[lonemeat]

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...