2022 Stats -Tough Year

3677 miles and 131 riding days. 

Without getting into detail 2022 was a health nightmare. I started getting sick in February and by the end of the year I was having major surgery. I know it's a lot of my miles but, it's half of my 2021.

It's now the first week in February and I only have 64 miles. One day of riding a week is not going to cut it. I'm hoping to double that in the next few weeks. In the meantime I have substituted walking for riding. It gives me a similar feeling but, uses less energy. I also have my trike for sale. I stopped riding the trike around April. It was more comfortable than my other bikes but it took the most effort. Being sick I found myself riding the Tour Easy or my Motobecane. I then sold the TE as it was too cumbersome. The Moteobecane became my favorite ride. I never thought I would go back to a diamond frame but I'm lovin this bike.

Will see what the future brings.

Hasta la vista, baby!

After more than 1/ 1/2 years it was time to say goodbye to my Tour Easy.  It was a fun and fast ride but just a lot to mange both transporting and maneuvering. My main ride has become my Motobecane road bike. It is fast, comfortable enough, easy to pedal and transport. Love the fenders for Florida's showers. In fact it is the only bike of my 4 that I have consistently ridden for the last 4 months. After careful consideration and lack of room I decided to sell. It's been over a month and I don't miss it. I have even considered selling my GS GT20 trike for lack of use and space. It is the most comfortable of all my rides but also the most work to pedal.  Be that as it may, I have decided to keep it for now. The other bike in my stable is my Xooter Swift folder. It is unique, has a great ride, easy to transport and is a keeper.

I've owned 7 trikes, 6 recumbent 2 wheelers, 2 folders and 4 diamond framed road bikes. I suspect there will be more acquisitions and sales but for now I'm happy with what I have.

See ya on the road.

KEEP RIDING!!!

Bye

Favorite ride, back to basics

Most comfortable, most pedal effort

Too cool and rides great

2021 Mileage

 7100 total miles

 2957 miles on Greenspeed trike

2549 miles on Tour Easy

1557 miles on Motobecane

37 miles on Xooter Swift

230 days of riding averaging 30 miles/day with average speed 11.4 mph

Very happy living in Florida and close to the Withlacoochee Trail.

New Acquisition

Riding the Withlachoochee Trail in Florida you see a lot of recumbents. Most are trikes but there are many Easy Racers. I believe it was Gardner Martin who propelled recumbent bikes and the Gold Rush Replica/ Tour Easy was the gold standard. The closet I got was my Rans Stratus, similar in many ways but not an Easy Racer. 22 years and more than 13 bents I found myself a Tour Easy at a great price.

The bike came with an Easy Reacher Rack, Carbon front fender, rear fender, rear rack and Easy Racers brand specific bags.

I have not ridden a long wheelbase bike in over a decade but my Stratus was one of my favorites. The Tour Easy handles much better but it is different and I'm still trying to dial it in. The muscles used for a Recumbent bike, trike or diamond frame are a bit different. My legs let me know today after a 20 mile maiden voyage. 

This is kind of a project bike which is a blast to work on.

Will see how things pan out.

2020 STATS

5,720 total miles

231 days of pedaling

11 mph average speed

All in all a good year of pedaling. I did miss a couple of months due to travelling and minor health issue.

Living in Florida does have its perks. Covid did shut down the trail near me for a period and forced me to go back on the local roads. Not a good thing here in Florida. I still try to take my bike for local shopping and my new Arkel Lites panniers are perfect.

Breakdown of mileage on bikes as follows:

Motobecane road  3230

Greenspeed trike  1680

Xootr Swift folder 810

Who would of thought my new Motobecane road bike would be my favorite ride. Its so smooth and comfortable. It makes me feel like a kid again. I've been an avid recumbent enthusiast for more than 2 decades and never thought I would return to conventional bikes. I do still enjoy my trike and the Greenspeed GT20 is my favorite of all the 7 trikes I have owned. The Xootr Swift is an amazing folder that rides like a big boy bike and will be the only bike I take when traveling. 

I no longer ride 40-60 miles, I prefer 25 miles. I have been riding as an adult for more than 35 years and contribute my longevity to keeping it fun.

Cycling continues to be a joy for me and suspect 2021 will be the same.

Cushy Seat and Fenders

Added more cush for the tush and awesome Planet Bike Silver Fenders.
It's really stylin now!!!

New Ride Steel Is Real

For the past 2 months my ride of choice has been my Xootr Swift folder. I don't know why but it has given me more smiles per miles than my GS trike. The only issue is the rough ride caused by small wheels and aluminum frame. So I went on the hunt for a steel frame bike. Not being a road warrior I opted for a hybrid, rigid mountain bike type ride. I wanted something that reminded me of my 80's Mongoose rigid mountain bike. I came across the Jamis Sequel which seemed perfect. 1x10 drivetrain with chromoly steel frame.  My only disappointment was disk brakes which I find more hassle than they're worth.  In addition it was not a readily available bike to test ride.With the price at $1K plus and the extras I would add made me take a second look. I found my Motobecane Cafe 11 on Bikesdirect. It has a 1x11 Sram drivetrain, road brakes and my must Chromoly Frame. Tires are 700x32 with option to go as high as 40mm. The price $650 or $700 for Chrome. I opted for the chrome.
The bike is listed as a fitness bike which I've come to learn is a more aggressive flat bar road bike.
It's now 10 days that I have the bike and it is now tweaked to perfection. I added a longer and more vertical stem, a 2 inch riser handlebar, and comfort grips. This gives me a more upright seating position which works best for me. In addition I added MKS pedals, Arkel Tailrider and Arkel Lites Panniers.
What I can tell you is the Chromoly frame with 700x32 tires and Weinmann rims makes for a smooth "Magic Carpet Ride". The 1x11 drivetrain is simple and quiet and offers plenty of gearing. I'm also enjoying the Tektro R559 road brakes.

I'm so delighted with my new ride my trike is on hold till further notice.