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...

Ruby Tuesday - Wheel

Ruby Tuesday 2  returns this week, and we become detectives as we look for red themed subjects - a lot or a little of this hue is all it takes. 

Last week's bicycle festival in Ansonia had more than just bike riders, there was art too. From the large mural to this painted wheel.

I believe it to be a wire spool that once held steel wire from a local wire mill. A unique work of art that adds and old industrial character in this industrial city. Some red here, the brick wall of City Hall with even more red...See rubies from all over at the fun RT2!

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!