Didn't end up taking as mnay photos as I would have liked but the panoramas came out decent enough:

For other sizes: http://flickr.com/photos/absenter/82728176/

http://static.flickr.com/43/82728176_b9b3e205c3_o.jpg


For other sizes: http://flickr.com/photos/absenter/82728255/

http://static.flickr.com/42/82728255_91760084b2_o.jpg

Nice!

NAZ: Those pictures are awesome, I hope you, as premier Chicago bicycle photographer, will snapping a LOT of shots at the Tour this year.

i won

this should be a monthly thing here (after TdC or on the off days...)

personally, I always liked being the axis around which that entire panorama turns. I feel like Ceasar. I would also be down for doing another poker ride.

I think you look quite grand in that photo -- sort of somber, alone, singled out but above it all. Sort of on display too.

I'd love to do this again...hell, I've still got spokecards.

I'd be there. Even that damn downpour didn't take away from the good times. A few suckers I know are mad they missed it so more people would prob be there. Even if there weren't any serious prizes I think the face-time and riding buddy aspect is worth it.

My favorite part is that Ansgar came, and I had no idea who he was.

If there is another poker ride, I'm going to bring a fender for the inevitable downpour.

how about a blackjack ride? much, much, much easier. and we can take the bus instead of bike.

Actually I think my demeanor and solitary appearance in that photo make the shot more powerful; I think it sort of activates the composition into something more than it would otherwise be. But, hey, it's your shot.

All hail Ben's demeanor and appearance!

It'll do great things for you, too, Natches, if you let it. Give in.

We're on the same page.