Candy Cranks

As part of the Das rote Paket’s Ready-Made Light contest, entrants were asked to create a ready-made light that works with a low-enegry bulb from prefab parts not costing more than 40 euros. The catch is that others have to be able to easily replicate the design. Anton Kerner of Ingolstadt created the Lampe Gummilumi out of an old bike tire (among other things). Sweet!

For more info on the project and contest…

I know this is a silly post but why not share ones reverie? You see, I knew I had a computer face but I didn’t realize I had a bike face. Actually I didn’t even know it existed until today. But I caught myself out. Not once. Not twice but ALL the time. I have different faces you see. I have a bike face for waiting at the lights. A bike face for deep thinking (about silly things like this). A bike face for hills. And so on. These faces differ from your usual facial expressions because they are utterly more exaggerated. Why are they more exaggerated? because there is a certain freedom to be yourself on your bike no matter how daggy it may appear. Speeding past people makes you relax about your out of tune singing or your mistakes whilst reciting French nursery rhymes. 

Once upon a time I had a conversation with a mate. He was opposed to bike riders “they don’t pay registration, they don’t pay attention to road rules, they don’t…..”

But what can I do? I thought to myself. Sure I could throw out some facts and figures but it would just end up in a heated debate. Or I could tie him up, take him to the end of the world and stone him to death. But then, it could get exhausting if I had to stone everyone who differed in opinion. Plus he is the type of guy you don’t mess with. So I let it go.

6 months later I invited him to join me at Greenups – Bike event. Knowing it really wasn’t his thing, I was stoked he’d came along. The night was more about a beer and a laugh with an old mate. But we walked in and the place was smashing with people. I was honestly shocked by the big turn out. The night went on and a few beers later I made a comment about the ‘conversation’ we once had. He turned and looked at me and said ” you know what, I don’t yell at bike riders anymore because when I look at them I think it might be you.”   I couldn’t believe what I was hearing, but I was certainly moved. 

In conclusion, perhaps just being yourself is all that’s required and change will come…slowly.