The Pink Bag Man

Don't give a damn what you think

It's not unusual to spot a lady cyclist with a pink bag in Dublin. However, when a guy cyclist has got one, as Tim Vine puts it, Alarm Bells... :) Or perhaps he is some sort of a clown, eg, take a look at his unevenly rolled trousers.

Or more likely,  this guy is a devoted father and cyclist from a well-wheeled family. He accompanied his daughter, who rides a scooter to school. Mystery solved.

I took the picture on 31 January 2013 on the canal cycle path.

The Painting Holder

L'art pour l'art

As I was waiting for a friend in Donnybrook I suddenly noticed a guy cycling along the N11, holding a framed painting in his hand. Then he crossed the road and continued cycling on the pavement. It is neither safe nor benevolent towards pedestrians, but an artist must do what an artist must do, art for art's sake.

I shot the photo on 5 April 2013 next to the entrance of Donnybrook Fair. Unfortunately, I was too slow and caught only the backside of the frame. It looked more impressive from the other side...

The Family Connector

Two cyclists, three wheels

In order to be a cyclist, one doesn't have to ride a bicycle. Half a bike and relative with the right equipment who's willing to tow you is all you need, as this young fellow demonstrates.

I was asked whether the adult in the photo is the former Irish footballer Liam Brady. Frankly, I have no idea. Is it him?

I took the picture on 12 May 2012 on Charlemont Street near Ranelagh.

The Coverer

Did you really need the car today?

Need to carry sensitive materials on your bike? No problem, cover your basket and your secret is safe. It's that easy.

On a different subject, how do you like her HiViz vest? It reads: "Did you need the car today"? Although some cynical motorist would repond positively, obviously the right answer is "no". Brilliant.

I shot the photo on 11 February 2013 on Grand Canal Street. As I tend to do in many occasions, I took another picture, this time focusing on the basket:

Don't judge a basket by its cover

The Tall-Booter

Cowgirl On Bike

The rain is lashing and puddles are everywhere? It's still not a good enough reason to give up cycling for the day. Long boots would do the trick and you don't even have to roll up the trousers.

The photo was shot in Grand Canal Street on 7 March 2013.

The Plastic Bag Sitter

Don't like me saddle gets dirty

It wasn't the first time I came across a cyclist who sits on a plastic bag rather than a proper saddle. After all, bicycles are a cheap mean of transport, so why spend money on replacing a part that is prone to get damaged or stolen soon after?

However, the previous ones matched the plastic bag on the seat to their clothes (or vice versa), either a white shirt or blue socks. This guy wasn't as fashionable as them.

I shot the photo on 27 July 2012 on Heytesbury Street, off South Circular Road.

The Chameleon

CC - Chameleon Cyclist

The chameleon is one of my favourite animals. I like the way it changes colour in order to camouflage (if you're looking for a great comedy film on this topic, I highly recommend Zelig by Woody Allen).

One day I saw the guy above, waiting for the green light on N11 while texting. Suddenly the Aircoach appeared and I almost could see the cyclist anymore. I was impressed how he blended in. I'm not quite sure, he might have even changed hue for that.

I shot the photo on the 5th of April 2013 just outside Donnybrook Fair. Note that he used his mobile on red light, so he wasn't at great risk, yet I would have got off the main road if I were him.