Sunday, October 21, 2012

"I dont belive in your bicicles"

People are mostly nice and some street names are unbelievable short. Pikk, Aia and Uus, just to mention some.

City of Tallinn is living very interesting era.

Soviet time "environmental disasters", very modern and hip buildings and old classical, european style architectual golden nuggets. Soviet/western "hybrids" can be seen in mental attitude and architecture as well. I guess estonians want to break free some of their history by doing this.

If believed from internet, cycling is very popular in Tallinn, well, during our three day trip I did not see  much of it. Instead I saw a lot's of massive SUV's, steamy trams and buses, quite a lot of pedestrians too. Traffic planning is for sure under development, I guess safe tram stops are coming after they have managed the SUV parking problems. 

"A developed country is not a place where the poor have cars. It's where the rich use public transport". -Mayor of Bogota

Still I found marks from cycling scene: Velonaut, Mystic BMX, City Bike Tallinn and I still believe cycling has big potential in Tallinn.




Mystic BMX










City Bike, bicycle rental shop



Sunday, October 14, 2012

great quotes

"The bicycle has done more for the emancipation of women than anything else in the world."
—Susan B. Anthony 1896

"When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me."
—Emo Philips

"Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime. Teach a man to cycle and he will realize fishing is stupid and boring."
—Desmond Tutu

"Sometimes when I tell people I ride around town on a bike, they think I'm crazy. Well, once you get used to it, riding in the city gives you a nice jolt of energy."
—David Byrne

"I stay tough, I stay cool, and I leave the road rage to less experienced traveler"
—Sonny Barger

Here is exellent song about necessity of bicycle done by M.A. Numminen, finnish underground artist.


Thursday, October 11, 2012

Ancient Japan

"Ancient Japan was a pretty strange place." This quote is from brilliant Jim Jarmush movie Ghost DogLouise says this to protagonist of the film about the book on the floor.

 TRICIA VESSEY


Forest Whitaker
After checking this following bicycle related film, Japan seems still a bit strange place.

 

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Pelago Linahammar Cargo Bike

Pelago has released new Linahammar cargo bike. It is handmade in Finland by famous builder Olli Erkkilä, wooden parts are made by Tebian. It seems suitable for carrying cargo and kid(s). It is said to be "The most maneuverable cargo bike out there.", well... words, words, words.

Anyway, concept is excellent, I'm sure that it is well made. Nexus 8 speed rear hub, in front there is a disc  brake to guarantee fanatic braking. Optional wooden parts to make it suitable to your life's situation. Check out the pictures stolen from Pelago website.







Monday, October 8, 2012

Sad bike racks

What can you tell of this bike rack city? Nobody cares? No one has responsibility? Or cycling does not belong here?

Here are the some sad orphans.





Friday, October 5, 2012

Hunter S. Thompson

"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming 'Wow what a Ride!"

"So now, less than five years later, you can go up on a steep hill in Las Vegas and look West, and with the right kind of eyes you can almost see the high-water mark—that place where the wave finally broke and rolled back.”


― Hunter S. Thompson






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