Melissa’s Blog

The Secret to Racing Roadies on a Cruiser Bike Tuesday, June 29, 2010

I really, really wish I could take credit for this shoot.  I mean, I took the photos, but the hilarious concept wasn’t mine.  My Coloradical tour guide, Steve Z told me one evening that a friend of his had a cruiser bike with a hub motor on it.  For a few years, he had imagined how funny it would be to dress up in costume and race road cyclists on the bike….but of course, he needed a photographer to shoot it!  Needless to say, I was happy to oblige, so the next day we packed up his Subaru with the bike and a ridiculous costume and headed up to Ward, Colorado for some fun and deep belly laughing!

The Utica Street Market is a little store situated at the top of a 19 mile hill climb that is popular with local cyclists.  Given the natural audience, it seemed like the perfect place to set the stage.

Take a minute to really look at this guy.  A beautiful mullet, waving in the wind, aviator glasses, short jean cut offs…with the pockets hanging out, 80’s neon helmet, white sport socks and black boots, muscle shirt and of course the half case of beer and rattling empties in the basket.  How could you not do a double take when this guy passed you on your bike???

Steve would hide in a driveway past the stop sign down the hill and wait until he saw a cyclist approach.  Once they past him, he would sneak up behind them and then pass them on the hill…making sure to exaggerate his breathing and pedal stroke. The first time was pretty funny, but the second time is when things got good.  Steve pulled up behind this particular cyclist, and as he started to pass him the guy got out of the saddle and they ended up in a full on sprint up the hill.  The deep belly laughing and the tears started shortly after this moment. 

These two guys hung out and watched the show for a little while.  When Steve went to chat with them afterward, he was delighted to hear that they hadn’t see the motor.  They honestly thought that he was out cycling people riding $3000 bikes.  Definitely another highlight moment!

The bike.  The big black front hub is the motor and is powered by the batteries in the rear pack.  It’s capable of putting out 500 watts and enabled Steve to hold about 19kph up the hill. Big thanks to Paul for lending her out for the day!

Oh Colorado! Monday, June 28, 2010

My friend Emily told me a few months ago that while I was on my road trip - I should consider checking out Colorado…more specifically, Boulder, CO.  She said that if I loved Nelson, that I would probably love Boulder, as it had the same sort of vibe.  Turns out, she was right!  A good friend and fellow photographer Steve Zdawcznski lives in the area, and so when I mentioned I was going to be in the neighborhood, he generously offered up some time to be my tour guide.  I seriously had a ridiculous amount of fun…and owe him a big thanks for showing me such an awesome time.

The Cruiser Ride:
Every Thursday night during the summer, there is a cruiser ride in Boulder.  Anywhere from 200 to 600 people show up in costume, on bikes of all types and cruise around town for no other reason than fun.  I had no clue what to expect, and was almost nervous about the idea of riding my bike with 200 other people along side!  Steve lent me a beautiful red Schwinn Spitfire for the evening. I swear I fell in love…I felt like I was a girl showing off my pony when I rode it…really, it was so pretty!  Anyways, we rode for 6 hours total…just cruising through town, greeting people with “Happy Thursday!” as we rode past.  As the sun set, I went from feeling like I was in some sort of parade, to feeling like I was a 14 year old girl just cruising around my neighborhood with friends. It really was an authentic, summer time experience. I didn’t take any great pictures…but hopefully these give you a feeling of what it was like!

303 Vodka.  Vodka tasting and meeting spot for the ride.  How convenient.

My delicious root beer float with vanilla infused vodka.  Go there, get one, now!

The infamous swing bike in the foreground…it’s not broken…email Steve and he’ll explain how it works.

Random treasures at 303.

Great costume.

The ride begins.

Hanging out, chit chattin’ and listening to music at a local park.

My sweet, sweet ride.

The cruise home…or back to 303 vodka for another rootbeer float.

More Colorado adventures to come!