by John McCormick

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – It was a bit of a madhouse -- and serious security challenge -- as Sen. Barack Obama arrived at Nick's English Hut, a popular watering hole and restaurant here.

The celebration for this weekend's Little 500, a popular bike relay at Indiana University, was already well underway.

Hundreds of people lined up outside as Obama arrived early this evening, after the Illinois Democrat stopping by the race and stadium for some colorful photos and plenty of handshaking.

Inside Nick's, the fire code capacity had almost certainly been exceeded as Obama shook hands and posed for photos with students, including at least a few who had appeared to have been drinking for a few hours.

The Little 500 race was playing on television sets throughout the bar.

After Obama walked to the establishment's second floor, he signed a wall, apparently a local tradition for visiting dignitaries.

"He's so good looking," one college coed shrieked.

After Obama turned a corner on the second floor, one student asked if he would like a "Jagerbomb," a combination of Jagermeister and the energy drink Red Bull.

Obama simply smiled and kept walking.

"Remember, everybody's got to vote," Obama said, reminding the college students of Indiana's May 6 primary.

A few second later, one student commented on how soft Obama's skin is, after he shook the candidate's hand and then joked that he must use lotion.

As Obama left the bar, there was a chaotic scene, as the crowd had swelled and become relatively aggressive in trying to press up against the senator.

Although Obama is not a regular biker, he seemed to enjoy his time inside Bill Armstrong Stadium.

He spent more than an hour there as thousands of college students and others were assembled for the 23rd annual version of the women's race (the men's version will be held Saturday).

The women's race involves 100 laps around the quarter-mile track, according to Jen Psaki, Obama's traveling press secretary.

The skies had cleared by the time Obama arrived, with a strong wind pushing along some puffy clouds. The event looked and felt like a track meet, only with bicycles.

The race is featured in the 1979 Academy Award-winning film "Breaking Away."

Coat off and sleeves rolled up, Obama created an instant buzz as he walked onto the field, briefly shaking hands with women's basketball coach Felisha Legette-Jack.

With the relay teams lined up with the bikes around the perimeter of the stadium, Obama shook virtually every hand of the athletes and posed for numerous photos.

Reggie Love, Obama's bodyman, collected a colorful collection of T-shirts that were given to the candidate. He appeared to be clutching more than a half-dozen at one point.

He then watched the race parade, as the athletes walked around the track with their bicycles. Some of the team names: "Team Clutch" and "Team Sofa."

As the national anthem was sung over the stadium speaker system, Obama placed his hand over his heart and sang along. Red and white balloons were then released, as the Indiana state song was sung.

On his way out of the stadium, one student yelled out: "You're going to win."

And the senator was handed one last T-shirt. "That's a nice one. That's a good one," he said.