My own shots from Solstice 2009, pt 1
 

I was one of the painted riders from 2005-2009. Unfortunately most of the photos I took during those years have been lost but I thought it was time I gave back to the forum with some highlights from what I've salvaged. Working backwards from Gasworks...

2009 was a great year and the first year that they painted at hales ales. I'm looking forward to more of your pics as I recognize most of these riders, in particular the unpainted girl at the top of the hill.

Thanks for posting and as a rider your perspective would also be of interest. Pics from 2005 and earlier are now sort of considered "retro" fremont pics with a market all their own. But anything 2005-2009 is gold to me, especially if it is pre or post ride. My fremont tribute thread highlights many of the favorite riders from that era, and possibly you could add
To that thread as well.

Cheers,

Klondike

My pics, round 2
 

I lied slightly, I didn't ride in 2008. I have a small number of photos from 2005 - I actually spotted one of my photos in the recent retro Fremont thread! - but unfortunately none from 2006-2007. I'm trying to decide if it's worthwhile to pay for an attempted hard drive recovery, which might bring back a few more.

That was an interesting time for the Solstice ride because it was growing so quickly from the guerilla ride of the late 90's and early 2000's to the giant event that it is now. I know in 2009 and 2010 there were some real conflicts between the ride organizers (the ride is not an official part of the parade) and the Fremont Arts Council. Combined with problems finding a location for the painting party there was a chance of no "official" painting party those years which no doubt would have led to far fewer riders. The current organizers seem to take the whole thing much more seriously, do a much better job of pulling everything together and have a good relationship with the FAC. As long as the boatyard remains available for the paint party it will continue to be a great event!

I have to say, riding in the parade is one of the most fun, amazing things I've ever done. I keep planning on doing it again but for the past few years it's always been one thing or another. Maybe in 2016.

And a few more pics...

Round 3...
 

Last but not least!

Here's a great video of the girl featured in the photos below. OMG!!! She appears during the first 15 seconds of the video. While she does appear absolutely lovely and stunning in the pictures, the video brings to light an additional account of just how amazing this girl truly is. I love the way she causally hangs out after the biking portion of the parade in absolute full view of all of the spectators and parade goers. She even stops for a few seconds to gather her belongings or something to that effect. Unfortunately, the person recording turns away and then apparently edits out any remaining portions of nudity during the video.

I so wish we had more content like this. I love watching the riders during very mundane situations and completely casual moments such this one. There is something so incredible about watching them observe the remainder of the parade while painted, or walking to their cars, or even waiting in line at the local food truck, or restroom, or whatever. There is simply something so purely exhibitionist in nature about these actions and it truly highlights the epic nature of this event in my opinion. I'm sure this girl is completely aware of how fantastic she looks while walking (and jiggling) in full view of everyone. It's super hot to think that she has purposely put herself into this situation and that she totally enjoys it. Thanks to everyone who originally posted these images. This is awesome!

vimeo.com/6774053

Wow
 

These are a gold mine! Many thanks!!!

the pretty colours made me happy:)
 

Can't be asked to go thru the thread to verify, but the low views it had Im hoping they aren't reposts:)

found them in this flickr: www flickr com/photos/michaelholden/ , well not really, but he posted them in a group and wasnt really able to find them in his archive. plenty of more.

continued

guess there's more:)

last as far as I know.