US President John F Kennedy once said that “nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bike”.
Cycling has enjoyed a huge resurgence throughout Ireland, and the opening of the Waterford Greenway is sure to see many cyclists travelling through the beautiful surroundings of County Waterford.
Annual events such as the Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford, and all of the regular charity cycles which take place in the locality, also prove that cycling is now a hugely popular activity which is enjoyed by a wide variety of people.
Despite the prevalence of top of the range bicycles and Lycra clad cyclists adorned in top of the range gear, cycling is in fact a simple pastime.
Cycling is a fast, cheap, healthy and enjoyable way to get around, whatever your age, gender or level of fitness.
This week, the Irish Cycling Advocacy Network will present an exhibition of photographs of everyday cyclists in Waterford.
The Irish Cycling Advocacy Network Cyclist.ie which is an advocacy, lobby and promotional group for everyday, or utility cyclists, founded in 2008.
Marie Power.
A collection of images of “everyday” or “normalised” cycling, old and new, will show just how enjoyable riding a bike is, and how simple it is – there is no need for specialised clothing or bikes despite all the craze!
The exhibition will be curated by local woman Marie Power (aka ‘The Sea Gardener’), who is well-known as a seaweed forager and educator, food producer and author of the highly successful publication ‘The Sea Garden’.
“We want to show how enjoyable riding a bike is, and how simple. There is no need for specialised clothing or bikes. Cycling is a fast, cheap, healthy and enjoyable way to get around, whatever your age, gender or level of fitness,” explained Marie.
In tandem with the exhibition, Waterford Walk & Cycle Campaign is running a photography competition with the Cyclist.ie.
“We are seeking photos on the theme of ‘Everyday Cycling’,” said Marie who is a campaign member.
“Let your creativity flow and capture in your image what you feel is the essence of everyday cycling, as distinct from sport / sportive in this area.”
Photographs of ‘everyday cycling’ from the city, county and surrounding areas are eligible and the best photos selected will be shown as part of the exhibition.
Entries can be in black and white or colour, can be taken during the day or at night and can be taken with any kind of camera.
Older photos are also welcome.
The files which are submitted must be named with your first and last name.In your entry, state your full name, daytime telephone number, email, where the photograph was taken and when.
The competition is open to all, with a limit of three entries per person.
Terms & Conditions apply.
Prizes, sponsored by local businesses, will be presented at the exhibition launch.
Images which are considered to breach the entry condition will not be accepted into the competition.
Photographs must have been taken in or near Waterford county or city or surrounding counties.
So, this is a chance to showcase ordinary and ‘everyday’ cycling in Waterford.
“We wish to acknowledge the support of Waterford City Central Library, Waterford Council and Geoff’s Bar and café,” said Marie.
“We wish to thank our prize sponsors, Altitude, Sam McCauley Chemists, Spokes Cycles, Mulligan’s Pharmacy, The Book Centre and to acknowledge the support of Waterford Camera Club.”
The deadline for entries for the photography competition is 12pm on Friday April 22nd.
The exhibition opens on April 25th and the official launch takes place on Wednesday April 27th with guests from Cyclist.ie and Waterford City & County Council in attendance.
Winning pictures will be announced at the launch and will be displayed as part of exhibition until May 8th.
And remember, the exhibition and competition aren’t focusing on fancy, modern bicycles or high level cycling.
Some of the examples of photos in the exhibition include ‘B/W Little girls’ by Des Byrne and ‘Woman leaning against bike’ by John Hurley (pictured).
The more ‘normal’ and ‘everyday’ the better!
To enter the competition, send a maximum of three high resolution images to mariepower26@gmail.com – so get snapping!