My thoughts On Riding A Recumbent Trike...

 Well, it has been two months since I was lucky enough to get my first recumbent trike - Rose.  I had never ridden a recumbent before, be it a 'bent two wheeler or a three wheeled trike, so it was to be an experience for sure. I had read all the stories about the "trike grin" on this recumbent cycling forum , yet I did not know what to expect. My needs for getting a trike differed greatly from the majority of the bentrider forum members it seemed, however I was sure I would find the much lauded "trike grin". I took to riding Rose as I rode my utility beast two wheeled upright bike - I rode Rose as a matter of transportation need - not for fun and enjoyment although I do get that from riding a bike in general. I still ride as a matter of need and have yet to find the trike grin on my face - although I do smile when riding but, that is primarily because I am out riding with my dear wife, Wanda!
So, the differences in riding a low 'bent trike - well the most noticeable difference is the line of sight you have for traffic. Those corners that I could see around for oncoming traffic became a challenge because I was now at the same height as the bushes that bordered the road - now, I have experienced riding a bike on busy streets back when I was doing long training rides so, riding the trike on the streets was not an issue, nor was being at fender level to cars. My only issue is the same that many others find themselves facing, particularly those that are experienced riding road bikes and then move to a 'bent for whatever reason - that issue is a matter of strength and endurance when you first start out on a 'bent bike or trike. It's called "getting your 'bent legs" and everyone goes through the process regardless of fitness level.  An additional fun learning curve on a trike is the matter that you need to "spin" a lot, trikes are very much susceptible to minor/moderate grade changes in the road and in order to keep a nice moderate pace you need to shift regularly and keep spinning at a pretty substantial cadence (it helps to have the correct cycling shoes in order to spin as needed, btw). The bottom line is - I am very happy with my transition to the recumbent trike world and very happy with my trike Rose!!

On the other hand there is an event going on this weekend Oct 21, 22 and 23. This Sunday is the day the public gets to run around at the first recumbent convention.
I will be going and with any luck I will be meeting other members from the bentrider forum - I'll have my trike with me just in case we have an impromptu trike gathering and ride while we are all there! I will report on the convention in my next post!

Well, We Could Actually Be "Car Free"....

We have been practicing to go car free since '09 I suppose, although neither of us ever expected us to BE car free. That may in fact become the case. With my elbow and wrist issues our current vehicle "Crabby" is undrivable with her 5 speed transmission and no power steering. She has given us her best years for the short time we have had her, but, alas it is time to part ways. Her registration is due this month and I am sending her in as PNO (Planned Non Operation) - most assuredly no one will be driving her and we may be able to part her out. That being said, our son may be relocating and thereby leaving us indeed, car free. I am looking forward to this scenario, although it truly depends on how my rehab goes (my first surgery is scheduled this month) as to how far I can ride Rose one handed. If in fact it is too much of an effort, then public transportation will be called upon. I for one am hoping that the way I sit on Rose and the fact that there is no balancing involved while riding on a recumbent trike, that I will be able to happily pedal along with my right arm in a sling as we do our errands....hmmm, stay tuned indeed!!

A Week And A Half Later...

Well, just made the third run to the recycler guy this morning! We have it worked out that on recycling days we can get the other needed chores done then start our ride to the Post Office and recycle center a little later, that gets us to the recycle guy when he opens at 9:00am!! Pulling the trailer with Rose is definitely an eye opener as to the nuances of drag and resistance and how a recumbent trike reacts. It is truly a workout for me to pull the trailer to the center, very minor grade all the way for 5 miles, and with me just on my second week of recumbent trike riding, I do "huff and puff" a bit!! The recumbent trike is such an amazing machine, I am so happy to be back riding without any pressure on my elbows at all - it has brought the joy and fun back to being out riding again with Wanda! I can hardly wait as we build our strength back up to do our Stater Bros. runs - don't know if that will happen this winter, but we will see!!

Back To Utility Runs!!

Well, I made my first utility run on 'Rose', it was a run to the recycler dude - very good to be back able to do errands by bike, well trike. I look forward to the day Wanda and I set out for a food/grocery run to Stater Bros. like we used to!! The trike is a completely different animal to ride...I have to learn to relax my shoulders and just lean back and pedal. It pulled the trailer just fine, of course the plastic is a very light load, nonetheless it handled very well. Here's a shot of trike and trailer in the recycling lot:

The Newest Addition...

Well, everything worked out and I was able to pick up the ABT1X...her name is 'Rose'... This is from my first ride to the P.O. - 11.3 miles roundtrip - that's Wanda's Trek Allant behind her.

Everything Is For A Reason...

Well, here we are several weeks past my one year anniversary of filing my Workers Compensation claim and still nothing has been done. There is however light at the end of the tunnel and it isn't a train! My surgery should be scheduled soon and my benefits will be starting again. That being said, the 8 months of back pay is not going to be in the bank anytime soon, so, the Catrike Expedition is on hold - indefinitely. However, I do have a good chance at getting the suspended version of the original trike I was looking at - the Actionbent T1X - for a mere pittance of the Cat Expedition...everything happens for a reason!! As soon as I have the T1X safely home, I'll post some pictures!!

Closer, Ever So Closer....

Well, after passing the one year anniversary mark of my Workers Compensation claim, the Insurance Company that represents my former employer, has authorized my surgeries! Yay!! There is light at the end of the tunnel, and it isn't a train!! So, the next hurdle will be for my Attorney to get the retro benefits paid to us - the Insurance Company stopped paying last Dec because no treatment was approved and they said I was fine. OOPS, on their part. It all depends on when the surgery is and when the retro benefits are paid whether the  Expedition is here in time to ride it while I rehab, stay tuned for that.