This abstract bicycle collage is part of the RAGBRAI series. It is a challenge working in a series because the design must be fresh and exciting, and the details must be accurate. I paint my collage papers with thick, acrylic paints. After these papers are dry, I cut the shapes according to my pencil design, much like assembling a puzzle. Pieces of an actual road map were used in the design, and include the actual cities the riders stay overnight after the day’s ride. This year’s annual ride across Iowa passed through Glenwood, Red Oak, Atlantic, Winterset, Indianola, Knoxville, Ottumwa, Mt. Pleasant and Burlington. Other small towns are also noted in the design. The basic colors are purple, red, blue and orange, and the Iowa road map.

I have enjoyed the challenge of doing a series of bicycles because they have interesting shapes and the design possibilities are endless. And every year is a different route.