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SUNDAY SHOW & TELL
vol.111

Happy July 4th weekend! Did you know that the first act of defiance against the British leading up to the Revolutionary War took place in 1765 under a stately elm? Dubbed The Liberty Tree, this symbol of resistance was felled ten years later by the British in order to crush the spirit of revolt. It didn't work. In fact, their actions had the opposite effect. Learn about this incredible tree at the link below.

THE LIBERTY TREE (article)

Have you ever wanted to ride a bicycle from coast to coast, through amber waves of grain and over purple mountains majesty? There's no better way to experience the incredible diversity of people and geography that the United States has to offer. If you ever decide to scratch that itch, check out this blog, which is meant to prepare would-be adventurers for the trials and tribulations of the road ahead.

BIKE ACROSS AMERICA (blog)

The next time you have to cut a tree down, or if the British show up in your yard and fell your favorite elm, here are loads of amazing ideas for what to do with the remains. Don't let that stump go to waste!

31 USES FOR TREE STUMPS (photos)

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SUNDAY SHOW & TELL
vol.100

Happy 100th week of Sunday Show & Tell! Have you been following from the beginning? We hope you've enjoyed the many fascinating links we've presented over the past two years. Here's to 100 more!

We begin this week with a love story starring trees. This Silly Symphony, brought to us by Walt Disney, is sure to make you smile. It's always a good time for a little dose of happy.

A LOVE STORY STARRING TREES (film)

Next, a subtly hilarious video for tourists about how to bicycle in Amsterdam, as told by a local. Most of these rules of the road are useful in every cityscape. The presentation is memorable, to say the least.

CYCLING IN AMSTERDAM (video)

Finally, check out this short from National Geographic about The President, the world's second-largest known tree. The sheer about of biomass in this behemoth is awe inspiring. Would you climb it?

THE PRESIDENT (video)

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SUNDAY SHOW & TELL
vol.95

Since riding bicycles is taboo for women in Syria, a group of their German counterparts is teaching recent refugees how to navigate the streets on two wheels. Not only are these women experiencing a newfound freedom of movement, they're also taking an important step towards becoming a local. Inspiring!

TEACHING SYRIAN REFUGEES HOW TO CYCLE (article)

Speaking of Germany, that country has taken an idea pioneered in The Netherlands and Denmark and run with it, commencing construction of its first bicycle autobahn. Spanning over 60 miles, the new cycling superhighway will connect 10 western cities and 4 universities, taking an expected 50,000 cars off of the road daily. Sounds like heaven.

THE BICYCLE AUTOBAHN (article)

Many studies have shown the multitude of benefits that trees bring to the adult mind, but a new study out of the University of Nebraska and Troy University has found that trees enhance children's brains too. Read about how some time in the park can impact a child's executive functioning skills at the link below.

TREES ENHANCE CHILDREN'S BRAINS (article)

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SUNDAY SHOW & TELL
vol.92

A 1,400-year-old ginkgo tree in China has been making quite a scene this fall. Thousands of people have flocked to the site of a glorious ocean of yellow leaves raining down upon a Buddhist temple. These are some stunning images.

YELLOW LEAVES RAIN ON BUDDHIST TEMPLE (photos)

Next year, construction begins on The Copenhagen Gate, a bicycle bridge that's suspended 213 feet above water and connects two high rise buildings. The most interesting feature is the midpoint connection of the two protrusions, where the bridge appears broken. Check out this odd design.

THE COPENHAGEN BRIDGE (photos)

Have you ever seen The Blue Trees? An ongoing project of artist Konstantin Dimopoulos, it raises the level of social consciousness about the importance of trees by using nontoxic paint to change their color, making their irregularity impossible to ignore. We really like this.

THE BLUE TREES (video)

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SUNDAY SHOW & TELL
vol.91

There's a new trend in the cycling community: riding as far as you can in one direction, then taking the train back home. Such multimodal transportation opens up entirely new adventures for those on two wheels. Read the article below for inspiration and check out what is available in your area.

RIDING ONE WAY (article)

Almost 100 years ago, a couple of discoveries led to the theory that there were once ancient trees that towered nearly three times as tall as today's giant redwoods. Imagine seeing a tree like that from 25 miles away!

GIANT ANCIENT TREES (article)

Despite the fact that it is considered socially unacceptable for women to ride bicycles in Egypt, a group called Go Bike is promoting just that. These women find empowerment winding through Cairo's chaotic streets while saving time and money.

EGYPTIAN FEMALE CYCLISTS (article)

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SUNDAY SHOW & TELL
vol.90

The Fortingall Yew, a 5,000-year-old tree in Scotland, is changing from male to female. This year, for the first time, it produced berries instead of pollen. How is that possible? You'll have to read the story to find out!

THE SEX-CHANGING YEW (short article)

Equally amazing is Red Bull's latest video with BMX cyclist Kriss Kyle. Travel deep into a series of optical illusions that are certain to boggle your mind.

KALEIDOSCOPE (video)

As it turns out, humans have underestimated trees completely. Researches have found some amazing specimens among the estimated three trillion that populate the planet, and have noticed what some describe as signs of intelligent life. They argue that coming to a deeper understanding of their ways may even help us solve some of the toughest problems we currently face. A great read!

HUMANS UNDERESTIMATE TREES (article)

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SUNDAY SHOW & TELL
vol.88

We start off this week with a simple entry: a seriously awesome downhill run on a beautiful mountain by Brandon Semenuk. Smile.

DOWNHILL RUN (video)

Trees have a major impact on urban landscapes. Many people know they provide shade, food, oxygen, and animal habitats, but there are other, lesser known, benefits. Can you guess what they are? HINT: we've posted a couple of related articles in recent weeks.

BENEFITS OF THE URBAN FOREST (article)

Last month, a redesigned intersection opened in Salt Lake City, UT, to the joy of local cyclists. Touted as the best intersection for bikes in the world, this novel idea sprouted from the mind of a professional video game designer. Hopefully, it will be the first of many!

THE BEST INTERSECTION FOR BIKES (photo essay/video)

Feeling a bit lethargic now that fall is in full swing and temperatures have dropped? There's good news! A campaign from National Wildlife Federation is promoting the concept of leaving the leaves, as in, no raking. It's good for the soil, trees, and wildlife. That leaves more time to ride your bike.

DON'T RAKE YOUR LEAVES (article)

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SUNDAY SHOW & TELL
vol.87

Big news out of Oslo, Norway. The city recently announced that it will ban all cars from the center of town, a move that affects some 350,000 or so vehicle owners. The plan also calls for the addition of some 35 miles of bike lanes and heavy investment in public transport. It is the first major city in the world to make such a bold move. Read more about it at the link below.

OSLO BANS CARS (article)

Europeans have been building wildlife bridges across major highways for many years, and, in more good news, some US cities are taking the initiative to do the same. Following the lead of Washington state, California now plans to construct the largest such crossing in America in an effort to aid wildlife species suffering from habitat loss due to urban sprawl. 

LOS ANGELES WILDLIFE BRIDGE (video)

Need some inspiration? Check out Inspired to Ride, the new film from director Mike Dion. 45 cyclists gear up to race across America, an epic journey that crosses 10 states and 4,300 miles. The fastest time? Just under 18 days. This amazing film is definitely a joy to watch. Check out the trailer below!

INSPIRED TO RIDE (preview)

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SUNDAY SHOW & TELL
vol.86

Over the years, numerous studies have shown that a walk through the woods, or "forest bath" as Japanese doctors describe it, is a great way to reduce stress and fatigue. However, a new study out of Australia takes that notion one step further. Believe it or not, even gazing for a moment at something green outside of your office window will calm you down and help you focus. Give it a try tomorrow at work!

GREEN BREAKS FOR YOUR BRAIN (article)

What's the difference between fall in North America and fall in Europe? One word: RED. Finnish and Israeli scientists followed a trail of research that led them back in time 35 million years in order to answer what brought about this striking difference in foliage.

DIFFERENCES IN FALL FOLIAGE (video)

One man, obsessed with the history of Abraham Lincoln's assassination, decided the only way he could fully understand the story was to retrace John Wilkes Booth's 12-day run from the authorities after having shot the President at Ford's Theater. Lacking a horse, he realized the best way to do it was by bike. Follow his fascinating journey of discovery.

BIKING AFTER BOOTH (article)

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SUNDAY SHOW & TELL
vol.75

Did you know that, in 1900, Los Angeles had a bicycle highway and the US was a world leader in bike lanes? Or that Smithville, NJ, was home to a bicycle railroad that stretched two miles in 1892? This fascinating article takes a look at the history of bike lanes in America, and offers more than a few surprises.

HISTORY OF BIKE LANES (article)

New Zealander Barry Cox, who once aspired to be the Pope, spent 4 years building a church out of living trees. He just opened the structure and surrounding grounds to the public and made the location available for weddings. Each event involves 8 hours of primping, the results of which are glorious. Check out this architectural treasure!

THE TREE CHURCH (photos/video)

Detroit's Silverdome, once home to the Detroit Lions, Wrestlemania III, Supercross, and World Cup soccer games, was shut down for good a few years ago. Now, as the building slowly decays, a new kind of athlete is giving it a final farewell. BMX cyclist Tyler Fernengel made the abandoned structure his personal playground, to epic effect. 

A BMX FAREWELL TO THE SILVERDOME (photos/video)