An Amusement & Diversion for The Genteel Cyclist. Daily.

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Bikemusic? Or bikenoise?

You can always count on those wacky Europeans to trot out the glittersuits, pylons, and spheres whenever a big, international athletic event is going down. This weekend's start of the Tour De France will be no different. The "Grand Depart" in London will feature "The Symphony for Singing Bicycles."

From what we gather, this po-mo piece of music is generated by a pace line of bikes that are each equipped with long resonating tubes and speakers. The bikes emit sounds that respond to speed and direction, as well as the road surface. Anyone with a bike , a tin ear, and a forgiving nature can join the fun--you aren't actually required to have funny facial hair and small wire-rim glasses.

If your daily commute generated music, what would it sound like? Depending on the route and how late we are for work, for us it's either Black Flag or Simon & Garfunkle.

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