Random bits and pieces from the month of August that I caught along my cycle ways that are worth posting. Top photo: after over 6 months of nudging my Swedish-Egyptian expat neighbors, they finally acted upon it and got themselves two 2nd hand, practical bikes. With crate. For their French bull terrier Baby.

The rain, oh the rain. The summer of 2011 went down as the wettest on record since 1906. Harsher winters, spring turns out to be our summer (yet again) and summers turn to fall. Nothing to see, moving on.

‘Never A Bike Bridge Too Far’.

Two friends making things tidy for the ride.

Putting my GoPro camera to good use while testing the Brik Brut bicycle (more on that in October), for the obligatory ride down the bicycle parking garage at Central Station.

‘Strolling In The Red Light District’ & ‘Mr Fr8 Got A Brand New Crate’

‘Canal View’

‘A Bike Is A Terrible Thing To Waste‘

‘A View From The Cycle Path’. “Sorry I’m late…the bridge was open.” A very valid excuse in Amsterdam.

On Nieuwmarkt. Tom of Workcycles polishing my Fr8 (first time since I’d bought it) for a special photo shoot. Roos of ‘Ride With Me NYC‘ fame assisting.

Friends joining us for drinks.

Pannier action: ‘Unloading’ & ‘Loaded Up’.

‘Parting Ways’

‘Stack’

‘Bird’

Fire Department Ordinance: ‘Don’t Park Your Bike Here. Parked Bikes Will Be Removed.’

‘Meeting Point’ & “Who’s Going Side Saddle, You Or Me?”

Stay tuned for August posts with a more themed approach.

Work is done. It’s a warm & sunny evening. Taking it easy. Grab a bag with picnic goodies and flick it in a basket. Stop along the way to pick up some tasty burgers & find that sweet spot in the sun. That’s what Lauren and I did not too long ago.

* It’s been pouring this last week, so it’s only fitting that I’d edit and post this today, to keep our spirits up :).

A new day, a new video camera, new opportunities. The early evening light was exquisite, so I just headed out, doodling about. 25 minutes of footage brought back to a little under 13. It was a beautiful maiden voyage for my little HD friend & it passed the test…no, it aced it. For those interested: I shot it at 720p & 60 frames/sec*.

Here you go, ‘Veraneando En Amsterdam’, or: enjoying summer in Amsterdam. Enjoy the ride*.

* I wanted to export it to HD 1080p, but it turned out to big. The same applied to the 720p version, too big for Vimeo. I had to choose between cutting it up yet again or leaving it at a lower resolution. I chose the latter.

** Over the years I’ve noticed (to put it lightly) that when people watch a video like this, they often comment: “But what about when it’s raining or snowing? Surely, people won’t cycle that much then?” Sure they do, because it’s convenient. Here’s an old video of mine shot in December 2008, ‘Sinfonia Cyclissimo‘. Or watch Mark Wagenbuur’s videos, winter & http://amsterdamize.com/?p=1055

I was fortunate to be able to borrow a friend’s little (but sturdy) canal boat, aka The Red August, to cruise the city on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Every time I’m back on Amsterdam’s water ways, I enjoy and welcome the change in perspective. It basically feels the same way that cycling does, as in: you’re among many likeminded people (and with boating you DO give each other a quick nod or even wave) and you don’t have a care in the world. Added bonus: it really is the best escape… without fleeing the city. No obstructions, go as you please and so much more (time) to observe, taking advantage of an extra layer, dimension, a slightly better backdrop.

Splendid.

The green outskirts or the city center, it doesn’t matter, really. Just unwind on and off that bike, be it for 5 minutes or 5 hours, ’tis all good.

Nothing but time. Who’s in a rush. It’s summer and it’s the weekend. Many are on vacation, but who needs one when you live in Amsterdam, it’s zen on two wheels, all the way. Merely have a seat on a(ny) terrace, have a beer and observe…

This summer has been hot so far, so cycling goes down just a notch, we don’t like to break a sweat, like with our daily A-to-B-isms. Good for me, gives me even more time to frame my captures.

You go and head out for one of the city’s beaches, for instance.

En route, it’s very likely you spot a certain blog post’s subject :).

This is just one of many ways to move your bikes.

Easy going at the lights.

Back in the city, cycling forms a welcome cooling off.

For some cooler than others.

Carry on.

Summer discounts and such.

Three on two equals six.

Grocery shopping togetherness.

And those days seem to go on and on, and on, and on…

Still catching up, I might as well be quick and wrap up these last two months. Were they inconsequential? On the contrary, actually the very reason for me running behind. Anyways, let’s do this rundown of May & June.

Lauren arrived in Amsterdam (to stay) and from day 1 she was cruising around, step by step, landmark by landmark, getting to know her new habitat & enjoying her first weekend with visiting friends, who also quickly adopted our cycle ways.

Spring was in full force, making a big difference, as to be expected.

Which enables great lazy days on a patch of grass in the park…occasionally opening your eyes, grabbing the camera.

May does what it pleases, as any Dutchman will tell ya…so cold spells abound

And you know, any bright day is there to seize…

Somebody tells you “That’s a nice gene pool you got there”, which lingers…and then pops up in the first week of June.

Miscellaneous shots in the mix…

Wondering whether Dutch bike ‘culture’ should be put on the Unesco World Heritage list…

Last but not least: ‘A Tale Of Fixies & Cycle Chicas‘…

Not entirely complete, but I think this pretty much makes up for lost time. How’s your summer ridin’ going so far?

On a break during work I was able to observe and document mid-day traffic in Utrecht.

Also on this day and the next, same location, I witnessed the start of the new academic year: Introduction Week. Fraternities, student sports clubs and other establishments trying to woo these freshmen and women into joining. These kids (do I sound old now?) have to go from one part of town to other to not miss a thing…and you won’t see ‘m on anything else but two wheels. How else are you going to quickly and smoothly establish a connection with the opposite sex, right?