May 28th, things kick off about noon with the Grand Parade – again commandeering much of downtown Bellingham (down Cornwall Ave, E Champion St, State St, & York St) – my personal advice, steer clear of downtown unless you’re on foot or bike because parking is a nightmare. Then, the party moves onto Boundary Bay Brewery on Railroad where they’re hosting a good ole’ fashioned block party – complete with Hawaiian Luau theme! The party is an all ages affair with the beer garden for 21+. So, between 5-9pm, that’s where I’ll be!
Oh yea, I knew I was forgetting something – on Sunday, May 19th they do the whole “race thing.” Again not my scene – but who knows, I’ve made an appearance on the Main Street bridge in Ferndale to cheer the canooers along once or twice – so it could happen. However you do it though, I encourage you all to get out there & support the local athletes & artisians!
Go Octomoms Kids!!! (I’ll be honest – I don’t know anyone on the team, I just want one of their t-shirts!)
