Bicycles and Music
Monday, July 09 2007 @ 09:32 PM CDT

I love my bicycle.

It's a Land Shark. Saved up for it. Custom built by John Slawta (over in Oregon). With the more exact hand of a graphic artist and my own designs, I had some decals made and shipped to him. Chose the color (fresco green as on the Passats).

It's an amazing machine. For long long distance or bombing around on.

The other day I was bummed out. Sat down and played my guitar. Got more bummed out. Tried playing something happy. Right...

Got on my bike and started doing 3 1/2 mile laps around the park nearby. Began thinking about "things". Problems became a bit clearer. I latched onto a thought I was having that was key to the situation and it became a phrase that was linked to the rhythm of my pedaling.

Put quite simply: I started to write a tune about what was bothering me, whilst riding my bike. Not unique to this situation, btw. I've written a few like this...

When I got home, my endorphins were flying and my body was singing. GREAT high! Put the tune to work on the guitar. A cool start...

My bike's a great inspiration for me. It also helps to keep me in shape and (along with other exercises) keeps my back stretched out...muy importante, para mi.

Anybody else into bicycles? Or another source of inspiration...?

Bob

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Monday, July 09 2007 @ 09:52 PM CDT

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Re:Bicycles and Music
Monday, July 09 2007 @ 09:57 PM CDT

Yes I bike constantly. More Mountian biking than road biking. I do alot of thinking while riding and yes I have come up with ideas or melodies for songs while in the exasperated state. Biking like music is a passion of mine. Sometimes I will just head out from the house with no particular place to go and discover some really cool sites. I love finding trails randomly. A couple days ago i had a deer jump right in front of me. Close call but I missed him. I also bike to work when the weather permits itself.

I have an Iron Horse Mtn Bike and a GT.

Re:Bicycles and Music
Monday, July 09 2007 @ 09:58 PM CDT

great point!

Exercise is sooo important.

I know I felt better today when I mowed our front lawn and part of our side lawn.
My wife tells me not to overdo it cause I get obsessive compulsive about things. Then I hate it. That is another trick. Just don't overdo the biking were you hate it if you exhaust yourself.

My daughter Robin, used to bike from across the Golden Gate Bridge to San Francisco now she never bikes. Cause she was biking every working day into the city and then she got burnt out.

But good luck to you. Enjoy that bike!

Re:Bicycles and Music
Monday, July 09 2007 @ 10:06 PM CDT

I've got an older Bianchi "Boardwalk" that I commute to work on.

Cool story about the deer, Doc. I used to do mountain biking. Had an old Ross Mt. Ranier. Built like a tank. It was a blast (Vermont was great for that)...but all the banging around got a bit less fun as I, let us say: "matured" (got freakin' older). I've still got an old Univega up there which I do trails on. But none of the serious downhill stuff, anymore. You look like a younger kinda guy. Enjoy, man...Iron Horse and GT makes some great bikes.

Totally into it. Like music. Passion.

I did some biking in Berkeley, CA, tiler. Lots of hills. Like San Fran, I bet. Quite a workout.

Re:Bicycles and Music
Monday, July 09 2007 @ 10:11 PM CDT

I bike a lot here in Minnesota during the few months of the year when it's possible! I love it. Apart from the obvious benefits of exercise, it totally clears my head. I often load songs (or half-baked versions of songs) I'm working on onto my iPod and listen as I bike - gives me great ideas and i often hear possibilities I never think of when I'm hunched over the guitar or staring at the computer screen.

Re:Bicycles and Music
Monday, July 09 2007 @ 10:25 PM CDT

Quote by: guitapick I've got an older Bianchi "Boardwalk" that I commute to work on. Cool story about the deer, Doc. I used to do mountain biking. Had an old Ross Mt. Ranier. Built like a tank. It was a blast (Vermont was great for that)...but all the banging around got a bit less fun as I, let us say: "matured" (got freakin' older). I've still got an old Univega up there which I do trails on. But none of the serious downhill stuff, anymore. You look like a younger kinda guy. Enjoy, man...Iron Horse and GT makes some great bikes. Totally into it. Like music. Passion. I did some biking in Berkeley, CA, tiler. Lots of hills. Like San Fran, I bet. Quite a workout.

Yeah I have also spent some time in Vermont doing some biking and off roading. Mud bogging you could say. Good place for skiing and biking. I love the narly trails. That's what I live for. I do some city riding too which can be an adventure in itself. Dodging cars jumping vans, Getting yelled at ETC..! LOL

Re:Bicycles and Music
Tuesday, July 10 2007 @ 10:29 AM CDT

bounce over jessica21 the spammer "wanna watch TV"

Re:Bicycles and Music
Tuesday, July 10 2007 @ 02:29 PM CDT

I cycle most places in Brighton (despite the hills). It's quicker and cheaper than a car and I feel all virtuous

My big creativity comes on long motorcycle rides. I entertain myself by singing and writing songs in my head. I carry a small digital recorder and if I get a really good idea I stop and record it.

I've got a 2000 mile ride coming up soon to Switzerland, Italy and France so I'm hoping at least one song will come out of that.

Blimey, even I thought that was a boring post ........

Cheers

Dick

Re:Bicycles and Music
Tuesday, July 10 2007 @ 02:36 PM CDT

Biking is fun. I used to race, so this month I will be following the Tour de France, despite all the sour drug news.