Fifty Plus (50+) - What is it about bikes and music?

Hi,

This is on-topic because I know many of you are musicians as well as cyclists. I just pulled the trigger on an entry level guitar. I am so excited! I was going to buy a banjo because I love how it sounds and I took a few lessons in high school, but decided that a guitar is a better choice due to the sheer volume of great songs I can learn to play. Next: guitar lessons! So, tell me. How do y'all juggle cycling and music, too?

It looks just like this:

http://www.8thstreet.com/images/seagull.S6-brst.jpg

its simple wake and ride, only stop riding when you can no longer walk
then sit on the couch and play, you wont be able to do anything else.

Bikes and music go together.

I used to true wheels by plucking f# on the spokes. Now I just use a spoke tension guage. For the non wheelbuilders, plucking your spokes every now and then will tell you when one is unhappy. Then you can have it taken care of before...................

Bikes and music go together.


Just remember ... don't play AND ride at the same time! Unless it is something that is hands free.

Hi,

This is on-topic because I know many of you are musicians as well as cyclists. I just pulled the trigger on an entry level guitar. I am so excited! I was going to buy a banjo because I love how it sounds and I took a few lessons in high school, but decided that a guitar is a better choice due to the sheer volume of great songs I can learn to play. Next: guitar lessons! So, tell me. How do y'all juggle cycling and music, too?

It looks just like this:

http://www.8thstreet.com/images/seagull.S6-brst.jpg

Now THAT is a worthwhile addition to a cycling life!

I sing in big choirs that perform with orchestras, and am a former classic guitarist. I think through my music that I'm rehearsing or my old favorite guitar pieces as I ride, so music is a part of my cycling. My breath isn't good enough to actually sing as I bike - good singing requires its own focus. However, pedaling cadence can be a good metronome.

Working is really what cuts into my singing, guitar, and biking - money is truly the root of all evil!

Our local guitar store has some really slick soft guitar cases with a number of grab handles, pockets and BACKPACK STRAPS! You can carry your guitar on your back as you bike to your lesson, with all your music and necessities (wallet, keys, Kleenex, et cetera) in the guitar case.

One reason I'm a former guitarist is that engineering school eliminated guitar practice time and choral singing. I was able to get back into singing and restore my skills pretty readily, but not so on guitar. I can still plunk through some of my favorites, but I'm not as fast, flexible, or expressive as I was.

TruF, I'd assume you'll not start guitar with a manic intensity that will significantly cut into other activities, 'cep maybe for some TV. At the very least it will take some time for your hand muscles to tone up, and for your left fingertips to callous from fretting. All guitarists have these issues. If you do any right hand finger styles you'll have developmental phases for your right hand as well. These two issues, muscular development and left hand callousing /acclimation, will impose their own limits on how much time you can put into it at the outset.

Mrs. Road Fan teaches piano, and especially loves to teach students our own age.

Road Fan

I may not be able to play and ride, but it looks like some cyclists take their guitars for a ride:

http://www.holdensmith.com/img_wp/MF_07_guitarbike.jpg

And this place looks way cool:"Bicycles 101 in Florence is your place on the Oregon coast for bicycles and guitars"
http://www.theoregonkid.com/bikeph08/front1.jpg

http://www.theoregonkid.com/bikeph08/girl&guitar.jpg

Looks like I'm a perfect fit for a certain demographic. :p

Now THAT is a worthwhile addition to a cycling life!

I sing in big choirs that perform with orchestras, and am a former classic guitarist. I think through my music that I'm rehearsing or my old favorite guitar pieces as I ride, so music is a part of my cycling. My breath isn't good enough to actually sing as I bike - good singing requires its own focus. However, pedaling cadence can be a good metronome.

Working is really what cuts into my singing, guitar, and biking - money is truly the root of all evil!

Our local guitar store has some really slick soft guitar cases with a number of grab handles, pockets and BACKPACK STRAPS! You can carry your guitar on your back as you bike to your lesson, with all your music and necessities (wallet, keys, Kleenex, et cetera) in the guitar case.

One reason I'm a former guitarist is that engineering school eliminated guitar practice time and choral singing. I was able to get back into singing and restore my skills pretty readily, but not so on guitar. I can still plunk through some of my favorites, but I'm not as fast, flexible, or expressive as I was.

TruF, I'd assume you'll not start guitar with a manic intensity that will significantly cut into other activities, 'cep maybe for some TV. At the very least it will take some time for your hand muscles to tone up, and for your left fingertips to callous from fretting. All guitarists have these issues. If you do any right hand finger styles you'll have developmental phases for your right hand as well. These two issues, muscular development and left hand callousing /acclimation, will impose their own limits on how much time you can put into it at the outset.

Mrs. Road Fan teaches piano, and especially loves to teach students our own age.

Road Fan

I got one of those cases! I couldn't believe how expensive the hard cases are. And my finger already has a groove in it from only about 15 minutes of practicing. I bought the guitar from a local music store. Had a bunch of bikes parked out in front. Lots of people milling about. Reminded me of a bike shop. LMS instead of LBS? :thumb:

In looking for bike and guitar images, I found this. Maybe after I have some guitar-playing time under my belt I'll change my avatar...

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/54/139716207_75a44347b7.jpg?v=0

I got one of those cases! I couldn't believe how expensive the hard cases are. And my finger already has a groove in it from only about 15 minutes of practicing. I bought the guitar from a local music store. Had a bunch of bikes parked out in front. Lots of people milling about. Reminded me of a bike shop. LMS instead of LBS? :thumb:

TruF, is that you sitting behind a Zipper fairing with the guitar?

Bikes and guitars are both cultures unto themselves. So yes, you;ll need a LMS just like you need a LBS. Same issues exist with regards to product quality, after-sales services, and intelligent selection of accessories and ongoing supplies, not to mention on-line sales v. local sales

My grade-school Three Musketeers, from 7th grade through sophomore year we biked together at least 16 miles a day the length of the North Side of Chicago, along Lake Michigan. One was a really gifted guitarist. I'm still sad he didn't become an architect, but he is one of the best guitar technicians I've ever known.

the grooves are the beginning ...

http://www.theoregonkid.com/bikeph08/girl&guitar.jpg

Looks like I'm a perfect fit for a certain demographic. :p

50 +? that has to be your daughter!

Road Fan

In looking for bike and guitar images, I found this. Maybe after I have some guitar-playing time under my belt I'll change my avatar...

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/54/139716207_75a44347b7.jpg?v=0

Just do it now and grow into it. You're already halfway there.

I think I'm in love.....

Pretty soon you'll be looking to get an acoustic/electric guitar (my preference for an all-round tool) and then maybe a hardshell electric, or maybe a hollow-body electric, maybe a great big dreadnaught.
n+1 applies to guitars as well as bikes.

Pretty soon you'll be looking to get an acoustic/electric guitar (my preference for an all-round tool) and then maybe a hardshell electric, or maybe a hollow-body electric, maybe a great big dreadnaught.
n+1 applies to guitars as well as bikes.

Think bikes are expensive, wait till she falls in love with a classic L-5!

No, no. Not me in the photo. I think the sweet, young thing works for the Bikes 101 store in Florence. Snagged it off Google Images.

The grooves are in the beginning? I'm afraid to ask what comes next... Guess the guitar requires I harden my fingertips the same way cycling required I harden my arse! :rolleyes:

Just do it now and grow into it. You're already halfway there.

What the hell. Life is short. Thanks for the nudge, RR!

Oh-oh. I hear hubby in the next room strumming my guitar. This could be interesting...

No, no. Not me in the photo. I think the sweet, young thing works for the Bikes 101 store in Florence. Snagged it off Google Images.

The grooves are in the beginning? I'm afraid to ask what comes next... Guess the guitar requires I harden my fingertips the same way cycling required I harden my arse! :rolleyes:

Yes, same idea, I just recall the fingers hurting worse than my butt ever did. And the muscles around the thumb that pressure the strings, and the forearm, ... Your left arm will end up stronger than your right.

I don't know what you look like, so I use my imagination! but her guitar looks just like yours.

Mrs. Road Fan just bought about 50 Washburn guitars for her high school guitar class. Made in China, play decently at least when new, easy to tune, and real shiny. We'll see how they hold up! The ones they started with from last year have rough frets - can't imagine how that happenned!

Good for you! I am excited about your new journey!

Sometimes I will go for an early morning ride before our barbershop group meets at 8:30 and our gospel group at 9:15.

We gave a concert last week to a nursing home, and I played the guitar as I sang the lead for "It is Well With My Soul."

First verse I sing solo with the group backing me up with humming harmony.

Second verse we all sing in unison

Third verse we all sing in harmony, but I sing lead through all 3 verses.

I sing the "It is well" and they echo to the guitar strums G G D7 "It is well", then D7 D7 G and third time G G and D7.

I wish I was a better guitar player, though. I really am lousy. I haven't spent the time, and singing and playing, at the same time especially with the backups, is difficult for me.

We are putting together a Christmas medley of about 45 minutes. So far, we alreadyy have 4 requests for performing it for audiences.

Have fun. You will love it.

Singing and playing together has always eluded me. I can sing well, and once upon a time I could play well, but never together.

I can chew gum and pedal a bike, tho!

I like the idea of the chords reversing in your song! Lead in barbershop is the same as second tenor, right?

Lead is lead - usually the melody, and it is second tenor.

I sing baritone, the most difficult part, IMHO, and often sung in falsetto, with tremendous ranges.

"What is barbershop harmony? Very simple, barbershop differs from the glee club harmonization primarily in that the second tenor or barbershop "lead" usually carries the melody. The first tenor always harmonizes above the lead. The bass serves as the foundation and the baritone or "bari" fills in the spaces. His notes often are above those of the lead. There are usually four notes in each chord. Although the Society has a vast musical library and dozens of members arranging music, all barbershop singers must use their ears in order to fine tune each chord."

Lead is lead - usually the melody, and it is second tenor.

I sing baritone, the most difficult part, IMHO, and often sung in falsetto, with tremendous ranges.

"What is barbershop harmony? Very simple, barbershop differs from the glee club harmonization primarily in that the second tenor or barbershop "lead" usually carries the melody. The first tenor always harmonizes above the lead. The bass serves as the foundation and the baritone or "bari" fills in the spaces. His notes often are above those of the lead. There are usually four notes in each chord. Although the Society has a vast musical library and dozens of members arranging music, all barbershop singers must use their ears in order to fine tune each chord."

I'm definitely in the classical vein, a high baritone (baritenor?). A nice thing about a big chorus is you can switch to falsetto and nobody in the audience will ever know.

Tremendous ranges? Try the baritone part of Beethoven's 9th, the Ode to Joy. It's singing that requires a recovery ride (note restoration of cycling content)! On a good day I can reach everything, and when I'm smart enough I can drop out when I won't make a note.

I would say using one's ears is a critical skill for all singing!

One of my goals for this Christmas program this year is a solo by me of one of the recitatives for bass for Handel's Messiah.

That will be an entirely new singing experience for me!

RECITATIVE. (Accompanied - Bass)
For Behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall rise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee, and the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.

My husband's father was in The Peninsulaires Barbershop Chorus until last year. Great fun to watch them perform and compete. Very unique sound. I have a lot to learn about music, not just guitar. I have to learn how to read music and all the jargon.

Wow, Denver. Our leader is not only a cyclist, but a musician, too. I love this forum! :love:

One of my goals for this Christmas program this year is a solo by me of one of the recitatives for bass for Handel's Messiah.

That will be an entirely new singing experience for me!

RECITATIVE. (Accompanied - Bass)
For Behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall rise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee, and the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.

That's a great one! Not easy, but at least the tempo is not too high, and you don't have fast runs (or melismas). I learned it in college, but I'm not a soloist. It has a lot of accidentals, your ears will be your best friends, second of course to breath support, especially in the rising line "but the Lord shall arise upon thee." It's a very long phrase!

We do Messiah twice every year. I have done in this chorus for 5 years, and back in college in Chicago for about 7. Never get tired of it!

Question: Although I'm all about supporting my LMS, I can see wanting to browse online for peripherals, such as music stands. Any suggestions for great online music shops?

Question: Although I'm all about supporting my LMS, I can see wanting to browse online for peripherals, such as music stands. Any suggestions for great online music shops?

For guitar stuff and accessories I don't really know. Here in Ann Arbor, we have Herb David Guitar studio (walking distance), but I don't even know if they have a website. I know good ones for choral music and for music technology stuff!

I think Musicians Friend (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/) probably owns most of the other online shops by now. American Music Supply (http://www.americanmusical.com/) is another reliable one. Also:
http://www.music123.com/
http://www.sweetwater.com/
http://www.guitarcenter.com/

Thanks, BD! I just ordered a sheet music stand from Musician's Friend. Great price and no sales tax.

Also, there is a musical instruments store at Amazon now...

http://www.amazon.com/musical-instruments-accessories-sound-recording/b/ref=sa_menu_mi1?ie=UTF8&node=11091801&pf_rd_p=328655101&pf_rd_s=left-nav-1&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=507846&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1CHM4RAHRV4TVNTTTGM2

I am surprised that no-one has mentioned it yet. A thread about Bikes and Guitars and the answer is staring you in the face. A Tandem---Providing the guitarist is the stoker of course.

Last year I got myself a 12 string guitar to be able to get back into occupying some of my spare time. 20 years since I last played one and possibly 35 years since I played in front of an audience. Trouble is that my spare time is spent trying to stop the fingertips from hurting from trying to occupy my spare time.

First, nice choice on the Seagull.

I've been a guitarist and a cyclist on a number of occasions throughout my life but, I don't think, ever at the same time. I am trying it this time around because I ended up in a band ('00) before I got back on the bike ('06) so I have to keep my chops up. Trusth is, band or no, I'd still be playing now because it just means that much to me. Besides, maybe someday, I'll finish my CD. To me, guitars -music in general- and cycling reach similar but different places in my emotional being. It's been hard, though... I definitely seem to be putting my priority on my riding ("Hm. Sit on the couch and play? Or get out and ride? Ride"). Gosh, I haven't written a new song in ages, come to think of it. I guess I'm still sorting it all out, myself.

Seagull S6 shaded top. Nice box at any price. I had one that was a natural top. I predict after you learn to play pretty well that there is a Martin D-28 in your future and a Gibson J-45 or a Guild, see its just like bicycles one is never enough and thats called GAS short for Guitar Aquisition Syndrome. I have it its fun. Elderly Instruments would be my first choice for online purchase and also My Favorite Guitars, the best guy there would be Jon he is very knowledgeable. Just bicycles there are some shady dealers. If price is your only consideration Musicians Friend is where you buy but they are kind of like Bikes Direct. They buy in volume so they get deep discounts on their gear. I bought all my guitars local and usually 30 percent is a good discount. Local shops will normally support you better and if you are purchasing a $2,000.00 plus high end acoustic service means a lot after the sale just like your bicycles. Have fun and go learn a G run

Seagull S6 shaded top. Nice box at any price. I had one that was a natural top. I predict after you learn to play pretty well that there is a Martin D-28 in your future and a Gibson J-45 or a Guild, see its just like bicycles one is never enough and thats called GAS short for Guitar Aquisition Syndrome. I have it its fun. Elderly Instruments would be my first choice for online purchase and also My Favorite Guitars, the best guy there would be Jon he is very knowledgeable. Just bicycles there are some shady dealers. If price is your only consideration Musicians Friend is where you buy but they are kind of like Bikes Direct. They buy in volume so they get deep discounts on their gear. I bought all my guitars local and usually 30 percent is a good discount. Local shops will normally support you better and if you are purchasing a $2,000.00 plus high end acoustic service means a lot after the sale just like your bicycles. Have fun and go learn a G run

Hi Stringbreaker. LOL about GAS. :lol: It's hard to imagine getting n+1 right now; my fingers are sore! I practiced last night and then again first thing this morning. I agree with you about online versus LMS. I bought the Seagull and case and tuner and a couple books from our local place, and will begin taking lessons there, too. Lots of good energy and support and new people to meet! But the music stand was a good deal and seemed a reasonable thing to get online since I'll be travelling through Wednesday and won't have a chance to shop locally anyway. A $60 stand for $20! I'll check out Elderly Instruments (sounds fitting for 50+ :p) and My Favorite Guitars. Nothing wrong with signing up for their newsletters/catalogs.

Funny how easy it was to select my first guitar compared with my first bike. I just searched online, and the S6 came up frequently as a great entry-level guitar. I also like that it's a Canadian company. The decision was easy once I called our LMS and found out they had one in stock. No test rides, no adjustments to the handlebars or saddle.

I think I'm in love.....

;)

My son playing my Seagull M6 Spruce. Slumming from his Martin. ;)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3051/2896561846_f7dc3bd22c_o.jpg

Seagulls are really nice guitars for the money. They were especially affordable a few years back when the exchange rate with Canada was so favorable.

Great picture of your son, BluesDawg! A real musical family. Does he take after the old man as far as cycling is concerned? ;)

Just remember soon you will be playing grooves rather than having them. The grooves turn into calluses. When you play a lot your fingers will be so hard you will no longer be able to pick a safe lock.

I never mastered the Guitar or the keyboard even though I gave them both a shot. But I discovered drums and that is even harder to take on a bike. I have decided to sell my kit and keep my hand drums. My favorite hand drum is my Djembe followed close by my Congas. I have a backpack case for the Djembe but don’t try to ride anything but a cruiser with it because it doesn’t allow you to arch your pelvic area at all.

One piece of advice that will save you time. Take lessons.

Tru--I run a an amp repair shop right next door to an excellent LMS (full disclosure--I worked there for a long time...) just a bit south of you (beautiful downtown Cotati). I'll be glad to answer any music gear related questions you may have(I've been playing almost as long as I've been riding--feel free to PM!) and hook you up with the guys next door. And, just to make things even better (or maybe worse), there's a great LBS right across the street--one stop shopping for two vices!

Tru, good for you! I strummed a guitar many years ago, a gift from my father. I loaned it to a friend who never gave it back. :cry: Anyway, I think it should be easy to balance cycling and guitar. Ride your bike while the sun is out, and play the guitar at night while it is quiet.

I think you made the right choice with the guitar; it's probably more versatile and restful to play, in my opinion.

Have a blast!

First, nice choice on the Seagull.



+1

I love my Seagull too. Mines a "6" with cedar top in mat finish.

Tru--I run a an amp repair shop right next door to an excellent LMS (full disclosure--I worked there for a long time...) just a bit south of you (beautiful downtown Cotati). I'll be glad to answer any music gear related questions you may have(I've been playing almost as long as I've been riding--feel free to PM!) and hook you up with the guys next door. And, just to make things even better (or maybe worse), there's a great LBS right across the street--one stop shopping for two vices!

Howdy neighbor! I bought my guitar from Stanroy's, which is pretty convenient to me. But I'd love to stop by and check out both the LMS and LBS in Cotati. Great excuse for stopping by at Bear's Korean Restaurant. :thumb:

As for questions: too many and too new to articulate well. I'm struggling with trying to toughen up and contort my fingers. Good thing I'm double-jointed! Also struggling with learning how to read music.

I'm looking for lessons on Thursday evenings or Saturdays. If Stanroy's can't accommodate me, I may be looking further afield for an instructor.

Howdy neighbor! I bought my guitar from Stanroy's, which is pretty convenient to me. But I'd love to stop by and check out both the LMS and LBS in Cotati. Great excuse for stopping by at Bear's Korean Restaurant. :thumb:

As for questions: too many and too new to articulate well. I'm struggling with trying to toughen up and contort my fingers. Good thing I'm double-jointed! Also struggling with learning how to read music.

I'm looking for lessons on Thursday evenings or Saturdays. If Stanroy's can't accommodate me, I may be looking further afield for an instructor.

Left hand contortion can go too far. Might try using a more classical approach to holding the guitar. It has the neck pointing up around 45 degrees and your arm hanging straight down from it, so your hand can won't curl around the neck, it will be down and in front of it. Needs strength, but less contortion.

YouTube Andres Segovia, Narcisio Yepes, and Ana Vidovic to see some great examples, including female, of great ways to hold a guitar. Play some of Ana and hold on to your hat, especially on Requerdos del Alhambra.

Or I could email you some pics.

Helps your shifting - there, got some bike content!

Depending on your taste and preferences, you don't have to know how to read music to play the guitar.
"Popular music", anyway.

Depending on your taste and preferences, you don't have to know how to read music to play the guitar.
"Popular music", anyway.

Almost all the "campfire" songs can be played by ear with the I, IV and V7 chords, i.e., C, F and G7 or E, A and B7 or any other chord progression.

A picture of me when I'm not riding my bike.
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t13/rbrtn/MISC/Bob7-26-07br.jpg