Ask any bicyclists—from city commuters to mountain bikers, and even unicyclists—and all agree that what motivates interest in their sport is the thrill of perpetual motion. Whether gliding on asphalt in the city or flying at break-neck speed down a mountain trail, bicycling is about a feeling of freedom, adventure, ease of travel, exercise and physical coordination, and an appreciation of the open air and nature.
John Mattos’ artwork for the 2012 Bicycling (Forever®) stamp issuance captures the spirit and varied experience of the sport. To create a tableau of four different modes of cycling, Mattos referred to photographs of a child riding with training wheels, a commuter, a road racer, and a BMX rider. In his illustrations, Mattos reduced the detail of the photographs to highlight the graphic elements of the bicycles. The figures moving effortlessly in a frieze-like format represent nobody in particular and therefore could be any one of us, different genders and ages, out for a ride on a pleasant afternoon.
The four se-tenant Forever® stamps are still available for purchase, along with plenty of Bicycling philatelic products. Have you bought yours yet?
