BICYCLE REPAIRMAN, Long Island City

by Kevin Walsh

YOU can’t tell by the Forgotten New York website design in which red and white dominate, but in actuality, black and yellow is my favorite color combination even though I can’t stand the Pittsburgh Penguins and can take or leave the Pirates and Steelers. Even my bathroom sports its original 1941 black and yellow tile design, which I can’t bear to update.

I found this bike repair shop awning sign at 35th Avenue and 41st Street rather European in appearance. I have always been mystified with the pennyfarthing boneshaker bike design with the ginormous front wheel, so popular over a century ago.

The sign also reminded me of the old Monty Python sketch. In a world in which everyone is Superman, a bicycle repairman is a superhero.

it’s a trend! Nearby was parked this food truck, in a black and yellow paint scheme. This truck sells Filipino delicacies; “kabayan” means “countryman” in Tagalog.

As always, “comment…as you see fit.” I earn a small payment when you click on any ad on the site.

1/4/22

3 comments

Clark January 5, 2022 - 8:18 am

If you’ve got 80-year old tile and the grout is good, definitely keep it!
Renovation is often overrated.

Reply
Chester January 6, 2022 - 4:44 pm

Thank you for the laugh Kevin. First thing I thought of was Python’s skit, and you delivered!

Reply
Sunnysider January 7, 2022 - 12:02 pm

I’m sure they are good with a spanner in that place.

Reply

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