Mountain Bike, a photo from California, West

Photographer's Note

In Athens a new event was added this year to the Olympics, mountain bicycle racing. The current craze in mountain racing had its origins in Marin County in the mid-1970's when riders fascinated with taking their bicycles up and down the steep slopes of Mount Tamalpais began tinkering with their bikes to absorb the punishment of off road racing. For those interested in a history of the sport and Marin County's place in it, you may check the link below.

Brief History of the Mountain Bike

I found this bicycle leaning against the wall of the local coffee roastery. Cyclists seem especially fond of coffee laced with sugar and cream. I mentioned to someone on the street of my interest in documenting the history of mountain biking in Marin and he directed me to a real estate office across the street where a salesperson very familiar with the mountain and bike riding works. When I inquired about the man, I was told he was gone for the day...riding his bicycle on the mountain. It was early afternoon.

Notice the baloon tires and the straight handle bars, as well as the shock absorbing front fork. This bicycle is designed for rough going and this sport not for the faint of heart... ;-)

avis2avis, elroyie, Burnham, pamastro, tangerine oznaczył to zdjęcie jeko użyteczne

Critiques | Translate

avis2avis (4264) 2004-08-25 2:04 [Comment]

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elroyie (2750) 2004-08-25 16:01

The colours are great and interesring note, but the composition is too tyde I think, there are two ways for improvement I think:
1. to see more of the coffee shop and it will be a good combination with your note.
2. to see more of the pavement straight ahead, to create more open composition.

Burnham (2428) 2004-08-25 17:04

Awwwww, pobrecito! you need me now, ha ha. this reminds me of my good friend Eric, a famous moutainbiker (or used to be)from France. His bike was a bit more beaten up, but nevertheless packed so heavily with gear I wondered how he mad it move... I agree with elroie, why not leave the whole bik in the frame, still offcenter, but just not cropped. good stuff anyway, and your note is very informative, something I didn't know.

kikvel (4784) 2004-08-25 19:59

Hi Curtis!!!

You touched my heart!!!
My bike is resting since TOO long, and I really miss riding it...

I promise I will reactivate myself.

K.

pamastro (7296) 2004-08-26 0:10

Well documented, Curtis. The bike appears rough and tough even in the more docile environment of the street. But its ruggedness combines well with the cracks in the sidewalk. It gives it a more aggressive feel, especially with your tight crop of the bike. The colors and details are very nice on the bike. It's almost completely ready to go for a rough ride. It just seems awkwardly cut off on the right side at the back tire. But you still capture the rugged feel nicely. My thoughts on changing the photo would be for a tighter, more graphic look, just showing a part of the bike. Or including more space behind the bike and using a lower point of view.

I tried it once in what would be a laughable environment to true off roaders. After that little attempt I decided to stick to roads.

Toba_O (123) 2007-06-26 16:19