Coffeeneuring 2023 - Learning to Paint with Gouache, Rides 5-7

 

#5 - This mug was a hostess gift at wedding shower - the hostess was a potter.

To recap, I'm learning to paint with gouache by completing mini paintings of special mugs used in the challenge. A complete painting usually takes two days; one for sketching and painting a base layer color: the second for completing the mug portion, then adding a complimentary background color. I'm happy with the results - love bold colors - and plan to hang a framed collage in our kitchen.

Coffeeneuring #5 was a special event, heading out for my first ride on my newly built Specialized Hard Rock. I set up the Jack-the-Bike-Rack for immediate utility so I could carry coffeeneuring supplies. 

Stunning afternoon light at Bayside Park.

5. The Place: Bayside Park, Colchester

Date: Sunday, November 12

Drink: English Breakfast Tea with maple sugar & milk
Observation: The maiden voyage of my Specialized Hard Rock. It's fun!

Total Miles: 12

#6 - a 2019 gift from a dear friend. The petroglyph characters are throwing spears at a SUV (out of view)

This was my only evening ride of the challenge. With high winds, I pedaled around a bit and finally found a well-lit, sheltered spot behind a community center. 

6. The Place: Picnic tables behind the Miller Center, Burlington

Date: Wednesday, November 15

Drink: Green Tea with honey
Observation: I rode around for a while, seeking a well-lit spot sheltered from the strong breeze.

Total Miles: 10

#7 - a pottery mug adorned with three dimensional maple leaf, a gift from my brother.

On the last day of the challenge, I rode to the nearest beach at lunchtime and sat for a moment on a log, sipping tea and admiring the view. It was very peaceful.

7. The Place: Rossetti Park Beach

Date: Monday, November 20

Drink: Tulsi Tea
Observation: Lunchtime scamper to the nearest quiet beach, avoiding a cold, dark evening ride, just making the event deadline.
Total Miles: 3

Bicycle Chimes, Round Two

Organizing our spare bicycle parts boxes lately, I stumbled upon two worn chain rings that should've been recycled long ago plus one freewheel lock ring, which is pretty useless these days as it's easier to replace the whole assembly, and at any rate I wonder if anyone replaces separate cogs now or if it's even possible? Thanks to my husband - collector of parts and unpatched tubes (who else does that?) - I now had an ensemble of rings, wire, springs from my exploded kickstand and leftover beads from a previously decorated porcelain star.

Time to be creative! I'd always adored the chimes our son had once put together, so I set about, over the course of two wine-inspired evenings, twisting, snipping, shaping, and testing the metal and beads into a tinkling mobile.

I think it turned out pretty well.

Both mobiles now grace our front porch. We hear their lovely music on windy days.

A Wheel Meets the Eye

I always get a kick out of ingenious uses of bicycle parts, especially when adorning front lawns and homes. This beauty caught my eye (pun intended) with its creative flair, perfectly positioned between the railings, balancing the other textures and decorative touches applied to the house.

DIY Leopard Print Helmet

The finished product, all done up with leopard print duct tape!

I fell in love with a stylish leopard print helmet first spotted on Eleanor's bike shop many years ago. I was tired of my Bell helmet and very disappointed also that after only three years, the bright, highly visible yellow color had drastically faded - in some places it was nearly white. I could have replaced the helmet altogether, however, it was an opportunity to be creative, the helmet should have a little life left, and I still enjoyed the model, especially the rear bracket, a feature which most helmets do not have, providing an extra place to clip a taillight. 

An Xacto knife was the perfect tool to cut duct tape.

I perused the Internet, searching for what others have created and was inspired to use duct tape. It seemed like an inexpensive solution in lieu of sewing a covering. Some folks had torn the shell off before taping, but I felt that would compromise the helmet. I also learned that solid duct tape shows the edges and highlights mistakes - it is a shiny material - so I searched in a couple stores, knowing that locating a patterned tape would be the best solution, when I stumbled on leopard print tape at our local hardware store. It was then that I became excited about recreating the helmet I was fond of at Eleanors.

I removed the visor, rear bracket, and any stickers then cleaned the shell with soap and water. I placed one strip of duct tape at a time, carefully cutting around the vent holes as I went, starting in the back of the helmet so my first practice attempts wouldn't show much. However, it was relatively easy, only requiring a little patience. I was careful to completely cover the yellow. and at any rate, should I make a mistake I could always tear off the tape and start with a fresh piece.

Almost there, just the rim to go.

Total time, about two hours.

Voila! Snap on the visor and re-attach the light bracket and the project is finished. I'm pleased with how the revitalized helmet looks. It's barely noticeable that it was created with tape, a testament to patient cutting plus the pattern lends itself to seamlessly blending in with visor and foam under layer. I plan to replace the white reflective stickers so I will be visible to road users.

So with half a roll of leopard tape left, what's a girl going to do? Hmmm, I have another idea...

Decorating My Workspace

It's taken me a while to decorate my new office space. The Eiffel Tower pencil sharpener reminds me of the last time I was in Paris on a sub 24-hour walking tour after several days of cycling in Provence. The troll is a dear friend I appropriated from my son more than 10 years ago. I love her to pieces. Her helmet straps are barely hanging in there - I'm almost afraid to dust her! I received the Papyrus card this summer. It's a 3-dimensional work of art made of paper, plastic and metal. If the bicycle were real, it might be the swankiest ride ever - flower power to the extreme!

I'm sure I'm not the only one who fills her cubicle with bicycle love. How do you brighten your office?

Poor Bike Rack Design?

Had I not be in an automobile, stopped at a traffic light, I would have inspected the rack more closely. Clearly, there's signage and possibly instructions on those white squares at wheel height.

While on day trip to Montreal recently I spied this interesting bike rack. It is intriguing, to say the least, because for such a monstrous metal construction the rack only holds six bicycles. I wonder if there is some advantage I am unaware of because to use this contraption properly one must be able to lift their bicycle and finagle a U-lock in place at the same time—no easy feat!

I wonder if it is an experimental design. Or placed to raise awareness to unique rack design. Perhaps it's set there to start a conversation. Or was someone's thesis, surveying and video taping unsuspecting commuters scratching their heads, attempting to use the rack, all the while camera people are laughing behind the scenes. But one thing is for sure, it fails miserably as a rack for daily commuters using heavier bikes, especially bikes set up with front and rear racks, clearly evidenced by two of the four bikes in the photo.

I suspect I may be entirely missing the point of this rack—the more I observe its six-pointed stance, the arrow points remind me of something in nature or Calder-esque sculpture. Or maybe I'm reminded of Rivendell's fork blades advertised recently that indeed end in arrow-shaped axle clamps.

Montreal's public art appears all over the city—you just never know what you'll stumble across.

Embarking on a New Adventure, New Commute

A holiday gift from my old employer: a fun costume jewelry rendition of a step through
 bicycle. After 15 years of employment, plus parking my bike inside their garage, 
you might say they knew me well!

I'm teetering between employment opportunities, about to embark upon a new challenge, and with it—once the weather starts to warm—a totally new commuting routine.

Like a friend mentioned, it's the beginning of a new era. And I couldn't be more excited!

A pretty birthday card. Get your own at Trader Joes.

I leave behind an 11 mile (each way) commute. In its place will be an easier 5 mile one-way jaunt with multiple route options, which includes a mix of separated bike path, bike lane, and neighborhood streets. Best of all, I can extend the commute as I wish, pedaling along Lake Champlain's waterfront path, or snaking through woodland parks. It can be a "loop commute", going to and from the office.

And it gets better.

Another advantage: because of safer road conditions—90% off road route, and what minimal interaction with traffic I encounter, has an ample bike lane—I should be unaffected by Daylight Savings Time. Using lots of lights, I look forward to a longer commuter season, riding before late March and well after early November.

Ill be sharing this year's ride aboard the Mount Saint Helens. With shorter distance involved, it's not necessary to shave time, riding my speediest bicycle. And instead of standard black panniers—since saving weight is not an issue—I may explore using alternative baggage options: floral pannier and/or upcycled messenger bag. I made these bags: might as well put them to good use!

Goodbye long commute; hello sweet, early spring riding.

To my new co-workers: I hope to see you on the road!

Thoughts on the ultimate commute length
I've often thought that five miles is the perfect distance. (And I speak from experience.) Five miles is long enough to feel like I get exercise, but short enough to endure riding in almost any weather. A side benefit: less time involved means arriving home at a reasonable hour.

What is your optimal commuting distance?

Holiday Cheer - Decorate the Penny Farthing

Neighbors hang flags to celebrate holidays and their favorite football team. My sister-in-law accessorizes a metal sailboat on the wall above her fireplace. And I decorate the big wheeled bike that hangs in a protected area just outside our front door. In the spring I tuck a plastic flower in the spokes; in fall I placed a fake oak leaf, and for the holidays: tree trimmings with velvet-like red bow. The more I ponder the possibilities the more I realize the penny farthing's potential as a bike lover's wall art dream. With multiple attachment points, I could get carried away: put streamers on the handlebars, weave ribbons in circles, hang an ornament or even lights—what fun!

Does anyone else have a bicycle fixture that gets gussied up throughout the year?

Re-Tired Table

The table is a perfect 26" diameter for tires.

After I wisely gave up on the idea to re-use old tires on a bicycle, I put the old rubber aside for a while. I considered heaving them out with the garbage, donating them to Bike Recycle - they make belts - or refashioning them into something useful. Except, I didn't particularly want to create extra work for myself either.

I was able to smooth the puckered tire so it rests flat against the glass.

So, I revisited a creative idea, one that came about because we purchased used outdoor furniture earlier in the year to adorn a new deck. I suspected the table's diameter might be mountain tire width at the time of purchase, but my husband rolled his eyes at my suggestion. So, with instant rejection, I put the "silly" idea aside.

We lived with the set for the summer. Previous owners had left paint splatters on the table. I was able to clean it off the glass, but spots remained on the green edge. It wasn't terribly noticeable and I could've lived with it's "character" or eventually sanded and repainted. However, when used tires entered the equation I put my "silly" idea to the test. My husband also wasn't around to offer an opinion.

I cleaned up the flexible tire; the other being a stiffer, flat-proof version I presumed wouldn't lend itself as easily to the task. First I tried folding the tire around the rim - exactly like you would on a wheel rim - but the 1.5" height was too thick. One last try: I cut the wire bead (1" into gumwall) off the rubber. This was just enough to stretch the rubber in place. The cut side is down. And, if I need to deal with rainwater collecting underneath, I have a leather hole punch that should do just the trick, adding unseen drainage holes.

When my youngest boy came home from school and admired my handiwork, he smiled and gave me a high five. Then I called a neighbor over - who also loves bikes. She gave her approval and immediately invited her husband to admire what I'd done. I felt better.

That's when I decided my husband is living with the "new" table.

Knobby Tire Lasagna?

Aaron Stein is in love with using found items for his art. He is also in love with the automobile. And their positive and negative influence in our lives. This quirky image made me laugh. Thank goodness I spied a bicycle tucked inside his office.

One Big Crank

I fell in love with this huge artistic sculpture - and what bicyclist wouldn't - on a busy Burlington Street. There are other metal behemoths  too: a human-sized wing nut and three 8-foot high entwined nails (yes, the type carpenters' hammer into wood).

All outdoor art pieces are part of South End Art Hop, Burlington's South End celebration of artists' studios. Eat and drink your way down a mile long corridor of businesses. Get tickets to watch a recycled art fashion show (I've heard this one is freaky, creative, and fabulous), or meander for hours visiting numerous artists' studios and exhibits. It's often an eclectic mix - all part of the fun. My boys loved Barbie heads in a gumball machine; their headless torsos later displayed in an antique fortune teller machine.

Imagine the size of the bike?

I couldn't resist inspecting this beauty up close.

A freewheel in the cougar's thigh is only one bicycle part of many included in this spectacle. If you have a spare 5,000. this big cat could be yours!

A Chalk Drawing for Bicycle Fans

There is something about the rich colors of chalk drawings that appeals to me. From coffee shop menus to street art, the fact that each lovely creation is temporary, makes my enjoyment all the sweeter. I love this latest sandwich board display, especially because it captures riding on our waterfront path with our own fabled lake monster, Champ, lurking somewhere on the horizon.

Bicycles at Ten Thousand Villages

I love these little masterpieces. Wire, colored string, recycled aluminum and ingenuity grace these two wheeled wonders.

Deck the Halls with Bows of Red

Happy Holidays to All.

Humane Society's Bike Rack

I present a functionally styled bicycle rack at our local Humane Society. It's not for test riding per se, but my son hopped aboard and came to the conclusion that the seat is rather uncomfortable. Silly boy—I could've told him that.

A flat feline purrs nearby. Because of metal construction the cat is impervious to rainy bad hair day—I mean bad fur day.

Go Dogs, Go!

Decorate an Old Wheel

I spied this clever use of an old wheel. Simply weave colorful ribbon through the spokes. In this instance, ivy provides privacy to the porch behind the lattice. It makes me wish I had a used wheel to decorate. I'd place it on a pole in my flower garden.

Bike Love - On the House

I've admired houses that have interesting stuff propped outside, especially using an exterior wall as exhibit space. Grapevine wreaths. Stars. A flag. Teddy bear above mailbox. I've seen an artist display bold, colorful paintings on a porch where they're protected from the elements. For a while I had my son's art posted outside our house, a homemade wooden "A" painted red with yellow polka dots, then a tacky wooden duck with metal wings straight from the 1970s that my husband collected from a friend's trash heap. Our kids glued on stone eyes. Gave it to me for Mother's Day. I decorated that duck with red ribbon for Christmas. Then it fell apart. I still miss that funky bird.

Enter this metal Penny Farthing. I found it in the basement when I searched for red stain to revive our picnic table. My grandmother gave it to me 25 years ago. It's a reminder of her heartfelt generosity and—as often happens when our loved ones leave us—we cherish their possessions or little reminders that forever hold them in our thoughts. With a quick swipe of the paint brush, the bike seat is now red. I love this appropriate and cheerful addition to our home canvas.

This one's a keeper.

A Deal on Bicycle Cards

I wasn't searching for bicycle cards per se, but when I spied one package in the clearance bin, I figured it was my lucky day! I dug around for more and came up with 18 lovely cards—all for 1.50. I couldn't print my own for that price.

There are rhinestones fore and aft with broken up print that talks of celebrations, candles, and birthdays. I imagine it's likely filler copy for style. The wings are an appropriate metaphor too. Riding a bike gives flight to freedom, wanderlust, or that smiling satisfaction when fitting groceries into panniers.

On the flip side, a miniature emblem tucks into the corner, ready for take off into the sky. It reminded me of the sweet book: The Man Who Rode His Ten Speed Bicycle to the Moon.

In this techno-age I take any opportunity to pen a message to family and friends so I'm tickled at my find. It also made me feel better after my youngest boy kicked my front wheel. Hearing the crack, I looked down in time to watch the reflector skitter through the spokes and fall to the sidewalk. Gee whiz.

What kinds of bikey things have you scored in bargain bins?

Re-Tired in Time

I went to an art exhibit, specifically because it was geared on items normally destined for the landfill but turned into art. There was the usual plastic bag clothing and metal scraps tuned into sculptures. Then I spied a fully functioning clock, molded from round pieces.

Upon closer inspection, the circles are jar and milk jug tops, numbers are wire, center gold piece is a CD, and the frame a knobby bike tire. It reminded me of what Randy did with a tire, except his wife refused to let him keep it on the wall.

Lock and Spin

This wonderful bike rack resides in front of Burlington Telecom's office. It's eye catching and functional—insomuch as the dial spins like a real Master Lock. Give it a whirl and the sturdy steel dial rotates a long time, similar to well-greased bearings on a bike wheel.