My Recumbent Days

Y esterday while leaving the garage I tripped over my own fat feet and broke my Thunder Horn, now I have to add this to my list of things I need. Also yesterday I changed the layout of the cockpit by relocating both my computer and heart rate monitor. I did this to clear up the left side bar end to accept the Adeo GPS trainer when it is delivered. I have posted a photo of the new layout. I think it looks very cool to have them stacked one on top of the other. T oday I went for a ride with no particular route in mind, just hit the road and made turns where ever I felt like. What is strange is that I ended up with just about the same mileage that I do on my local loop. I ended with 14.06 miles. The weather was very cloudy with strong winds of 9 Mph gusting to 15 Mph which of course was always in my face making riding hard. The temperature was 67 degrees a beautiful temperature to ride.

I purchased the Adeo GPS trainer from Buy.com this morning, also ordered the case from MotionLingo . As far as how I will hear the updates, I ordered some small amplified speakers from EBay. All should be here bu next week. I ma looking forward to getting it so I can build a mounting system for the Adeo and the speakers. I went on my ride today even with the strong winds. I rode 14.43 miles on local roads. The weather was cloudy with a wind coming from the ENE at 7 Mph gusting to 12 Mph. The temperature was 47 degrees at start and 57 at the end of ride.

E arly this afternoon I headed out for a nice leisurely ride through the local streets and back roads. I had excellent weather other than the strong head winds which by the end of the ride my legs were like mush. The sky was clear and the sun was bright and low in the sky. The temperature was 47 degrees at the start of ride and 61 by the end. The wind was at 8 Mph gusting to 12 Mph coming from the West, I could have waited as the winds were going to subside by 3:00 PM. I completed 14.63 miles and felt great afterwards. N ow for my pet peeve! I am a member of a bunch of recumbent forums and it seems like this peeve is on all of them. I feel that there are a bunch of elitist snobs that continue to bring my blood pressure up. What seems to happen is that a junior member tells the group that they are looking to purchase a recumbent and only have X amount of money to spend. They then continue to say they like the ActionBent products, and they are in the price range that they want to spend...

This afternoon I made some time for a local ride of 12.24 miles. The weather was sunny and bright. The sun was low on the horizon causing the sun to be blinding at times even with sun glasses and lens shade. There was a moderate wind with gusts of 8 Mph at times. The temperature started at 42 degrees and was 53 degrees at the end of the ride. I cut the ride short do to the lack of visibility from the glaring sun. I figured if I had a hard time seeing then the people driving would be having the same problem. Photo Courtesy of Terramar Sports© The Terramar Mid weight base layer shirt came yesterday from Nashbar along with the parts for my idler to modify the length of the chain keeper. The base layer fits perfectly and fit will keep me toasty this winter. I added the parts provided by Robert from TerraCycle on my idler and the chain did not jump off the return side idler. I had cleaned my chain the other day after a disgustingly dirty ride and it is now spotless. It is amazing how ...

T his morning I received an email from Bike Nashbar offering free shipping or 20% off any items. I new I needed a base layer and decided to see what they had. I found a nice suitable top that would provide me with the warmth I will need to continue riding. Here is the specifications from the Nashbar site. Terramar Mid-Weight Lycra Crew Base Layer T he Terramar Mid-Weight Lycra Crew Base Layer is a key component to keeping warm and comfortable in any cold weather outdoor activity. Constructed from a polyester/Lycra® fabric that wicks moisture away from the body, so you stay warm and dry. Contoured scoop tail for performance fit that keeps cold air out, and rib-knit Lycra® collar and cuffs provide an exact fit for added comfort. Raglan sleeve design gives a free range of motion and flatlock seams prevent chaffing. Sizes: M (38-40), L (42-44), XL (46-48) Item No. » AA-TMLC T he cost for this base layer is $14.97 on sale and the original cost was $29.95 Below is a picture courtesy...

I have found that on many forums that people try to steer new trike riders to the brand name trikes and bikes, rather than ActionBent trikes and bikes made by TW-Bents. Most of the much higher priced and mid level priced trikes and bikes don't give you as much as ActionBent does. The equipment on most of ActionBent's bikes and trikes is of a higher level than many other brand name trikes or bikes. But still these brand conscious snobs continue there belittlement of trikes made in TW. Most of these snobs don't realize that there is a great chance that there European fancy named bike frame is also made in TW. I usually refrain from indulging in this type of discussion, but I have had it, listening to these people! It drives me crazy when these self proclaimed snobs make a remark such as "The idler on the ActionBent trike is garbage" Well maybe it is true, but that seems to be the weak point on 99% of the recumbent trikes or bikes. TerraCycle has made a huge bu...

O nline shopping can be a great thing or a typical online screw up! As I had posted before I had ordered three items for my winter cycling wardrobe. My first shipment came which included the Neoprene booties and the pair of winter tights, which the tights were not what I ordered. I placed that item back in the box and sent it Priority Mail on Friday costing $6.65 which is three dollars cheaper than what I was charged to have them delivered to me in the first place. The package Priority was delivered yesterday at Performance Bicycle which took 3 days door to door. The back ordered Balaclava from the first order was shipped via Smart Post on November 14th and it still isn't here, and according to Smart Post tracking it left the local FedEx sorting station 2 miles from my home on the way to the post office to deliver to me on the 16th. So it only proves one thing and that is Corporate management seems screwed up when it comes to delivery. Performance Bicycle tells me that I hav...

A fter yesterdays ride on 12.5 miles of debris covered roads the chain on the Black Window was a dirty mess. It was covered with black and brown gunk from the wet roads and the decaying leaves. I really thought this was going to be a very hard and tedious job. But to my surprise using 409 spray and a dry towel the chain came clean in a very short time with minimal brushing. I even cleaned the cassette and the dérailleur to almost spotless condition. I will need to get a gunk brush to do an even better job. I credit the ease of cleaning to Dumonde Tech lubrication that I have been using. Even after this rigorous cleaning the chain is just as quiet as after I freshly lubricate the chain. I doubt I will be able to get out and ride in the next two days as I have things to do at home and a wedding tomorrow.

I was about 10 miles into my 12.5 mile ride when I went over some debris and I heard a strange noise that sounded like it was coming from the rear dérailleur. After closer examination I saw that the return side chain had come out from the idler and somehow passed the chain keeper. I couldn't see any way this could have happened, but it did, and I will call TerraCycle concerning this problem. It took only a few minutes to return the chain to its proper location, but it was messy. T he weather for today's ride was very sunny and the temperature was 51 degrees at the start and 61 degrees at the end of the ride. The wind was 7 Mph gusting to 10 Mph coming from the WNW. I haven't heard anything from Performance Bicycle customer service regarding the miss-shipment, but after i finish this post I will give them a call. UPDATE: I contacted Performance Bicycle and was informed that there web page was wrong and I should send it back at my expense and they will credit my account w...

A few minutes ago I received a partial shipment of my winter cycling gear. The Hind tights I ordered had the following specifications: TheraLETE brushed fabric traps in heat while wicking away moisture so you stay incredibly warm and dry Articulated knees and flat seam construction add comfort and mobility for any activity D rawstring waist and gripper ankles ensure fit Reflective accents for greater visibility Internal pocket for stashing your keys T he item received did not have the items marked in Bold Italic . I called Performance Bicycle and they were going to check the stock and see if the item was in the wrong bin, and call me back. If they don't have any more of the Hind tights I will order the Sugoi tights with the following specifications: The warmest tight manufactured by Sugoi SubZero brushed fabric to provide intense warmth, moisture control and water resistance Detailed flat lock stitching reduces chafing and adds athletic style Easy drawstring elastic waist a...

Y esterday I purchased some winter cycling clothing in order to extend by riding season. I purchased a pair of tights, Balaclava and a pair of Neoprene booties. I figure between the indoor exercise recumbent bike and this clothing I should get some pleasant rides in. I understand that there will be plenty of days where the weather will rule out any rides, but at least I will get my exercise. All the winter gear was purchased at Performance Bicycle. The tights I bought are the Hind Radiant Thermal Tight, the Balaclava and the booties were Performance branded. I choose the Performance Bicycle Booties because I was told they have a full zipper making it easier to get on an off. I ordered 2 sizes larger as that is what was recommended by there sales staff. I bought a large Balaclava to fit my fat head. There Balaclava has a nylon mouth covering allowing better air transfer, while keeping in the heat. I should be able to ride when the weather is about 15 degrees. ©Photos Performance Bicy...

M y ride today was short, but very satisfying. I rode 12 miles and really enjoyed myself. The temperature was 62 degrees and the wind was 6 Mph coming out of the NNW. We are expecting a bad rain storm so I don't know when I will get out again. M y son had a Remicade treatment on Wednesday Morning and by 6:00 AM he had a severe reaction and I ended up taking him to the ER where we spent most of the day. He spoke to his doctor that evening and he was told that even with the severe reaction he won't rule keeping him on the therapy with possible post infusion treatment.

A s I was unable to ride do to commitments and illness I had plenty of time to think about the direction I will go regarding upgrades to the Black Widow. I was forced to change the Minoura SpaceBar as it was getting old and wouldn't stay straight on the dérailleur tube. I replaced it with a Minoura SwingGrip which I am not so sure it will withstand my critical views. Only time will tell! I thought hard about replacing it with the TerraCycle accessory mount, but it was a huge difference in cost. The TerraCycle mount would have cost $50.00 US plus shipping and the Minoura mount was $13.98 including shipping. I am not sure as which upgrade will be next, the rear AreoSpoke wheel or the GPS. Only when I count my cash will know which will be first. I am also thinking about a front fairing, but not sure where that will come in.

T his afternoon I left for my daily ride under sunny skies and strong 10 MPH winds gusting to 15 MPH out of the SW. I was able to ride 12 miles before I gave into the back and neck pain. My back and neck have been bothering me since my son went into the hospital, I guess sitting in his room for all those hours put the hex on me. I am hoping the pain subsides soon as I have a bachelor party tomorrow night. My nephew is getting married in two weeks and we are going out to celebrate. I have been toying with the idea of putting a fairing on my trike, but not sure if I want to go the do-it-myself route as I did on my last trike, or buy one already cut and ready to mount.

I picked up my son from the hospital yesterday and he is doing much better, only time will tell. he is going for another Remacade treatment next week, so things should get better. M y ride today was 12.2 miles on local roads . The weather was very nice except for the wind. When calm the wind was 4 Mph coming from the North, but there were gusts up to 12 Mph making it much harder to peddle. I noticed today that the roads were littered with all sorts of debris, probably from all the runoff after the rains we had last week.

T oday I left the house for my ride at 12:00 PM after picking David up from the hospital. He is feeling much better and was extremely happy that he went home to his own house and bed. The rest of the family is very re leaved that he is on the way to recovery. At least there is a chance of remission since he is taking the intravenous drug Remacade. My ride today was 12.6 miles on local roads with moderate to steep and long climbs. My legs feel like mush. There was a wind of 8 Mph with gusts up to 12 Mph coming from the SW. I have been toying with the idea of replacing my rear wheel with a Aerospoke composite wheel. This wheel will add 5 ounces to the weight of the bike, but do to the nature of the wheel it rolls better, so there will be no loss of speed. Some people have reported a increase of speed, but I don't expect it. I am doing this more for the bling effect. P hoto courtesy of Aerospoke

T oday was my first ride since the 19th do to weather being very bad and the situation of my son being in the hospital. Last week and the beginning of this week has been passed by spending my time in the hospital with my son who had a bad flare up of his Crohns disease. He started having Remicade treatments on Wednesday of last week and we are hoping that he goes into remission. This disease has taken a heavy toll on my son and our extended family. Today he might be started on solid foods after not eating solid for two weeks, and is a welcome sign that things are getting better. T odays ride was a short one do to a late start and I prefer not riding the roads while the school buses are present. I completed 12 miles, which i am sure I could have done more. The riding temperature was a perfect 63 degrees, and the wind was a brisk 9 miles per hour gusting to 12. I rode my usual loop and hope to try again tomorrow. I doubt I can get many more miles in since I will be at the hospital.

I left for my ride under heavy clouds and strong winds making my ride feel like it went on for ever. I rode 13.65 miles, but felt like 30. The wind seemed to be in my face most of the way and when not in my face it was directly against my side. The winds were gusting so fast that the leaves kept hitting me in the face. I had leaves in my shirt and up my shorts. The temperature was 68 degrees, but felt a lot cooler. Tomorrow calls for 63 degrees and rain, so I guess I won't be out on the trike. That means a boring Friday oh well you can't have everything.

T his afternoon I headed out for my normal ride just a little late. the weather was strange, warm but very cloudy and threatening. The temperature was 57 degrees at the start and 70 degrees at the end of the ride. There was a wind of 6 Mph out of the West gusting to 10 Mph. I completed 18 miles today which is my normal loop. Y esterday UPS delivered the replacement head for my Planet Bike floor pump. The Planet Bike people are very helpful and understanding. After i called and explained my problem they were very quick to get the new head out to me. i would not hesitate to buy another pump from them if it is required.

I was able to get some time for a ride today, and the weather would have been just perfect if it wasn't for the wind. It was 47 degrees when I left and after riding 12 miles it was 61 degrees. I was a soaking wet mop after the drastic temperature change. The wind was coming from the NW at 7 Mph gusting to 14 making it hard on the up hill runs.