Shadow Shot Sunday - Defying Gravity

For Shadow Shot Sunday 2, Patti captured a few views of the BMX stunt riders at the recent Pierre Lallement bicycle festival on Main Street in Ansonia. These riders move fast up to and over the ramps on the street and even a steep uphill set against the trailer - a very cool breeze wafted over the spectators, but just enough sun added to the shadowy captures. The riders seem to float through the air with the greatest of ease...

Ruby Tuesday Too - Red Ride

Ruby Tuesday Too takes me back a week or so in my pursuit of a ruby red subject - and I found it! on Ansonia's Main Street at the Pierre Lallement Bicycle Festival, talented New Jersey stunt bicyclist Chris Clark was showing some moves on his ruby bicycle in front of the red trailer while wearing a red helmet. Thus, the right color for this fun meme was found!

Shadow Shot Sunday - Fund-raising shadows

Shadow Shot Sunday 2 returns, as do I. Last Saturday was an event that Patti and I attended: the CT (bike) Challenge. Over 1000 bicyclists participated by riding courses from 10-180 miles (16-290 km) to raise funds for their cancer survivorship programs. And they have been very helpful to Patti as she is in a weekly exercise program for breast cancer survivors. It was a beautiful day for all who rode, the BBQ for all (our post) was plentiful and most importantly, the feelings of affirmation for cancer survivors and their supporters. 

And of course under the blue sky and sun were shadows. Nobody could ask for more! See Patti's NH Register blog post and...I was able to compile Patti's photos in the following slideshow - of a very affirmative day :)

Whimsical Windows - Hunt Club

Toby hosts the fun architectural meme Whimsical Windows/Delirious Doors. We look at interesting buildings and details for inspiration. On Saturday, Patti and I attended a great fundraising event, the CT (bike) Challenge. Over 1000 bicyclists rode courses from 10 to 180 miles (16-290 km) to raise funds for cancer survivor programs - Patti is involved with a training and conditioning aftercare herself. The event was held at the Fairfield County Hunt Club in Westport CT, and it is a tony place as typified by their 1924 clubhouse - with a hint of elegance. What is not seen here is the huge swath of green that is the place of the show jumping events...slightly out of reach for us :) Tally ho!

Shadow Shot Sunday - Wheels, spokes and such

Shadow Shot Sunday 2 is back - and we continue to look for and at shadows in any and all venues. Last week Patti and I attended this year's Pierre Lallement Festival of Bikes in downtown Ansonia, in its second year. As in years past, the bicyclists rode up and down the steep hills from Yale University in New Haven - about 12 miles (19 kM) on their modern multi-speed and lightweight bikes made.

Here is at the opposite - a reproduction 1890s high-wheeler bicycle  (no, this was delivered on a truck) - who would actually want to ride one of these up the 400 foot / 122 M ascent? The rider was able to mount and ride these machines on the level streets - a real accomplishment (see Patti's story).

Mounted in the bed of the pickup was an 1860s French manufactured “bone shaker" bicycle. With its wooden spoked wheels, I would not be inclined to ride this on our bumpy roads even if I were able :). A nice gathering in this urban setting...

Shadow Shot Sunday - Bikes and more

Steve and Rich early on

Shadow Shot Sunday 2 is back - and we have been on the look for shadowy art, and most of the time we need not look to hard on our hunt.

The tools of the painters

Last Sunday Patti and I attended the Pierre Lallement Festival of Bikes in downtown Ansonia, in its second year.

Besides vendors along the Main Street, there were bicyclists riding up steep hills from New Haven who arrived with a police escort to the finish line - see Patti's blog post with video. A fun time for riders and spectator alike. 

Joel and Rich continue

Valley Arts Council members were painting a mural prior to the arrival of the bikes. In the second, colors were mediums were mixed in a variety of shades. I think outdoor wood stains were mixed with outdoor paint for durability.

Lallement was a Frenchman who lived in Ansonia for a time where he received a patent for the pedal bicycle in 1865. He did not get rich for his discovery, a fate that often befalls the inventor whose invention would be very common after their lifetimes.

Although there are no natural shadows in this view (but check the mural), the picture was taken 2 hours later as the artists continued. The weather was brilliant until the rain that appeared later in the afternoon and the mural taken down, with work to continue. A great day full of action, art and shadow!