New Orleans sightings

I have been a bit lax on updating the blog recently. I was in New Orleans last week on business and was really impressed with the number of bicycles I saw. It makes sense- the delta lands are flat and cycling would be a joy, if it weren't for the absolutely oppressive heat.

The bikes I saw were much like the city itself- a mix of parts, and a little dirty and provocative at the same time.


Here's a jaunty young buck, an older Schwinn, ready for a night out on Bourbon Street. He's got his bars done right to catch the attention of passing loop frames that might happen by...




This young stallion is rocking a set of the ever-present emerald green party beads that have become synonymous with this city. Loving the old school brass bell...




This little Brompton folder just made me a little homesick and wished I had my beloved Twenty with me. I must find a way to transport it by plane.




This is a pretty typical scene. This older couple has seen better days. She looks on from the safety of her wrought iron balcony at a gent who went a little too far last night. She's only a little worse for the wear, missing her saddle. He's now passed out in the street and thieves have picked him apart. The dangers of over-indulgence...

I love this city, but you must be careful. My only regrets from this trip were not having my bike with me and not making it out to Wallingford Bike shop.

Charles

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Vancouver BC - Bike Scene

A couple weeks back, the family and I took a trip up to Vancouver BC.  Spent a few nights up there for spring break.  The city is such an eclectic mix.  Exciting.  My primary reason for visiting was to see the Vancouver Art Museum's current exhibit called "The Mechanics of Man."  The Queen of England has loaned 18 original folios from Leonard Da Vinci's journals, these specifically are his anatomy drawings.  I am a huge LDV fan, and I can't even begin to express how amazing these relics are.  If you have even a remote interest in Da Vinci, and are near Vancouver, do yourself a favor and check these out.

Also, I ran across TWO Raleigh Twenties up there.  I got a picture of this one, on Robson Street, near the Chinatown end.  Just casually parked.  No pump or light.  It was the brown version, clearly a daily rider used for tooling around town.

The other Twenty was parked near the art college on Granville Island, near the Public Market.  Brown as well.  For the life of me, I'm not sure why I didn't get a picture.

My oldest son is into longboarding and Rayne Longboards is based in North Van.  We took a trek over there and found the place, tucked down a back alley.  It was exactly what I would think a longboard shop would be - a garage that had been converted to a shop.  Graffiti was basically used as artwork.  Stickers on the wall and "gnarly dudes" manning the register.  My son was in heaven!  While I waited for him, I spotted a vintage roller in the corner that someone was dressing up as advertising.  They just ride it to a location in town and park it for a couple days.  Move on from there.  Not a bad idea!

All in all, it was a very enjoyable trip.

charles