$0.00 9/10

I just got back from a 40 miler. Winds light and not too hot. I ran into this charming couple from 8 months back who was looking into trikes. She had just learned how to ride a 2 wheeler, but was not comfortable. She purchased her GS GT3 and is having a ball. It's great to see people getting back to cycling.

Riding a recumbent, in this neck of the woods, makes you an odd ball. On club rides even the hybrid bikers get more respect than me. Riding my trike on club rides is like riding by myself. Fortunately or unfortunately I love riding my trike to the point my other 2 wheeled bents are just gathering dust. Unless I am riding with my son on his new trike, I ride by myself. To tell you the truth I love the serenity and time to myself to reflect on life and it's gift.

Getting to the topic, I use my trike for most errands. For example, 2 days prior to Fathers day, I took my trike to Walmart to pick up some inexpensive wicking tank tops for my son. Then I went to Home Depot and purchased a table vise for my son's 1st Fathers Day. It weighed 10-15lbs. I strapped it to my rack. I then went to the liquor store and bought 2-1.5lts of wine and 2 sixpacks for Sunday's celebration. On my way back home I realized I forgot the new water filter for the refrigerator ice machine so I stopped again at a different Home Depot. Other than the vise all things were stored in my PODS, which are basically 2 duffel bags strapped together. The trike weighed a ton but didn't seem to mind the load. I did about 25 mi, ran my errands, and enjoyed a beautiful day without spending any gas. How cool is that?

My favorite and 1st site to visit is Alan Barnard's ECOVELO. He has always been an inspiration to me. His Recumbent Blog is fantastic and now his new site is filled with ways to utilize bicycles and cut down our dependence on fossil fuels. I have no idea how he acquires so much info, but I am glad he does.
I have been bike riding for 20 years now and before I joined a club I have come to learn that most of my miles were termed utility miles. I had a Mongoose hybrid that I equipped with inexpensive day panniers and fenders. I even added a Zzipper fairing. (Quite a site in those days) Working off shift I had many opportunities to ride. I would go to the mall, run errands and if I bought something I had room to carry it. Today it has become a way of life for me. All my bikes are equipped with rear rack, fenders and panniers. People often ask me what do you carry in those bags. My answer, you would be surprised.

I have become quite well known in this area. Not by name, but by that guy on that crazy bike.

KEEP RIDING and HAVE FUN!!!