I have been a fan of director Tim Burton for ages. I laughed out loud when I first watched Pee Wee’s Big Adventure. The other week I got to watch this movie again with my children and nephews. And I enjoyed laughing out loud with them all. I enjoyed introducing a new generation to the brilliance of Tim Burton.
The cycling connection? The story is about Pee Wee’s serious obsession with his bike and the adventure that ensues when it is stolen. My attitude to cycling has changed significantly since I first watched it 20 odd years ago. Back then it was all about speed, lycra and fitness.
This time around, watching Pee Wee got me thinking about the Cycle Chic Manifesto. I laugh out loud every time I read it. I love the intent of the message. It is funny, but at the same time, there is a seriousness to it. I would like to see more Auckland cyclists embrace this message. By doing so, it would allow for cycling in Auckland to be represented as a normal activity that normal people do. Thank you to Cycle Chic for pointing the way.
My transformation is not quite complete but it has made good progress. My next step will be to get myself a bike that allows me to ride in style and in a more upright position. Chain suck is also a major irritant. I still recall the look on the sales person’s face 11 years ago when I asked if I could have mudguards fitted to the bike I was just about to purchase. Things have improved since then I’m sure. I know Hedgehog Bikes in Onehunga and Rode in Pt Chevalier are making an effort to stock these stylish and practical bikes.
How well does Pee Wee deal with the Manifesto? You be the judge. Available at all good DVD retailers.
cycling/freedom
Cycle Action Auckland — a voice for cyclists
Both my bikes have got mudguards and carriers. Don't like the wet stripe up my back when the road is wet. Have a detachable basket on my 'shopping' bike but don't like it very much as steering is 'heavier' when the basket is full.
Now, bells. Just installed a bell on my 'exercise' bike as well. Peds appreciate knowing when you are coming up behind them as a bike can be quite silent in its approach. And, the bell produces smiles – nice.
I just saw the wonderful Tim Burton retrospective in Melbourne. I love the way Peewee's red bike was one of the first things Tim Burton choose to transform something suburban into something stylish, funny, colourful, magical and subversive. PeeWee is still poking gentle humour at American life – lately riding another red bicycle (but not such a cool one) in front of a big motorcycle rally http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/38632057