Bike Commuting Improves a Life (VIDEO-not mine)
11-09-09, 08:41 AM
#26
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Contrary to what some thought about this short film, I found lot of information, not about cycling but about Claire. Her New Years resolution to cycle to work could indicate something missing in her life up to that point and the bicycle just a tool to make that journey for a better life. The tattoo could be significant for Claire on the way to finding something she belongs to and to mark her new identity. I found other metaphors but I knew Claire had found her independence when she could ride away from her past problems with all her possessions to a new future. I really don't think it is about the bicycle.
11-09-09, 09:14 AM
#27
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Contrary to what some thought about this short film, I found lot of information, not about cycling but about Claire. Her New Years resolution to cycle to work could indicate something missing in her life up to that point and the bicycle just a tool to make that journey for a better life. The tattoo could be significant for Claire on the way to finding something she belongs to and to mark her new identity. I found other metaphors but I knew Claire had found her independence when she could ride away from her past problems with all her possessions to a new future. I really don't think it is about the bicycle.
The vid does seem like it's specifically aimed at a cycling audience, but I think that's because of the people who made/wrote the film. At the very least, whoever wrote the story is into cyclist, I'm guessing. But the movie was made for a wider audience than just cyclists, and like you said the main point isn't the bicycle.
11-09-09, 09:17 AM
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I wasn't sure if that was just a way to mark her progression away from the boyfriend, or to show that she somehow graduated from a "cyclist" to a "person who rides a bike". I didn't read that as a dig against Lycra per se. She didn't need the cycling uniform anymore. In a short vid without time to develop characters completely, the film maker needed some landmarks for the main character to pass in order to show her progression away from the boyfriend.
I took this as we all start out in our innocence exposed to the world but with experience we layer our gained knowledge on life’s journey.
11-09-09, 10:22 AM
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The progression from lycra to layers of clothing is in fact not a progression at all, but a regression. It symbolizes the loss of the childhood fearlessness in showing the world who we truly are.
That or she was just trying to stay warm.
11-09-09, 10:32 AM
#30
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Girl seemed more fearless by the end of the film to me. And I disagree that by changing her riding clothes away from lycra she somehow wasn't expressing who she felt she was. She didn't like the jersey and shorts at all, right from the start.
11-09-09, 10:48 AM
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Alas, the chain ring tat and rolled up jeans, while a movement away from a deadbeat boyfriend, was really just a step in another direction that will eventually lead to disillusionment. She needs to set her own path rather than getting caught up in the trappings of hipsterdom.
Besides. I was joking ;-)
Last edited by tjspiel; 11-09-09 at 11:09 AM.
11-09-09, 11:07 AM
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Ooooo! I just thought of something! The lycra could have saved them both if only...
Unfortunately, he was already too far gone. He had become a complete couch potato, - no longer worthy of the jersey he had passed on to her. I'm sure earlier in the relationship it was a different story. He might have actually been, - active !
Maybe if she had stuck with the lycra a little longer instead of succumbing to the teachings of her "coworker", the deadbeat boyfriend would have stirred a little and agreed to go riding with her. Imagine, both of them in their lycra enjoying the local MUPs. Instead he sensed her moving further away from him and gave up what little hope and ambition may have still lurked inside. All he had left was the white gorilla.
Unfortunately, he was already too far gone. He had become a complete couch potato, - no longer worthy of the jersey he had passed on to her. I'm sure earlier in the relationship it was a different story. He might have actually been, - active !
Maybe if she had stuck with the lycra a little longer instead of succumbing to the teachings of her "coworker", the deadbeat boyfriend would have stirred a little and agreed to go riding with her. Imagine, both of them in their lycra enjoying the local MUPs. Instead he sensed her moving further away from him and gave up what little hope and ambition may have still lurked inside. All he had left was the white gorilla.
Last edited by tjspiel; 11-09-09 at 04:26 PM.
11-09-09, 12:18 PM
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Especially since the Saints are doing great this year. If I have errands to run (grocery, Home Depot) or a bike ride to do, I just leave the house right at kickoff. At least a quarter of a million less people will be outside for three hours! I have the city nearly to myself. Later in the week I catch the highlights on NFL.com.
God how I LOVE football! Keeps the masses off the streets during the best weather of the entire year in New Orleans.
11-09-09, 03:38 PM
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I think this film shows once again what a nice place Portland is to bike in.
Did you look at the scenery around her?
I've ridden through all those places. Except she couldn't have traveled from one to the other in order.
Did you look at the scenery around her?
I've ridden through all those places. Except she couldn't have traveled from one to the other in order.
11-14-09, 09:22 PM
#37
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I have a secret crush on Clair.
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11-14-09, 10:07 PM
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The hipster doofus are a cowardly and suspicious lot, more insecure than the ever-frustrating (to these fashionista fascistas) and unflappable Fred. Justification for picking up the discarded leavings of cutting edge "underground" fashion and claiming it's a matter of pragmatism is the first sign of the infection.
There is no cure.
Next up, she'll start listening to radio safe indie bands, getting some ironic tattoos, wearing a Hugo Boss influenced military jacket, ironically donning a keffiyeh and making a statement about gears being an overcomplicated crutch for the weak.
Those handle bars are just going to get narrower, those tires more colorful. Sure, she lost the deadbeat, but at what cost?
AT WHAT COST, JB?
I need more NyQuil.
There is no cure.
Next up, she'll start listening to radio safe indie bands, getting some ironic tattoos, wearing a Hugo Boss influenced military jacket, ironically donning a keffiyeh and making a statement about gears being an overcomplicated crutch for the weak.
Those handle bars are just going to get narrower, those tires more colorful. Sure, she lost the deadbeat, but at what cost?
AT WHAT COST, JB?
I need more NyQuil.
