John Demshock
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Masterpiece along the Seminole-Wekiva trail

A display of  artwork is a prominent feature along the Seminole-Wekiva trail.  Located just south of Dixon Rd., I like to call it 'Fence Art' because it is painted on wooden fence slats.  The collection is growing, and Jeff, the artist posted his phone number and Facebook page, appropriately titled: Paint the Trail

I've attempted to capture the works in video and stills, as of March 11.  They are featured below.  I hope you enjoy them and that you get a chance to admire them in person. 

Clicking on an image displays it in a larger format.
Please use 1080p to view the video.

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Paint The Trail

The fence art along the Seminole-Wekiva bicycle trail is really cool, always growing and changing.  This video is a 'bicycle ride' view heading north.

Shot with a GoPro and Nikon Coolpix 7100, it's a combination of a slow-motion track with stills of each work as of March 11.

Please watch in 1080p if possible.

Please visit 'Paint the Trail' on Facebook for more from the artist.


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Florida bicycle laws and links

Florida bicycle law enforcement guide from Florida Bicycle Association

Florida Bicycle Association website

Top 10 Florida trails from Bike Florida

Map of Florida Keys trail

Seminole-Wekiva trail information

Map of Seminole-Wekiva trail

Nothing whatsoever to do with this topic, but interesting nonetheless







Danger along the trail

Today, Sunday September 2nd, I came across yet another accident along the Seminole-Wekiva bike trail.  Weekends are typically crowded, and today was no exception.  A mix of walkers, skaters, and bikers populated large chunks of the trail, all enjoying their time.  Lots of families, couples, kids, and serious bike riders, all jumbled together on a pathway littered with intersections, turns, and rest-benches.

Today's accident was the fourth I've seen and the most serious, resulting in what appeared to be a broken elbow.  A couple were headed south on a clear, straight stretch, and the gentleman apparently took a spill when the rider in front of him slowed down.  When I arrived a few minutes later, he was beginning to pass out from the pain.  I stuck around, along with a few others, to assist until the ambulance arrived. The story goes that the biker in front of him suddenly put on his brakes for no reason, but I think it is possible the couple was chatting and not really paying attention.  Probably a combination of both.  I don't believe the gentlemen who was hurt was wearing a helmet.  He was lucky he managed to emerge without a head injury.

Each accident I've witnessed seemed to be caused by the close mix of serious riders, some of which are running at 15+mph, with folks who are out on a combination social / light exercise trek. 

A little 'common sense' would go a long way toward keeping everyone safer, especially during crowded conditions.

My pet peeve is groups who stop to chat right in the middle of the pathway.  Recently a group of older ladies decided to socialize just south of 434 near the restaurants, and right at the little blind curve / intersection.  Several folks on bikes squeezed their way through the ladies, but it didn't phase them.  Yakedi-yak-yak they went, almost annoyed someone would dare to actually use their little section of the trail.  Then one young lady lost her balance as she tried to navigate through the nest.  She took a spill, but gracefully and politely picked up her bike as the social group feigned concern.  At least after that, they decided to migrate off to one side.

Some serious riders prefer the street, especially if there is a pace line.  I appreciate their thoughtfulness.

Most reviews I've read about the trail make it a point to mention it is sometimes crowded, and is broken up by several intersections.  'High Traffic' signs are even posted in certain areas. 

It's a great ride, but one that does require some caution, courtesy, and speed consideration.

Be safe!


Original photo

iPhone 4s with Ollo-clip fish-eye lens
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Crop and cutout

Artwork cut out with Photoshop and layered over black background. Color corrected and color enhancement added.
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Depth of field

Reduced DOF introduced by blending in a copy that has been blurred in Photoshop.
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Reflection layer

First layer copied, flipped and transformed in Photoshop.
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Motion blur

Blur effect added.
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Finished piece

Layers combined to produce finished photograph / manipulation.
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