Just got back from the Maker’s Faire. Got a chance to show off the train and the new maps of the trips we have taken on the abandoned rails Calfornia.
Adventure awaits us in our forgotten infrastructures. By re-organizing the
detritus of our overstuffed American dreams we invent new horizons. Heaps of
refuse are accompanied by abandoned dreams. The
story of to the rails is a contemporary Huck Finn lashing logs together
to build a raft. Automobile wheels, airplane seats, and bicycle pedals
cobbled together to make a true American mutt. Take it to the rails to
celebrate the end of the industrial age. Pioneers established the
routes for the rails. The next great American adventure is to explore
what they have become.
Forgotten pockets of railroad wind through the backs of towns and
into overgrown outbacks accessible only by rail. What’s been going on
out there? How can we utilize them? Should we preserve our industrial
vacuums?
We could be experiencing a lull in a cycle. The revitalization of rail
commerce may be inevitable. Dwindling resources could force more
efficient means of transport. Rails are marvelously low friction and
close coupling of coaches streamlines them.
What an opportunity to enjoy the space between.
Looks like your final drive chain is off it’s sprocket
Comment by boinb-boing reader — July 11, 2007 @ 5:17 pm
Cant wait for updates. This is the single coolest thing I have seen in a LONG time and I read boingboing.net daily.
My friend has train hopped from the bay area to the California Oregon Border, but this looks much more fun!
I would love to create a human powered cart and ride those rails!
Comment by chris — July 11, 2007 @ 7:01 pm