The Animals Are Loose.
Bears, dogs, birds, reptiles, primates, and a mythical Irish folkloric figure have all been spotted at various points between 110 and 120 miles on the racecourse. Kevin “Grizzly” Baer, Tom “Sea Turtle” McCoin, and Bernie “Basenji” Barge moved along with intent. We would happily report that no scorpions were sighted, but word from nearer the front of the field was that Steve “Scorpion” Winfrey rode steadily near 20th place. Even a fish somehow made it onto the desert floor. Carl “Piranha” Poppe, a powerful, lean, and large cyclist, pedaled with fluidity and grace reserved for a person half his size.
- Greg Pressler