Hasta La Gadget!

Warning: Do not follow the link below unless you have a half-hour or so to spare. Bicycle Portraits will be a hardback book of photographs and transcribed conversations with cyclists in South Africa. Right now it exists as a fascinating web gallery that will swallow your entire coffee break.

There’s something about seeing a person with their bike that shows a lot more than a straight portrait. It’s like seeing the contents of their bag, or peeking into their kitchen cupboards, only less voyeuristic and – for bike nerds at least – way more interesting. Combine that with a few words about how, why and where they ride, and a Google map of where the photo was taken and you can see exactly why this site will suck you in:

Why do I cycle? Because it’s fun! Also some exercise and I mean, there is lots you can do with it. Been cycling about 5 years now. I use it to go to town now and then. I bought this bicycle there. I’ve modified the bike a little, putting in the extra pipes and different tires. It means everything to me.

Remo Baker
Rosebud St. Kwanokuthula, Riversdale, Western Cape, South Africa (Pictured above).

The book is by Stan Engelbrecht and his “friend and fellow bicycle enthusiast” Nic Grobler, and will be completed as they ride their bikes around South Africa to meet and photograph people. The project is funded by KickStarter, which lets regular Joes like you and me pledge money to cool projects like this. The guys are looking for $16,000 to complete Bicycle Portraits. If you contribute, you’ll get a copy of the book when it is published. And even if you don’t, go make yourself a cup of coffee and click the link below.

Bicycle Portraits [Day One Publications. Thanks, Stan!]

Photo: Nic Grobler