Looking at this photo, I tried to understand why I’ve selected it as being representative for Transfăgărășan, in a presentation of Romania that I have made few months ago. Generally, when it comes to this world famous mountain road, it is usually shown an overview of  road seen from above. That image of the imposing mountain crossed by a winding road is very impressive. Because of the perspective, it provides a sense of power to the onlooker. And yet, I chose something else, even though I had also overview pictures seen from above. I’m wondering why?

Maybe, on the one hand, it’s my predilection for details again. A well-chosen detail is sometimes more exciting than the whole picture. It makes you want to discover the whole view to which it belongs to. Also, the presentation of the details is generally surprising for an ordinary viewer who is in a hurry and has no time to reflect on the picture, patience or even willingness for details.

And yet, this time the choice was for another reason. I had to rack my brain a bit to figure out where this image came from. It was worth the effort, though!

Those who know me well, know that I am a cycling enthusiast (seriously cycling but pure amateur). Those who are passionate about cycling are familiar with mythical names like Aubisque, Galibier, Tourmalet or Mont Ventoux. These are famous mountain passes through which the centenary history of the Tour de France was written. I struggled to ride my bike on all of them. At some point I will probably start a new set of “stories” about the roads I have cycling on, so stay close to my blog where new surprises are getting ready.

All these fantastic efforts I have made to pedal in these true temples of cycling, would not have been possible without Transfăgărășan road. This is the road which at one point I included annually as a highlight in my summer cycling routes in which I cross hundred of kilometers, for several days, in different areas of Romania (Cluj-Bacău, Cluj-Tg. Mureș-Cluj, my own cycling tour of Cluj County, Cluj-Baia Mare-Cluj etc.)

The picture presented here is exactly what I was seeing in full effort trying to

Image of Transfăgărășan, the highest Romanian road, located in Făgăraș Mountains.

count the remaining slopes I had until the top and somehow preserve my strength to get there at the top … where you are strong …

It is a symbolic image of effort. I took it with me on all the other incredible mountain roads that I climbed. And when I fought with Transfăgărășan, there were born in me dreams, which then had the power to become realities with mythical names … Aubisque, Tourmalet, Galibier Ventoux … etc …

Analyzing this story a bit, one can see how complex and surprising are the ways in which we end up taking a “usual” photo… when we choose to express ourselves through images …. All these are so human, complex and sensitive, that we cannot help but think that the current  trend to “reduce the photography to technology” is a forced path that takes us away from our humanity.