It's not the first time - certainly not in the life of a photographer. I have a collection of photography mistakes that ended up cool in the Les erreurs agréables de la simplicité set on my Flicker photostream. The Pleasing Errors of Simplicty, in English. Not just bicycle-related. All manner of oops that ended up cool.
But for the purpose of THIS blog, here are the ones involving a bicycle and a camera with a mind of its own.
It might rain today. When the weather forecast changes as frequently as it does in Copenhagen, we find the most reliable source to be people on the street. Citizen cyclists' shoe choices are the main article I check before leaving the house.
Hey. We're not perfect. Once in a while the reaction time is off, the camera lens shifted and isn't in the correct position or fingers fail to find the button in time.
We're going to reveal a shocking fashion secret. Right here on this blog. For all the world to see. In the closets of most Copenhageners - even the chicest of the chic - there is a rain jacket. Maybe even a pair of matching rain trousers. We don't talk about it much and it's rather uncomfortable mentioning it here but it is true nonetheless. It's our Inconvenient Truth.
It's traditionally a rainy climate in the winter. Drizzly, drab and pooey. Only when the forecast is for day-long rain does the rubber come out. Actually, the Danish Meteological Institute did a study a while back about the odds of cyclists getting rained on during their commute - which is really encouraging. Many Copenhageners aren't THAT fussed about getting bit wet. If it pours down all of a sudden, cyclists huddle together under awnings or trees. If it looks like it'll continue, they end up just getting back on the bike and riding away.
But just like in most regions, we are experiencing our own weather quirks thanks to climate change. At this time of year we are getting downpours. So much that the sewers in some areas can't handle the water. The other day it rained. All day. Pouring. Old man snoring and all that. And out came the dreaded rubber. However, some cyclists, as the two above, seem to make it work. Wellingtons and rain jackets are suddenly quite fashionable. In light rain, there are options available for friends who are heading out together. Just keep your brolley close at hand. It's an art form in Copenhagen, riding with an umbrella. This Dutch invention would be great here in Copenhagen. An umbrella holder for your bike from Drybike.nl.
More rainy day cycling moods - with music. Not to forget the rain poncho airbag combo.
The whole point of this blog is to show how cycling and bike culture can be effortless. Just wear your regular clothes and slow down if you start to sweat.
If it snows and the slush on the bike lanes is a tad too harsh on our lovely [pricey] shoes, we opt for a pair of Swims. A modern twist on a pair of tradtional galoshes, Swims protect our bespoke footwear with style. They come in a variety of groovy colours so it won't be a tiring task to find a pair to match your wardrobe or, more importantly, your bike.
Prices start at £60 for the models pictured and £80 for the Mobster, a model providing more ankle protection if you're particularly fond of your stockings or trouser legs.
Splashes of pink and blue and green are a sure sign of spring. Yes, we're optimists.
If you're a new visitor to this blog perhaps you'd like to read a bit more about the idea behind it. Momentum bike magazine out of Vancouver did an interview with us a while back. You can read it here. Thanks for stopping by!
