Obama Motorcade

President Obama was in Palo Alto on June 24th for a conference at Stanford. I knew this because I got the multiple traffic warnings from the PAPD about the impending ObamaJam. And so, when I needed to run an errand to the other side of town, I rode my bike. (Truth be told, I always ride my bike when I have to go over there because even on regular days the traffic and parking are horrendous.)

Anyway, I was on my way back and crossing Embarcadero when I saw a gaggle of motorcycle cops riding down the street. Then two of them stopped at opposite corners of Embarcadero and Greer, and the timing was consistent with the traffic warnings so I stopped to ask one of them if Obama was en route. Luckily the CHP officer was very nice. He told me yes, eventually, the motorcade would be coming all the way down Embarcadero, but he wasn’t sure exactly when, probably 15-30 minutes.

Of course, I had to wait! So I parked my trusty steed across from the officers and found a shady spot.

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After about 30 minutes, the cops blocked off Greer, much to the chagrin of many drivers. There was even one woman who tried to cross the street on foot and was quite perturbed when the officer told her she couldn’t.

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After several sweeps from the police helicopter, a small crowd of onlookers joined us and finally the procession started.

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It was pretty great.

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There was a long line of vehicles behind the one Obama was in — press vans, ambulance, more police, etc.

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I stopped taking pictures as Obama’s car passed by and I did, in fact, get a glimpse of our President. In light of the disaster that is this year’s election process, seeing Obama was especially exciting!

And then, in the blink of an eye, it was all over and the streets were open again. There are hundreds of cars backed up though, so I was very happy to be able to jump on my bike. I was home in five minutes!