Speed

Bit of mucking about here, with my VR lens and a slower exposure. The first fruit of my promise to myself to get out and about a bit more with my camera. The cyclist is flashing by in a blur oblivious to the beautiful autumn cityscape around him. The shot was taken on the canal path at the bottom of my street. I cycle it myself to get to work. It's a wonderful commute, but yesterday was a holiday. Back home, on a sunny bank holiday afternoon, a place like this would be crowded with families taking a stroll after lunch; here, if you're not running, you're rollerblading, and if you're not rollerblading, you're cycling. Even the few walkers seem to be pretty hardcore, wearing neon high-tech wicking shirts, wraparound shades, listening to their iPods and staring fixedly ahead. Exercise is an obsession in this city, people seem to be so busy being active that they don't have time to appreciate their surroundings. A hundred or so metres further along, there's a little memorial wreath, constantly refreshed, pinned to the railings. A grieving widow lost her husband to a heart attack while he was jogging by the canal. Whenever I pass it I remember to slow down and enjoy the ride.

Details: Nikon D70, 18-200mm @ 18mm, f/22, 1/20s, ISO 200, polariser. Rideau Canal pathway, 9 October 2006. Placemark.