Big Wheels

I think the custom chopper industry is getting some inspiration from the Big Wheel toys of the 70's.  It was definitely a theme at the bike show this year.

This is a ridiculously large, 30" front tire.

All I can say is if you happen to hit a puddle while riding this, you'll end up with a black streak down the middle of your face!

Not sure how big this one is, but at least it has faring to protect your face from road splash.

This one is 26" and has a nice full fender.  Love that blue.

Victory!

I went to the Donnie Smith Bike Show Sunday afternoon.  This was my second year, and there were another fine batch of custom bikes, and in the case of this bike, a fine model sitting on it too.  Victory never looked so good.

And same as last year, this will be the first in a series of blogs from the show.  Too many good bikes for just one blog.

Spooky Moon

When I was putting out the recycle bins last night, I looked up and saw a lovely, misty, spooky moon.  The moon rises fairly quickly, so I had to hurry inside to get my camera and tripod.  Then I had to hurry back in and change lenses to a longer one, but I finally captured it.  I just looked on the calendar and it was officially a full moon too.  Spooky

Woof

This is Sheriff.  He is a one year old Timberwolf.  Isn't he adorable?  I had the privilege of photographing him during a photography seminar today. 

Island Flooding

Last night I went down to the Harriet Island and Raspberry Island area.  Officials thought the Mississippi had crested and I wanted to get a few images before the water starts receding.

Harriet Island has become a pool.  In the upper right of the image you can see the main stage (with the girder held canopy) that is used during Taste of MN.  Usually it's grass in front of the stage, not a pool with a tree sticking out of it.

The ramps to the river boats go up instead of down now.  They also moved barges into place to protect some of the other river boats.

The pavilion is also under water, but it was built with that in mind, so it should come out ok.

Raspberry Island is doing it's best to stay dry, but water has overtaken it, in parts, too.  Normally there is at least 15 feet between what you see now and where the water line usually is.

The railroad bridge is also really really close to the water now.

It was very peaceful down here.  Well, except for the cops and park police shooing away all the people trying to get too close to the water.  Duh.  As I was leaving, workers were pulling manhole covers below me on Water Street.  I'm guessing they were checking water levels.  Fun job!