AUGUST 6, 2003 -- BIKE RIDE TO WATCH THE BALLOONS: Every year the Indiana State Fair is kicked off with a hot air balloon race sponsored by the Propane Association (kind a makes sense, doesn't it?). This year a bunch from CANA (Chatham Arch Neighborhood Association) decided to take an early morning bike ride via the newly completed Monon Trial to see them up close and personal. We met at 5:30 am while it was still a little dark. We got to the fairgrounds and were allowed to enter for free via Gate 18. We rode right up to the infield just as the Hare Balloon lifted off and the sun was coming up. This was really cool to see in person. Got to see the state fair queen, too. We hopped back on our bikes and followed the balloons back down the trail for a ways until they drifted off to the east and landed around Douglas Park. We were back downtown by 7 am. Now if someone had only volunteered to make breakfast afterwards ....
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