10 of 10

Yesterday was a Marty Day, a 10 of 10. Temps upper 70's to low 80's with mild winds and plenty of sunshine. For the past month I have been plagued with shifting problems and a minor but very irritating health issue. Both are resolved and my 40 miler was just the most fun and relaxing ride I have had in a while. One of the worst things for me is getting sick and not being able to ride like I want, especially on those beautiful days. To compound the problem my trike had developed some ghost shifting. I tried everything to fix it including changing the cassette, chain and cable. I was about to change the derailleur over to Sram but did not want to give up my thumb shifters. A quick look by my LBS revealed nothing. I mentioned the cable housing and that some metal strands had been showing. He said that could do it. I purchased new housing which he cut for me and he gave me metal ends which he said is much better than the plastic ones I have on. I made the repairs when I got home and viola no more problems. In fact the shifting was so much more crisp and smooth. My ride yesterday was 20 mi to the shop to thank him for taking time with me on his very busy day. I also looked at a 12 inch bike for my grandson which I will be purchasing from him.
My day ended with both my children and grandchildren over for dinner. Simple pleasures of life. Who could ask for more. What a great day.
KEEP RIDING!!!!!

Ride to Jersey Bents

Today's ride took me to Jersey Bents @ Economy Bike shop in Hamilton Square, NJ. I wanted to try a few bents I am considering buying. I couldn't have picked a more beautiful day to do it. Temps started in the 70's climbing to mid to upper 80's. Light winds and little humidity. Nice change from the past weeks of blustering winds and temps in the 50's to 60's. The shop is just short of 25 miles out on mostly rural roads. I got out there looking to test ride a Rans long wheelbase Formula LE, Enduro Sport and Bacchetta Giro 20. I sat on the formula LE with the new Sling Mesh seat. The seat was OK but I realized I did not want a LWB bike and opted out on a test ride. Lawrence the owner of Jersey Bents did not have the new Rans Enduro Sport, but had a number of Bacchettas. I 1st tried the Giro 20 with the Recurve seat. I was quite impressed with both the ride and seat. I then tried the Giro with a Euromesh seat which seems to be all the rage. You have to recline the seat far back in order to not feel like you are sliding off the seat. The Euromesh seat was doable and gave me better flat foot experience at stops but didn't have the same sweet comfort of the Recurve. I took the Giro with the recurve seat out again. I did sit on a few Bacchetta High racers but did not like the extreme high bottom bracket. The Giro with the Recurve seat seemed the best choice for me.
To keep things clear I am not disenchanted with my ICE T. I would just like to have a bike I could transport easily and use for faster club rides. I have sellers remorse since I let go of my Stratus and Rocket.
It was a great ride and a great day and Lawrence is quite knowledgeable on recumbents and allows plenty of time for test rides and questions.
Attached is a video which unfortunately needs some image stabilization.
KEEP RIDING!!!