Nice to run away but not practical

[shootingstar]

Not surprisingly, we hear the security/military planes and choppers practicing overhead ..daily to know lay of the land during Olympics. (You'll see my article in Cycle Write blog.)

I know people have suggestions or have known others who rent their homes. But for us, it's just impractical and not worth all the hassle of packing our stuff temporarily (cost more money to store it elsewhere since we lack storage space) and staying somewhere..which means more money. And it would be ungracious of us to slum around at friends' home for 2 weeks. Family members live in another province..which means more money to fly out, etc. Toronto is not pretty at this time of year.

So we're just hoping the Olympics will be uneventful in an eventful way. If that makes sense.

[bmccasland]

I suppose you could compare notes with folks from Salt Lake City. I think, and this is an outsider's point of view, that unless you're in the immediate zone (Olympic village, or the commute to events), you shouldn't be TOO affected.

We have Carnival (Mardi Gras) every year, and you adjust your life accordingly. I don't live near a parade route, so am somewhat isolated from the direct impacts.

It'll all be over in a couple of weeks. You can have some fun, get the tourists lost with bad directions, forget you speak english. Or nod and smile, and hope all the nice money they're leaving behind will help defray your city's costs to host the event.

[ginny]

I lived in South Pasadena for a while. When it came time for the Rose Parade, I ALWAYS got out of town! I totally understand that. I also understand that it would not be practical as a grown up with a job and responsibilities. I hope the crowds/traffic/ chaos remains at a minimum for you. Maybe you can take some time off and go watch some events. Pretend you are a tourist with 5 star accommodations

[sfa]

My sister lived in Atlanta during the summer Olympics back in 1996. They were worried too, but it turned out to be no big deal. The traffic and public transit was more packed than usual, and they avoided some areas, but their daily life wasn't really affected particularly.

[PamNY]

It'll all be over in a couple of weeks. You can have some fun, get the tourists lost with bad directions, forget you speak english.

Falling off my chair laughing. I've been tempted to do both of those things on many occasions.

Shootingstar, I hope you don't have too much inconvenience. I agree that it really depends on where you live (and where you need to go) relative to the festivities. Living in lower Manhattan, I have lots of experience with crowds and police lockdowns.

I'm sure nothing will go wrong, but just in case of a major problem that prevents you returning to your residence, be sure to prepare. Don't leave home without ID and any essential medications, leave extra water if you have pets, and make sure you are well stocked at home in case you need to shelter in place.

Pam

[shootingstar]

From bmcc: It'll all be over in a couple of weeks. You can have some fun, get the tourists lost with bad directions, forget you speak english.

Falling off my chair laughing. I've been tempted to do both of those things on many occasions.

Shootingstar, I hope you don't have too much inconvenience. I agree that it really depends on where you live (and where you need to go) relative to the festivities. Living in lower Manhattan, I have lots of experience with crowds and police lockdowns.

I'm sure nothing will go wrong, but just in case of a major problem that prevents you returning to your residence, be sure to prepare. Don't leave home without ID and any essential medications, leave extra water if you have pets, and make sure you are well stocked at home in case you need to shelter in place.

Pam

You guys are funny. Well actually um...in downtown, we live less than 10 min. walk where the final outdoor torch lighting ceremony will be when it finishes in Vancouver.

Maybe I'll take photos for TE forums here of fireworks (not sure) around the stadium for opening & closing ceremonies..about 5 min. walk. Stadium is in my face as I tap away on computer right now.

Honest, we are sort of plotting when we would go cycling in peace to do grocery shopping. Looks like early morning on weekday(s).

Annually the 50,000 runners for annual run finish/end near home in the spring. So we're just going to pretend we'll see this volume of people for 14 consecutive days. Except this time there will be tons of security surveillance.

[tulip]

I used to live in Washington, DC. There were constant detours and security checks that rerouted traffic, even bike traffic. And then there were festivals (Cherry Blossom, Smithsonian, Solar, etc.) and the protests! And terrorist trials at the courthouse in Alexandria (serious, serious security guys with machine guns on the metro). Anti-aircraft missiles on the Mall and remaining on many buildings. And we always had helicopters flying overhead.

But we dealt with it and life went on. We made adjustments hear and there. Frankly, it made things interesting.

[shootingstar]

Can imagine living in Washington, DC., the tight security. I understand that for ignaugaration of President Obama, people were lined up at the subway train stations as early as 5:00 am or so, even though the event began at 10:00 am?

There are rumours that Obama might drop by the Olympics during those 2 weeks. If he comes, probably only for couple of hrs.

Ah geez. I just found out the Olympic torch relay route on Feb. 11 & 12 for Vancouver. It's going about in a loopy way, where it will be passing by our neighbourhood twice And circling around, never far away.

I can't even imagine. Just half block away, it will be making a stop before the big ceremony in park.
We definitely have to finish our grocery shopping for next few days before Feb. 11.

[rubywagon]

I suppose you could compare notes with folks from Salt Lake City. I think, and this is an outsider's point of view, that unless you're in the immediate zone (Olympic village, or the commute to events), you shouldn't be TOO affected.

SLC honestly did not seem all that busy and/or crazy during the Olympics. I went to a few events and even then, it was not difficult to get around or stressful dealing with the crowds. I am hoping you will be pleasantly surprised by how uneventful it will be.

[Red Rock]

I remember those two weeks. My Dad excaped the city and came to its Southernmost metropoils for a few days to visit me and get some sunshine. We had a great time watching all the festivites on the TV at my house. I think we even ate dinner in front of the TV. Which rarley happens with my Dad.

There was a noticable increase in the traffic around town. Everyone from SLC that could left for the sunny weather.

Red Rock

[shootingstar]

Yea, it maybe quieter because the Summer Olympics probably gets at least 3 x more visitors, because there are simply more sports than Winter Olympics.

And a ton of rain on some days might reduce some crowds some days...at least to the free events many which are also located at various sites within walking or cycling distance.

Suffice to say, that although I don't support the Olympics as a money-making machine for a few handful who get truly rich from it, the Olympic torch relay is something that is a good thing.

Seems like wherever it's been across Canada (twice), it's been an emotional experience for runners, some spectators, etc. It is a feeling that is useful to folks who do need an injection /symbol of motivation to help them make good personal changes in other areas of their lives. I really love it for other folks to experience physically what we already experience we finish our own bike rides, runs, swims, etc.

Sounds trite/wierd. But for alot of regular cyclists, cycling as a sport, is already "journey" oriented. Alot of us have already experienced personally the thrill/high of completing difficult /long bike ride/trip, of doing that "run". I don't know about others here in TE, but it is a feeling that is not necessarily experienced by alot of people --yet. But when the feeling comes, it can be quite motivating and spill over in other areas of one's life.

And if they experience it as a jogger relay participant (even though in some cases it was only 300 metres), some probably had to train for it, then I'm happy for them. It's an once-in-a-lifetime experience.

[Aquila]

If only they'd add winter biking!

[crazycanuck]

Shootingstar, Perth will be dealing with road lockdowns either later this year or earlier next because CHOGM will be held here. UGH.

[tc1]

Run away? I am green with envy at Vancouver's getting the Olympics! Well, green in a nice way, glad of your good fortune but still...
Enjoy the once in a lifetime event. Seattle will probably never get the Olympics 'cause we are too much of a NIMBY town.

[shootingstar]

Run away? I am green with envy at Vancouver's getting the Olympics! Well, green in a nice way, glad of your good fortune but still...
Enjoy the once in a lifetime event. Seattle will probably never get the Olympics 'cause we are too much of a NIMBY town.

Methinks Seattlers would react like Vancouverites --strong camps against and some for the Olympics.

You're close enough. You could even take the train. Amtrak has added an extra train for Vancouver specifically to off-set the Canada-U.S. border car traffic. Our train station is located downtown. Problem would be finding cheap accommodation right now.

Sure if any TE'ers came, let's go out for coffee and a squirrley bike ride in the mayhem.

heh, heh,heh and the 400 bikes that the Dutch consulate's offering as part of the Olympic bike share system at their welcome house. The consulate is panicking abit now...800 people have registered interest for a 10-15 kms. bike ride. They are imploring people to bring their own bikes instead of riding a Dutch bike.