English language version of a rider's pass.

Our home in Montreal

The weather reports called for rain or, at best, scattered, intermittent showers, which prompted me to forego my usual small-wheeled, folding bicycle in favor of the Trek 720 hybrid (with the fenders). I had nearly forgotten what a nice ride it has always given me. Here it is, pre-ride, sitting comfortably in the turret of what turned out to be the best room in Le Hotel de Paris, Montreal, Quebec. (Do NOT show this photo to the owner of the hotel!)

...up early...The "stick" of riders from our group was coming past the hotel at 8:15 and I wanted to just jump in line as they passed.

Alex Escalera (in saffron shirt) and Nadette Stasa (red pinwheels in her helmet) get a few minutes respite from the bright sun as the crowd advances down the boulevard to the start line chutes.

Cyclist, dressed as a lawn, flees in mock terror from a lawnmower (barely visible at the right). There were one of these tour characters on every block from avenue de Lorimier to the starting line. They really made a terrific effort to entertain the 40,000+ riders for this event. Thank you Montreal!

The participants cover the boulevard Saint Joseph from curb to curb as far as the eye can see as they steadily advance towards the chutes....The character in bright green is "The Lawn", pedaling away at top speed from the lawnmower that is nipping at his heels!

On the brightly sunlit boulevard Saint Joseph...Hannah Borgeson in blue (and SPF 30) enjoying the pre-start entertainment as the group moves up to the start "funnel"

At the right of the frame, Nadette Stasa and "the other Glenn" (from the train) pose for the camera. The bonhomie took over early and never waned throughout the day. Even the Weatherman came through with blue skies and sunshine!

Hannah Borgeson snapped this, and by her slightly sly grin as she returned the camera to me, I should have guessed that something was "up". ... In the background, over my left shoulder, with the pinwheels on her helmet...it's Nadette Stasa with the big smile! OK you got me!

Trudy Hutter (in yellow), Steve Klein (in green & white wool jersey) and Hannah Borgeson (in blue) look on as one of the tour characters, dressed as a policeman (complete with badge and nightstick) inspects bicycles and keeps the crowd in line.