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Since our earliest years, humans have found a way to move. Crawling led to walking led to running led to rolling, and on and on. It is rather fascinating to see how we continue to fine-tune even the most simple of forms of transportation to make them better, stronger and faster. (think 6 Million Dollar man, for all those that remember back to the 70s) Running shoe now have revolutionary materials that make them lighter and more gentle on the human foot. Ball bearings are made to ultra-micro precision to reduce even the most minute amount of resistance. Gearing allows any input energy to be maximized for dramatically increased power.
My weekend started off with a visit to the beach to photograph the sunrise and the professional sandcastle building competition. After the frames were safely on my card, I started my car to head off to my next adventure. As I waited to make my right turn, I remarked at the huge packs of weekend bike riders. Not those headquartered in Milwaukee that make powerful gas powered growls, but the ones powered by the most simple form of human power – peddling. Admittedly, I was initially intrigued by the opportunity to do a little long-exposure/panning photography, but upon processing the images I became more intrigued at the simple, yet high-tech design of these 2-wheeled road racers.
The bike from my 6th birthday many years ago is basically the same, yet it has changed by lightyears in most ways. Out with the heavy steel frame and in with light weight composites given to us by the space program. A lighter metal chain run through a series of mathematically correct gears replaced the simple, greasy connector between two points. Even the break pads are designed for maximum stopping and maximum life with minimal weight. Lightweight helmets protect the once wind-blown hair and form fitting clothes not only show off their favorite colors, but also allow for increased breathability and comfort.
This simple photo depicts how we live in a marvelous time; One filled with technology that assists even the most simple of our activities. For me, this was an opportunity to use the technology in my hand to creatively capture a moment in time. For my subject, it was a way to enjoy a weekend morning and push their body to perform more efficiently.
Photo Stuff: Single frame, captured with a 1/40th second shutter. Processed in LR and PS