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A day out at the Tour of Somerville starts well before racing gets under way. First up is the grand parade up main street and the opportunity for all the locals to come out and strut their stuff. Bands bang out their tunes in a colorful interpretation, local service groups sound sirens from their police, fire or emergency service vehicles as they are acknowleged by the large crowd lining the footpaths. Behind the milling spectators the food, souvenir and merchandize stalls are being set up as more people arrive for somervilles big day. After the parade passes by the riders in the support races start warming up, but not before the family fun ride starts. With every style of bike and every age represented the three hundred plus riders |
| cruise around the race circuit, the youngest ones eager to do it as quickly as possible are kept under control by the gaggle of parents also enjoying the experience. There's plenty to do before the race gets underway with a visit to the cycling hall of fame thats located right behind the start - finish area. Down at Dunkin Donuts there are two long lines, one for the donut freaks and the other for all the bike riders who are waiting to use the rest rooms prior to hitting the race track. The guys on the "italian boys" food stand are very vocal and attracting a crowd for their fresh pizza slices and special steak rolls that are crowd favourites. All over town there's a real buzz in the air |
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in anticipation of a great days entertainment. Around the back of the circuit on the long straight, people have set up barbecues and organized their front yards to accommodate family, visitors and of course a great view of the riders belting past. They don't have to wait long as the first racing gets underway on time with the Masters & Grand Masters giving everyone a taste of what good close racing is all about. Its a real treat to see the older riders getting plenty of exposure for their commitment to cycle racing and they respond to the cheering of the crowd with racing just as tough as the main event will contain. The big crowd enthusiastically get behind the cyclists as each lap or attack goes by, |