A Give-Away for Valentine's Day
Roses are red and so is this bike
- which could soon be yours if you like!
For on this coming Valentine's day
it shall be promptly given away.
"What is this bike?" you might inquire,
"with its bright red frame and old-fashioned tire?"
In reply I guide you to
this Bobbin Bicycles Birdie review.
The lovely loop frame and the lugs
will surely elicit passionate hugs.
And as the cupid's arrow nears
you've got the Sturmey Archer gears.
For yourself or for your darling
a shiny red bike is oh so charming!
From England it traveled by land and by sea
to Boston's Harris Cyclery,
and from thence it shall be sent
to that person for whom it is meant.
For a chance this bike to recieve
a velo-Valentine you must conceive,
in the US you must reside,
and by the guidelines below abide:
-------------------------------------------
Guidelines for the Bobbin Birdie Give-Away:
Submission Procedure: Create and submit a bicycle-themed Valentine. Your Valentine can be intended for a real person, for a fictional or hypothetical person, for your bicycle, for any other bicycle, or for anyone or anything really (except for me) - as long as it is in some way bicycle themed. The Valentine may consist of text and/or image (no video, no audio). If your Valentine is text only, please submit it directly in the comments here. If your Valentine is an image, upload it and post the link in the comments (if you have nowhere to upload it to, email it to "filigreevelo[at]yahoo[dot]com" with the subject "Velo-Valentine"). Be sure to include your email address in the comment when submitting your Valentine. One submission per person please.
Submission deadline is Thursday, February 9th 2012, 11:59pm Pacific time. Recipient will be announced on Valentine's Day (February 14th, 2012).
Eligibility: Entrants must reside in the continental USA. Entrants may be of any gender, and may be getting the bicycle for themselves or for a loved one. Entrants should be readily reachable via email. This bicycle is best suited for persons 5'3" - 5'8", please use your judgment.
Selection criteria: Selection will be made on the basis of the Valentine, assuming that eligibility criteria are met. Any Valentine submitted may be publicly viewable and there will be reader input in the selection process.
This give-away is made possible via Forth Floor Distribution - the North American distributor of Bobbin Bicycles. Many thanks to them for donating this beautiful bike, and to everyone for taking part!
Oh my goodness Oh my goodness Oh my goodness. I have just moved to Boston (from Scotland) and I have coveted just such a lovely loop frame for quite some time now. It's time for me to move on from cruddy but functional mountain bikes that I've limited myself to for years.
ReplyDeleteI'm getting right on this.
If you are in Boston, you are welcome to test ride the bike at Harris Cyclery in West Newton. Would love to know what others think of it.
DeleteThe entry from MysterA, sent via email:
Delete"I've just moved to Boston from Edinburgh, Scotland. I got a cheapo bike my first week (I've now been here exactly 14 days) and my Valentine is inspired by a very strong impression I've had of cycling here.
Namely, cyclists here are CRAZY... they don't use lights at night!
There's even a particularly mental portion of them who conscientiously wear helmets and then dress completely in black AND don't use lights.
I'm living on the Cambridge/Somerville border, maybe a large portion of these ninja cyclists are 'poor' students, but really, so what. I was going to try and do a traditional, 'non-political, no-agenda' valentine, but this is what was on my mind. I did it while I had my bike upstairs in my apartment adjusting my brake pads and used my bike lights to create the light traces, then turned on the room light to illuminate the bike. The words were added in a Photoshop equivalent,
but otherwise no manipulations were used. (I considered going for 'you light up my life', but I just couldn't make myself go all twee).
So here is my Valentine to bike lights."
Of you I’ll never tire
ReplyDeleteFor you I swiftly fell
So let’s get into gear
Oh, baby, ring my bell!
No shifty back-pedaling from me this Valentine’s Day! So won’t you be mine? I wouldn't steer you wrong.
P.S. You can ride me anytime!
Love,
Head over Heels
What a sight to see
ReplyDeleteA bicycle just for me
Gleaming bright
Riding day and night
How I truly love thee
tarotcat@gmail.com (I forgot to put this in the first submission, sorry)
I am TOTALLY going to win this!
ReplyDeleteIt just so happens I HAVE a love poem written to my bike! And here it is:
ReplyDeleteElston Avenue Cycle
Like an old married couple, my bicycle and me.
The companionable silence, a communication of simple movement,
the little gifts: lights, a bell, an unpretentious U-ring.
It cuts me, sometimes, my bike, with its harshness—
a toothy pedal, the stiff tongues of its sprockets—
and yet I lift it, up, mostly, or down stairs,
on or off another vehicle.
Though mostly, of course, it carries me;
we are like a single thing:
a tree and its leaves, a cat and its whiskers,
a bird and its wings.
It’s all about the crosswind, she said,
and for sure the wind’s pissed,
striving to flip me and my bike like a coin,
just alongside the salt plant—currency
in its own right once, salt.
And so the Greek slave not worth his.
Nor the deer for which uncle
has bought the lick—too abundant now
to be dear. Lot’s wife, though,
must have been worth a fortune
before the elements tongued her away.
And who am I to argue with the wind,
and the value it assigns me?
Salt of my eyes’ own making
lines my face. The price of a ride.
On the path, cranes that aren’t feathered,
knolls that aren’t grassy,
tracks that aren’t animal,
ripples that aren’t in ponds,
painted gray, brown, white,
corrugated as cardboard.
And then there’s the materials supply corp.,
its concrete wall, studded
with shards of bottle glass.
So much for bucolic.
But let me coast awhile and,
see—I’ve brought my own crickets.
This street is mine now,
Its beauty marks and its scars.
Lavish, a bike’s gifts.
(yvonne.zipter@gmail.com)
'in the US you must reside'
ReplyDeleteWhy is that?
I'm 5' 8" and would love the bike and I'm in Manchester, Lancashire.
On second thoughts I haven't got a gender anyway. When I was born people had a sex. So I'd be ineligible even if I moved to the US.
People have both a gender and a sex and you can be either of either. Or neither. US because the bike is already within the US courtesy of the N American distributor.
Delete'People have both a gender and a sex and you can be either of either.'
ReplyDeleteI'm male. How can I tell which gender I am?
Do you wear high highs, suspenders, and a bra? Do you want to be a girlie, just like your dear mama? If so, you might be feminine. Seriously, though, gender refers to socially constructed roles, behaviors, attitudes, and so forth. Sex refers to biological and physiological characteristics (do you have two X chromosomes or an X and a Y?). The terms, "male" and "female" pertain to sex, while the terms "masculine" and "feminine" pertain to gender. You don't have to be one gender or the other; most of us exhibit a mix of feminine and masculine characteristics. And although most people are one sex or the other, this is not universally the case. But this is a bicycle blog . . .
DeleteThank you, I have that song stuck in my head now!
DeleteI don't live in the states, but I think I'm going to enter anyway. Is there a reason for this besides shipping? Because I have friends in the States.
ReplyDeleteAnd thumbs up for understanding sex & gender. I have a feeling you might have to do a bit of explaining in the comments...
A poem about my Love of Bikes & the movie Ferris Bueller's Day off:
ReplyDeleteOh Ferris, If you were a bike you would surely be this one!
Red, attention commanding in every way
Sturdy, emotionally that is, unlike Cameron
Beautiful, on its own
but even better with a female companion like Sloan
Ready, to take on adventure
Shiny, like in an exhibit in the museum
Solum, to take a stand against Rooney
Quick, to outrun your parents and even take on Jeannie
Oh if I had a bike I would love it to be one like you
Pretending to be sick, but at a moments notice ready take visits
I would truly cherish this bike
because like you always said, Life moves pretty fast; If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it
- anthonyevette06@yahoo.com
-http://hopelesslyambitiousv.wordpress.com/2012/02/03/764/
Perhaps it might be better to withhold the valentines submissions until a winner has been selected. That way readers wouldn't be trying to one-up each other. Plus, it would alleviate the subconscious plagiarism thing (think of the judges comment in the My Sweet Lord/He's So FIne plagiarism suit.)
ReplyDeleteJust a suggestion.
I don't think it's a problem. Following the entries is fun, and those worried about plagiarism can always hold off their submissions until the last day.
DeleteSaid the front tire to the rear
ReplyDeleteFollow me; I’ll lead my dear.
Round and round we’ll roll together.
‘Cause when you push I steer better.
If miles from here the road’s not fair
We’ll just let out a little air.
I will not shimmy, I will stay true;
That is the promise I make to you.
At dusk, to emphasize our genders,
We’ll slip into some silver fenders.
Your tread is slick; your spokes are fine;
You’ll always be my valentine.
bravo.
DeleteHere is the illustration that goes with this poem, sent via email.
DeleteIs the sex vs gender thing really confusing, or are you pulling my leg? Sex usually refers to one's biological makeup, whereas gender refers to one's sense of identity. So, for instance, you can be a genetic male but identify as female, or vice-versa. That is the simplified explanation, but you get the gist.
ReplyDeleteCan the Valentine be hand made? You know, on paper?
ReplyDeleteOf course. Just snap a picture of it, upload and post a link.
DeleteJust to clarify, can you also be a cat?
ReplyDeleteYes. But you personally (felinely?) are disqualified.
DeleteWhat a perfect Valentine! Good luck to all those who enter! Looking forward to seeing all the Velo Valentines.
ReplyDeleteQuestion over email: What if the valentine requires multiple photos to document (for example, front view & rear view)? Can we submit several pictures?
ReplyDeleteAnswer: Yes, as long as they all show the same Valentine.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=824166801479&set=a.566558405769.2106243.51802860&type=3&theater
ReplyDeleteRoses are red and yes violets are blue.
But blue violets ain't got nothing on you.
It was like at first glance
but love at first ride
A few dents a little rust
but you are beautiful in my eyes
I've been intrigued by others with their choices of speeds
but you, good vibes, have been the perfect fit for me
And even though some other may catch my eye
I've yet to find another with your personality and style
So whenever you question my commitment to you
Remember I gave up morning runs to struggle up a hill with you.
Love you Big Blue! Happy Valentines Day!
Please post your contact info. I am not on facebook and cannot see your facebook page.
DeleteSure. Sorry about that. Contact is tish.lyte@gmail.com. I'm sure that means you also can't see Big Blue, so I'll follow instructions better this time and send it via email. Thanks!
DeleteHere is the picture that goes with the poem, sent via email!
DeleteOkay, I'll try one too. Old-school sonnet, dedicated to Gina, of course!
ReplyDeleteA Bicycle Valentine
The winter sun leans on the fading sea
and breathes its light across the road. Once more,
our pace a mockery of dreams of speed,
we pedal side by side, home from the store.
We chase no magic, seek no hidden key,
discern no secret words in wisps of cloud--
bags and basket stuffed with prosaic leaves,
we weave our path through a metallic crowd
of blank-eyed cars. You laugh, and ring your bell;
That's all. A tiny outburst of plain joy.
The sun, casting my shadow on your wheel,
transforms my profile to a glittering toy.
It spins ahead of you, out of your sight,
as side by side, we play in earthbound flight.
an entry via email from LT.
ReplyDelete"When I read your latest post this morning I thought immediately of my favorite old family photo, so I added a few bits to the photo to make it a vintage-themed Valentine."
Thanks LT!
I will be straightforward: I am absolutely and completely smitten by this woman. She is beautiful both inside and out and I fall for her time and time again. Here is the background to my valentine.
ReplyDeleteOn one of our dates, she learned that my hobby was vintage bicycles. She responded favorably and for months, we planned a ride together which unfortunately never materialized for one reason or another.
A few days before Christmas, she drove to my home and presented me with an amazingly thoughtful gift: a pleasant bicycle ride for two and photography session around town. Since her hobby was photography and mine was bicycles, it seemed like a perfect event. However, her clunky, cranky, X-mart mountain bicycle needed repairs and my past experiences wrenching on X-mart bikes have convinced me to let them be if I valued my sanity. We found a temporary Shogun mixte but the masculinized, dark, and somewhat ugly persona of the bike (it was abused as a beater) didn’t resonate well with her bright, passionate, and lively personality. The ride was heart-warming though, memorable in many ways, and we’ve been close ever since.
A bicycle from “the most beautiful bicycle shop in Britain” would be a perfect match for the most beautiful and amazing girl in my life. The bright red, elegant, looped-frame guise of the Bobbin Birdie would be significantly more fitting than the somber Shogun or hopeless X-mart. The “jaunty” ride of the Birdie should also keep up with her fast-paced and mobile lifestyle. I foresee picnics, rides on the beach, commutes to school, and more photo sessions with her and the Birdie.
In the end, even if the Birdie doesn’t end up migrating to sunny California, I’m still thankful for the woman in my life and the chance to brag about her (insert joking/smiling emoticon here). Here is my Valentine submission, photo taken during our pre-Christmas rendezvous:
Velo-valentine
To my son Tiuna:
ReplyDeleteMy Dear Valentine:
Even if your legs can't ride for the time being
'cos your two wheels are arranged in parallel
I know your soul rides swiftly
pedaling the distance across our hearts
(picture sent by e-mail)
The picture accompanying this entry can be viewed here.
DeleteI made a valentine! I thought it was so fun that I wanted to share it with others.
ReplyDeleteThe story, context, high-res sharable files (including vector) for anyone who wants to have fun and make their own for someone can be discovered: http://www.nandapocentric.com/valentines-for-everyone/
The direct link to the image (to comply with the rules): http://andwegotothesea.nfshost.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/genericvalentineweb.png
and if you really need to contact me, try: nandaisarockstar [at] yahoo [dot] youknowwhat
Happy Valentine's Day, Everyone :)
Here is my bicycle valentine: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dorywithserifs/6829980287/in/photostream -- but for use all year round. So many sexy bikes out there!
ReplyDelete(dory dot.dot kornfeld at@at gmail dot.dot com)
Can I make that link right? it's bicycle valentine
ReplyDeleteBE MINE:
ReplyDeletehttp://usparkgirl.blogspot.com/2012/02/velo-valentine.html
flamingxjune at gmail
"The bicycle, the bicycle surely, should always be the vehicle of novelists and poets." - Christopher Morley
Ode to a 1984 Schwinn. Oh how I love thee, let me count the ways…..
ReplyDeleteI love thy wobbling wheels, if only they were true;
I love thy rusting paint, if only it were really -
Brilliant Bianchi Blue.
I love thy sturdy rock-steel frame, if only you weren’t so heavy;
I love thy lumbering squeaky crank, yet these days
I’d rather ride a Chevy.
I love thy loose and slapping chain, if only it would stay in place;
I love thy corroded cables, so long as I never
Must stop the pace.
I love thy rattling peddles, a song within my heart
We’ve ridden 3000 miles, you were old
Before the start
I love thy jerky stearing, I have since our first bend
Yet now I think it’s time
That our partnership should end.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I do love my 1984 Schwinn. But... Oh that red!
scotia_sammyjo@hotmail.com
Hello, hello! I've been reading your blog for a few weeks now, so hooray first comment! I was recently commissioned a bike-themed Valentine for a friend in England (Who actually rides a Bobbin and introduced me to your blog when I began looking into investing in a quality bicycle), and he's encouraged me to enter it:
ReplyDeleteHave a Bicroscopic Valentine!: http://www.flickr.com/photos/godcomplexed/6834104167/in/photostream
My contact is weather.on.mars@gmail.com! Please enjoy the valentine.
My bicycle valentine for a valentine's bicycle:
ReplyDeletehttp://kittentits.com/images/bicycle-valentine.png
My Blue Boo
ReplyDeleteI found freedom when I found you…
your silver paint, with lines of blue.
Nice comfy seat and tires (there’s two),
you’re my baby, my bike, my honey, my boo.
We’ve been up and down the hills of this town.
You’re always there, never letting me down.
I’m always anxious to ride you around,
with your swift easiness, hardly making a sound.
When we are together I’m on top of the world.
My worries and cares can’t keep up with your whirl.
You are my therapy, my freedom and friend.
I never want our long rides to end.
For Valentine’s Day you’ll get a new bell.
I want the whole world to hear you quite well.
So when we whiz by, everyone can tell,
your new ‘Bing’ and my happy yell.
My hands on your bars, and the wind in my hair.
I really don’t care if all the folks stare.
They don’t know the joy that is you.
Your silver paint, with lines of blue.
Dedicated to my Blue Boo. I love you BB!
schmoogums@yahoo.com
I've loved you for years, we've been maried for many
ReplyDeleteYou'd look sweet on a red,Dutch bike
and the envy of many
B. Wiencek
cwiencek@comcast.net
A bicycle Valentine for the Lovely Bicycle lady and fans too. For the love of it...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.corvusdesignstudio.com/lovelybicyclevday.pdf
Best,
Margaret
margaret@corvusdesignstudio.com
Hi Velouria,
ReplyDeleteMy submission is dedicated to the dude, and can be likened to something found on a Laffy Taffy wrapper.
"What did one bicycle say to the other on valentines day?"
http://www.flickr.com/photos/primacyclorina/6839660755/
This comment has been removed by the author.
Delete"I never learned," said my sister-in-law,
ReplyDeletewhich filled me with a mixture of grief and awe.
My parents taught me this balancing skill
Even though there was many a spill!
I ride a bicycle almost every day
My Raleigh Sports, or Novara Randonee.
My sister-in-law rides the bus to and fro
Which can be unpleasant, expensive, and slow.
But it's hard to spend money, so very hard-earned,
If balancing a bike, you never learned.
And picking one out, to buy, which steed?
When you don't even know what kind you will need!
I think a loop frame, a three speed, would be fine
it'll make shifting easy, it'll save her some time.
I'll help her find the balance of riding two-wheeled
and the freedom I know, perhaps she will feel.
So for Valentine's day, what could be better?
Than a gorgeous red bike, a pedaled love-letter.
Which is a fancy way of saying, that if I won the bike, I'd give it to my sister-in-law and teach her to ride it. She could really use a bike. And yes, she knows I'm doing this and has read the poem.
And my email! alder dot tree at gmail dot com
a valentine for bike lovers & riders in los angeles
ReplyDeletehttp://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss41/ruggyratty/homeiswheremybikeis-card.jpg
ruggy.ratty (at) yahoo (dot) com
For the Love of a Bike and Bike Friendships
ReplyDeleteBefore you came into my life
I was rooted to the ground
I was stuck in neutral, no forward motion,
but with you, my wings, I found.
I was afraid at first,
because I'd been hurt before,
but I held on tight for the ride of my life,
learned to trust you more and more.
Now we are inseparable,
we explore places I've been, but never really knew,
and I feel so much more a part of the world
whenever I'm with you.
Colors seem bolder and brighter,
laughter comes with more ease,
there is no care we care about
while tassels and hair whip 'round in the breeze.
When I'm let down and left to drown
your love lifts me and my heart heals,
I found my true self with you by my side,
you taught me to stand on my own two wheels.
Dedicated to my best bike friends and to my bike. I really have found my true self while biking and I've become braver and happier:) I hope to win this for one of my bike girls because she helped me acquire my dream bike recently. <3
email: greengirl22 at comcast dot net
A Valentine for the bicycle I long for....
ReplyDeleteI can’t help but smile when I see you
Your bold looks complimented
by your practical side
And I dream of spending days together
Whether for routine tasks
or for the sheer joy of moving outside
Riding fast or riding slow
You would accept me as I am
with no need for change in wardrobe, path or destination
and I know we would be perfect partners
Oh please, Red Bobbin Birdie, be mine!
taterchron (at) gmail (dot) com
Okay, I'm done. I wanted to draw a picture of my bike, because I do love my mixte! The text still works even if you're not familiar with the mixte/diamond frame thing (see what I did there?)
ReplyDeletehttp://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab17/Candoia/re-image/mixtevalentine.png
rejected ideas included "Is that a banana seat or are you just happy to see me, Valentine?"
My e-mail is mindy_fraser at hotmail dot com.
rejected ideas included "Is that a banana seat or are you just happy to see me...
DeleteNice : )
A hand made painted & stenciled bike love valentine for my sweethearts: http://www.flickr.com/photos/filmgeekmafia/6845562923/
ReplyDeleteemail:susannah@filmgeekmafia.com <3
Schwalbe coming round the mountains when she comes
ReplyDeleteSchwalbe coming round the mountains when she comes
Schwalbe never fearing failure cos there's always her derailleur
Schwalbe coming round the mountains when she comes
I thenk you lol
remember to tip your waiter!
DeleteWhat a lovely bike! Here's my entry:
ReplyDeleteYour beloved hubby is out at sea, ‘tis true...
So what is a loyal young Navy wife to do
When a lonely Valentine’s Day draws oh-so-near?
Here is a hint, my daughter-in-law, my dear –
Take to the roads on a lovely red bicycle
The weather’s not important, you’ll not turn into an icicle!
Just wear your warm bloomers, wear something woolen
Soon your lonely heart will mend, your cheeks’ll be bloomin’!
While your hubby's out singing ‘Anchors Aweigh!”
You’ll be singin’ “Bobbin Birdie Valentine, Take Me Away!”
You’ll be flying down streets, up alleys, down byways,
By pastures, past houses, near libraries, beneath skyways,
You’ll see things you’ve not seen since the golden days of childhood,
And oh, my dear-–the fresh air will do you so much good!
So take to the bike, my dear Lindsey--and soon
Your hubby will return. Bike Dates in June!!!
email: jennilicata at yahoo dot com
Oh, Bobbin Birdie, please be mine,
ReplyDeleteMy heart's a hub of love
That spoke your name the instant
That I glimpsed your form above.
I'll stamp your tread across my heart,
I'll keep you polished bright,
Make me the lucky one, and
Be my Valentine tonight!
xoxo
Carmen is her name
ReplyDeleteShe’s quite bike insane
One bike, two bikes, three bikes then four
Yet she asks if we have room for some more
So many Brooks saddles
Dollar signs have my mind addled
Most girls want roses and chocolate,
Kisses and hugs
Mine wants cream tires
On a frame with vintage lugs
Fenders fight mud and a rack for her things
A light for the dark, to ride her work of art
When I see her on a 3 speed
My heart beats with such speed
Picture of us in her locket
And a lock on her mixte
When she rides that blue frame
I call her “my pixie”
When biking in love is more important
Than riding in line
When velo evolves to love
And the only friction is your shifter
Then no matter the ride
You’re happy to be with her
email: michaelpgibby at gmail dot com
(I hope she doesn't read this before Valentines...You know who you are!)
birdie bicycle won’t you be mine?
ReplyDeleteyou will put me on cloud nine!
on the back we will have at tot to tote
he will wave to people like he is on a float
when comes May’s end and spring arrives
we three will go down Lake Shore drive
to show the whole windy city
my sweet new bike that is so pretty
My Bicycle Love
ReplyDeleteIf any steal you away I'll cry and run.
I may ride another but not the same fun.
Never parked outside to face the night.
I Always keep you near and in sight.
Hand to handle, we lead each other.
No, not as sister and brother.
Righteously you caress my perineum
So I can ride you for a millennium
I pump to fill your needs not just at night.
But no riding until the lube checks right.
2gether life's hills turn into a fun coast.
2gether we kiss the wind not 2 boast.
But 2 show children 2 make the most
When you break down
We never break up
I only break into a frown.
Others have ridden you
I have ridden others too
Yet you make me feel new
We try our first road with a little sway
Nothing can stop us as we slide away
Some wonder what they missed
While we escape into the mist
ttikk ttikk ttikk ttikk
tik tik tik tik
t t t t
http://willie-bailey.blogspot.com/2012/02/give-away-for-valentines-day-from.html
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentine's Day to All!
bikebyshooting@gmail.com
My heart beats for you
ReplyDeleteA soul untethered in your care
Creamsicle wheels floating
tina.adkins@gmail.com
Oh, Birdie, how do I love thee?
ReplyDeleteLet me count the ways.
One Sturmey Archer hub for the most classic of rides,
Two kicky mudflaps to keep my spats dry.
Three speeds – no more - to roll along hills,
And, oh!, lovely lugs ‘round your dreamy headtube.
Your red frame so sweet
‘gainst my sweetie’s spring green
Along we will ride,
Two mixtes, love doth sheen.
- Steph (acadiavt@hotmail.com)
A Red, Red Bike
ReplyDelete(A velo-song for my Peugeot)
O my bike’s like a red, red rose
That’s newly sprung in June;
O my hub’s like the melodie
That’s sweetly play'd in tune.
And, O my pedal’s like a fine, braw stirrup,
My saddle firm and strong,
And how my legs will turn thy cranks
And wish the day were long.
As fair art thou, my bonnie bike,
So deep in luve am I:
And I will ride thee still, my bike,
‘Til a’ the puddles gang dry:
‘Til a’ the puddles gang dry, my bike,
And the pavement melts wi’ the sun:
I will luve thee still, my dear,
When the night hour has begun.
‘Til the setting of the sun, my bike,
When the dark of night comes down,
Then you shall have these two small lights,
To light our way to town.
Now fare thee well, my only bike
For I must sleep, a while!
Come morning we will ride again,
Tho’ it were ten thousand mile.
strathspeyreels at yahoo dot com
My dog, Bonnie, is a little shy and eccentric, and is always the star of our "family" greeting cards. She was going to make a Valentine anyway, but she decided to go with a flashy Valentine theme in hopes of winning her dear mother, me, a pretty new Lady Bike.
ReplyDeletehttp://jphardee.com/bonnie_bobbin.jpg
julie jphardee.com AKA Julie of www.TheJulieBlog.com
shoot, my email didn't show up properly - julie@jphardee.com
DeleteThanks!
If I win, it's getting all-white tires, grips and seat.
Love to me as you can see is riding on my bike.
ReplyDeleteTwo wheels to me is as giddy as three to a toddler upon his trike.
To glide here and there with nary a care brings a sort of joy to my heart
That you can imagine a bird would feel when spreading his wings apart
Oh give me a bike a beautiful bike to take me on my travels
To see the world as its meant to be seen, with hands firmly upon the handles
The wind at my back, and the road ahead, peddling to anywhere
A basket to hold all my wildest dreams...A life on a bike I will bare.
Written to me by my friend and she will receive a nice gift from me in return if I win this bike. amypruden at aol dot com
What a fantastic concept! Happy Valentines!
ReplyDeleteHere is the link to mine:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IMJhP6gwX_A/TzSFsmAhh2I/AAAAAAAAGA0/VTVX5ERhWYc/s1600/JoslinValentine.jpg
whoops! forgot my email joslinlee at gmail
ReplyDeleteI made a Valentine for my boyfriend since I ride with him a lot. It is in the vein of dorky Valentine's for 8 year olds :-)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.pedalnpurl.com/a-bike-valentine
email- nicole (at) pedalnpurl.com
DeleteA valentine for the Bobbin Birdie, in the hopes that she wheels into my life and carries me off on daily adventures through weather fair and foul.
ReplyDelete***
Oh, Bobbin Birdie,
You are so purdy!
All genders should agree.
No toe overlap
Snares me in your trap,
And I abound with glee.
Your three Sturmey gears
And sturdy racked rear
Will bring me safe to work.
Your brilliant red stain
And lugged steel frame
Really are quite the perk!
Oh darling velo,
With cables of snow,
For you I dearly pine.
Two lights will I add,
And you will be glad.
I hope that you'll be mine!
***
Contact info: aibreanros-at-gmail-dot-com
Residency: Continental USA
Gender: Yes!
Bicycle: For myself
Readily reachable by email: Yes
Height: 5'5"
Judgement: Used!
Happy Valentine's Day!! Here's my entry, designed specifically in the likeness of mine and my sweetie's bicycles.
ReplyDeletehttp://ainsleywagoner.com/43189/417051/graphic-design/velo-valentine-2012
My email is ainsley.wagoner@gmail.com
Happy biking V-day!
Thank you for the contest!
ReplyDeleteBelow is my entry, inspired by the little Birdie:
http://jscoles.smugmug.com/photos/i-mLvx77P/0/X3/i-mLvx77P-X3.jpg
Email is yn0405 at gmail
Is that a chain stitch for the heart? It's beautiful! Do you have a blog or something?
DeleteThank you! It is a chain stitch (I was learning it as I was going so it's a little uneven). No blog yet :)
DeleteLove Lullaby for My Lady, Tillie
ReplyDeleteO Lady Tillie, emerald green,
You lovely Raleigh Sports
Of vintage flair, and rarely seen,
Upright she e'er comports.
She coasts along the sea soft lanes,
Tyres glisten in the tide,
And far into eve's twilight damp
My Tillie and I ride.
Were she a mare of warmth and pace
I couldn't love her more.
And so goodnight, old bike of grace.
Now, through the old shed door.
Robin (robinwellfleet@gmail.com)
My submission is here: http://goo.gl/ZwDdh
ReplyDeleteTogether We'll Go Far ... On Love & Bicycles
By: Stephen.Ogden@mac.com
The link to the picture is not working for me, but Stephen also sent it via email, and you can view it here.
DeleteThanks much.
DeleteA valentine for Sir Handsome who once upon a time offered two wheels for two.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the fun.
Valentine submitted via email.
Email: thats30[at]live[dot]com
Here's mine :
ReplyDeletehttp://robinhoodsbike.blogspot.com/2012/02/bicycle-valentine.html
Thank you everyone for the entries! The deadline has now passed, so please no more either here or by email.
ReplyDeleteI have a lot of email entries and will be posting them here tonight. Then over the weekend there will be a selection of finalists for everyone to look at and give feedback. Recipient will be announced on the 14th, so there will be a swift turn around on this one. Thanks again and stay tuned!
Well, the contest was one thing, but the picture of the bike along with the holiday sparked another. Got's me thinking about wanting a slower pace in life...
ReplyDeleteVelo-Valentine (If Pedals Pedaled Closer)
My car was taken from me
I couldn't get any closer to her if the wind would let me
So I managed to find my pedals
And take in the gear by gear
I wish it were warmer
And that I had a basket
Because the strain of the season blowing against my face
Is beginning to speak louder than my love
So I shifted forward one
And remained determined to get there
Then the street was taken from me
I couldn't get any closer to her shoulder or hair
So I had to find another pedal
And a pace that was even faster
I wish it were flatter
And that I had an engine
Because the hill is challenging my convictions
Speaking promises I didn't know I was meant to make
So I stood up some
And pressed through the cold winds further
Then I saw what could have only been a mirage
Well, only if it were a desert and I were parched
There you were coming towards me
And all the energy that was taken from me
And all the strength to remain in this a bit further
No longer mattered
Because I saw the same grit in your pedals
The same arms carrying this love up a hill
On that pink frame I never saw before
You pedaled down beside me
Took from my hand the flowers intended to blossom in yours
Placed them in basket
And planted your hand in mine
We turned to face down the hill
And with a glee our feet arose from the pedals
My car was taken from me
And I was convinced that the strength on my pedals alone would be enough
Until you joined yours to mine
And we found that this life was still going to have hills
Our determination to go up them
And not stop praying to make it up, over, and through
Was all the engine we needed
Because a love like this takes two pedals
One to go up
While the other paces down
All the fuel this engine needed
Was a car to be removed
And our lives to pedal a bit closer.
An entry from Michelle B from Somerville, via email
ReplyDeletevia email, an entry from Kate from Colorado:
ReplyDeleteOde to Friendship
Roses are Red, Violets are Blue
my lovely Kate needs a new friend too.
Kate is certainly having loads of fun but having Bobbie as a new friend
will make her twirl around and dance in the wind.
There are many adventures to be had
with both Kate and Bobbie together, neither will be sad.
Instead, two friends who have been kept apart
will now be together to tell secrets, play and ride to see the Denver Museum of Art
If you should consider this poem of friendship and hope by Kate
please know that she is anxiously waiting by her gate.
Hoping to see... the Fed Ex delivery
her new friend Bobbie
Love, Kate from Colorado
Not sure whether this one was sent as an official entry or just for fun, but what a Valentine's-appropriate picture!
ReplyDelete"I thought you'd appreciate this photo apropos of Valentines Day and lovely bikes! This is my '72 Peugeot UO-18 mixte out for a meander today in suburban Northern NJ"
via email from Roger P
via email from Annette J in California:
ReplyDeleteHere is my valentine entry for your bicycle contest!
I'm sending a scan of the front of the card, and here is what it says inside:
(It is to my husband, who has a spiffy bicycle while I do not!)
Lacking a bicycle built for two,
The amorous thing for me to do
Would be to have a bicycle, too,
And a-roving I will go with you.
via email from John P:
ReplyDeletetraining wheels come off
mountain hayfield father's son
love you now as then
A card from Whitney C, sent via email: front and back.
ReplyDeleteA Valentine from a father to his grown daughter, sent via email from Ken B.
ReplyDeleteVia email from Clay C:
ReplyDelete"Her or the Bicycle
And there she was with her curves and style
not diminished nor blemished from all her miles
I longed to know her from the very first sight
as she moved so smoothely through the night
she was adorned just so with a touch of style and bling
she sounded out gleefully "Here I come...ding, ding"
I had to get closer to glimpse a better view
was she shakey and wobbly or confident and true
just as I thought her beauty did shine
her classic style knew no time
she draws looks and compliments when she passes by
and because she chose me I am truly the luckiest guy
The lady in the picture is my wife and she made so happy when we got married. Even happier still when she decided to join me on my rides. Now we spend a great deal of time on our bicycles."
An entry from Tanya H via email:
ReplyDelete"Mine is a valentine for Sir Handsome who once upon a time offered two wheels for two..."
Via email from Audrey W. The poem reads:
ReplyDelete"true love
discouraging, tiresome
amassed frustrations
quick release–
escape
restore sanity?
true love, loyal to
youth, to health, to
the beating-
heart
celebrating curves,
bearing pain and
bliss–
eternal"
OKAY: As far as I know I have added all the email submissions now. If you emailed me and do not see yours here, let me know ASAP please!
ReplyDeletePurrr... Hiss... I've emailed... Yessss....
ReplyDelete