Dove Bike

And, here's the other decorated bicycle that is on public display and is randomly moved from one location to another in downtown. The backstory with this one is interesting. The artist, who refers to himself as Dr. Nik Gapeto, said he begrudgingly was shopping at Walmart and saw a display of fake doves.  He realized they were intended for shooting target practice.  Being vehemently opposed to guns, he bought all 60 or so doves (calling them 'killing mechanisms') … and eventually came up with the idea for the peace Dove Bike. Surprisingly, I've never seen Dr. Nik in person -- just his creative bicycles. This shot was taken at Bayfront Park where it was locked up and on display.  One of these days, when I spot him, I'll do my best to get a portrait. In the meantime, here's a video interview he did recently with one of our many local media outlets:

Flamingo Bike

When I posted this portrait recently, I mentioned that I was photographing a flamingo bicycle and promised to share it.  Tah dah!  It's difficult not to notice something this bright, creative and unusual.  (Although, from a photography standpoint it was a challenge to capture.)  A local artist, who goes by the name Dr. Nik Gapeto and works at the Florida Studio Theatre in downtown, is the man behind it.  (Oh, how I would love a photo of him riding this bicycle!  Perhaps a directive needs to go out to the entire SDP staff to keep their eyes peeled and cameras ready.)  I've heard Dr. Nik likes the idea of the Flamingo Bicycle getting people's creative juices flowing.  It certainly is an unexpected sight. You never know where it will pop up in downtown.  The first time I spotted it, it was chained outside Whole Foods.  This time, it was two blocks away at Five Points.  And, this isn't Dr. Nik's only art bike.  We have another one on tap for tomorrow.  Hope you have a terrific Saturday!

Cruisin'

Bicyclists cruisin' on U.S. 41 in downtown Sarasota. Even though they were traveling in a pack, I thought they were a bit daring occupying the left turn lane during evening rush hour. I prefer my bike rides out in the country -- away from the car exhaust.

Wheels Galore

I spotted this bicycle, tricycle and moped outside a Goodwill store in Sarasota. Ever since it opened about a year ago, I have difficulty finding a parking space to go to my dry cleaner next door. With the economy the way it is, Goodwill has become a very popular store --- no matter how you arrive.

Multi-Modal

There's lots of talk in Sarasota about increasing multi-modal transportation....like biking and walking.

BMX Easter Classic

Sarasota hosted the BMX Easter Classic over the weekend and it was quite busy when I was there Saturday.  The tournament was part of a national championship series and, according to one of the announcers, a couple of Olympic hopefuls were there competing.   Some of the riders were really young (think 4-years-old) and others had a little more life experience under their belts (I believe there's a 40+ age bracket).  I'm not sure what age group this guy is in, but I tip my hat to this (apparent) weekend warrior.  At one point in the afternoon, following a wipeout, one of the announcers said, somewhat jokingly, that the course wasn't that difficult.  Sure...as long as you have enough Tylenol, ice packs and heating pads afterward!  Unfortunately, Blogger reduces the resolution of photos, so this post doesn't really compare to the original.  If you'd like to see more photos from the event, pop over to www.jetmediaworks.com

Blending In

This young BMXer almost blended right into the background the other night at the training course in Sarasota.   I'm always amazed by the diverse age range of the participants:  from 3-years-old to 50+.   One of the 3-year-olds was a sweet little girl sporting pink shoes.  Of course, when I spotted her the lighting was bad.   Yet another good reason to return soon! 

Beach Combers

Beach combers leaning against a lifeguard tower on Lido Key beach, along the Gulf of Mexico.  No signs of the riders.  Whoever rode them here in this heat probably jumped in the water immediately to try to cool off.

Flyin' Over the Hills

After posting close ups of BMXers training, I thought I'd show you a portion of the course.  As you can see, it has some pretty good sized hills.  And the riders can get some good air.  

Speed Racer

This young man zoomed right by me in a blur at the BMX track in Sarasota.  So, I was thrilled to discover that, as luck would have it, I captured him --- in frame and in focus.  He and lots of other boys (and one or two girls) were zipping around the practice course in the heat of the early evening.  I'm never sure when they're going to be on the course, so when I'm driving in the vicinity I just look for bicycles flying through the air.  I can't wait to make it out there for an actual race.

Abandoned

While talking a walk in the neighborhood, I came across this bicycle tossed down on the sidewalk with no one around.  There weren't kids in the vicinity, or adults for that matter.  The closest house is about a five minute walk.  It's a Schwinn beachcomber in pretty good condition.  (The golden sunlight on the oak tree in the background makes it look even nicer.)  On my return trip, it was still there --- just abandoned.  I'm curious as to the story here.