The Flying Pigeon Project

New Uses for Old Coins

 
You may be familiar with old Chinese coins... specifically the neat looking ones that are round on the outside (representing the perfection of heaven) and have a square hole in the middle (representing less than perfect earth). The examples above are the real deal, from theTepapa New Zealand Museum.

Last Day at Panjiayuan

 
Would you beleive that in almost 3 years of me discussing the goings-on, discoveries and deals at the Panjiayuan antique bike meet that I have never taken my own bike there? It's true. Maybe it's because it's a long ride down to PJY, and I am constantly pressed for time. Maybe it's because I live on top of the subway line that goes almost directly there.  Yeah, actually, that's probably it.

In any case, I never took my bike to Panjiayuan.

Until last weekend....

Last Ride in Beijing (almost)

With a conjunction of repulsively hot summer weather, an intercontinental travel schedule and then being laid up in the hospital for almost a month, it has been a long time since I had my Pigeon out for a ride. 

Now summer is gone, travel is done, and I have the doctor's OK to ride. Problem is I have exactly one week left in Beijing before I leave indefinitely. Good thing today was a perfect autumn day. Great time to hit the pedals and cruise the hutongs. Thought I'd share some pictures with you.

First we see my Pigeon in it's latest incarnation of trim, resting elegantly against a moon portal courtyard entrance. You can't see it from this distance, but I have made some more changes. Like this thing...

Wheels on Wings- Coverage of the Blog

 
A couple of weeks back I sat down with a fine young man from the Global Times to discuss one of my favorite topics: Bikes in China. The article is entitled Wheels on Wings.

I thought this would be rather short interview, but indeed it stretched on for a very pleasant evening, several pizzas and a few beers. And yes there is real wood fired, brick oven pizza in Beijing.

Now my blog is a pretty humble blog, so to get this depth of coverage on a topic like bicycles which is increasingly unpopular in China seems odd. Or maybe we have reached a turning point, judging by the sheer number of questions I get from friends, colleagues and even complete strangers about Chinese bikes, people are curious.

I suppose part of it is that they see the almost constant impass that constitutes Beijing traffic and wonder if there isn't some other way.  Recently a traffic jam outside the city extended for 100KM. Yes, Beijing has a massive bus system, but if you take the bus, you'll still be sitting in traffic. And the subway certainly doesn't go everywhere.

Bicycles and bicycle lanes provide an alternative.

Another factor is that western nations, and yes, most of the traffic to this site comes from the west, are increasingly more interested in bikes rather than a car as a commuting tool. In fact, in countries like Japan and Germany car ownership is on the decline.

China sometimes leads the west and sometimes lags the west in various trends. Perhaps this time it will do both. Bicycles once were THE method of transport...Will they be again? Time will tell.

A special thanks to Gaofumao for the excellent writing. Feel free to read his article below:

The Global TImes: Wheels on Wings

Fender Ornaments

In past posts we have seen how many asian roadsters come equipped with ornaments festooning the front fender. It's basically a pre-requiste for any Indian roadster, although they tend to be simple affairs.