I rode out to do some shopping up north of the city the morning of the race, planning to avoid the race course. But in the ensuing 3-plus hours I forgot the plan and automatically headed to Roland Avenue, a mile or so from my house in Hampden, just as the peloton was coming up the hill on Northern Parkway.

So I got treated to the full Euro-classic experience: Motorcycle, pause, motorcycle, pause, motorcycle, pause, two motorcycles, pause, etc. Finally, peloton screaming past to cheers, followed by stragglers and more cheers.

The only rider I recognized in the pack was Quinn Simmons. The national champ jersey is unmistakable.