First Time Rider
Mardi Gras 2006 will be my first opportunity to actually ride in a parade for the first time. I’m certainly no big-shot or anything, but I was thrilled when I got the offer, especially for a free ride.
I’ve been to too many parades to count but never ridden so what should I expect? If you have been a rider before, let me know some of the “inside” details so I can be prepared.
Here are the details:
February 18, 2006 @ 6pm
Yours truly will be on the last float of the parade so if your going to this particular parade, let me know so I can bombard you with some of my “special” throws.
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Which side, man? That’s the main thing after the float number. Good for your. I’ve only ridden a truck once as a kid, and think riding has got to be fun. This year I”ll just be glad if I can make it in time for Bacchus, leaving Fargo, N.D. to delivery my wife her car.
Some of the few things I remember from riding are:
1) Take some ‘goodies’ (i.e. long, fancy beads, a set or two of doubloons, 2-3 cups and some panties, little toy knives, etc.) and stick them in gallon-size or larger Zip-lock bags. Have at least like 15-20 of these that you can chuck at friends and relations who suddenly pop out of the crowd as the float takes off. Keep them close by, as you’d be surprised how fast you can leave people in the dust.
2)Bring your game bladder. The port-a-let will generally be occupied 90% of the ride, usually the 90% that you need to use it. It’s usually a good idea to wait until the float moves out of the staging area, and then get whatever you have in your bladder out. Usually most of the riders still don’t have a good enough buzz to be needing to constantly use the bathroom, so you should be able to get it.
3) Depending on the amount of throws you bought, you may want to ‘ration’ yourself a bit. Try and make the first 4 bags last until Cleary, the next 4 last until Severn, etc. Some people throw a lot early, and end up having nothing by the time they get through the Bonnabel loop. Save something for the drunk as hell people down at the end of Vets. They’ll be only too willing to embarass themselves for it.
4)Bring water or Gatorade. Some people may give you a funny look, but by the end of the ride, they will be begging you for some.
5) There is no such thing as bringing too much alcohol to drink. Don’t get so wasted that the marshall has to come drag you down off the float for mooning the cops, but definately laissé le bon temps roulé.
Mike
NO_DOC has it right. Number 5 is right don’t overdo it but have fun.
It is a unique experience and I think this year will be really great.
Expect people to jump on the side of the float and kiss you.
Expect people to show you their boobs!
Laurie