“The bicycle is a curious vehicle. Its passenger is its engine.”

John Howard

One of the big challenges that comes with bike riding is my inability to take photographs whilst balancing precariously at 18-20 miles-per-hour!

This is an issue for me because, in my head, I am constantly framing photographs – and the unique viewpoint from a bicycle is not replicable in any other context. I have tried returning to the same spot in my car but it is always different. The light, the perspective, the clouds, the mood – everything.

So I think I will be heading out on some longer solo rides where I can stop, set up a photograph or a video, then shoot something and get going again.

I am a little at odds with myself in this regard. Because riding is a beautiful experience that is in a sense all about separating myself from the technology and the noise that can be so intrusive and distracting. At the same time, for me telling the story is an important part of the experience too.

It happens sometimes when Rebekah and I are traveling, somewhere like sunset on Pensacola Beach, or a hike along the Amalfi Coast in Italy, or walking the medieval streets of old Krakow in Poland:

• Rebekah – “Why don’t you forget the camera and just experience the moment?” I understand her perspective and it is always a good question. But then I think about it and I have to respond with something like,
• Me – “Photography is a big part of how I experience the moment. Taking photographs does not subtract from the experience it helps me to process it. And sharing is part of how I process.”

So I go back and forth. Should photography intrude on my riding? No it should not. But of course it is not about intruding or distracting it is about focus and reflection and about storytelling. And storytelling gives me joy.

The video below was taken Sunday afternoon while I was riding along East Canal Street in Tarboro. The still photographs were out toward Speed, at the intersection of Cherry Hill Church Road and Howell Road. Then (above left) Pensacola Beach in Florida.

In the video (below), I love the way the shadows, long in the late afternoon, add definition and interest to an already lovely street. Then, out in the countryside, the sky and the starkness of the landscape are beautiful in their own way.

I believe I am going to try to take more photographs when I ride. Because it is how I process and how I communicate, and I really do love to share.

Better than looking through my lens would be for you come along. Tarboro Cycling is out on the road several times a week. I ride with the group mostly on Fridays. We would love to have you join us.

Peace – and good views – DEREK