Defy takes 1.6 miles in stride

Starts off slow but flies by
'toughest block on the system'

San Francisco-
Defythelie judged things perfectly. Winding up the pace with four blocks to run, she made a race-winning kick after passing PreFontaine just beyond the Pacific Union Club.

Ms. the Lie had hit the first few blocks with a strong pace, but held back slightly, finishing ahead at Van Ness by a clear block. That locked in the win on this season's first Man vs. Machine event.

"It was like the whole world was shouting over the last 100 yards," Defy told SF0. "I can't believe they called it 'man vs. machine! Just goes to show..."

Pre Fontaine held second, with Carl Lewis third out of the 17 runners.

Yesterday's event, held as part of a collaborative task, aimed to measure the abilities of pedal versus mechanic transport. The cable cars of the California, Market, & Van Ness line were chosen earlier this week as the competition, and are predicted to often make the run from 15 to 16 minutes, depending on traffic.

The winning time was a record 13 minutes and 32 seconds. The cable car in question was #53, departing at 5:44 pm.

Friday's race was delayed from 5:30 after a false start, and there was turmoil at the corner of Drumm street. Mr. Lewis spontaneously chucked a 200 ml flask of Jack Daniels at a small group of passersby, who had the gall to question his right to have a smoke at the start. But the Bear was still able to treat the downtown crowd to his trademark flying dismount.

He made it up through the block at Powell street, known to cable car operators as "the toughest in the system." From there he launched himself onto the car, rode with it past Grace Cathedral and over the crest of Nob Hill. After vomiting profusely, Mr. Lewis proceeded to finish the race on foot, well ahead of the car, and only floundering in the last hundred yards.

His photo finish almost didn't happen, as he ended up only about two seconds ahead of #53.

The other two races in the trifecta - the Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason - have yet to be scheduled. However, today's runners appear eager to make it happen. "We'll take any challengers - any time, any day" said Mr. Lewis, with Mr. Fontaine nodding in agreement. "Just as long as they buy me a Boddington's after it's over."

A medal will be awarded for a winner of all three routes. For the time being, it seems, liquid winnings suffice.







For further car information see here.