Tour de Fat: Beer, bikes and bemusement

Costumed attendees waited in line to park their bikes. Lines for parking lots were much shorter. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)

WTOP/Dana Gooley

Batala Washington is a female percussion group that plays Afro-Brazilian and samba-reggae music. The group provided entertainment and a beat for dancing throughout the day. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)

WTOP/Dana Gooley

The women of Batala led people around the event in an improvised conga line. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)

WTOP/Dana Gooley

New Belgium put a humorous twist on typical beer tokens with "beer tokens of affection." The Tour de Fat participants purchased tokens, which could be redeemed for beer throughout the day.

New Belgium staff sold beer in tents across the park. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)

WTOP/Dana Gooley

As temperatures rose, the beer tents were swarmed by thirsty bikers. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)

WTOP/Dana Gooley

Wigs, wings and spandex were the most popular costume elements. (Dana Gooley)

Dana Gooley

Festival-goers remained in high spirits despite the heat -- the cold beer helped a bit. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)

WTOP/Dana Gooley

A BicycleSPACE employee and his mobile speakers drew attention from the crowd. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)

WTOP/Dana Gooley

Nacho Libre and Duff Man were among the many pop culture costumes at the event. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)

WTOP/Dana Gooley

The day included several performances, from comedians to musicians. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)

WTOP/Dana Gooley

The Le Tigre sideshow tent offered air-conditioned puppet show performances. On a 90-plus degree-day, this tent was popular with children and adults, alike. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)

WTOP/Dana Gooley

A biker sports a vibrant, patriotic Mohawk wig. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)

WTOP/Dana Gooley

Bike decorations, like this sock monkey-flower combination, were popular among Tour De Fat bikers. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)

WTOP/Dana Gooley

Musical skits on the main stage entertained attendees in between events. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)

WTOP/Dana Gooley

No shirt? No problem. Some people beat the heat by painting on their costumes. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)

WTOP/Dana Gooley

Bikers shared beers with hot Tour De Fat volunteers. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)

WTOP/Dana Gooley

Road signs directed people towards the festival grounds at Yards Park. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)

WTOP/Dana Gooley

Decorated helmets stood out above the crowd. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)

WTOP/Dana Gooley

Unusual outfits were not just accepted -- they were encouraged. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)

WTOP/Dana Gooley

Even Waldo came out of hiding for the Tour De Fat. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)

WTOP/Dana Gooley

Nationals pride was even sported at the bike and beer event. A festival attendee dressed in a Jason Werth jersey. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)

WTOP/Dana Gooley

Sales tent volunteers took a break from selling Tour De Fat apparel. Proceeds from local vendors went to the Washington Area Bicyclist Association and Black Women Bike DC. (WTOP/Dana Gooley)

WTOP/Dana Gooley