Everyone knows that spring time at Indiana University means one thing: Little 500. Little 5 is also commonly referred to as “the greatest college week[end] of all time, and according to Lance Armstrong, “the coolest event [he has] ever attended."Little 500 is what separates Indiana University from the other Big Ten schools. It is what, notoriously, places us among one of the top party schools and what students look forward to since day one as Hoosier. With all this hype, if you are like me, I am sure you can imagine how frustrating it is when you are from out of state and all your friends laugh at you when you tell them your main event is a bike race.
1. It is so much more than a week long of debauchery, skipping class, and celebration.
Rather, it's a week for all Hoosiers to unite for the sake of cheering on their team and recognizing Indiana tradition. There is no better feeling than watching your bike team that has trained for months on end, qualify for the big race. Everyone respects the bikers, because aside from being such a time commitment, racing can be very dangerous and accidents often happen. Additionally, the money raised during this week goes to scholarships for students paying their way through school. Little 500 has raised over one million dollars alone since 1951.
2. The epitome of a darty.
When I tell you Quals (the pregame to Little 5) starts as early as 3:30 in the morning, I am not kidding. The fraternity you are paired with, will show up to your sorority house before the sun comes up and will literally run through your cold dorm blasting music, yanking you all out of bed. I apologize to all the guys that saw me braless and with my retainers still intact. Yes, I woke up like this.
3. An opportunity to practice your negotiating skills.
If you play your cards right, and if your teacher is not a complete idiot, they will cut you some slack this week. They are not naïve to the shenanigans that take place during this week of festivities. There is certainly a reason why attendance is less than 50 percent. For example, my law professor (shout out to Ajay, what's good homie?!) decided to move up the deadline for our research paper. I guess I was feeling pretty ambitious that day because I raised my hand and said we should get the Thursday of Little 500 off since we had an assignment due earlier than expected. He actually complied. The class cheered, and yes this may have been my biggest life accomplishment, thus far. Even Beyonce -- can't say she convinced her professor to cancel class in the name of Peach Taaka! Point is, professors understand the significance of this cut throat bike race.
4. A live concert.
SchoolboyQ was featured last year, and this year Big Sean will be here during the event. Word on the street is Waka even made an appearance last year (Squad). Lowkey, I've been dying to say “squad" in an article for quite some time, now.
5. A time to convince your friends to transfer.
You have not experienced IU until you have marched down North Jordan in a flannel at 3:30 in the morning, sang “Qual Me Maybe" on a roof, and stood in unbearable heat for three hours just to cheer on your friends during this infamous bike race.
So if you enjoy hand built fraternal swimming pools, mechanical bulls, live concerts, an endless supply of cheap beer, and sporting your Converse, Little 500 is the place to be. Good luck to all the teams competing this year. May the odds ever be in your favor.
