There is no greater motivation than investing in something moderately expensive. Thus, this past February I sat with my brand-new New Steed™ in the basement and wished to get back into regular riding.
This corresponded with the launch of this blog and I took the opportunity to record the bicycle-related events. Early posts simply described the rides, but I soon realized that it is difficult to properly describe the experience with words alone. For those who might not ride regularly, it’s hard to articulate what riding a bike is really about. It’s not just getting outdoors. It’s not just mental escape. It’s not just challenges and successes. It’s not just suffering. It’s not just a mix of quiet and mechanical drone.
It’s a feeling that needs to be seen and felt, versus merely described.
Thus, I decided to begin recording my rides using images with some hope of capturing the true nature of the ride. My company-issued phone has a built-in camera that is only moderately adequate for outdoor images. I’ve used an assortment of camera equipment throughout my life and have realized that the performance of the camera is rarely tied to the quality of the photo. Great photos are all about subject and composition. Thus, I decided to take pictures while the bike was in motion with some hopes of capturing my own experience while in the pedals.
Taking pictures at 20mph is no easy task. First, my phone has a stupid password that needs to be typed before I can access the phone. This requires me to “text-in” a longer string using both hands to even get a chance to use the phone. Then the camera operation is no easy task, as the shutter button is awkward to trigger when the camera is pointed toward me. This has to be coordinated while trying to maintain my pace and not drive off the side of the road.
It’s a surprise that any images come out of the camera with even a hint of identifiable content.
But, I think I get a few nice ones every once and awhile and will showcase them below. As with the various nephews and daughter images found in previous posts, I enjoy the photo less for the quality of the photo itself and more for the memories each provokes. Enjoy.
Although a boring ride along a bike path, this image offers a great contrast in the clarity of the bike and motion-blur of the environment to project a feeling of speed.
My Old Steed is like an old, reliable friend that offers the spring-like feeling of steel and simple mechanics of old-school technology.
I used to avoid the rain but I now find real joy in riding through it and not backing down when nature decides to be uncooperative.
For some reason, this photo looks like I took it in 1972 based on the muted colors. This is untouched right from the camera.
With dusk lighting and tree-canopy roads my white handlebars and arms appear to glow.
Although I'm not a huge fan of the self-portrait, you can see that I was working hard on the ride.
This photo has a great mix of angles and captures what I see in my head when I try to recall a hard ride on the bike.
