07/09/2000

Attendance TsaiBorg Air Mapster Byondo Booty Boy 16

BIKE GOD Theatre It is with great sorrow that we announce that one of our own has fallen. Join us as we mourn the passing of Zippy MacPhee. First, the traditional BIKE GODS funeral march: two BIKE GODS walking to honor the fallen, one riding for his spirit which lives on and will soon take shape again. This is followed by the ritual stream crossing, cleansing us of the past and symbolizing the rebirth, a crossing over of sorts, that will soon occur. But do not despair heavily; like all BIKE GODS, Zippy MacPhee is immortal. He will be back!

Hi res | Lo res TsaiBorg, in his first BIKE GODS appearance since April 8, gives Byondo a helping hand with some equipment troubles.

Byondo, in turn, lends a helping hand when BIKE GOD in training Booty Boy has equipment problems of his own. Byondo has become quite the handyman, owning the same questionable brand of bike as Booty Boy. Hi res | Lo res

Hi res | Lo res TsaiBorg is itching to get on the trail after so many months off, and so is his bike. He has a hard time getting the eager beast to contain its excitement for the day's ride. A BIKE GODDESS and her BIKE DOGS look on while Byondo and Booty Boy continue to practice their repair skills.

Byondo zooms up the trail, feeling good despite having nearly a month off since the last time he rode. Hi res | Lo res

Hi res | Lo res Booty Boy is doing extremely well once again, as he and Byondo crest one of many steep hills on the way to the top of the world.

What's this? Booty Boy has pulled ahead of Byondo, nearing a crucial break point in the journey. He has impressed us all, leaving little doubt about his bright future as a BIKE GOD. Hi res | Lo res

Hi res | Lo res The fastest uphill climber of all BIKE GODS, TsaiBorg still has to wait at the top for the rest of the group despite his lengthy hiatus. It just goes to show that unlike normal humans, BIKE GODS never lose their strength and stamina, even after extended periods of rest.

The bikes are exhausted after reaching the top of this lengthy climb. Being kind masters, the BIKE GODS take a quick break while their bikes recuperate. Hi res | Lo res

Hi res | Lo res They've come a long way down from the top before needing a quick break after this short technical climb (see BIKE GOD Theatre). Everyone's ready to go, sensing that they are close to the end of the trail.

And off they go! Byondo and Booty Boy lead the way for this last section of trail. Hi res | Lo res Hi res | Lo res

Hi res | Lo res Booty Boy (on the right) approaches the dangerous end of the dirt trail while Byondo and TsaiBorg keep their eyes out for The Terminator.

Unable to get his fill from the water tower earlier in the ride, Byondo hogs the drinking fountain to quench his larger than average thirst. Hi res | Lo res

Hi res | Lo res While stopping for water, the BIKE GODS notice a member of the rare and forgotten distantly related species, a BIKE GOAT.

Byondo and TsaiBorg lead the way home on this strange surface known as pavement. Hi res | Lo res

Hi res | Lo res Once again, Byondo is feeling a bit bloated after drinking so much at the fountain, but TsaiBorg and Booty Boy take the opportunity to quench their own, more modest thirsts.

Booty Boy is improving dramatically, but he's still having minor problems with his helmet sticking to his hands more than his head. Soon he'll master the fine BIKE GOD art of helmet wearing. Hi res | Lo res

Hi res | Lo res After the ride is over, Booty Boy puts his hand on his heart (yes, BIKE GOD hearts are always in the middle because they are so large and powerful) and takes the BIKE GOD pledge of honor. He will soon be only the fifth known BIKE GOD in the world.