Years End

I was hoping to get more miles in for 2008. As it turned out I missed my annual goal of 3000 miles. This is the 1st in over 10 yrs I missed by 140 mi. I started off like a gang buster and would easily have passed my goal, but as life would have it, things change.
All is not lost. I am contemplating new ways to further enjoy my cycling for the new year.
Gone is the annual week long cycling events, like BikeVa, BikeFL and GOBA. Although I would like to try to get time for BikeVa. I know longer ride with my local club. My old cycling buddies have gone their ways. I have become focused on my trike which does not easily fit in with these circles of cyclists. This might sound depressing, but I am actually happy. Life is evolving and so is my cycling. I continue to use my bike for utility miles. My Streamer fairing has made winter riding much more enjoyable and has increased the wow factor 10 times. I am looking at new bikes and new ways to incorporate them into my life. I still love to ride and am looking forward to what new adventures 2009 holds.
KEEP RIDING!!!

Streamer Fairing Update

I have had the Streamer fairing for awhile. It seems the rear strut mount to the boom is not a secure design. I have had much unwanted movement and at 1 time the hose clamp broke, leaving me a very slow 5 mile ride back home. I decided the mount needed more support. I pushed the strut as forward as possible till it touched the derailer tube. I then added a hose clamp around the derailer tube and the front strut. Of course, I protected all parts with rubber tubing, so as not to scratch my paint. The fairing is now rock solid. What I did loose is the ability to easily remove it. I can remove it, but requires removing a bolt. No big deal as I intend to keep it on all winter. In fact I am considering keeping it on all year. What I did gain. It's easier to swing my legs over and the cool factor has increased 10 fold.

Another thing happened. I found the trike was shimmying or oscillating, when I hit a bump and did not have my hands on the bars. This became so annoying I was ready to scrap the fairing. I recently read on the BROL news group another T owner having the same problem with his T only no fairing. It was advised to check all bolts and toe in.

As it turned out my headsets on both sides were very loose. I tightened the headsets, secured everything and went for a 16mi spin. The fairing was tight as a drum, no shimmy or oscillating over bumps and I was able to pedal in a straight line hands off, which I could never do before.

Fixing one problem lead to fixing a potentially dangerous other problem.

In conclusion the weight of the fairing is unnoticeable, helps in head winds, keeps me warmer for winter riding and has increased the cool factor.

Loving the ride!!!

1st Fall Ride of 2008

It has been a hectic second half of the year for me. My available cycling time has decreased to the point, I will probably not reach my annual goal of 3K mi. I am not upset as I am trying to incorporate more commuting time for the new year.
I was off this last Friday and proclaimed it Marty's Bike Day. The weather cooperated in the mid 40-50 range with minimal winds. I had not been out on my bike for a nearly a week. I new I would be out of condition for my routine 50 miler, so I decided to cut back. I waited till the frost had dissipated and left about 9:30 am. With my new Streamer fairing in place I decided to start my favorite ride and then deviate and blow caution to the wind.
For the past 6 months I have had to take a detour from my usual return due to construction. I decided today I would check to see if construction was completed. It was not, so I ventured out searching for a new way home. It was a beautiful fall day and I was up for it. My day completed 37 mi and I could have done more. My attached videos do not do justice to the awesome feeling of my day.
KEEP RIDING!!!

Streamer Fairing

I just got back from a 25 mi ride to test my new Streamer Fairing from HP Velotechnik. I am quite pleased. I sold my other 2 bikes and have been holding on to the money deciding on my next bike purchase. I was trying to decide between another bike, Velokit for winter riding or adding just a fairing to my trike. The Velokit seemed great. At $1000 I could fully enclose my trike and ride all winter except on snow days. I liked the idea, but, I new polycarbonate fairings tend to scratch and in time it would be difficult to see through. I then decided a fairing alone would be better as you look over it, not through it and I prefer feeling more open and outdoors. I looked into the Mueller Windrap with the swing arm for easy on and off, but, at $709 plus shipping it seemed ridiculous. For $300 more I could get the Velokit, which would give all that and much more. What I really wanted was a fairing for winter riding to protect my feet as they seem to be the most vulnerable in winter riding for me. I then remembered the Streamer Fairing. I checked the dealer list and called around for price and availability. Rob at Recumbent Bike Riders had stock, the best price and knowledge of the product. I ordered it on Tuesday, shipped on Wednesday and received on Thursday. Can't beat that.

It took me a couple of hours for 3 days to finally tweak things out. The Fairing, as Rob described it, is large, which offers great coverage. It's shape is perfect for trikes. The new mounting system is OK and takes some time to adjust. Remember this Fairing is not bike specific, so tinkering is a must as are most recumbent parts. I am not fond of the Velcro and found I had to add nylon bolts and wing nuts to secure the fairing to the front strut to keep it from moving. The rear fairng Velcro mount seemed to hold fine. Mounts to the front and rear struts seemed OK. It's obviously designed for versatility and simplicity. I replaced the rear clamp which was much too large with a smaller one and used an old tube to protect the frame. Worked fine.

He is my conclusion. The fairing itself is 1st rate in quality workmanship and design. The mounting system is OK for it's universal design. Price for comparable products is not to be beat. Great Bang for the Buck. Here is the kicker, which I new. You have to be somewhat of a contortionists to get in and out. You have to sit on the side of the seat, then swing 1 leg over the handle bar and then the other. Then swing 1 leg over the front strut and then the other. Sounds complicated. Not all that bad if you are reasonably slim and agile. I am 56 and have no problem.

I rode 25mi with 15mph winds.  The fairing is quite light. I didn't notice any difference in climbing, due to weight. Head Winds, Tailwinds seemed unchanged. Side winds are still the worst. The fairing didn't seem to change my performance much and I didn't expect it too. I just want some added protection for my feet and this seemed to do the job well.

At about $400, I believe this a good bang for the buck for winter riding.

One last thing. You can't be shy riding a recumbent and riding a trike is even more outlandish. Adding this fairing has given me more thumbs up than ever.

If asthetics is what you crave, there is no finer looking fairing than this one.

Works for me.

KEEP RIDING!!!!!!

Hilton Head, SC

I just got back from vacationing on Hilton Head. It is known for its great weather and cycling friendly paths. The Island is 12 X 5 miles and everything can be accessed by bicycle. We stayed in a RV Park 1/2 mile into the Island. It was an extremely beautiful and friendly place. I spoke with the manager of the park and asked where the cycling paths were. He gave me a compact map of the cycling trails and off I went. I started my ride on a major rode with little to no shoulder for 6 miles, only to be honked and yelled at on my trike. I said what kind of friendly bike place is this? I would do better on 6th Ave in NYC. Not being a happy camper I reached my goal of a local beach. I realized the bike bath ran on 1 side of the road. Not the side I was on. No wonder every one was yelling at me. After that day I got the hang of things and found different trails. There was a great loop that took me 16 miles into marsh lands were trailer homes were 10 ft of the ground. I also went over a bridge that said please Don't Feed the Alligators. Like watch out for Moose Crossing. To my amazement there was an alligator swimming about. My 1st sighting and a very cool experience.

You can get anywhere by bike on Hilton Head from beaches to restaurants and all by using a single speed beach cruiser.

All in all a great vacation, a wonderful place to cycle and a mayor retirement consideration.

Enjoy the video.

Commuting with Planet Bike Lights

I just started a new job requiring me to work 5 , 8 hr+ days a week instead of 3 12 hr days. I feared this would cut into my cycling time, so I decided to purchase some lights for hopeful commuting. My commute is 16mi each way in a fairly rural area. In hopes of commuting I purchased some inexpensive lights. Instead of spending a lot of money on intensity lights. I decided to try economical Planet Bike lights. I started with the Beamer 3 headlight. Not much better than my old Cateye. The biggest advantage to the Beamer is it's small size and long battery life. I also added the Blaze 1/2 watt tail light. Tiny, also only 2 AA batteries and is extremely visible. I then added the Blaze 1/2 watt front light and another 1/2 watt blaze tail light.

With this setup I did my 1st commute to work on my ICE T Trike. I left at 5am for a 6:30 start. I had to carry my work clothes and work paraphernalia. I decided to also stop for bagels for the staff. My Pod bags weighted 30lbs. I must say I was very impressed with the lights. Being a slow rider at 11mph, the lights provided plenty of visibility. As the day broke I changed over the front lights to flashing mode. I was amazed how far they flashed at signs. There was a person from work who passed me and commented how visible I was.

All in all I am happy with this set up.

On another note, people at work asked me if I was tired and how I would fair on the way back. 16 miles is a walk in the park and the ride back is even easier. It's a time to reflect on the day and take your time getting home. I have done work commutes before, but not as pleasurable as this. Not sure how often I will do this, as I am mgt and require to stay as needed.

All in all a great experience with lots of potential.

KEEP RIDING!!

Cycling Glasses

For those of you that are not overtly sight impaired, I highly recommend Smith and Wesson Magnum Safety glasses. I bought a pair a few years back from Walmart for under $10. I loved them so much I purchased 2 more pair. Since then, due to my abuse they have scratched severely and I have decided to get a new pair. With much dismay, they were no where to be found. I checked safety glasses at all my local hardware stores and non had that same comfortable fit. After searching the web I found my loved Smith & Wesson glasses at SafetyGlassesUSA.com at a reasonable price and shipping with a great variety of lenses.

I purchased 3 pair. Clear for night riding, Orange Blue Blocker for cloudy days, and Smoked with anti fog lenses for sunny days. I am very excited they did not change the design.

Smith & Wesson Magnum Features precision cut to shape 7 base spherical lens for increased distortion-free peripheral protection. Adjustable temples with four settings for a precise fit. Ribbed, non-slip rubber nose piece for all day comfort. Maximum UV protection. Exceeds ANSI Z87.1-2003 performance standards.

Please note these are not for people who need prescription sun glasses. These are regular sunglasses at a reasonable price with a great fit. If you can survive without prescription riding glasses, I highly recommend the Smith & Wesson Magnums.

KEEP RIDING!!!