Colorful and crazy Egyptian bike rack

Wild and crazy bike rack as featured in Cairo, Egypt - I'm guessing this was pre-revolution, as things look pretty peaceful in the background. We have J.Infazon to thank for the colorful candy-striped variety as shown here.

The signage on the bike rack indicates that it belongs to the Giza traffic authority - and who knew they'd have such a flair for color? I'm starting to think that the only people who like their bike rack in steel gray tones are Americans; there are much more colorful versions to be found internationally (such as here, here and here, for starters). Its been awhile since we've seen panache on this blog.

And not just one color scheme - I mean, green and white. Okay. But orange and turquoise? Who do those Egyptians think they are, the Miami Dolphins?

For the juxtaposition of the bike rack to the Cairo cityscape complete with palm trees swaying in the background - THREE bicycles out of four. What bike wouldn't want to be racked to these lovelies. Only pyramids or a damn mummy in the background could top this.

Old-world bike rack Jerusalem-style

Well, happy new year people.  Sorry it's been awhile for all five of you who read this blog, but I'm still working off that NYE hangover (it was a doozy).  So, back to business.  The business of bike rack.

Time to get over my slacker start.  First up on deck - S. Thomas has sent a veritable plethora of photos of the various bike rack from Jerusalem.  Lots of variety, and lots of interesting features!  And, lots of old-world charm, right down to the Hebrew lettering and the dark-gray patina as seen on the bike rack above.  I realize that no, this form of barricade hasn't been around since the Old Testament, but it certainly doesn't feel out of place in this photo. 

One observation - in a majority of the photos sent in by S., the bike rack is riding solo or maybe with one other buddy to hang out with.  Kind of weird? 

Anyway, back to the weathering of this bike rack.  It's not exactly new or shiny, and it has this feel to it.  Sort of like John Wayne - tough, grizzled and world-weary.  Like it's saying "I've seen some stuff."  And being in Israel, I'd believe it.  

A few more photos to begin the new year - I wasn't kidding about the variety here. 

A little more Hebrew - anyone care to translate? - and check out the fancy kickstands on these babies.  It's almost decorative and architectural at the same time. 

And, another lone star here (I'm really stretching out the John Wayne today, sorry).  And in blue!  And with a weird panel thing on it!  And, maybe even made of plastic!  This, folks, is a BRATW firstie.   

Seriously, this place has more kinds of bike rack than religions claiming a base in the Holy Land.  That's a LOT of bike rack.

Old-world bike rack with a possible new-world plastic spin: THREE bicycles out of four.

Up next: bike rack down under!

Holiday bike rack in San Francisco

You may remember San Francisco's previous stab at demonstrating how bike rack was deployed. Shameful, but they are redeeming themselves with a little holiday display, seen here by the "Giff," that not only includes an identifying sign, but also a ginormous tree in the background.

I have a feeling this is for the ice-skating rink that they put up in Union Square around this time of year. So cute, but I'm always confused when I see them in places like Los Angeles or you know, Dubai. The bastards freezing in places like Minnesota have got to be laughing it up at us.

OK, San Francisco. I forgive you for the past lapse in judgment. I mean, you know, it's the holidays and all, right? Right.

For the bonus traffic cone in the foreground, and dazzling array of twinkly lights: TWO bicycles out of four.