Be a Kid Again!

Because this little 2 minute video is so lovely, the photographer has given permission to share it with a wider audience.  We thought you'd like it too. The entire blog entry is worth a read....click here to get to it. 

Why do I ride? "You will eventually FLY down the other side," Artist, Carola Locke

Through friends, we met artist and cyclist Carola Locke, and loved her work so much, we wanted to share it with all of you!  And her story about getting on the bike for the first time as an adult?  Inspiring!  Take a look at her work, below...they're PAINTINGS, not photographs!  Wonderful, right?

Carola visiting Fort Davis' historic Indian Lodge
in Davis Mountains State Park

So first, why I do I ride?

"My husband did it. I had ridden a bit as a child, but never even considered it as an adult. It was one of those "impossible" things that gifted athletes did. However, shortly after being married, my husband found me an old steel road bike, rebuilt it, and gave it to me. I fearfully started riding it, but soon enough remembered what to do, and was thrilled with the rush and freedom which riding invokes. That was about  ten years ago. Riding a bike, whether for exercise, to commute, for socialization, or for therapy, has encouraged me to tackle fears which, otherwise, I never would have been brave enough to encounter. Riding has taught me to pace myself in life, and not to expect instant results. It has helped me learn that like riding up a hill, sometimes everything sucks, but it is only for a time; you will eventually fly down the other side.

"The Guru" by Carola Locke

My husband and I came out (to Fort Davis, TX) together to ride Cyclefest, and while it is the hardest ride I've done yet, it is also my favorite. The clean air and clear night sky, being able to see for miles, this area is my favorite in Texas. I've ridden the 75m route three times now, and hope to ride it many more times."

As for the art:

"I have always been artistic. But, about ten years ago (oddly the same time I began riding), I picked up a paintbrush and began trying to hone my skills. I painted a lot of people, beer, and nature themed pieces, but it wasn't until three years ago that I found my niche in painting bikes and their riders. The first piece I tried, "The Guru", floored me with how well it turned out. Usually, when I finish a painting I stand back and am amazed. It doesn't even feel like I painted them sometimes. I began showing my work two years ago. I love watching people enjoy the work I've done. Art allows me to meet people and travel and connect. As I meet cyclists at events I am flooded with new ideas and inspiration.

"36 Trinity" by Carola Locke

Sometimes, I'll be at a ride and see a really neat bike and will walk up and say "I don't know you, but you have a great bike. Can I photograph it and paint it?" Let me tell you, that's a great way to make a new friend!"

We asked Carola how we can see more of her work, how she shares and sells it, and her thoughts about being a working artist:

"There is much truth to the term "starving artist", as it is a difficult field to make a name in, but I consider myself lucky that I've managed to incorporate my gift (painting) with my passion (cycling). If I make money at an event, great, but if I leave having talked to other cyclists and gained new inspiration, that is often better. At this time my cycling paintings are exclusively displayed at Knobbies and Slicks in Colleyville, TX. It's website is http://www.knobbiesandslicks.com/ My website is www.artistcarolalocke.com My email is artist@artistcarolalocke.com I have 2013 calendars available and prints of most of my paintings. Most of the originals are for sale as well. Also, I am on Facebook at facebook.com/artistcarolalocke "

"Calf, de Calf"
by Carola Locke

We say, "2013 Calendars?"  Sounds like holiday gift possibilities to us...and thanks to Carola for sharing her story! 

White Bikes

Bike for Iris Stagner, photo by Libby Cluett

You may have seen them along the side of a road, and wondered, "what's up with the white bike?"

A memorial for a cyclist seriously injured or killed, white bikes or "ghost bikes," are put up near the scene of an accident to remind motorists to drive safely.

This is a ghost bike for our friend Iris Stagner, a cycling safety advocate, who lost her life last week riding her bike home from work.  The cause is still under investigation, but early reports indicate the motorist may have been medically-impared.  Regardless of cause, the result was tragic.  Iris was a board member for Bike Texas and passionate advocate for safety and a volunteer in our Texas Mountain Trail program.  At the request of her family, Bike Texas established a memorial fund.  You can read more about the fund here.

So when you see a white bike, think safety. Cyclists have a right to the road.  Want a refresher on safety tips as a motorist? Watch this video

:

Want to review some safety tips for cyclists?  Watch this video:

Just be thankful it isn't 1895!

Over the next couple of weeks, Texas Mountain Trail will roll out a great story...the story of the first woman to ride a bike around the world and her visit to El Paso on that exciting adventure.  When did it take place?  Exactly 117 years ago.

I am...a new woman, if that term means that I believe I can do anything

that any man can do." -Annie Londonderry

In 1895, cycling was a craze in El Paso as well as many other parts of the country.  At the time, women were starting to ride bikes, but were faced with a serious question...what to wear?  Long skirts could prove dangerous, but bloomers weren't socially acceptable yet.  Here's a clip from the El Paso Herald's front page from June 21, 1895!!

and from June 15, 1895!

Follow the story on the Texas Mountain Trail Facebook page or our Twitter account!