Boldly Go Solo

I biked to the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., early this morning so I could see the swimmers in the Nation's Triathlon. Having just done a (shorter) triathlon, I was curious to see how racers would get into the water and where the course was. 

What a crazy scene. 4,700 participants. Waves of swimmers starting every three minutes or so from 7 am to 8:30 am. Men and women of all ages.

While spectating, I ended up talking with several people and making friends with a dog who desperately wanted to be swimming along with the participants, the owner told me. It made me realize what a good strategy it is for a solo traveler to cities to attend events that locals go to. You get to see that city come alive beyond its formal tourist sights.

In Madrid, for instance, the locals go to Cibeles Square downtown after their team wins a championship, gathering around the fountain in the middle. I've heard some people jump in the fountain, or they have in the past. Security may be tighter now.

 When I was in Niagara Falls on my own, I learned there was to be a 5K race that weekend. I seriously considered entering it. I'm not sure that's the way to meet people. Better to be a spectator.

On the banks of the Potomac, I don't remember how I ended up talking to the woman behind me. She must have said something about the race and I turned around and responded. Or maybe I made a comment about being glad I wasn't in the cold, not exactly pristine, river.

In any case, it turns out she's a regular racer. She does it as a "hobby." And she looked it, too.

I asked why she wasn't in the race. It's because she has one coming up this weekend. The SavageMan triathlon. I told her about the 79-year-old woman in my race who'd beat me. She told me about the 82-year-old woman in her race who turned in a fine time too.

I asked why she was watching if she wasn't racing. She said she enjoys the energy, and talking with people. It's about being in a crowd that has this thing in common. The event in front of them.

I understand what she means. Everyone likes to talk about the things they're interested in or have experience with. And people in these type of situations are open to conversation. They're watching their father, daughter, grandmother or friend race. They're in a good mood. They're not going anywhere.

 As for tourism, people were lined up along the same Memorial Bridge that carried Senator Edward Kennedy's body to Arlington Cemetery just a short while ago. 

They were leaning over and shouting encouragement to the swimmers. (And, boy, would I need it if I were swimming in that race. Nearly a mile in cold, choppy water.)

I'm sure many of them happened upon the race, during their morning run or bike ride or whatever. Or maybe they were visitors to the city out for a morning walk.

I need to remember, next time I'm visiting a city, to look up events. Be a spectator. See what's going on.  Maybe find that magic connection that leads to company for a meal or a drink or afternoon tea. 

But also, see the spirit of a city.

Photos: Swim. Bike. Run. From the Nation's Triathlon Web site.