Here is Keith Channing explaining this whole deal. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here – pingbacks don’t often work.
Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.” Here is the photo.
The Race by John W. Howell © 2017
“Would yo look at that.”
“What?”
“Those bike racers.”
“What about them?”
“They are on some kind of contraption. They’re not racing at all.”
“They are too. It is break time is all.”
“Break time? What is that all about?”
“You see these guys on the motorcycle thingy are giving the cyclists a ride while they have a drink and rest a little.”
“Is that in the rules?”
“Of course. The idea is not to delay the race but make sure the cyclists have enough water and are healthy enough to finish.”
“Takes the uncertainty out of it don’t you think?”
“Well, the best rider will finish not the one who can stand the torture the best.”
“Isn’t the torture part of separating the strong from the weak?”
“I suppose but this way it is a matter of riding skill, not stamina.”
“I don’t know. Would be like putting a football team on Segways for part of the game.”
“Might be fun.”
“You’re kidding.”
“Think of a guy on a Segway going out for a pass and the defender is on his Segway and then they both go after the ball.”
“A big crash right?”
“Yeah. Doesn’t it sound great.”
“You like hockey don’t you?”
“How’d you guess?”
“Oh just lucky.”
Fiction Favorites 
Now there’s a thought. Hockey on Segways. How about ice hockey on Segways fitted with winter tyres?
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Studded chains would be more fitting for the game. Good idea. What was that a picture of anyway?
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It’s part of the advertising caravan that precedes the Tour de France cycle race, John. Every few years it passes close enough for us to travel to see it. This was from 2008.
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Thanks, Keith
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OMG! Really? Segways on the field? I was focused on moto Presse – and, of course, had to do a quick google translation. My world is definitely boring compared to yours… 🙂
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I don’t think so. moto Presse is definitely more interesting. 😀
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Zamboni jousting! Seriously though, what is going on in that picture?
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I have no idea. I could only make up what I saw. I thought about Craig’s suggestion but couldn’t pull it off.
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I was thinking that too, but didn’t see a film crew. Maybe one of those scenes where they’re talking and traveling?
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Keith explained it. Pre-publicity for the Tour de France.
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I see. Weird, but I think I get it.
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Yup. France don’t you know.
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Love it. Maybe they’re filming a movie.
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That could be as well. Thanks, Craig. 🙂
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Haha. Loved this.
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Thanks, Michelle.
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I love hockey! 🙂 Good job, John.
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I never got into it even though Gordie Howe was a childhood hero. 🙂
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A couple of years ago, a motorcycle ride roared past our house. It was LOUD to say the least. At the back of the pack came the trailers carrying the bikes that broke down. One guy, who obviously broke down a lot…rode on his bike on the trailer while his wife drove the truck. That’s hardcore.
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I would say. Thanks, Greg. 😀
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Zamboni jousting!!! I’m dyin up here, Charles! I’d pay good money to see that! Well done, Sir John!
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Ha ha ha, John 🙂
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And it seems hockey invades all sports, after all. Nice one, John!
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Thanks, Mae Clair. 🙂
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Never mind. I believe your story, John. I haven’t a clue about bike racing anyway. Your take is entertaining and I wonder if something in your take has any truth in it. Never thought about breaks and rest periods. Huh.
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Naw. They just grab a cup of something on the way by. Thanks, Tess.
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LOL… I can sooo see that conversation happening. Have a terrific Tuesday, John. Mega hugs.
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Thanks, Teagan. Tumultuous Tuesday to you. Hugs
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Speaking of tumultuous… I just saw a news report about the huge weather system. Is Port Aransas going to be okay? Batten down the hatches.
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Great job, John — I love how you always manage to keep me guessing as to where you’re taking these things!
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Thanks, Debbie. Good to know. 🙂
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Entertaining, as always!
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Thanks. Enjoying The Convict and the Rose.
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I dig that kind of racing. Sign me up!
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Ha ha ha. Thanks, Pilgrim.
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Good one, John
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Thank you, Audrey.
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That’s bizarre! I’ve never seen anything like it, and He-man rode for years in races. I’ll have to show him this image and ask what he thinks.
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I know right. Don’t forget mine is made up.
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