Good Bye July, Its been great to know you, Every day has been real summer and not one of those so so overcast cool weather sort of summer times.
Hot during the day and cool at night. Perfect for riding selected distances that work well with the heat.The summer smells here in New England have been wonderful. Hard to keep your eyes open while riding with the enjoyment of the summer flowers in spots of wetland.
We can only hope that August will be as nice to enjoy the style of life we ultamatly choose. Embrace it all and live it to its best.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Thank You
Thank You everyone who made the Bacchetta 3 day event a total success.
Hot and humid but fun, Great roads, great food and great people.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Bacchetta Three Day, July 23rd, 24th, 25th New Info
Come join us this coming weekend for 3 days of recumbent fun.
Last nights was a wash out. We went as a group to the Watch City Brewery for a great dinner.
Saturday July 24th, Bacchetta Breakfast ride. Ride starts in Wellesley Center at the parking lot at the train station by the post office in the square. There is a coffee shop near by. Group around 7:30 We will wait until 8:00 and heads straight for breakfast first and then for a moderate paced 30 mile tour of Boston's Metro West. Finish around 10:00am.
Saturday July 24th, 11:00-5:00 Belmont Wheelworks, Test rides, Fittings, Riding instruction. Come test ride a recumbent for the first time or try something new. John Schliter and Rich Pinto from Bacchetta will be out on the street with Bacchetta's full line of recumbent bicycles, answering questions and signing autographs.
Sunday July 25th. Bacchetta Southern New England Tour. Meet at 9:00am 5 Main Street, Dover,Ma. Ride starts at 9:30. 66 mile 16mph average paced tour with 42 mile cut off at the house/start, of the roads and sights you have enjoyed reading about and seeing on this blog. Ride will be posted here for GPS file and to print map. No Q sheets or street arrows. This ride is not for the squeamish and will require your best road skills.
Copy and paste the URL below for downloading the ride to your GPS device:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/41237600
Finish back in Dover for a Riders and Support Group BBQ, sponsored by Wheelworks, Bacchetta Bikes and Harpoon Brewery. Volunteers to help with the ride support will be greatly appreciated and welcome to the after event party.
Last nights was a wash out. We went as a group to the Watch City Brewery for a great dinner.
Saturday July 24th, Bacchetta Breakfast ride. Ride starts in Wellesley Center at the parking lot at the train station by the post office in the square. There is a coffee shop near by. Group around 7:30 We will wait until 8:00 and heads straight for breakfast first and then for a moderate paced 30 mile tour of Boston's Metro West. Finish around 10:00am.
Saturday July 24th, 11:00-5:00 Belmont Wheelworks, Test rides, Fittings, Riding instruction. Come test ride a recumbent for the first time or try something new. John Schliter and Rich Pinto from Bacchetta will be out on the street with Bacchetta's full line of recumbent bicycles, answering questions and signing autographs.
Sunday July 25th. Bacchetta Southern New England Tour. Meet at 9:00am 5 Main Street, Dover,Ma. Ride starts at 9:30. 66 mile 16mph average paced tour with 42 mile cut off at the house/start, of the roads and sights you have enjoyed reading about and seeing on this blog. Ride will be posted here for GPS file and to print map. No Q sheets or street arrows. This ride is not for the squeamish and will require your best road skills.
Copy and paste the URL below for downloading the ride to your GPS device:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/41237600
Finish back in Dover for a Riders and Support Group BBQ, sponsored by Wheelworks, Bacchetta Bikes and Harpoon Brewery. Volunteers to help with the ride support will be greatly appreciated and welcome to the after event party.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
The Recumbent Rider, Part Five, Me.
I thought it might be good to see how I would answer the questions, Here goes:
Q: What first attracted you to Recumbents and when did you first see one?
A: The moment I saw one I wanted one. Not because of pain, but it looked like a blast. That was about 1978 at the Bicycle Exchange in Harvard Square. There were a few that would come in from MIT students and the "Hobby Shop."
Dr. David Gordon Wilson was a customer as well as Dick Ryan. Bill Darby was building a torpedo like tandem that was used for the HPV Nationals.
It took years to actually have the money to put down and get one under me. But it was everything I expected and more.
Q:How long did it take you after you first wanted one to own one?
A: Twenty Years! I bought a second bike right after and two to play with.
Q:How long did it take for you to feel comfortable and safe riding on the street?
A:It took me about three days. It was only after riding in the woods that when I got back on the street I felt as if I was in total control.
Q:What are you riding for a Recumbent these days?
A: I'm riding a Bacchetta Corsa SS that I took the front derailleur off and ride as a 9 Speed. Its Great. When I'm riding alone, everything I see up ahead I catch up to, pass and totally drop. Not intentionally, but it just always seems to happen. My average speed when riding alone is 19mph.
Q:What kind of riding do you find yourself doing most? Touring, commuting, group rides?
A: I love doing the "Roll a coaster high speed blast" with friends. Forty miles seems to be the perfect distance and finish with a great lunch and cold beer, Lots of cold beer.
I also ride the bike into work on days that the roads are dry. Its 15 miles and can be done in about 45 minutes with all the stops.Its about 10 minutes faster then my fastest upright.
Q:What are your favorite things about riding a Recumbent?
A: The Heads up view. I love seeing the whole picture, from the ground to the sky. We live in a really beautiful part of the world and it wasn't until I started riding a recumbent that I could see it all. Its amazing the things you miss and I missed while on all my other bicycles.
I also love the rear view mirror. It gives me a view of everything and allows me to "Plan my future" by seeing where the car is and where it will pass me. It allows me to put the bike exactly where I need to be by seeing the cars coming.
Q:How do you find the Recumbent riders as people? Do you notice any differences to other friends and riders of uprights?
A: The Recumbents riders I have met are really fun folk. They understand a good joke and love the art of the ride. For the most part they are design conscious and love new things. Leaders and trend setters and not followers and trend followers for the sake of looking cool.
Q:What are your other favorite hobbies?
A: I love cooking, Music, Riding other styles of bicycles and watching movies. I try to see at least 4 a week.
Q:Do you see any difference in the ride compared to an upright style bicycle?
A: Recumbents are much faster with less work. There is a lot more coasting wich is wonderful when sitting back and looking up is what you do.
There is a lot less pain especially with your butt.
Q:Do you find hill climbing a much bigger problem then an upright style of bicycle, if at all?
A: Yes, I learned at a very early age how to rest while climbing hills on a upright by lifting your weight over the top of the crankset and falling over the top. Using the weight of your body to climb and your upper body to pull the frame like a lever to turn the cranks. It can not be done on a recumbent.
Q:Do you feel more invisible on your Recumbent then you do on an upright bicycle?
A: Some times. But I ride all bicycles as if I'm invisible and because of it, I'm still alive. People just don't see bicycles no matter what shape. Thinking that they do could be dangerous. Although once drivers see you, it seems as if they cant take there eyes off of you. You get cut off far less with a recumbent then a upright. I notice this when I get back on a upright after riding a recumbent for a long while.
Q: Would you take your Recumbent everywhere you would ride an upright?
A: Yes. Riding in the woods is a hoot and because the equal weight on the front and the rear wheel, less wheel worry. Its of course slower then a Mountain Bike or a Cyclo Cross bike of road, but when you need a break, it can be done and its wonderful.
Q:What's the longest ride you have ever done in a day on your Recumbent?
A: 164 miles, I was doing the B to B and went off course. By the time I had gotten back on, I had put on an extra 30 miles. It was about 90 degrees for most of the ride. I was fine.
Q:Would you recommend a Recumbent bicycle to a friend?
A: Yes, its my job. There are people that will never ride a recumbent that would love it, but that's them and their problem. I ride down some of the hills around here in Dover and think to myself, "Who wouldn't love that?" Sometimes I turn around and do the downhill again, Its that much fun!
Q:What do your friends and family think about you riding a Recumbent?
A: My good friend Barbara who has traveled across Spain and parts of France off road on a tandem with me on front, thinks there geeky. When were in her car on on the tandem and see a recumbent she says, "Geeky Guy! Geeky Guy" I always smile!
I like that there odd. I love passing even the fittest rider and totally smoking them. Lets put it this way: I wouldn't want to be on my upright and look over my shoulder and see a recumbent coming up. How humiliating!
Q: Do you listen to music while riding a Recumbent and do you feel safer with this style of bicycle doing so?
A: Yes, more so now because of a little speakered MP3 player the boys at Bacchetta gave me. I have it on top of the bag so its right in back of my head where I can hear it clearly without having it too loud.Having the rear view mirror allows me to see whats coming up so Recumbent riding I do listen, but upright on the road, I don't.
Q:How has the Recumbent changed your life?
A: Yes it has, but not as much as the great friends I have met riding them. I love to ride alone, but as a group, its better then any other style of riding. Really.
Q: What first attracted you to Recumbents and when did you first see one?
A: The moment I saw one I wanted one. Not because of pain, but it looked like a blast. That was about 1978 at the Bicycle Exchange in Harvard Square. There were a few that would come in from MIT students and the "Hobby Shop."
Dr. David Gordon Wilson was a customer as well as Dick Ryan. Bill Darby was building a torpedo like tandem that was used for the HPV Nationals.
It took years to actually have the money to put down and get one under me. But it was everything I expected and more.
Q:How long did it take you after you first wanted one to own one?
A: Twenty Years! I bought a second bike right after and two to play with.
Q:How long did it take for you to feel comfortable and safe riding on the street?
A:It took me about three days. It was only after riding in the woods that when I got back on the street I felt as if I was in total control.
Q:What are you riding for a Recumbent these days?
A: I'm riding a Bacchetta Corsa SS that I took the front derailleur off and ride as a 9 Speed. Its Great. When I'm riding alone, everything I see up ahead I catch up to, pass and totally drop. Not intentionally, but it just always seems to happen. My average speed when riding alone is 19mph.
Q:What kind of riding do you find yourself doing most? Touring, commuting, group rides?
A: I love doing the "Roll a coaster high speed blast" with friends. Forty miles seems to be the perfect distance and finish with a great lunch and cold beer, Lots of cold beer.
I also ride the bike into work on days that the roads are dry. Its 15 miles and can be done in about 45 minutes with all the stops.Its about 10 minutes faster then my fastest upright.
Q:What are your favorite things about riding a Recumbent?
A: The Heads up view. I love seeing the whole picture, from the ground to the sky. We live in a really beautiful part of the world and it wasn't until I started riding a recumbent that I could see it all. Its amazing the things you miss and I missed while on all my other bicycles.
I also love the rear view mirror. It gives me a view of everything and allows me to "Plan my future" by seeing where the car is and where it will pass me. It allows me to put the bike exactly where I need to be by seeing the cars coming.
Q:How do you find the Recumbent riders as people? Do you notice any differences to other friends and riders of uprights?
A: The Recumbents riders I have met are really fun folk. They understand a good joke and love the art of the ride. For the most part they are design conscious and love new things. Leaders and trend setters and not followers and trend followers for the sake of looking cool.
Q:What are your other favorite hobbies?
A: I love cooking, Music, Riding other styles of bicycles and watching movies. I try to see at least 4 a week.
Q:Do you see any difference in the ride compared to an upright style bicycle?
A: Recumbents are much faster with less work. There is a lot more coasting wich is wonderful when sitting back and looking up is what you do.
There is a lot less pain especially with your butt.
Q:Do you find hill climbing a much bigger problem then an upright style of bicycle, if at all?
A: Yes, I learned at a very early age how to rest while climbing hills on a upright by lifting your weight over the top of the crankset and falling over the top. Using the weight of your body to climb and your upper body to pull the frame like a lever to turn the cranks. It can not be done on a recumbent.
Q:Do you feel more invisible on your Recumbent then you do on an upright bicycle?
A: Some times. But I ride all bicycles as if I'm invisible and because of it, I'm still alive. People just don't see bicycles no matter what shape. Thinking that they do could be dangerous. Although once drivers see you, it seems as if they cant take there eyes off of you. You get cut off far less with a recumbent then a upright. I notice this when I get back on a upright after riding a recumbent for a long while.
Q: Would you take your Recumbent everywhere you would ride an upright?
A: Yes. Riding in the woods is a hoot and because the equal weight on the front and the rear wheel, less wheel worry. Its of course slower then a Mountain Bike or a Cyclo Cross bike of road, but when you need a break, it can be done and its wonderful.
Q:What's the longest ride you have ever done in a day on your Recumbent?
A: 164 miles, I was doing the B to B and went off course. By the time I had gotten back on, I had put on an extra 30 miles. It was about 90 degrees for most of the ride. I was fine.
Q:Would you recommend a Recumbent bicycle to a friend?
A: Yes, its my job. There are people that will never ride a recumbent that would love it, but that's them and their problem. I ride down some of the hills around here in Dover and think to myself, "Who wouldn't love that?" Sometimes I turn around and do the downhill again, Its that much fun!
Q:What do your friends and family think about you riding a Recumbent?
A: My good friend Barbara who has traveled across Spain and parts of France off road on a tandem with me on front, thinks there geeky. When were in her car on on the tandem and see a recumbent she says, "Geeky Guy! Geeky Guy" I always smile!
I like that there odd. I love passing even the fittest rider and totally smoking them. Lets put it this way: I wouldn't want to be on my upright and look over my shoulder and see a recumbent coming up. How humiliating!
Q: Do you listen to music while riding a Recumbent and do you feel safer with this style of bicycle doing so?
A: Yes, more so now because of a little speakered MP3 player the boys at Bacchetta gave me. I have it on top of the bag so its right in back of my head where I can hear it clearly without having it too loud.Having the rear view mirror allows me to see whats coming up so Recumbent riding I do listen, but upright on the road, I don't.
Q:How has the Recumbent changed your life?
A: Yes it has, but not as much as the great friends I have met riding them. I love to ride alone, but as a group, its better then any other style of riding. Really.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
The Recumbent Rider, Part 3, Dave C
Dave an I have been riding together for about eight years now. I met Doug through Dave and together we have done a good amount of evening adventures. It seems as if when we are together we laugh more then usual. Always a good time.
Here is how Dave C answered the questions:
Q: What first attracted you to Recumbents and when did you first see one?
A: I moved close enough to my work to be able to ride my bike. About 10 miles.
I road an upright for 2 days, and I was so sore (and not my leg muscles, if you
know what I mean) that I knew I would not continue. I had heard about WheelWorks,
and that they sold recumbent bikes there. I had an R40 shortly thereafter.
I think the first bent I saw was on Nantucket, about 1994.
Q: How long did it take you after you first wanted one to own one?
A: I always had an interest, but from the time I knew where to actually buy one
to the time I had one was a matter of weeks.
Q: How long did it take for you to feel comfortable and safe riding on the street?
A: Good question! I was riding around on my local streets pretty much immediately.
It only takes 30 seconds to learn to ride one if you have a good teacher. (SRC!)
But, I rode on my local streets for about a week before commuting to work.
Q: What are you riding for a Recumbent these days?
A: I have two bents: My original R40 which I use in the cold 1/2 of the year, and
a Bachetta Strada I use the rest of the time.
Q: What kind of riding do you find yourself doing most? Touring, commuting, group rides?
A: These days I use my bikes to run errands around town, and to do longer rides of 40-50
miles several times a week -- usually riding into Boston for one reason or another.
Q: What are your favorite things about riding a Recumbent?
A: I am comfortable and can ride all day with no soreness at all.
I do rides of 4-5 hours or more on a regular basis, and my aging body feels
fine!
Q: How do you find the Recumbent riders as people? Do you notice any differences to other friends and riders of uprights?
A: I think bent riders tend to be more open minded, and don't worry about what other people think.
I know riders who ride uprights, and are in pain doing so, but refuse to even try a bent because
they think people will think they are weird. Sad really.
Q: What are your other favorite hobbies?
A: Learning to cook, wood working, dabble in music composition.
Q: Do you see any difference in the ride compared to an upright style bicycle?
A: Yes, definitely. My precious butt is 100% more comfortable, along with the rest of
my body. This is important -- as we age, our body parts can wear out, you need to
take care of them. I have a friend who is over 70 and still riding his bent long miles.
The only thing I tell people who ask, and many do ask... is that the big difference for
me is riding up hills. You can not stand up on the pedals, so you just have to grind it out.
I have dealt with this by using a reliable gear system (Rohloff) and just riding a lot.
You learn to deal with hills in one way or the other.
Q: Do you find hill climbing a much bigger problem then an upright style of bicycle, if at all?
A: See previous.
Q: Do you feel more invisible on your Recumbent then you do on an upright bicycle?
A: No, not in the least. I am much more visible. This old perception was created
by people riding low-rider bents. Really not a problem at all.
Q: Would you take your Recumbent everywhere you would ride an upright?
A: Yup!
Q: What's the longest ride you have ever done in a day on your Recumbent?
A: Not sure... over 100 miles.
Q: Would you recommend a Recumbent bicycle to a friend?
A: I would and I have!
Q: What do your friends and family think about you riding a Recumbent?
A: They think it is great!
Q: Do you listen to music while riding a Recumbent and do you feel safer with this style of bicycle doing so?
A: I used to listen to music, but don't any more.
Q:: How has the Recumbent changed your life?
A: It has changed it a great deal! I love riding, and it is a big part of my life.
I love not being tied down in a car, and all the people I have met because I
was riding. Doing so much riding has given me a healthy looking set of legs
too!
Thanks Dave! SRC
Here is how Dave C answered the questions:
Q: What first attracted you to Recumbents and when did you first see one?
A: I moved close enough to my work to be able to ride my bike. About 10 miles.
I road an upright for 2 days, and I was so sore (and not my leg muscles, if you
know what I mean) that I knew I would not continue. I had heard about WheelWorks,
and that they sold recumbent bikes there. I had an R40 shortly thereafter.
I think the first bent I saw was on Nantucket, about 1994.
Q: How long did it take you after you first wanted one to own one?
A: I always had an interest, but from the time I knew where to actually buy one
to the time I had one was a matter of weeks.
Q: How long did it take for you to feel comfortable and safe riding on the street?
A: Good question! I was riding around on my local streets pretty much immediately.
It only takes 30 seconds to learn to ride one if you have a good teacher. (SRC!)
But, I rode on my local streets for about a week before commuting to work.
Q: What are you riding for a Recumbent these days?
A: I have two bents: My original R40 which I use in the cold 1/2 of the year, and
a Bachetta Strada I use the rest of the time.
Q: What kind of riding do you find yourself doing most? Touring, commuting, group rides?
A: These days I use my bikes to run errands around town, and to do longer rides of 40-50
miles several times a week -- usually riding into Boston for one reason or another.
Q: What are your favorite things about riding a Recumbent?
A: I am comfortable and can ride all day with no soreness at all.
I do rides of 4-5 hours or more on a regular basis, and my aging body feels
fine!
Q: How do you find the Recumbent riders as people? Do you notice any differences to other friends and riders of uprights?
A: I think bent riders tend to be more open minded, and don't worry about what other people think.
I know riders who ride uprights, and are in pain doing so, but refuse to even try a bent because
they think people will think they are weird. Sad really.
Q: What are your other favorite hobbies?
A: Learning to cook, wood working, dabble in music composition.
Q: Do you see any difference in the ride compared to an upright style bicycle?
A: Yes, definitely. My precious butt is 100% more comfortable, along with the rest of
my body. This is important -- as we age, our body parts can wear out, you need to
take care of them. I have a friend who is over 70 and still riding his bent long miles.
The only thing I tell people who ask, and many do ask... is that the big difference for
me is riding up hills. You can not stand up on the pedals, so you just have to grind it out.
I have dealt with this by using a reliable gear system (Rohloff) and just riding a lot.
You learn to deal with hills in one way or the other.
Q: Do you find hill climbing a much bigger problem then an upright style of bicycle, if at all?
A: See previous.
Q: Do you feel more invisible on your Recumbent then you do on an upright bicycle?
A: No, not in the least. I am much more visible. This old perception was created
by people riding low-rider bents. Really not a problem at all.
Q: Would you take your Recumbent everywhere you would ride an upright?
A: Yup!
Q: What's the longest ride you have ever done in a day on your Recumbent?
A: Not sure... over 100 miles.
Q: Would you recommend a Recumbent bicycle to a friend?
A: I would and I have!
Q: What do your friends and family think about you riding a Recumbent?
A: They think it is great!
Q: Do you listen to music while riding a Recumbent and do you feel safer with this style of bicycle doing so?
A: I used to listen to music, but don't any more.
Q:: How has the Recumbent changed your life?
A: It has changed it a great deal! I love riding, and it is a big part of my life.
I love not being tied down in a car, and all the people I have met because I
was riding. Doing so much riding has given me a healthy looking set of legs
too!
Thanks Dave! SRC
Saturday, July 10, 2010
The Recumbent Rider, Part Two, Doug
Doug and I have been rideing together now for about the last 7 years. Most of our ride have been evening city rides around town for dinner and drink. Always an adventure.
Doug will be riding the Pan Mass Challange on a recumbent ths year as he always has.
Here is how he answered the questions
Q: What first attracted you to Recumbents and when did you first see one?
A:Wanted a recumbent ever since the first time I saw someone riding one.
It was in the movie "Brainstorm" with Christopher Walken and Natalie
Wood. (Natalie Wood drowned during the shooting of that movie,
incidentally, but they managed to edit/release it posthumously.) Walken
played some "professor" type and rode a recumbent bike in a couple of
scenes. Turns out it was a Dick Ryan "Avatar 2000". You can see a
clip of the movie at
http://ryanownersclub.com/scrapbook/avatar/brainstorm/
Q: How long did it take you after you first wanted one to own one?
A:About 25 years. :-/
Q: How long did it take for you to feel comfortable and safe riding on the
street?
A:I was probably "street safe" after a few hours worth of riding around my
neighborhood. Took me a little while longer to lose my fear of riding in
traffic.
Q: What are you riding for a Recumbent these days?
A:For commuting to work & winter riding, I ride my 2003 Vision R40
(under-seat steering). For fair weather, open-road riding, I ride my
2008 Bacchetta Corsa SS.
Q: What kind of riding do you find yourself doing most? Touring, commuting,
group rides?
A:I bike to/from work (pretty much daily), and mostly do longer
rides (50+mi) when weather/time permit.
Q: What are your favorite things about riding a Recumbent?
A:I can stay out on the bike and cruise for hours with no pain at all.
Kids always say "Cool bike, man". ;-)
Q: How do you find the Recumbent riders as people? Do you notice any
differences to other friends and riders of uprights?
A:By virtue of the fact that they're riding such an "unusual" bike
already, I think it's safe to say that bent riders tend to be open to
new experiences. This is *not* to say that upright riders are not,
however. The "sport" of (upright) bike riding seems to be fairly
"group-focused", with pacelines and pellotons and what-not; whereas
recumbent riders don't (at least not yet) seem have that going on.
I.e., you're *very* unlikely to see a paceline of 6-10 recumbents
racing down a back road on a weekend morning... (*That* would be a
sight!)
Q: What are your other favorite hobbies?
A:Filling out questionnaires.
Q: Do you see any difference in the ride compared to an upright style bicycle?
A:I have zero pain in neck, shoulders, back or ass.
I have an unobstructed of the road and scenery. (My face is upward and not bent over,
trying to maintain an 'aero' position...)
Q: Do you find hill climbing a much bigger problem then an upright style of
bicycle, if at all?
A:I always drop behind uprights on the uphills, but pass them on the
downhills. I'd be slow on an upright too, since at 230lb my
'power/weight' ratio is just not *that* good. :-) I just gear down,
spin and try to relax and enjoy the view, knowing that the downhill will
be here eventually. ;-)
Q: Do you feel more invisible on your Recumbent then you do on an upright
bicycle?
A:Are you kidding ? People and *animals* stop and stare. That whole
"you're so low; you need a flag" is bullshit, unless you're on a trike
or a low-racer. My "helment" height when I'm on either of my bents is
only maybe a *foot* lower than a normal adult upright rider -- and when
they're in a 'aero tuck' I'm about the *same*.
Q: Would you take your Recumbent everywhere you would ride an upright?
A:Sure.
Q: What's the longest ride you have ever done in a day on your Recumbent?
A:120 mi.
Q: Would you recommend a Recumbent bicycle to a friend?
A:Absolutely!
Q: What do your friends and family think about you riding a Recumbent?
A:They think I'm a little weird, but smart. ;-)
Q: Do you listen to music while riding a Recumbent and do you feel safer with
this style of bicycle doing so?
A:No. Never. I could *never* ride with earphones on. I want to be able to
hear *everything* that's going on around me (e.g., cars/trucks
approaching from rear, dog tags clinking when some unchained doberman
decides to launch a sneak attack, etc.) Also, I've found that my brain
works pretty much a like an iPod on crazy-shuffle: I start hearing music
in my head that lines up with the my cadence, scencery, state of mind
etc while I'm riding. Sometimes a song is triggered by something I
see/hear while riding, or something I overhear from a car that's passing
me, etc. I seem to have quite a large collection of tunes tucked away
in my gray matter -- how they get on my 'internal bike playlist' is a
happy mystery to me... ;-)
Q: How has the Recumbent changed your life?
A: Made new friends.
Got in better shape.
Got me involved in raising money for cancer research (PMC)
Made bike riding a ready source of enjoyment again
I bike more and use a car less (commuting, errands, etc)
Thanks Doug, SRC
Doug will be riding the Pan Mass Challange on a recumbent ths year as he always has.
Here is how he answered the questions
Q: What first attracted you to Recumbents and when did you first see one?
A:Wanted a recumbent ever since the first time I saw someone riding one.
It was in the movie "Brainstorm" with Christopher Walken and Natalie
Wood. (Natalie Wood drowned during the shooting of that movie,
incidentally, but they managed to edit/release it posthumously.) Walken
played some "professor" type and rode a recumbent bike in a couple of
scenes. Turns out it was a Dick Ryan "Avatar 2000". You can see a
clip of the movie at
http://ryanownersclub.com/scrapbook/avatar/brainstorm/
Q: How long did it take you after you first wanted one to own one?
A:About 25 years. :-/
Q: How long did it take for you to feel comfortable and safe riding on the
street?
A:I was probably "street safe" after a few hours worth of riding around my
neighborhood. Took me a little while longer to lose my fear of riding in
traffic.
Q: What are you riding for a Recumbent these days?
A:For commuting to work & winter riding, I ride my 2003 Vision R40
(under-seat steering). For fair weather, open-road riding, I ride my
2008 Bacchetta Corsa SS.
Q: What kind of riding do you find yourself doing most? Touring, commuting,
group rides?
A:I bike to/from work (pretty much daily), and mostly do longer
rides (50+mi) when weather/time permit.
Q: What are your favorite things about riding a Recumbent?
A:I can stay out on the bike and cruise for hours with no pain at all.
Kids always say "Cool bike, man". ;-)
Q: How do you find the Recumbent riders as people? Do you notice any
differences to other friends and riders of uprights?
A:By virtue of the fact that they're riding such an "unusual" bike
already, I think it's safe to say that bent riders tend to be open to
new experiences. This is *not* to say that upright riders are not,
however. The "sport" of (upright) bike riding seems to be fairly
"group-focused", with pacelines and pellotons and what-not; whereas
recumbent riders don't (at least not yet) seem have that going on.
I.e., you're *very* unlikely to see a paceline of 6-10 recumbents
racing down a back road on a weekend morning... (*That* would be a
sight!)
Q: What are your other favorite hobbies?
A:Filling out questionnaires.
Q: Do you see any difference in the ride compared to an upright style bicycle?
A:I have zero pain in neck, shoulders, back or ass.
I have an unobstructed of the road and scenery. (My face is upward and not bent over,
trying to maintain an 'aero' position...)
Q: Do you find hill climbing a much bigger problem then an upright style of
bicycle, if at all?
A:I always drop behind uprights on the uphills, but pass them on the
downhills. I'd be slow on an upright too, since at 230lb my
'power/weight' ratio is just not *that* good. :-) I just gear down,
spin and try to relax and enjoy the view, knowing that the downhill will
be here eventually. ;-)
Q: Do you feel more invisible on your Recumbent then you do on an upright
bicycle?
A:Are you kidding ? People and *animals* stop and stare. That whole
"you're so low; you need a flag" is bullshit, unless you're on a trike
or a low-racer. My "helment" height when I'm on either of my bents is
only maybe a *foot* lower than a normal adult upright rider -- and when
they're in a 'aero tuck' I'm about the *same*.
Q: Would you take your Recumbent everywhere you would ride an upright?
A:Sure.
Q: What's the longest ride you have ever done in a day on your Recumbent?
A:120 mi.
Q: Would you recommend a Recumbent bicycle to a friend?
A:Absolutely!
Q: What do your friends and family think about you riding a Recumbent?
A:They think I'm a little weird, but smart. ;-)
Q: Do you listen to music while riding a Recumbent and do you feel safer with
this style of bicycle doing so?
A:No. Never. I could *never* ride with earphones on. I want to be able to
hear *everything* that's going on around me (e.g., cars/trucks
approaching from rear, dog tags clinking when some unchained doberman
decides to launch a sneak attack, etc.) Also, I've found that my brain
works pretty much a like an iPod on crazy-shuffle: I start hearing music
in my head that lines up with the my cadence, scencery, state of mind
etc while I'm riding. Sometimes a song is triggered by something I
see/hear while riding, or something I overhear from a car that's passing
me, etc. I seem to have quite a large collection of tunes tucked away
in my gray matter -- how they get on my 'internal bike playlist' is a
happy mystery to me... ;-)
Q: How has the Recumbent changed your life?
A: Made new friends.
Got in better shape.
Got me involved in raising money for cancer research (PMC)
Made bike riding a ready source of enjoyment again
I bike more and use a car less (commuting, errands, etc)
Thanks Doug, SRC
Friday, July 9, 2010
The Recumbent Rider. Part One, Brad
Brad and I have been riding together for about 7 months now. Every ride has been great. Here are Brad's answers to the questions of the Recumbent Riders Survey:
Q: What first attracted you to Recumbents and when did you first see one?
A: I have been riding bikes for a long time and have seen recumbents just as long. It seems every year I see more and more. Though, I never got a really good look at one since they were moving by me so quickly. Perhaps it wasn't the speed but that my upright bike just offered me a limited field of view.
Q: How long did it take you after you first wanted one to own one?
A: Scott Chamerlain knew I wanted a recumbent before I did. Consequently, once he convinced me, which was only a test ride away, I wanted one too. It took me about 2 months to gather my funds for a new Bacchetta Corsa.
Q: How long did it take for you to feel comfortable and safe riding on the street?
A: Perhaps I have balance problems. One wouldn't think so as I manage to stay upright after copious amounts of beer and I practice that daily; however, it took me a bit to feel comfortable on my recumbent. I felt completely comfortable after 100 miles. That might be an unusually long time but I was learning to ride it in February in New England on the ice. I took it down Mass Ave in Cambridge on my first day. I must apologize to all the drives for swerving in front of them so many times. I now appear to be a completely sober rider holding my line just fine.
Q: What are you riding for a Recumbent these days?
A: I am riding my recumbent for fun, exercise, to see the outrageously beautiful scenery in New England, and to spend time with friends. Oh, sometimes I even use it to get to where I need to go.
Q: What kind of riding do you find yourself doing most? Touring, commuting, group rides?
A: Touring, group rides, and beer runs.
Q: What are your favorite things about riding a Recumbent?
A: I can ride the bike all day and my body feels fine the next. Nothing hurts. Also, the view is unbeatable. They are so fast and fun.
Q: How do you find the Recumbent riders as people? Do you notice any differences to other friends and riders of uprights?
A: Recumbent riders are great. They are more social than riders of uprights. In both upright and recumbent groups you find the fast, the racers, the ice cream run, and the social riders. In contrast though, the recumbent riders are always willing to let other "groups" go along and are way more fun after the rides.
Q: What are your other favorite hobbies?
A: Cooking
Q: Do you see any difference in the ride compared to an upright style bicycle?
A: A huge difference. On an upright you have a seat connected to a metal post pointed directly up your butt. In contrast, on a recumbent you sit on a long pole suspended between two wheels. On my recumbent my arms, shoulders, lower back and butt never get sore. Also, the view as I am riding along is far superior on my recumbent. My recumbent brings my Lazy-Boy with me on the rides and it is still a sportier machine than my racing upright.
Q: Do you find hill climbing a much bigger problem then an upright style of bicycle, if at all?
A: I find it the same.
Q: Do you feel more invisible on your Recumbent then you do on an upright bicycle?
A: No. People find recumbents more interesting and they attract their attention more. Plus, when I set my recumbent next to my upright, they are at the same height.
Q: Would you take your Recumbent everywhere you would ride an upright?
A: Yes.
Q: What's the longest ride you have ever done in a day on your Recumbent?
A: About 120 miles.
Q: Would you recommend a Recumbent bicycle to a friend?
A: Yes, Yes, and Yes. Why would I recommend any other bike?
Q: What do your friends and family think about you riding a Recumbent?
A: Well, my parents now each own one. Some of my friends think it is completely stupid, but the smarter ones are beginning to consider a recumbent for themselves.
Q: Do you listen to music while riding a Recumbent and do you feel safer with this style of bicycle doing so?
A: I don't like to listen to music while I ride. I want to be able to hear the traffic and wind.
Q: How has the Recumbent changed your life?
A: I enjoy riding more. I have met amazing people and had great times that I cannot stop telling stories about.
Q: What first attracted you to Recumbents and when did you first see one?
A: I have been riding bikes for a long time and have seen recumbents just as long. It seems every year I see more and more. Though, I never got a really good look at one since they were moving by me so quickly. Perhaps it wasn't the speed but that my upright bike just offered me a limited field of view.
Q: How long did it take you after you first wanted one to own one?
A: Scott Chamerlain knew I wanted a recumbent before I did. Consequently, once he convinced me, which was only a test ride away, I wanted one too. It took me about 2 months to gather my funds for a new Bacchetta Corsa.
Q: How long did it take for you to feel comfortable and safe riding on the street?
A: Perhaps I have balance problems. One wouldn't think so as I manage to stay upright after copious amounts of beer and I practice that daily; however, it took me a bit to feel comfortable on my recumbent. I felt completely comfortable after 100 miles. That might be an unusually long time but I was learning to ride it in February in New England on the ice. I took it down Mass Ave in Cambridge on my first day. I must apologize to all the drives for swerving in front of them so many times. I now appear to be a completely sober rider holding my line just fine.
Q: What are you riding for a Recumbent these days?
A: I am riding my recumbent for fun, exercise, to see the outrageously beautiful scenery in New England, and to spend time with friends. Oh, sometimes I even use it to get to where I need to go.
Q: What kind of riding do you find yourself doing most? Touring, commuting, group rides?
A: Touring, group rides, and beer runs.
Q: What are your favorite things about riding a Recumbent?
A: I can ride the bike all day and my body feels fine the next. Nothing hurts. Also, the view is unbeatable. They are so fast and fun.
Q: How do you find the Recumbent riders as people? Do you notice any differences to other friends and riders of uprights?
A: Recumbent riders are great. They are more social than riders of uprights. In both upright and recumbent groups you find the fast, the racers, the ice cream run, and the social riders. In contrast though, the recumbent riders are always willing to let other "groups" go along and are way more fun after the rides.
Q: What are your other favorite hobbies?
A: Cooking
Q: Do you see any difference in the ride compared to an upright style bicycle?
A: A huge difference. On an upright you have a seat connected to a metal post pointed directly up your butt. In contrast, on a recumbent you sit on a long pole suspended between two wheels. On my recumbent my arms, shoulders, lower back and butt never get sore. Also, the view as I am riding along is far superior on my recumbent. My recumbent brings my Lazy-Boy with me on the rides and it is still a sportier machine than my racing upright.
Q: Do you find hill climbing a much bigger problem then an upright style of bicycle, if at all?
A: I find it the same.
Q: Do you feel more invisible on your Recumbent then you do on an upright bicycle?
A: No. People find recumbents more interesting and they attract their attention more. Plus, when I set my recumbent next to my upright, they are at the same height.
Q: Would you take your Recumbent everywhere you would ride an upright?
A: Yes.
Q: What's the longest ride you have ever done in a day on your Recumbent?
A: About 120 miles.
Q: Would you recommend a Recumbent bicycle to a friend?
A: Yes, Yes, and Yes. Why would I recommend any other bike?
Q: What do your friends and family think about you riding a Recumbent?
A: Well, my parents now each own one. Some of my friends think it is completely stupid, but the smarter ones are beginning to consider a recumbent for themselves.
Q: Do you listen to music while riding a Recumbent and do you feel safer with this style of bicycle doing so?
A: I don't like to listen to music while I ride. I want to be able to hear the traffic and wind.
Q: How has the Recumbent changed your life?
A: I enjoy riding more. I have met amazing people and had great times that I cannot stop telling stories about.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
The Recumbent Rider
There are many different reasons to ride a bicycle as well as a recumbent.
The less expensive mode of transportation has become reason enough for many city dwellers to give up driving and take to the streets on two wheels, self powered.
The fun of just getting out and being in the air is reason enough to want to ride. The constant arrival of beautiful spots here in New England or for the simple reason of always getting the perfect parking spot while shopping.
Recumbents on the other hand take a different sort of folk to consider the different riding style. Some for the lack of pain and others just to be different and go fast.
Over the next month or so, I will be interviewing Recumbent Riders and take a look at why we love this heads up style of riding so much.
Readers and riders of the 'Bent" who would like to be part of the survey please email me at the address to the right. Maybe we will see you soon at BOSRUG!
The less expensive mode of transportation has become reason enough for many city dwellers to give up driving and take to the streets on two wheels, self powered.
The fun of just getting out and being in the air is reason enough to want to ride. The constant arrival of beautiful spots here in New England or for the simple reason of always getting the perfect parking spot while shopping.
Recumbents on the other hand take a different sort of folk to consider the different riding style. Some for the lack of pain and others just to be different and go fast.
Over the next month or so, I will be interviewing Recumbent Riders and take a look at why we love this heads up style of riding so much.
Readers and riders of the 'Bent" who would like to be part of the survey please email me at the address to the right. Maybe we will see you soon at BOSRUG!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Tuesday's Ride, 7-6-2010
Hot, Hot! One Hundred Degrees, (In the sun)
Recumbent riding in the heat is times of heavy pedaling broken up with hanging out in a reclined comfortable seat in the shade with a cool breeze.
It would be hard to explain how much better the bike works on a hot day. One has to experience it first hand.
We met in front of the Grist Mill at the Wayside Inn at 10:00. Three riders.
The plan was to do a comfortable social route to the "Trestle" in Framingham to check out the Tag Art in the train tunnel, stop for water at the Sheraton Terra and back to the Inn for a light lunch.
After being turned around for a while, we made it to Route 30 and onto the "outdoor art gallery."
There were many new pieces, some of what were the best ever and of my 30 years of visits.
Recumbent riding in the heat is times of heavy pedaling broken up with hanging out in a reclined comfortable seat in the shade with a cool breeze.
It would be hard to explain how much better the bike works on a hot day. One has to experience it first hand.
We met in front of the Grist Mill at the Wayside Inn at 10:00. Three riders.
The plan was to do a comfortable social route to the "Trestle" in Framingham to check out the Tag Art in the train tunnel, stop for water at the Sheraton Terra and back to the Inn for a light lunch.
After being turned around for a while, we made it to Route 30 and onto the "outdoor art gallery."
There were many new pieces, some of what were the best ever and of my 30 years of visits.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
The 4th of July Ride
The Fourth of July is the time to ride a bicycle. Every 4th, for at least the past 40 years I have done some kind of special day ride. 
This year was no different and just possibly, one of the best!
We met in Dover around 9:00 and after getting everything together were on the road with 4 cameras, 4 riders and 4 smiles.
Staying for most of the ride in the shade on back roads, we did all the favorites. Wilsondale, Dover road, Hartford st, Nebo, Phillip's. We made our way through Medfield Center and on to School st and then to the Medfield State Hospital Property and on to a dirt road. Screams of joy were heard from the back of the group, that this at that moment had become a "Real BOSRUG adventure!"
Much to our surprise we had a real life Tucan, (according to Brad and Me) cross the dirt road right in front of us. (Danni clams it was a Woodcock :)
Yesterdays header shot showed the field and the Rockey Narrows overlook.
Over the top of the little rise we could see that the Radio Controlled Model Airplane Group was flying today. The plane in the air was a new electric type and totally silent.
There were 5 pilots and about 4 planes and two helicopters waiting their turn. We stayed for enough time to be completely dazzled with the handling talent of one fellow with a nitro powered 4 foot wing span stunt model.
Very exciting.
We made our way back to the street and shortly later back into the shade.
The ride wasn't long or fast, but fun. We were back to the house by Noon and ready to start the afternoon feast of Roast Turkey and Steamed Salmon , Yumm!
This year was no different and just possibly, one of the best!
We met in Dover around 9:00 and after getting everything together were on the road with 4 cameras, 4 riders and 4 smiles.
Staying for most of the ride in the shade on back roads, we did all the favorites. Wilsondale, Dover road, Hartford st, Nebo, Phillip's. We made our way through Medfield Center and on to School st and then to the Medfield State Hospital Property and on to a dirt road. Screams of joy were heard from the back of the group, that this at that moment had become a "Real BOSRUG adventure!"
Much to our surprise we had a real life Tucan, (according to Brad and Me) cross the dirt road right in front of us. (Danni clams it was a Woodcock :)
Yesterdays header shot showed the field and the Rockey Narrows overlook.
Over the top of the little rise we could see that the Radio Controlled Model Airplane Group was flying today. The plane in the air was a new electric type and totally silent.
There were 5 pilots and about 4 planes and two helicopters waiting their turn. We stayed for enough time to be completely dazzled with the handling talent of one fellow with a nitro powered 4 foot wing span stunt model.
Very exciting.
We made our way back to the street and shortly later back into the shade.
The ride wasn't long or fast, but fun. We were back to the house by Noon and ready to start the afternoon feast of Roast Turkey and Steamed Salmon , Yumm!
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Happy 4th of July!
What a great time of year and a wonderful time for friends and family alike.
Here's wishing you a day filled with exactly what you want to do and how you see fit!
Get out, find that shady spot and enjoy the heat while its here.
Happy Fourth of July everyone!
Here's wishing you a day filled with exactly what you want to do and how you see fit!
Get out, find that shady spot and enjoy the heat while its here.
Happy Fourth of July everyone!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Fourth of July Ride Anouncement
Join us for a moderate paced Fourth of July morning ride.
Forty miles of scenic bliss on what looks like will be a beautiful morning here in Southern New England.
Ride starts at 9:00 at 5 Main Street, Dover.
Questions? Email me at the address to the right.
Check back later for photos and and story about todays ride.
Forty miles of scenic bliss on what looks like will be a beautiful morning here in Southern New England.
Ride starts at 9:00 at 5 Main Street, Dover.
Questions? Email me at the address to the right.
Check back later for photos and and story about todays ride.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
July 2010!
The weather here in Southern New England is the best for what we love to do, Riding now can be done with little clothing and freedom of movement better then if we needed to cover up to stay warm.
The past 2 days here has been perfect. Hot in the sun and cool in the shade. Outdoor living has been dream like. Everyone and Everything seems to notice. Even the birds seem to be happier with the lower humidity then earlier in the week.
Get out and find that spot and enjoy July while we can and while it's here.
The past 2 days here has been perfect. Hot in the sun and cool in the shade. Outdoor living has been dream like. Everyone and Everything seems to notice. Even the birds seem to be happier with the lower humidity then earlier in the week.
Get out and find that spot and enjoy July while we can and while it's here.
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