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This was the final weekend of the Toronto Pan Am games and I was looking forward to some of the free events taking place in my neighbourhood. There were three events taking place. The morning marathon, the womens 80km cycling, and mens 160km cycling. I timed it for mid afternoon so I could see the last half of the womens cycling and first half of mens.
As I'm overlooking the Humber Bridge I could see the roads backed up on the QEW Highway and The Queensway for the all day events. Fortunately my location gave me very easy access to everything.
At the corner of Ellis Ave and The Queensway was the first road closure for the cycling turn. It was about a 10 minute wait for anything to happen but quite exciting when it does.
First the volunteers raise their flags to warn people the cyclists are coming and to clear the roadways ahead. This is followed by a lead motorcycle and lead car. Then the lead cyclists arrive followed by the pack further behind.
Next I went a short distance up The Queensway to Colborne Lodge Drive which was the previous turn waiting for the group to come round again. On a decline and hidden by the curve it was an anxious wait for the lead motorcycle to signal their arrival as they whizzed down the curve.
Further along The Queensway was another vantage point as I followed the course in reverse. The bridge overlooking Parkside Drive had another birds eye view of the pack which passed in both directions along this leg.
Following the group was a convoy of cars, one for each country, with team officials and a spare bike mounted on the roof.
I then continued to follow the route in reverse to Lakeshore Blvd by Ontario Place where the start line was and the medals were to be awarded after the 8 laps.
I dont know how much the paid seating was but we all had free seating on the lawn facing the stands. Canada won Gold and Bronze, the medals were awarded, and the anthem was played.
It was a good start to the day and an event I had been waiting for. After the medals the mens 160km legs were due to start (next entry)
As I'm overlooking the Humber Bridge I could see the roads backed up on the QEW Highway and The Queensway for the all day events. Fortunately my location gave me very easy access to everything.
At the corner of Ellis Ave and The Queensway was the first road closure for the cycling turn. It was about a 10 minute wait for anything to happen but quite exciting when it does.
First the volunteers raise their flags to warn people the cyclists are coming and to clear the roadways ahead. This is followed by a lead motorcycle and lead car. Then the lead cyclists arrive followed by the pack further behind.
Next I went a short distance up The Queensway to Colborne Lodge Drive which was the previous turn waiting for the group to come round again. On a decline and hidden by the curve it was an anxious wait for the lead motorcycle to signal their arrival as they whizzed down the curve.
Further along The Queensway was another vantage point as I followed the course in reverse. The bridge overlooking Parkside Drive had another birds eye view of the pack which passed in both directions along this leg.
Following the group was a convoy of cars, one for each country, with team officials and a spare bike mounted on the roof.
I then continued to follow the route in reverse to Lakeshore Blvd by Ontario Place where the start line was and the medals were to be awarded after the 8 laps.
I dont know how much the paid seating was but we all had free seating on the lawn facing the stands. Canada won Gold and Bronze, the medals were awarded, and the anthem was played.
It was a good start to the day and an event I had been waiting for. After the medals the mens 160km legs were due to start (next entry)
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