Tour de Fat: Beer, bikes and bemusement

Costumed attendees waited in line to park their bikes. Lines for parking lots were much shorter. (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)
The women of Batala led people around the event in an improvised conga line. (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)
As temperatures rose, the beer tents were swarmed by thirsty bikers. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)
Wigs, wings and spandex were the most popular costume elements. (Dana Gooley)
Festival-goers remained in high spirits despite the heat -- the cold beer helped a bit. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)
A BicycleSPACE employee and his mobile speakers drew attention from the crowd. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)
Nacho Libre and Duff Man were among the many pop culture costumes at the event. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)
The day included several performances, from comedians to musicians. (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)
A biker sports a vibrant, patriotic Mohawk wig. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)
Bike decorations, like this sock monkey-flower combination, were popular among Tour De Fat bikers. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)
Musical skits on the main stage entertained attendees in between events. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)
No shirt? No problem. Some people beat the heat by painting on their costumes. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)
Bikers shared beers with hot Tour De Fat volunteers. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)
Road signs directed people towards the festival grounds at Yards Park. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)
Decorated helmets stood out above the crowd. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)
Unusual outfits were not just accepted -- they were encouraged. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)
Even Waldo came out of hiding for the Tour De Fat. (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)
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)
Participants dressed as wrestlers take a break from the day's events. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)
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