My Recumbent Days

I rode my local training route, but it was hard as I was feeling out of sorts.

My ride was a hellish nightmare do to receiving only 1 hour of sleep. My doctor changed my medication and it screwed up my sleep pattern. I expect 7 days of this during my withdrawal from the medication. I hate taking medications. I will try the herbal way now.

The test of my new TerraCycle chain tube support was a total success! It worked so well I am getting a second one. My ride today was a little longer, but very good. My average speed was up as well as my strength.

I think I have the Black Widow dialed in, but my parts from TerraCycle come today and I am not sure how they will effect the setup. I had a nice fruitful ride, but I think I pushed myself a little to hard. I didn't ride or do anything for two days, and I feel it.

W ell the township completed their paving project and the road is very smooth, but sticky and speed eating. The wheels felt like they were in glue. I made a few adjustments to the chain line and the rear derailleur so my tests continue. I also lowered the tire pressure to 85 lbs, but the jury is out regarding effects on speed as there are to many things going on at once. I will continue with my adjustments and tests, and will post the results. I seem to be close to what I was before the adjustments and tire changes.

I intended to test my chain and derailleur adjustments today, but that was stopped do to road closures.  Almost every road leading in and out of my area was closed or very rough riding do to repaving projects.  Not much coordination done with the town and the construction companies. Some roads totally closed, some only to local traffic and some were ground down to where it was so rough it was impossible to ride. My test will have to wait a couple of days as the weather is not going to be good.

Y esterday and today were spent doing some derailleur adjustments and refinements to the trike.  The rear derailleur was just not shifting as smooth as it should, so the tech adjusted it and removed a link from the chain.  I also removed the tie-rod and cleaned it up before spraying it with Plasti-Dip Red Spray giving it a nice red rubber protective coating.  While I was at it I also sprayed the center hub caps on the front wheel hubs. It gives the trike some nice red accents.  I also have a red Silicone cover on my Garmin 500.  Now the trike isn't solid black, it is black and red.  The rear mudguard has red the flag pole has red accents on the bottom also. Below is the picture as it is now.  I had also moved the idlers toward the rear wheel about 4 inches giving more of a straight chain line.  I ordered a chain tube support from TerraCycle today to keep the chain tubes in position, it should be shipped soon. Phase 17 of the Spider 2

I did another ride to check for chain alignment, but still have some noise and no slap. But moved the idler forward a inch and one half. gives more clearance. Will check in a little while for any noise.

After relocating the idlers I built a power side chain tube support, which I think moved the chain tube into a position that caused chain slap. I came home and re-configured the mount hoping that this mod will prevent the slap. I won't know until tomorrow as it is way to hot to ride again today. The chain was hitting the bottom of the seat.

D id a short test ride to make sure the idlers are working properly and the chain line is correct. I think some work is needed.

Y esterday after speaking to Robert over at TerraCycle in OR he explained to me that since I had an older version of the Elite Power and Return Idler he would have to have them in his shop to make the repairs. So off to the Post office I went and shipped the complete system back, the Power Idler, Return Idler, Spacers, bolt, keeper and lock nut. He should have them today and I should have it back soon.  I am in riders withdrawal at this time and it bothers me.  I hope this doesn't turn into a fiasco!

C ontacted Pat at Terracycle and he is going to send the replacement parts I need. What great service.

C leaned the chain yesterday and lubed with Boeshield T-9® and so far think it might be a little more resistive, causing slower speed. But that can all be in my mind. The cleanliness of it is so much better than Dumonde Tech.

T oday was maintenance day!  I ordered a chain cleaner and Bio Degrease to clean the chain and re-lube with Boeshield T-9 ® .  I also found cracks on my TerraCycle idler so I contacted the company via email and phone message. I guess I will be replacing the idler as I don't feel like taking a chance. I am hoping that Pat from Terracycle contacts me Monday.

O n this very hot morning I headed out to do my usual route, but was unable to do it because of construction.

I had to ride my rain route as the weather will not cooperate.

I stayed local today to avoid getting caught in a bad thunderstorm.  All we have in the last few weeks is rain every day. T he new rear mudguard is working out real well and I am now testing a new light weight helmet. My first ride with it was nice, it is so lite and has 41 holes for air to circulate.