On Saturday, June 1, bikers and beer lovers, alike, took to the streets of Southeast D.C. for the Tour de Fat parade and performance event. The festival was held at Yards Park and was sponsored by New Belgium Brewing Company.
Costumed attendees waited in line to park their bikes. Lines for parking lots were much shorter. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)
WTOP/Dana Gooley
Batala Washington is a female percussion group that plays Afro-Brazilian and samba-reggae music. The group provided entertainment and a beat for dancing throughout the day. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)
WTOP/Dana Gooley
The women of Batala led people around the event in an improvised conga line. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)
WTOP/Dana Gooley
New Belgium put a humorous twist on typical beer tokens with "beer tokens of affection." The Tour de Fat participants purchased tokens, which could be redeemed for beer throughout the day.
New Belgium staff sold beer in tents across the park. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)
WTOP/Dana Gooley
As temperatures rose, the beer tents were swarmed by thirsty bikers. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)
WTOP/Dana Gooley
Wigs, wings and spandex were the most popular costume elements. (Dana Gooley)
Dana Gooley
Festival-goers remained in high spirits despite the heat -- the cold beer helped a bit. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)
WTOP/Dana Gooley
A BicycleSPACE employee and his mobile speakers drew attention from the crowd. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)
WTOP/Dana Gooley
Nacho Libre and Duff Man were among the many pop culture costumes at the event. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)
WTOP/Dana Gooley
The day included several performances, from comedians to musicians. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)
WTOP/Dana Gooley
The Le Tigre sideshow tent offered air-conditioned puppet show performances. On a 90-plus degree-day, this tent was popular with children and adults, alike. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)
WTOP/Dana Gooley
A biker sports a vibrant, patriotic Mohawk wig. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)
WTOP/Dana Gooley
Bike decorations, like this sock monkey-flower combination, were popular among Tour De Fat bikers. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)
WTOP/Dana Gooley
Musical skits on the main stage entertained attendees in between events. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)
WTOP/Dana Gooley
No shirt? No problem. Some people beat the heat by painting on their costumes. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)
WTOP/Dana Gooley
Bikers shared beers with hot Tour De Fat volunteers. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)
WTOP/Dana Gooley
Road signs directed people towards the festival grounds at Yards Park. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)
WTOP/Dana Gooley
Decorated helmets stood out above the crowd. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)
WTOP/Dana Gooley
Unusual outfits were not just accepted -- they were encouraged. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)
WTOP/Dana Gooley
Even Waldo came out of hiding for the Tour De Fat. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)
WTOP/Dana Gooley
Nationals pride was even sported at the bike and beer event. A festival attendee dressed in a Jason Werth jersey. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)
WTOP/Dana Gooley
Sales tent volunteers took a break from selling Tour De Fat apparel. Proceeds from local vendors went to the Washington Area Bicyclist Association and Black Women Bike DC. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)
WTOP/Dana Gooley
Participants dressed as wrestlers take a break from the day's events. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)
WTOP/Dana Gooley