For Simon Welch, creating an art bike to be on display during the 37th Hotter ‘N Hell Hundred was a way to jump back into creating art.

“Once I graduated from college I, kind of, sat on the sidelines in the art world,” Welch said. “I did a lot of graphic design as a career, but I never really messed with it after that. We trained with the Lincoln Center. We were in the  group with a lot of great artists and it really inspired me to want to work again.”

For Audra Lambert, the One World Gallery manager, she didn’t want to take away from the antique bike she was using.

“I hadn’t seen a Goodyear bike before, so I was like ‘what can I do to add to this bike in an artistic way that is not going to actually damage the bike?’ It was just so neat,” Lambert said. “So, I thought why not make a cyclist.”

Welch said he has enjoyed working on his creation and getting back to art even only for a short period of time.

“It’s just been an amazing experience honestly,” Welch said. “It’s been quick. We have worked on it the last two weekends, so this is just two weekends worth of work, but it has been a great experience and I am excited for other people to be able to see it.”

Lambert is just as thrilled to see the bikes on display.

“I had a lot of fun. I really enjoyed the process,” Lambert said. “Excited about the public getting involved in the art bikes and having their work showcased at Hotter ‘N Hell.”

Six bikes are on display in Sikes Senter Mall, including Welch’s and Lambert’s, for inspiration.

During the Hotter ‘N Hell Hundred weekend, every bike that was created for the 3rd annual exhibition will be on display in Finish Line Village.  

Click here to learn how to make an Art Bike to be displayed during Hotter ‘N Hell.