So why were people pushing beds helter skelter down Duval Street Saturday afternoon? Because it's Key West is the easy answer. And because it's Key West they aren't all that competent at it either as witnessed by this wreck:
Not least no doubt because the fuel is this:
Lest you imagine this chaos is the Beginning of the End of law and order in the Conch Republic, let me assure you Officers Villareal and Hartle (pictured) were carefully escorting each pair of racing bed frames down the city's main drag:
And my goodness what a strange assortment of beds they were:
One of the few rules that I could figure out is that there has to be someone riding in the bed in some manner. And there has to be motive power of course, which take their role more or less seriously depending on what they came out to do, preen, push or be pushed: 
A special mention for a team of dogs that put me very much in mind of the husky races I have been following, from a safe distance, in the frozen north of Kotzebue, Alaska, (http://tundratantrum.blogspot.com/), with apologies for Key West's gentle fun in the face of the Real Thing:
A Key West husky:
Vital Key West cargo for safe delivery:
And there were a few spectators on their balcony at La Concha wondering what planet they had woken up on:
No longer in Kansas, I'm afraid, "Look at that!" One hopes the family album gets judicious editing before public display.
Tomorrow: The Race!
7 comments:
Nice. I have been to the bed races in Coconut Grove (Miami), and your pictures seems to be of the same acumen.
Looking forward to actual race photos.
Jeffrey
Don't get too wound up, I took some pictures of spectators, a couple of beds and went for coffee. All in the spirit of charity bed racing.
Dear Mr. Conch:
Your photography skills ae picking up. Today's shots included at least 10 women who subscribe to my level of reticence. Especially the one wearing animal hides and chains. (I could make her happy.) I sincerely hope you will apply yourself with even more dedication to the body painting event in October.
I am amazed that you didn't ask any of these lovelies to pose with your bike. It's the first thing I would have done.
Amazingly enough, my bed at home has a wild boar's head hanging over it too.
It is good to see that some of these racers subscribe to the ATGATT philosophy. There was one gentleman, distinguished by wild, curly black hair, who would have looked right at home on the pillion of your Triumph, with his studded leather cod-piece.
When was the last time officer Harlte had a good time? The guy looks like he needs a laxative.
I was out riding with Dick Bregstein yesterday when the mercury went berserk at 91ยบ. I was stopped at a traffic light when I got the distinct impression the K75 was on fire. The heat coming off the engine was that significant.
Fondest regards,
Jack
Twisted Roads
Unaccountably, Jack Riepe popped into mind when I was the bed races. Tomorrow's codpiece is just for you.
Perhaps everyone should have a codpiece for everyday attire? It would make for interesting conversation and expand the market for anti-monkeybutt powder.
Conchscooter said:"Unaccountably, Jack Riepe popped into mind when I was the bed races"
Yup, it's the JRS (Jack Riepe Syndrome) . . . he affects everything he touches
bob
bobskoot: wet coast scootin
It was very interesting for me to read that post. Thank you for it. I like such topics and anything that is connected to this matter. I definitely want to read more on that blog soon.
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