Hello!
I recently picked up issue 13 of Bicycle Times magazine, and was pleasantly surprised to see they published an email I'd sent. It recalls the 'first rain' ride I posted about in July. It is the first thing I've had in print in some time (as I focus on my personal life)... so I thought I'd share. If you aren't familiar with the magazine, it's a good time to pick it up. The current issue is the first printed on 90% recycled paper... on the presses of a Wisconsin-based company. There is always great information/advice for the novice, and great point-of-interest bits for the seasoned cyclist. The magazine contiues to publish some pretty cool art as well as Yehuda Moon strips.
This week brought a new elemental experience... STRONG WINDS. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Of course, I've dealt with lighter winds... that probably prepared me for it. We've also had some colder temperatures as of late. But it simply makes the ride more comfortable (back doesn't get as sweaty under the pack). I'm sorting out the what-to-wear (for comfort and warmth) nonsense now. Why did this seem so easy when I was 14... on my Mongoose?
It's time to get back in the saddle.
Enjoy your weekend!
Peace
- @
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011
City... Cycle... Create!
Hello everyone!
I'm currently reading two books... one of which came as a recommendation from Cory (the bike fixer). David Byrne, of Talking Heads fame, wrote a book called The Bicycle Diaries. It's very similar to the book called The Motorcycle Diaries... written by Ernesto "El Che" Guevara. In lieu of writing a book about bicycles, Byrne has put together the thoughts which come to him while touring the world on his bicycle(s). It's an introspective book filled with observations from the saddle of what is arguably the most useful machine ever invented. But this is not a preachy or soapbox-type of read. And the best part of The Bicycle Diaries is you don't need to be a cyclist to relate to Mister Byrne. You simply need a realistic point-of-view and a strong sense of reason.
The second book is called The Bicycle Book: Wit, Wisdom & Wanderings. This is most definitely a book for people who love bikes AND enjoy illustrations (comic strips). The book is quite simply a collection of bicycling essays, editorials, comics and interviews compiled by Jim Joyce. It's a fun and, at 152 pages, short read. In fact, I enjoyed the book so much I cracked open the Alley Cat anthology to which I contributed in 2007. I wish I would have known Eric 'The Vegan Ninja' Lappegard, the person for which the book was dedicated. I wish I'd have rediscovered my love for the "safety bicycle" prior to his passing. I wish I could have created comics with him... possibly comics about cycling.
Anyway...
Reading these books add to the appreciation I already have for my two-wheeler. And riding my bike to work and/or round-about town gives me extra time to appreciate my life (the missus, parents, siblings, extended family, friends, art, music, film, travel, etc). With only a month or two of decent Wisconsin riding weather left in 2011, I'm relishing every second I'm able to spend on the saddle of my Jamis. I hope you're relishing every second of your life too.
Happy reading!
Peace
- @
I'm currently reading two books... one of which came as a recommendation from Cory (the bike fixer). David Byrne, of Talking Heads fame, wrote a book called The Bicycle Diaries. It's very similar to the book called The Motorcycle Diaries... written by Ernesto "El Che" Guevara. In lieu of writing a book about bicycles, Byrne has put together the thoughts which come to him while touring the world on his bicycle(s). It's an introspective book filled with observations from the saddle of what is arguably the most useful machine ever invented. But this is not a preachy or soapbox-type of read. And the best part of The Bicycle Diaries is you don't need to be a cyclist to relate to Mister Byrne. You simply need a realistic point-of-view and a strong sense of reason.
The second book is called The Bicycle Book: Wit, Wisdom & Wanderings. This is most definitely a book for people who love bikes AND enjoy illustrations (comic strips). The book is quite simply a collection of bicycling essays, editorials, comics and interviews compiled by Jim Joyce. It's a fun and, at 152 pages, short read. In fact, I enjoyed the book so much I cracked open the Alley Cat anthology to which I contributed in 2007. I wish I would have known Eric 'The Vegan Ninja' Lappegard, the person for which the book was dedicated. I wish I'd have rediscovered my love for the "safety bicycle" prior to his passing. I wish I could have created comics with him... possibly comics about cycling.
Anyway...
Reading these books add to the appreciation I already have for my two-wheeler. And riding my bike to work and/or round-about town gives me extra time to appreciate my life (the missus, parents, siblings, extended family, friends, art, music, film, travel, etc). With only a month or two of decent Wisconsin riding weather left in 2011, I'm relishing every second I'm able to spend on the saddle of my Jamis. I hope you're relishing every second of your life too.
Happy reading!
Peace
- @
Saturday, August 27, 2011
City... Cranks & Cinema!
Hello!
Since getting back on a bike, I find myself spending a bit of time looking for books and films related to life on two wheels. Just as the title suggests, here are some cinematic triumphs you may want to look into. The emphasis in these films, for me, is real life... really living... on a bicycle. There are lots of other films focusing on bicycling as a sport. This short list includes none of those films. I'm not interested in me... on a bike... as a sporting event, although I must admit to enjoying sport bicycling as a spectator. But I'm, personally, more interested in bikes as a part of daily life (at work and play). Anyway, this is my list of top films with bicycles as an integral part of the the plot or p.o.v.
Bicycle Thieves:
This '40s Italian Neo-Realist film is extraordinary. The film is about, and was filmed on location in, post-WWII Italy. Without giving too much away, it involves a war-torn family, a job requiring a bike, and the different ways class impacted Italian nationals directly after the war ended. I don't think there will ever be a finer bicycle film made... in any country or era.
Pee Wee's Big Adventure:
This '80s uber-classic must be the cult favorite of all who either love the '80s, love their bikes... or both. If you haven't seen this film (and you are USAmerican), you ought to beat yourself about the face and head. Yeah... it's surrealist comedy... not real life. But it's close. And who could resist Pee Wee's antics? Certainly not this bicyclist.
Malena:
This is another Italian film set during and just after WWII. It is a contemporary period film which touches on class systems... the effect the Roman Catholic faith and hardcore Nationalism had on the people of the time... and a boy becoming a young man (among other things). It's not about a bike, but the point-of-view of the main character is most often from the saddle of his two-wheeler.
Beijing Bicycle:
This is a Chinese-made film which touches on many of the themes covered in Bicycle Thieves. It's not as good as the best bicycle film of all-time, but it's interesting to see how little the world (and humans, in general) has changed. Seeing the sheer amount of bicyclists in this film is mind-blowing. The depiction of a bicycle as a means to earn a living, an efficient commuting machine, a status symbol, and a "toy" adds much where the direct narrative is lacking.
And that is "my" update for the month of August.
Happy viewing!
Peace
- @
Since getting back on a bike, I find myself spending a bit of time looking for books and films related to life on two wheels. Just as the title suggests, here are some cinematic triumphs you may want to look into. The emphasis in these films, for me, is real life... really living... on a bicycle. There are lots of other films focusing on bicycling as a sport. This short list includes none of those films. I'm not interested in me... on a bike... as a sporting event, although I must admit to enjoying sport bicycling as a spectator. But I'm, personally, more interested in bikes as a part of daily life (at work and play). Anyway, this is my list of top films with bicycles as an integral part of the the plot or p.o.v.
Bicycle Thieves:
This '40s Italian Neo-Realist film is extraordinary. The film is about, and was filmed on location in, post-WWII Italy. Without giving too much away, it involves a war-torn family, a job requiring a bike, and the different ways class impacted Italian nationals directly after the war ended. I don't think there will ever be a finer bicycle film made... in any country or era.
Pee Wee's Big Adventure:
This '80s uber-classic must be the cult favorite of all who either love the '80s, love their bikes... or both. If you haven't seen this film (and you are USAmerican), you ought to beat yourself about the face and head. Yeah... it's surrealist comedy... not real life. But it's close. And who could resist Pee Wee's antics? Certainly not this bicyclist.
Malena:
This is another Italian film set during and just after WWII. It is a contemporary period film which touches on class systems... the effect the Roman Catholic faith and hardcore Nationalism had on the people of the time... and a boy becoming a young man (among other things). It's not about a bike, but the point-of-view of the main character is most often from the saddle of his two-wheeler.
Beijing Bicycle:
This is a Chinese-made film which touches on many of the themes covered in Bicycle Thieves. It's not as good as the best bicycle film of all-time, but it's interesting to see how little the world (and humans, in general) has changed. Seeing the sheer amount of bicyclists in this film is mind-blowing. The depiction of a bicycle as a means to earn a living, an efficient commuting machine, a status symbol, and a "toy" adds much where the direct narrative is lacking.
And that is "my" update for the month of August.
Happy viewing!
Peace
- @
Friday, July 29, 2011
Cream City Critique!
Hello!
So, I've found myself on the slow boat again.
I was websurfing for books on bikes a couple'o'weeks ago, and found three seemingly interesting books; Bicycle: The History (for the fetishists and/or geeks), Pedaling Revolution (for the politiks and/or anti-establishment hipsters) and Bike Snob: Systematically & Mercilessly Realigning the World of Cycling (for cycling teens & adults and/or counter-culture enthusiasts). As a huge fan of counter-culture movements and a bike-riding adult, I went for Bike Snob first.
This book contains a very brief history of the bicycle, along with the ins/outs of what we refer to as "bicycle culture". The author adds comedy, a bit sarcasm and personal anecdotes to keep the reader pensively flipping to the next page in fits of laughter. Truth be told, whether you're currently riding a bike or not, you've noticed all the people and situations covered in the book... that is... so long as you've had any exposure to bikes.
Also included in this volume are some sweet illustrations by Christopher Koelle (poor attempt at a comics tie-in) and a plethora of quotes from notable public figures.
BikeSnobNYC's observations regarding the world of bicyles (more... the people who ride them) ring true. This guy knows his subject matter like Captain Kangaroo knows furry sidies. As an added bonus, a lot of the stuff between the covers lends itself to understanding the consumer in us all.
There is a link to his blog in this entry title and under the "Resources" banner of this blog.
Enjoy your ride!
Peace
- @
So, I've found myself on the slow boat again.
I was websurfing for books on bikes a couple'o'weeks ago, and found three seemingly interesting books; Bicycle: The History (for the fetishists and/or geeks), Pedaling Revolution (for the politiks and/or anti-establishment hipsters) and Bike Snob: Systematically & Mercilessly Realigning the World of Cycling (for cycling teens & adults and/or counter-culture enthusiasts). As a huge fan of counter-culture movements and a bike-riding adult, I went for Bike Snob first.
This book contains a very brief history of the bicycle, along with the ins/outs of what we refer to as "bicycle culture". The author adds comedy, a bit sarcasm and personal anecdotes to keep the reader pensively flipping to the next page in fits of laughter. Truth be told, whether you're currently riding a bike or not, you've noticed all the people and situations covered in the book... that is... so long as you've had any exposure to bikes.
Also included in this volume are some sweet illustrations by Christopher Koelle (poor attempt at a comics tie-in) and a plethora of quotes from notable public figures.
BikeSnobNYC's observations regarding the world of bicyles (more... the people who ride them) ring true. This guy knows his subject matter like Captain Kangaroo knows furry sidies. As an added bonus, a lot of the stuff between the covers lends itself to understanding the consumer in us all.
There is a link to his blog in this entry title and under the "Resources" banner of this blog.
Enjoy your ride!
Peace
- @
Monday, July 25, 2011
City... Cranks & Comics!
Hello everyone!
I've been commuting to and from work (a few days a week) since getting back on a bike a few weeks ago. On my off days, I use public transportation... and read about riding bikes (along with other interests). The biggest challenge of people-powered commuting isn't the ride itself. It is making the commitment to actually doing it at all. After driving to this particular job for 2 1/2 years, and knowing how long it takes in a car, I was a bit intimidated.
Can I do it? Am I willing to give up an additional 20-30 minutes (each way) of my life to get to the workplace? What am I going to do, if we get locked into a heat wave or something?
Well, I can do it and have done consistantly. I'm not giving up an additional 20-30 minutes a day to get to work... I'm using that time to enjoy the fact I'm not 6 feet under.
The Beatnik, nature and I got together again on my lengthy work commute. I enjoyed the sprinkles as I made my way North and West on the Oak Leaf Trial. Oddly enough, I later enjoyed the more than sprinkles, thunder & lightning... kinda. By mile 12 I was grinning with every revolution. And, finally, when I reached work I knew I experienced something for the first time as an adult. I enjoyed bicycling... after a handful of decades out of the saddle, and in my running shoes.
The heat earlier in the week was one thing... you just want to get out of it and into a cold pint or iced water. Riding in the rain... once I locked into the reality of the trip... was like reverting back to my aged 5 (ish) self and seeing my orange Kent parked under the Christmas tree. That bike was so amazing, although I didn't realize it at the time. I was just happy Santa (my parents) saw fit to get me that bike! But it was... Christmas in Wisconsin. I had months to wait until I could take it out for spin. I recall my brother and I trying them out in the house when we thought our parents were none the wiser. And I know we would have taken those orange Kents into the lily-white snow had we been given the choice... training wheels and ALL!
I'm all grown up now. Well... sorta. And neither my wonderful mom nor protective dad could keep me off that bike (rain, hail, sleet or snow).
I'm sure riding in the elements isn't for everyone. I'm not even sure it's for me. But I know there are few moments logged into my memory which have filled me with such a strong sense of being alive. I just thought I'd share. Living is also an artform, afterall.
Happy week!
Peace
- @
I've been commuting to and from work (a few days a week) since getting back on a bike a few weeks ago. On my off days, I use public transportation... and read about riding bikes (along with other interests). The biggest challenge of people-powered commuting isn't the ride itself. It is making the commitment to actually doing it at all. After driving to this particular job for 2 1/2 years, and knowing how long it takes in a car, I was a bit intimidated.
Can I do it? Am I willing to give up an additional 20-30 minutes (each way) of my life to get to the workplace? What am I going to do, if we get locked into a heat wave or something?
Well, I can do it and have done consistantly. I'm not giving up an additional 20-30 minutes a day to get to work... I'm using that time to enjoy the fact I'm not 6 feet under.
The Beatnik, nature and I got together again on my lengthy work commute. I enjoyed the sprinkles as I made my way North and West on the Oak Leaf Trial. Oddly enough, I later enjoyed the more than sprinkles, thunder & lightning... kinda. By mile 12 I was grinning with every revolution. And, finally, when I reached work I knew I experienced something for the first time as an adult. I enjoyed bicycling... after a handful of decades out of the saddle, and in my running shoes.
The heat earlier in the week was one thing... you just want to get out of it and into a cold pint or iced water. Riding in the rain... once I locked into the reality of the trip... was like reverting back to my aged 5 (ish) self and seeing my orange Kent parked under the Christmas tree. That bike was so amazing, although I didn't realize it at the time. I was just happy Santa (my parents) saw fit to get me that bike! But it was... Christmas in Wisconsin. I had months to wait until I could take it out for spin. I recall my brother and I trying them out in the house when we thought our parents were none the wiser. And I know we would have taken those orange Kents into the lily-white snow had we been given the choice... training wheels and ALL!
I'm all grown up now. Well... sorta. And neither my wonderful mom nor protective dad could keep me off that bike (rain, hail, sleet or snow).
I'm sure riding in the elements isn't for everyone. I'm not even sure it's for me. But I know there are few moments logged into my memory which have filled me with such a strong sense of being alive. I just thought I'd share. Living is also an artform, afterall.
Happy week!
Peace
- @
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
The City on Yehuda Moon!
Hello everyone!
Ever been on the slow boat to anything?
I know I have.
Exhibit A: I've been sleeping on Rick Smith and his bicycle loving comic strip, Yehuda Moon. If not for the fact I finally got back on a bike last month, I probably would still be clueless (regarding this strip, of course). Rick Smith is also responsible for Shuck.
Check out Yehuda Moon by clicking on the title above. On the site you'll learn how you can own a copy (or more) of Yehuda: Volume 1. You should also pedal over to the Press section of this blog and check out Bicycle Times. They've printed some groovy art (from various artistes) on the covers and interiors of their magazine.
Enjoy!
Peace
- @
Ever been on the slow boat to anything?
I know I have.
Exhibit A: I've been sleeping on Rick Smith and his bicycle loving comic strip, Yehuda Moon. If not for the fact I finally got back on a bike last month, I probably would still be clueless (regarding this strip, of course). Rick Smith is also responsible for Shuck.
Check out Yehuda Moon by clicking on the title above. On the site you'll learn how you can own a copy (or more) of Yehuda: Volume 1. You should also pedal over to the Press section of this blog and check out Bicycle Times. They've printed some groovy art (from various artistes) on the covers and interiors of their magazine.
Enjoy!
Peace
- @
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
RLSH: City & Beyond!
Hello everyone!
I want to focus on the Real-Life Superhero Movement... which is seemingly sweeping over the world as of late. To be 100% honest, it's not all that new.
I toyed with the "real world" superhero genre in 2001-2002. I created a character called THE RANSOM. The title character of this comic, published in Cream City Comics: Inkblot, is a desk jockey looking for something useful to do with his life. Sick of hearing about muggings, kidnappings and rapes in his beloved hometown, The Ransom (emotionally) snaps and becomes an unmasked vigilante. A few years later, in 2005-2006, I created another superhero which wasn't super at all... THE DEAD CRICKET! He appeared throughout the Cream City Comics/Bud Burgy Inc.-published MUSCLES & FIGHTS series. For any readers familiar with the character and backstory, TDC is an ordinary working stiff with aspirations of being something... or someone... more significant. Specifically, he has daydreams/fantasies of himself as a superhero. In a way, The Dead Cricket! is a more humorous exercise of what I'd already examined with The Ransom... disatisfaction with everyday life and human inner rage as we see the world/civilization around us tumbling down.
But, even before those projects, the idea of a "real world' in which superheroes exist could be found in published comic books... Zorro, The Spirit, Batman, V For Vendetta, The Watchmen, Mystery Men, Sin City, and a few others immediately SPRING to mind. Television and film have brought live action versions of these characters to the screen, as well as creating animated RLSHs like; The Incredibles, Despicable Me (super-villain) and Megamind.
Well, just when you thought the superhero comics craze couldn't get any... erm... CRAZIER...
In 2004, a person known as "Kevlex" responded a question posed by Mark Schmidt asking why there were no Real-Life Superheroes in existence by creating the World Superhero Registry. The Hero Coalition, founded in 2006, was the first attempt to connect crimefighters through an online MEGA NETWORK. Since that time, various sites/forums have surfaced catering to local crime fighters around the globe. In 2008, a website was created to research and archive the activities of these self-proclaimed Real-Life Superheroes. And just what kinds of activities do these masked (and unmasked) CRUSADERS perform? They take part in food drives and community fundraisers. They walk the streets, by night, in search of crimes to prevent. And they are covered in documentaries, such as; Your Friendly Neighborhood Hero: The Documentary Film About RLSH (2008).
For me, this is the wildest spin-off of comics in the US since serious comic book shop debates and in-fighting about the goings-on in the latest issue of (fill in the blank) comic book. These well-meaning individuals have been covered on programs like GOOD MORNING AMERICA, they've been written about by US and European magazines, and they've been lampooned on SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE.
Whether or not I think donning a costume/uniform and patrolling the streets is a good idea... I DO NOT... is immaterial. It's nice to know people still care enough to become involved in their respective communities. But let's hope these citizens don't draw too much attention from the amazing heroes around us all the time; soup kitchen/homeless shelter volunteers, The Salvation Army, The Goodwill, educators, social counselors, EMTs, fire fighters, police officers, military personnel and other civil/community servants.
You can read more about this wild PHENOMENON by clicking the entry title.
Happy reading!
Peace
-AR
I want to focus on the Real-Life Superhero Movement... which is seemingly sweeping over the world as of late. To be 100% honest, it's not all that new.
I toyed with the "real world" superhero genre in 2001-2002. I created a character called THE RANSOM. The title character of this comic, published in Cream City Comics: Inkblot, is a desk jockey looking for something useful to do with his life. Sick of hearing about muggings, kidnappings and rapes in his beloved hometown, The Ransom (emotionally) snaps and becomes an unmasked vigilante. A few years later, in 2005-2006, I created another superhero which wasn't super at all... THE DEAD CRICKET! He appeared throughout the Cream City Comics/Bud Burgy Inc.-published MUSCLES & FIGHTS series. For any readers familiar with the character and backstory, TDC is an ordinary working stiff with aspirations of being something... or someone... more significant. Specifically, he has daydreams/fantasies of himself as a superhero. In a way, The Dead Cricket! is a more humorous exercise of what I'd already examined with The Ransom... disatisfaction with everyday life and human inner rage as we see the world/civilization around us tumbling down.
But, even before those projects, the idea of a "real world' in which superheroes exist could be found in published comic books... Zorro, The Spirit, Batman, V For Vendetta, The Watchmen, Mystery Men, Sin City, and a few others immediately SPRING to mind. Television and film have brought live action versions of these characters to the screen, as well as creating animated RLSHs like; The Incredibles, Despicable Me (super-villain) and Megamind.
Well, just when you thought the superhero comics craze couldn't get any... erm... CRAZIER...
In 2004, a person known as "Kevlex" responded a question posed by Mark Schmidt asking why there were no Real-Life Superheroes in existence by creating the World Superhero Registry. The Hero Coalition, founded in 2006, was the first attempt to connect crimefighters through an online MEGA NETWORK. Since that time, various sites/forums have surfaced catering to local crime fighters around the globe. In 2008, a website was created to research and archive the activities of these self-proclaimed Real-Life Superheroes. And just what kinds of activities do these masked (and unmasked) CRUSADERS perform? They take part in food drives and community fundraisers. They walk the streets, by night, in search of crimes to prevent. And they are covered in documentaries, such as; Your Friendly Neighborhood Hero: The Documentary Film About RLSH (2008).
For me, this is the wildest spin-off of comics in the US since serious comic book shop debates and in-fighting about the goings-on in the latest issue of (fill in the blank) comic book. These well-meaning individuals have been covered on programs like GOOD MORNING AMERICA, they've been written about by US and European magazines, and they've been lampooned on SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE.
Whether or not I think donning a costume/uniform and patrolling the streets is a good idea... I DO NOT... is immaterial. It's nice to know people still care enough to become involved in their respective communities. But let's hope these citizens don't draw too much attention from the amazing heroes around us all the time; soup kitchen/homeless shelter volunteers, The Salvation Army, The Goodwill, educators, social counselors, EMTs, fire fighters, police officers, military personnel and other civil/community servants.
You can read more about this wild PHENOMENON by clicking the entry title.
Happy reading!
Peace
-AR
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)