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Message started by Bud_Bent on Jul 30th, 2008, 7:18pm

Title: Introduce yourself!
Post by Bud_Bent on Jul 30th, 2008, 7:18pm

The forum is getting so many members now, let's do a sticky thread where everyone can introduce themselves. Tell as much or little about yourself as you like.

I'm 57 years old (as of the date of this post) and live in Arlington with my wife, Rose (Rose Pedal on the forum), and our two Chihuahuas. Our kids have already grown up and flown the nest. I work as a CNC maintenance technician, 9 hours a day, 5 days a week, so my riding is strictly evenings and weekends.

I've been on a 'bent since September, 2004. Back issues caused me to choose recumbents to ride. In addition to the bikes in my signature, I also ride an EZ Tandem with my wife. I do quite a few Fort Worth Bicycling Association club rides, as well as randonneuring rides with the Lone Star Randonneurs. I also try to ride two or three weekday evenings every week, starting either at home, or at the Joe Pool Lake dam, which is nearby.

I really concentrated on getting stronger and faster in 2007, doing more hill climbing and upping my annual riding miles to 6,000, and racing with the Reclining Flyers 4 man team at The Texas Time Trials in the fall, then gave all those gains back with serious health issues during the winter and spring.

I joined the rbent yahoo group in late 2004, then when spammers took over early in 2007, and the group moderators couldn't be found, I started this forum. Thanks to some very friendly, outgoing, and helpful members, it has become a great source of information for North Texas recumbent riders. There are riders here of all sizes, ages, speeds, and styles, and we welcome input from all of them.

I encourage everyone to post an introduction in this thread to give all those, who haven't actually met you in person yet, a better idea of who you are. And here I am.

http://i.imgur.com/8MKS5bW.jpg

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FooRider on Jul 30th, 2008, 7:48pm

My name is Mike, and I'm 47. I live in Allen with my wife, Cheryl (a.k.a., "Turtle") and our two cats.

I got back on a bike in 2003, starting on a comfort bike before graduating to a mountain bike and then a road bike. After riding the road bike for a season, I had to admit that my neck and back problems were keeping me from riding for longer and longer periods. I spent the early part of 2006 undergoing MRIs and bike fittings with little improvement. Easter weekend, I brought a Bacchetta Corsa home from PC&F to evaluate and never took it back.

I did stop by to pay for it, of course.

I've got a couple MS 150s a bunch of charity rides and even more weekend club rides under my wheels since then, for a little over 5,000 miles. Paltry, by the standards of long riders like Bud, Paul, and the Pettys - but I does what I can.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2272/2085067157_b33fff3188.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/foorider/2085067157/)

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by aikigreg on Jul 30th, 2008, 11:18pm

Hi, I'm Greg.  I teach High School Spanish and coach baseball and, when possible, wrestling.  I've also been in the martial arts for nearly 30 years now, hence the name.  36 years old and rediscovered the fun of biking WAY too late after racing BMX as a kid.  

I consider myself first a racer.  I'm obsessed with going fast on a bike.  But I love to commute and do randonnuering rides as well.  I just find it cool to get around under my own power.  

I have dreams of racing in RAAM in 09 or 10, and breaking a few records as I can, but I'd also like ot do one of those cross-country cycling trips, and retire early in life enough to travel and cycle around the world.  We'll see.

Oh, and I'm a bike 'ho.  If you've got a question on a bent, I've probably ridden it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/aikigreg/bike/HorseCountryTT-gold.jpg

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Strada177 on Jul 31st, 2008, 9:23am

My name is Steve. I live in Frisco with my wife(Peggy ,also known as mrsstrada on the forum). I'm 45 years old. I had four back surgeries from '01-'04. In 2006,Peggy signed up for the Richardson Wild Ride as part of newly found fitness program. She has lost 70lbs since time(from cycling/eating healthy).

I didn't ride with her, but was intrigued by the start of the rally. When she returned form her "epic" 16 mile journey, I commented on how cool the rally was. With the back surgeries,I can't ride an upright. Peggy responds "why don't you go over there & look at those funny bikes "(at the finish line  a collection of 'bents that had already finished the race)?

The following Monday(after spending all weekend on the 'net researching recumbents),I drove to Plano Cycle & Fitness and purchased a Bacchetta Cafe. I rode the Cafe for approx. 1 year. My first rally was the Collin classic & I rode a whopping 22 miles!! In the Spring of '07 ,both Peggy & I purchased Bacchetta Stradas from Plano Cycling( the Cafe was sold to Dianna & now Jman-keepin' it in the Rbent family).

In 2007 ,I rode my first century(100 miles) at H'NH & then was asked to join the Reclining Flyers , a 4 person recumbent team at the Texas Time Trials(500 miles-42 hours. What an awesome team!)last year. Then in October 2007,Ray Torrey(bikerteam on the forum) asked Peggy & to join the Lone Star Randonneurs(long distance,unsupported bike rides).

Peggy & I have come along way in a short time(and have a long way to go),but the thing that is most memorable/important for me is the incredible friends that we have made since our first ride with the Rbent group back in the June ,2006.

And I don't have "cool" pictures or graphics like the previous Rbenters. That's how I roll.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Jul 31st, 2008, 9:46am


Strada177 wrote:
My name is Steve....
And I don't have "cool" pictures or graphics like the previous Rbenters. That's how I roll.



Ohhhh, yes, you do....  and this is the view most people get of you...  ;)

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g73/flyinglazboy/100_8550.jpg

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Strada177 on Jul 31st, 2008, 10:39am

Paul ,thanks for the "cool" picture. I should have known you would come up with a picture or two. We'll miss you Saturday ,but enjoy your time with Terrie.

-Steve

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FooRider on Jul 31st, 2008, 9:13pm


FlyingLaZBoy wrote:
Ohhhh, yes, you do....  and this is the view most people get of you...  ;)

...Paul being one of relatively few riders who could get close enough for that view. Mine is usually from much, much farther away.

I like the fact that you actually can see Steve's face in that large-ish mirror of his.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Jul 31st, 2008, 10:41pm


FooRider wrote:
...you actually can see Steve's face in that large-ish mirror of his.


One reason for choosing that particular photograph...   :)

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by evblazer on Jul 31st, 2008, 10:42pm

Me trying to be fast :D
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/2718694940_6ab98f64d6_m.jpg
I live in Double Oak with my wife Christine (Shantar) who is also a commuter that rides a recumbent. Working down in Irving has cut down my 5 day a week commute to 3 but I'm trying to keep it up or step it up eventually.
I started commuting back in Connecticut and would ride my bike 20 miles round trip to the train station so I could nap on the 90+ minute Journey to NYC. When I was up there I rode 12 months a year up there regardless of weather. I had a hybrid with studded snow tires and disc brakes for the winter and eventually got a BikeE for the summer.
Then I got moved to Texas. Took a few years off riding when I first moved here for various reasons including being convinced by everyone including experienced riders I worked with that it was impossible. I probably only rode 200 miles in those 2 1/2 years or so with one or two attempted commutes on monday holidays.
Then my wife started commuting on her bike to her job working for Flower Mound and helped me find a route. My job was moving from 10 miles to 22 miles away and well my old junker of an Electric Truck just wasn't going to do that reliably on highways. So thanks to my wife it all restarted in May of 2007.
Nearly 8,000 miles on the bike since then and some of these crazy folks have me thinking about riding in the Texas Time Trials.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by jman on Aug 1st, 2008, 4:24pm

Let me introduce myself, I am a man of independent means.....oh wait..that line has already been used,. ;D Actually I am retired and live on my pension. So my bikes help me beat inflation at the gas pump and have fun at the same time.
Recumbents aren't original to our generation either but that doesn't mean they aren't reinvented over and over again. They have been with us for over a hundred years now, yet they seem to be a well kept secret in todays busy world. I don't understand why though because they are a lot more comfortable to ride and for some of us the best way to get just about everywhere.
   HI, I'm Joe and I am a recumbentholic  ;D  I can't get enough of them, having only been active as a rider for the past three years (in this lifetime at least) I have owned or ridden on a BikeE (OSS), an   ActionBent Tidal Wave (USS), a home built long wheel base Tour Easy clone (OSS), a home built tadpole Trike, a Sun EZ 3 Delta style trike, Sun EZ Rider CX suspended (OSS) recumbent, Lightning Thunderbolt USS,  Sun EZ 1 OSS, ActionBent Tango (OSS) and my current recumbent and favorite Bacchetta Cafe' OSS. If I have left someone out, sorry, so many recumbents, so little time to try them all out  :D
http://km5cw.org/images/Joe Cafe-.jpg
    Recumbents are great not only for the able bodied, but our crew here at rbent has riders of varied physical conditions. I am 60 years young, live in NE Ft.Worth and my favorite ride hang out is River Legacy Park in Arlington. It is just a little over 4 miles from my apartment home and has about 14 miles of protected wide hike and bike trails. I like to ride there at least 4 to 5 times a week. I have an overall avg speed in the park of 11.60 mph. That may not seem real fast, but I tend to take my time and enjoy the landscape along with its various creatures.
    If you are just reading up on the bents, we have one to suit just about everyone. If you want to take some test rides and don't feel like just tooling around in a bike shop parking lot, we can in most cases help you out in that area. All riders and potential riders are welcome to our little piece of cyber space.
** OSS= above seat steering
** USS Under Seat Steering
Bents = recumbents


Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by aikigreg on Aug 1st, 2008, 4:49pm

Hey Joe, not to nitpick but it looks to me like your leg is overextending based on that pic - have you brought the seat closer since then?

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by jman on Aug 1st, 2008, 5:12pm


aikigreg wrote:
Hey Joe, not to nitpick but it looks to me like your leg is overextending based on that pic - have you brought the seat closer since then?

pick pick pick  :D I hadn't even done the first adjustment when I had my son get a picture for me and those are not my riding shoes. But it is a great point to mention for new riders. It is amazing how dramatic
even 0.25" can make in any direction on these bents. Since we can't "stand on our pedals" like traditional uprights, we rely much more on our X-Seam , seat angle, distance the arm is to the handlebars and so on. Which is another great reason for anyone just getting started to be involved with rbent or similar group of riders to help you get your new bent set up for you.
Is that proper enough explanation Greg? If you can put my thoughts in a clearer package for new riders it just may help get a new rider the advice they need.
8-)

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by aikigreg on Aug 1st, 2008, 6:40pm

meh...I do it by feel mostly now anyway.  I know I'm technically closer to the pedals on my tica than I should be, but it keeps me more stable on the bike.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Richard on Aug 1st, 2008, 6:52pm

Greetings Everyone,

My name is Richard Cooper. Some of you probably figured out the drahcirrepooc. Its just cooperrichard backwards. Don't ask me why. High cholesterol and BP drove me back to the only sport I really enjoyed, biking. My recumbent wandering began in the summer of 2005. My first trip to Whiterock lake on the Schwinn Sidewinder I had, dang nearly broke my butt. By the time I rode the 22 miles I was hurting all over. I was saying to myself, "I am too old for this"! Later on whilst riding in a park nearby my house, I saw my son's best friend's dad and mom (the Lots) riding some weird looking bikes. Of course I had to stop and yak awhile. He gave me the bent lowdown. My mind started spinning and I went looking. Yoikes! Man I don't have money for that! I found and purchased a Bentech tube set and began building my bike. (There's another whole story just about that!) That was about June of 2005. Around March of 2006 it was finished. A fine creature with the most comfy seat you can imagine. (I ditched it because it weighed 10 pounds though). I began riding with this group through the forum that summer. I rode the Bentech 2006 and spring of 2007. Linda and I experienced a painful windfall and she bought me the Corsa. Man what a change. I love that bike. For all of my miles on the Bentech, I averaged 12mph. I was really working to get that. I am up now to about a 14mph average and can do that for 40-50 miles. It has taken two years for me to get my legs back.

I ride for the health benefits and getting to hang out with my wife and all my whacky bent up friends. I compete mostly with myself but do get a special zing out of passing a DF or two. It is a good feeling being 55 years old and still being able to do what we do.

See you down the road,

Richard Cooper

http://C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Desktop\dsc00457.jpeg

http://C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Desktop\dsc00453.jpeg

http://C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Desktop\dsc00299.jpeg

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Richard on Aug 1st, 2008, 6:59pm

Dang it all

I cant seem to make the insert photo work.....


http://public.fotki.com/drahcir1/recumbent-pictures/

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Brad Bedell on Aug 1st, 2008, 10:03pm

Hi, my name is Brad.  I'm 36, married and have been addicted to all forms of cycling for 2 years now.  I tend to be very competitive oriented on the DF, Off-road mountain riding and now I'm trying to start a recumbent collection.    

Mark has a pretty decent photo of me on my Blue Baron. Maybe he'll be kind enough to share it.  

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by irodguy on Aug 1st, 2008, 10:24pm

Wow you are building a collection quickly!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Opus the Poet on Aug 2nd, 2008, 12:49am

Howdy, I'm Opus aka John if you want to send me a check ;D I used to have a collection of home made 'bents to go with my 1983 Stratus, but now I only have my car-show bike (looks great, goes real fast on the flats or slightly downhill, can't climb worth beans), and the Stratus. I'm trying to get a Fusion crank-forward bike up and running so my wife will have something to take to the grocery store, and I'm also trying to get the FWD folding bike finished. I have more projects than I have money to build them... One thing's for sure, I never get bored.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by irodguy on Aug 2nd, 2008, 10:39am

Hi my name is Rod.  I rode road bikes for years and commuted to work for most of 80s and mid 90s.  Then we started working long hours, I gained 75 lbs and my back started getting worse.  Three years ago I tried a Stratus, but the bike store just was not really good at explaining "bent balance", so I ended up purchasing a trike, I kept if for a bit over a year.  I then purchased a LWB cycle genius after a friend better explained how to sit ..., then I bought a Strada with some great help from Mark @ PowerON amazing that he can run about half a mile holding me up!  I sold the Cycle Genius and purchased a GRR.  Looks like the GRR will be my "main" bike.

I ride nights during the summer from 8:30 ish to 10:30 ish.  I just don't like the sun beating down on me.  

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk91/irodguy/BigCatVenice.jpg

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Aug 2nd, 2008, 5:11pm

Paul Brown, here…  a.k.a., Recumbent Papparazzi Menace…  8-)

I actually used to do ~25 mile rides back in high school daze, riding solo around a country road loop outside of my little hometown in western Ohio…  Moved to Dallas after college, and used to pedal a $100 Target 21-speed with 2” knobbies around WRL, but never liked the wrist soreness -- but thought I was doing well to make it around the lake in 45 minutes.  Life went on, weight went up and down, then at age 40 I had a brief two-year flirtation with rollerblading (somebody gimme a TOE STOP!!! :D ) followed by spin classes for a couple years.  After a two-year MBA program simultaneously killed all exercise time and supplied free all-you-can-eat breakfast and lunch on the weekends, my weight peaked in 2004 at about 265 (with high blood pressure and acid reflux, too).  

The following spring, I purchased an EZ-1, swallowing heavily at the price ($750).  

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g73/flyinglazboy/pbonax.jpg

But I quickly discovered the enjoyment of discomfort-free bike riding – and my then-girlfriend (now wife) bought an EZ3 trike shortly thereafter!  

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g73/flyinglazboy/TPITalyTrike1.jpg

We hooked into the Greater Dallas Bicyclists club and RBENT, and I proceeded to lose 40 pounds over the next two years.  (The HBP and reflux are ALL GONE…)

I quickly went to riding ~6,000 miles a year, after finally purchasing all the crap you’ve gotta have to ride in cold weather, etc... (but I don’t do rain, if possible).  I started carrying a camera with me on rides, and have become unofficial photographer for the GDB -- you can see my work here(http://www.greaterdallasbicyclists.com/gallery/index.php).  

My rides these days range anywhere from a 2 mile commute to the store, to the semi-regular work commute, to a 200K (300K?) rando marathon, with the occasional race or time trial thrown in (thanks, Reclining Flyers!).  But it’s a family affair -- My wife and I now ride matching Stratus XPs,

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g73/flyinglazboy/P4270053.jpg

and my stepson Brian rides the old EZ1

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g73/flyinglazboy/100_7491-1.jpg

We enjoy the occasional meetup with RBENTers, or just going out ourselves in the neighborhood or at WRL.  Through weird twists of fate, I’ve been shown both on television and in the newspaper the last year on my “coolbike,” and every jersey I own has the pockets in the front.  ::)

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by redbike 33 on Aug 2nd, 2008, 7:45pm

Hi:  I am  Tom Nuchols from Mt Pleasant, Texas.  I have a Bacchetta Giro 20 and a home built TE Clone.
I am 72 years old and ride from 0 to about 150 miles per week depending on schedules of my wife and volenteer projects.  I have ridden the HnH  three times. 1 st time on a mountian bike 50 miles, 2 time on a Trek Hybrid 50 miles and the third time on  the  Bacchetta 100 k.  I keep a close eye on the post on this forum.    I don't have a bent dealer within 120 miles.   All information is appreciated.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Turtle on Aug 3rd, 2008, 9:20am

Hey gang!  It's Cheryl (aka Turtle) here.  I'm Foo's other half.  Although I'm technically not a recumbent rider, I've been adopted by the group.  My bike, although a handcycle, sits about as low as many of you.

http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/1193/cherylbike7ta.jpg


I've been riding bikes off and on for most of my life.  My last upright was a hot pink 10-speed in 1975, before being forced into handcycling.  My current handcycle (a Top End XLT) has me cruising at top speeds of 30 mph on a downhill.  I average only 8 mph, so almost all my training is done sans others, and the reason I have the nick name 'Turtle' -- slow but sure!  

I ride mostly to keep myself in shape, traversing the subdivisions and streets of NE Allen, where you may spot me riding my metallic blue bike with bright orange flag.  Occasionally, Foo (aka hubby) will join me, riding in circles around me so he doesn't fall over, but I ride mostly alone.

Since moving to Texas more than 5 years ago, I've had the pleasure of riding in a number of charity rides.  My most recent being Paris, Texas, doing a personal best of 26 miles.   (It's my second 'marathon.'  My first marathon being in a wheelchair racer in Chicago.)

I thank all the members of Rbent for welcoming into the group.  It's so nice to be wanted!   :)

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FooRider on Aug 3rd, 2008, 11:02am


FlyingLaZBoy wrote:
Paul Brown, here…  a.k.a., Recumbent Papparazzi Menace…  8-)

Nota bene how much rounder Paul is in the pictures he posted for his introduction than in the ones he has posted recently in other threads.

There's only, like, half a Paul left, these days. I guess you could say that, for Paul, cycling has reached a point of diminishing returns.


Turtle wrote:
It's Cheryl (aka Turtle) here.  I'm Foo's other half.

Listen to you being modest. I think it's pretty obvious to everyone that you're my better half.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Aug 3rd, 2008, 1:32pm


FooRider wrote:
Nota bene how much rounder Paul is in the pictures he posted for his introduction than in the ones he has posted recently in other threads.



http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g73/flyinglazboy/shape.jpg

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by robert.j on Aug 3rd, 2008, 10:13pm

Hi All:  I'm Robert Johnson and live in Keller (NE Tarrant).  I've ridden bikes on and off since the early 70s.  My younger brother raced back then and I often went on training rides with him on an old Roold (French upright) which I still have and will eventually be turned into a game room decoration.  I was most serious about riding in the 1987-90 time frame in Houston, riding a Peugeot Triathalon, which I still have but rarely ride.  I was doing about 200 miles a week and my best year I did 9500 miles.  After moving to Midland in 1990 my riding really fell off, partly due to hauling kids everywhere all the time, and partly due to my inability to find anyone there to ride with.  In 2002 one of my friends quit jogging and took up biking so I've been riding pretty steady again since then.  In 2004 my pastor at our church there, and a long time recumbent rider, convinced me to buy a recumbent.  He, his brother and I all ordered Actionbent Tidal Waves.  Boy, do I ever wish I'd discovered bents 15 years earlier!  None of the aches and pains I experienced on uprights, not to mention frequent trips to the urologist.  And boy are they fast in flat, windy Midland!  After moving back to Fort Worth after 25+ years and getting a look at other bents with the Rbent group, I gave my Actionbent to my brother-in-law and got a Corsa, which is awesome.  Now I ride by myself evenings around Keller on Mondays and Tuesdays, and Thursdays usually ride the Trinity Trails from downtown with friends.  These rides are usually in the 25-30 mile range, and might average anything from 14-16.5 depending on the group that shows up.  Saturday mornings are usually a little longer (40+) at a 15-15.5 average pace.  It's difficult for me to do rides much longer than 50 miles as I've had a lifelong problem with cramps that nothing seems to alleviate.  I'm always glad to have anyone join me for any of these rides.  For anyone considering bents, I haven't had a bicycle related urologist visit since I ditched the upright!  Woohoo!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by suecoop-Linda on Aug 5th, 2008, 11:34pm

Deleted- reposted a couple of weeks ago.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Cookie on Aug 6th, 2008, 8:32pm

Hello. I'm Jerry Lutgen and I live in Sachse. I'm almost 65 and am married to a wonder woman (Norma) for 41 years.
I am retired from IBM after 32 years. I failed at retirement and am back working part time for myself.
In 2006 I took off for 6 months and hiked 2175 mile on the Appalachian Trail. I started just north of Atlanta, Ga. and walked north to Mt. Katahdin, ME. going through 14 states. Cookie was trail name I was given. ::)
I decided walking from west coast to the east coast would take too long. So now I have a trike to get across country on.

http://i310.photobucket.com/albums/kk430/njlutgen/photo.jpg

Here is a web sit journal of my hike and lots of pictures.
www.trailjournals.com/Cookie

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Patti on Aug 29th, 2008, 9:55pm

Hi! I'm Patti. I live in Oak Cliff with my husband, Steve, three kids (ages 12, 14, and 21), two dogs, three cats, and a parrot (no partridge in a pear tree quite yet). I have just recently acquired a beautiful new Catrike Road and hope to be putting a lot of miles on it very soon. I had planned to take it to the HHH as my first group ride, but due to an unfortunate family tragedy was unable to attend this year. I'm looking for the next good opportunity so if anyone has any suggestions, let me know.

I bought a KMX trike for my son, Rowan, on his 12th birthday this year in a last ditch attempt to get him to ride with the family. He had some balance and coordination issues when he was younger and, after some bad spills early on, he gave up trying to learn to ride a regular bike. My son's new-found enthusiam for his trike convinced me I needed to give it a try, so I sold my mountain bike in order to purchase the Catrike. Except for the delays in getting to actually ride it, I have no regrets. I plan to be adding some additional toys to the trike (headlight, tailight, etc.), as soon as I can figure out how to attach them and/or where to put them. So much to learn about trikes!

I ride my Road to work, enjoy cruising around the hills here in North Oak Cliff, and just ventured out to White Rock for the first time last week. I haven't been able to figure out how to post a picture here, yet, but maybe I can get it figured out soon.



Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Tim C. on Sep 15th, 2008, 9:34pm

Hi.  My name is Tim Culver.  I am 53 and live in The Colony.  I am married to Shanna and work for a division of an East Coast bank that makes multi-million dollar business loans.  I will post a picture sometime.

I just bought a RANS Stratus XP and have ridden it a few times.  I tell people it's like riding in a limo.  My previous bike was a 2001 Bike E AT that I rode in 2001 and then gave up due to back issues.  I had a right hip replacement in 2002 at age 47.  I decided to start riding again this summer.  I am still getting my accessories together (rack, etc) so I can get out to the various rides.  I used to go to the weekly pay rides in the early 90s on my Trek 1200.

I like to ride and will need to build up my endurance and climbing skills over the next year.  I will never be a fast rider.  I need to lose some weight as I am at my all-time high of 226 on my 6 foot frame.  The RA doctor put the kabash on my beer career so I took up chocolate chip cookies instead.

I have met Rod already and have gotten several good responses to my posts.  I look forward to meeting the gang and enjoying the friendships.


Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by aikigreg on Sep 15th, 2008, 11:50pm

Ra as in rheumatoid arthritis?  If so, we need to talk - I just got diagnosed last year....

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Don on Sep 21st, 2008, 3:48pm

Hi Guys, My name is Mike..........Kidding, its Don : )

I started reading the site 2 days ago and have really enjoyed all the tales of travel i have read about so far.

Im 44 years old and am disabled with something called Ankylosing spondylitis. I have had 5 lower back surgeries and my neck is fused so that i have no head movement up down right or left.  Basiclly my chin is almost touching my chest so i cant see in front of me unless i am in a reclined position.  

I havent been able to look up and see the moon so long i dont even remember what it feels like to see the night sky. I used to train hunting dogs and walk all the time.  I have ruffly been a homebody since that time.  I am pushing 200 pounds now and my old 5 foot 9 inch frame is now ruffly 5 foot 2 on a good day and less on a bad day. I have tryed everything to get and keep some type of exersize program. I havent been able to do most for any period of time but i believe this bike is for me and designed for me........i see some hope.

I live in North east Texas, about 5 miles outside a small town called Quitman so i will be riding mostly blacktop roades in the county. Like many of you guys i am on a fixed income that ironicly keeps you broke : )

I started doing research on the recumbent bikes a few months ago, Utube and Ebay were my research tools. many of the bikes cast more than i make in 2 months so its taken me a while to find one i could get that might fit.  My search started with me looking for a used trike and i almost got one till i called a bicycle shop from the internet and told them my condition and what i was thinking about....the trink i was looking at only had one speed and the bike shop owner told me to stay away from anything with a single speed. but at that time he didnt have anything i could afford especialy in a trike.

I kept looking.  I liked the lwb recumbents but honestly didnt think i could ride them from the pictures i had seen. The over the handle bar peddling scares me as i didnt think i could ride one and still have my doubts.  Heck i cant even walk a quarter mile right now with out feeling like someone is trying to rip the lungs from my chest and tear my head off my shoulders.

Eventualy i saw a picture of a sun EZ1 bike and started calling different bike shops. I told them i needed something i could ride and explained my situation as best i could.  The bike shop owners all suggested i try one first but assured me that i could ride the bike and it would support my back with me leaned back so i could see in front of me. I slept and dreamed about riding and feeling fresh air on my face. I started doing the math as to what i could put together cash wise to get one of these bike and started making calls. Friday i ordered a used (1 year old) Sun EZ1 SX They said it would ship Monday.

I havent riden a bike since 1978 so this should be very fun. My hope is that this bike will last me as one day i would like to be able to ride with others on some of those trail things you do.

Sorry for the long post and for those to suffered through it, thanks for reading
Don

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FooRider on Sep 21st, 2008, 5:38pm

"Suffered"?? I don't think so. That was one of the more inspiring posts I've read in ages.

Here's hoping that the recumbent works out for you.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by robert.j on Sep 21st, 2008, 5:44pm

Don:  Welcome to the forum.  Hope the recumbent effort will work out for you - I bet it will!  It always gives me a charge to read about the hardship some of you guys go thru but prevail anyway.  Keeps my problems with cramping in the proper perspective.  Hang in there!  Hope we'll get a chance to meet soon.
Robert

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by aikigreg on Sep 21st, 2008, 8:55pm

great first post, Don.  Welcome!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Richard on Sep 22nd, 2008, 10:53am

Good to hear from you Don, you know what Clint Eastwood said in Heartbreak Ridge , no not that one,  this one, "Adapt, improvise, overcome!"  If you ride a low racer, you will be able to see the moon. We have several in the group with back problems. Seems like many who ride recumbents have an issue of one sort or the other. Hang in there, we are rooting for you. See you down the road.

RichardC

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Don on Sep 22nd, 2008, 12:25pm

Thanks guys for the warm welcome : )

I called the place that was shipping my bike today, its a place in colorado.  The owner of the store wasnt in yet but i asked the woman on the phone what color the bike was so i could picture it in my head. She said a greyish color and that on the side it said. EZ-1 SC Lite.  

I thought i would be getting an EZ-1 SX. I guess i will see it when it shows up. i am thinking if it is the lite one it will be better as i have been reading and weight is an issue on hills.

thanks again,

Don

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Rawhide on Sep 22nd, 2008, 7:58pm

Welcome to the boards Don!  This place in Colorado you mention, would it happen to be Angletech?  IF it is, you've done well in choosing to purchase from Kelvin.  I've gotten my last two bikes from there and they have been great.  See you on the road sometime!  DJ

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Sep 22nd, 2008, 9:09pm

The differences in weight between models of EZ1s don't make any signficant difference, really.  It really is the easiest 'bent to learn to ride, although the steering is a bit twitchy with the 16" front wheel.  Additionally, the 20" rear wheel simply doesn't hold the rolling speed like a 26" one does -- but hey, it still rolls you down the road!  You may still find that a trike like an EZ3 is your best bet, if I understand your neck movement restrictions.  Be sure to get a mirror (handlebar or helmet mounted) to stay aware of what's coming up behind you!

Regardless, welcome to the group, and best wishes for enjoyable riding!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Don on Sep 23rd, 2008, 8:21am

Hi Guys,

The place in Colorado i was talking about is called The Fly Bike Shop. I was suppose to get an email from then yesterday as to the shipping information but no word yet. Basicly i had 450 to work with not a large ammount to most but it is all i could put together so i had to look till i could find something.

Mirrors, I know it will have one on the handlebars and possibly 2 (one on each side) I have Zero neck or head movement to the right or left/up or down so mirrors are a must.  

I couldnt een sleep last night cause i was up thinking about riding and what all type of gear im going to need to get to carry on the bike.  So far from reading this board i know i need to get 2 bike tubes some patches, a bike pump and tools to take the rims off the bike and the tires off the rims or atleast one side of te tire needs to be freed. Also i will need a chain master link. water bottle and a older and then something to carry all this stuff : )

Just wanting to be ready for what ever as i tend to over due stuff so i might be 15 or 20 miles down the road on what ever ups delivers. Yeah, im kinda excited / nervous : )

Thanks again guys.

Don

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Sep 23rd, 2008, 9:21am

Don, the main reason I stress an EZ3 trike is for the elimination of any real balance issues, as well as the ability to immediately use a "clipless pedal" attachment system to improve your pedaling power transfer (and to prevent trike "leg suck").  I have a difficult time imagining riding a two-wheel bike with minimal neck movement ability, but best wishes -- you've at least got the right one to attempt it with!

Sign up for a "level 1 maintenance" course at a local bike shop like RBM or Plano -- they're around $25.  It's priceless information on how to be reasonably self-sufficient for tire changes, etc. -- because flats happen.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Don on Sep 23rd, 2008, 3:47pm

The trike was actualy the first thing i started looking for , just they are hard to find , heck its hard to find a used bent at a price that i can afford : )   Balance issues i dont really worrie to much about, i still have my balance except for possible falling forward do to the way my body is now. side to side i am fine.

I dont drive much, honestly i only leave the house maybe once or twice a month to go to town for food, other than that i am home. I dont like driving in heavy traffic because i cant turn my head so i stay away from any citys unless i absoutly have to, and then my wife will usualy drive me (She hates city driving too)

Changing tires on a bike wont be a problem for me I havent always been this way and have changed them before. Heck when cars wernt all computerized i did all my own car work, including changine motors and tranny. Bicycle tire tube should be doable : )

If i had the torch and equipmant i would have just made me one, these folks in colorado are taking to long to get that thing in a ups truck hehe

I did drive around on our roads today to see what routs would be good for me to start out on, i found 3 ways i can start.

A 1 mile trip with a mild hill at the end = 2 miles round trip

A 3 mile trip with 2 decent hills in it that might be hard for me (Not sure till i try) = 6 miles

A 5 mile block that is fairly level except One Monster hill that is maybe a quarte rmile to the top = 10 miles

I am thinking those will be my first routes taking the easiest ones first till i understand the gears of the bike and have gotten my legs and Lungs built up.

I think that i can make a 20+ mile trip around the block on all black top road with not to much traffic, that ride has lots very hilly area some i am certain i would have to walk the bike up for a while, but i eally dont understand the gearing of these type bikes so maybe i am wrong about that. Time and practice will tell : )

Thanks for reading,
Don

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by slowpoke on Oct 3rd, 2008, 7:51pm

My name is Andy Floyd I work for Mesquite I.S.D.  I have been riding for 8 years. I started riding to teach the cycling merit badge for my sons scout troop using a Wal-mart single speed bike. I moved up to a Trek 7200 and then to a speedmachine. I ride to work everyday rain or shine I sold my truck 3 years ago so the bike is my car. We do have one famliy car and my son has one at college but I like the bike better.  My wife ordered a Corsa S/S for me that should be in about four weeks. I am a member of GDB and have riden in the TT but my time does not come close to Paul's time, my best is 19.09.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by power_bent on Oct 3rd, 2008, 8:12pm

19.09  and your hand name is slowpoke! WoW! I welcome you to thr RBENT Club. :)

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Oct 3rd, 2008, 8:30pm

Welcome, Andy!!!  Was hoping you're show up...  haven't seen you for a while -- and your 19:09 was better than anything I ever did on the SXP!!!

Just a note, the GDB time trials have moved to the third SUNDAY of the month for the fall/winter, as part of the Sunday 2PM ride...

Paul

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by slowpoke on Oct 3rd, 2008, 8:39pm

I will have to wait until spring I don't ride on sundays

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by duncanjames on Nov 6th, 2008, 9:06pm

Hi all,

I am Duncan, I joined your forum to read about your performance in the Texas TT.  BTW - congratulations!  I live in Seattle, WA and so probably won't see many of you on a ride soon but you never know.  I am 39.  I ride recumbents because of back pain, butt pain, and hand numbness when I ride a diamond frame for 50+ miles.  No issues so far on my bent.  I ride a Rans Vivo, a TT Tour trike and a Corsa (being picked up tomorrow).

I love your forum, it looks like a great group of people.

Here I am test riding a corsa http://lh5.ggpht.com/_DdgtWvQjwRQ/SQKslWLJnRI/AAAAAAAAAzw/AxSUeobqRhE/s400/IMG_1170.JPG

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by season on Jan 9th, 2009, 5:22pm

Help!  Howdy, I've never ridden a bent.  The doctor tells me it's my best option.  Where do I start?  I'm 49 and haven't been an active rider for about 20 years.  Where do I go to learn about bents?  I live in North Dallas.  I'll be going to the Richardson Bike Mart Saturday morning to take a test ride.  I don't want to buy without learning something about them first.

Sam

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by brry_wood on Jan 9th, 2009, 6:03pm

You can also go to planocycling 605e 18th street thats where I got my rans. There are many choices. Long wheel base short wheel base trikes. test riding as many as you can get your hands on would be your best bet.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Jan 10th, 2009, 5:03pm


season wrote:
Help!  Howdy, I've never ridden a bent.  The doctor tells me it's my best option.  Where do I start?  I'm 49 and haven't been an active rider for about 20 years.  Where do I go to learn about bents?  I live in North Dallas.  I'll be going to the Richardson Bike Mart Saturday morning to take a test ride.  I don't want to buy without learning something about them first.

Sam



You're in the right place to ask questions...  Recumbents come in such a variety of designs, it can be difficult to make ANY decision, much less the 'right" one.  But in the end, test riding is a very important factor, because theory only goes so far.

Read these -- there is some redundancy, but you'll get an excellent overview of "recumbency":  (hey, I made a rhyme!   :D )

http://www.angletechcycles.com/why_a_recumbent.htm

http://www.bentrideronline.com/bentfaq.html

Long wheelbase or short wheelbase is often decided by how you are able to both store and transport your bike.  ALL of them will be comfortable - the rest is up to your wallet!  Post questions in a different section of this forum, so they don't get lost in the "introduce yourself" section...  We have members across the DFW area and outside it as well, but several of us are in the NDallas area.





Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Tim C. on Jan 10th, 2009, 7:04pm

Hi,

An interesting site to learn about recumbents and see a lot of bikes is www.bicycleman.com.  I think the three largest shops in this area are Richardson Bike Mart, Plano Cycling & Fitness, and Bicycles, Inc.  Please ask a lot of questions and go back and review the topics for the past six months.

Tim

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by irodguy on Jan 10th, 2009, 10:54pm

Depending on what you are looking for you might also look on craigslist.  There are several bents for sale there currently including my old Cycle Genius which has changed hands several times. It appears that the owner after the owner I sold it to is now selling it.  It's a decent bike for the price.

Title: !
Post by Magma on Jan 17th, 2009, 9:12am

Greetings all!  I am a soon to be owner of either a Catrike Trail or Road.  I am not sure which one I will get, a lot will depend on how much of the stuff I have for sale ia bought 8-).

My name is Shawn and I am almost 31.  I have a DF, but never ride it because it is not comfortable.  It was given to me and I think the frame is too large.  I decided that for the comfort and cool factor to look at the bent trikes.  I have just quit smoking(10 days) and need to loose a few pounds, but most of all want the conditioning I had many years ago.  

I have a few car club friends that are avid cyclist and commuters, and seeing what they have accomplished through cycling is inspiring. Now, once the trike is home  all I have to do is see if I can haul it in the Miata :o.

Hope to meet some of you around town or at the LBS.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by aikigreg on Jan 17th, 2009, 11:05am

Hey Shawn!  congrats on the new trike.  I've not ridden the trail but I know the road to be a solid trike.  Welcome!  What part of the metroplex do you hail from?

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Magma on Jan 17th, 2009, 7:41pm

Thanks for the welcome.  I hail from Carrollton, and have a line on a used Road for a good price.  Hopefully I will get it and not have to try spending all my extra money upgrading the few things that I want on the road that are not available on the trail.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Jan 18th, 2009, 7:16pm

One of the guys in this club has a Road that he is probably looking to sell.  Contact catroad254@yahoo.com, and ask for Ken, he lives in Frisco!!!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Magma on Jan 18th, 2009, 7:31pm

Thanks for the heads up, The one I am looking at was traded in at RBM in Frisco, so it might be the same one.  I will contact him none the less.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Magma on Jan 20th, 2009, 8:57am

[smiley=grin.gif] [smiley=grin.gif] [smiley=grin.gif]  Well I picked up a New-to-me Catrike Raod last night.  Got the lights on and went for a little ride around the neighborhood.  Had a blast.  I cannot wait till the engine on the bike is suited to joining some of you at WRL or on other rides.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by irodguy on Jan 20th, 2009, 10:29am


Magma wrote:
[smiley=grin.gif] [smiley=grin.gif] [smiley=grin.gif]  Well I picked up a New-to-me Catrike Raod last night.  Got the lights on and went for a little ride around the neighborhood.  Had a blast.  I cannot wait till the engine on the bike is suited to joining some of you at WRL or on other rides.



You might want to invest in a Dinotte Tail flasher or two.  These are highly visible even during daylight.  http://store.dinottelighting.com/shared/StoreFront/default.asp?CS=dinotte&StoreType=BtoC&Count1=809246242&Count2=726386666&ProductID=5&Target=products.asp.   I use one on my bikes and use two on the trike, one on either side.

Have fun with the Trike!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by shellenefoster on Feb 10th, 2009, 2:38pm

Hello everyone!  Paul told me to get over onto the rbent site, so I figured this was a good place to start....

Many of you know me with my diamond frame, but I am happy to be making the conversion to the recumbent.  Thank you to everyone who has sent advice and encouragement.  I can't wait until I can keep up with y'all!

For those of you who don't know me, I love distance riding. 24 hrs on the bike is one of my favorite things, so that is my goal for this year.  One 24 hr race with as much distance as my body will allow.  Needless to say, that is a long way off, but it is good to have a goal.

I can see that I have a ton of reading to do to learn who everyone is....May you all be safe and have some great rides, hopefully I'll be seing you out there.
Shellene

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Killer Bee on Feb 10th, 2009, 3:05pm


shellenefoster wrote:
Hello everyone!  Paul told me to get over onto the rbent site, so I figured this was a good place to start....

Many of you know me with my diamond frame, but I am happy to be making the conversion to the recumbent.  Thank you to everyone who has sent advice and encouragement.  I can't wait until I can keep up with y'all!

For those of you who don't know me, I love distance riding. 24 hrs on the bike is one of my favorite things, so that is my goal for this year.  One 24 hr race with as much distance as my body will allow.  Needless to say, that is a long way off, but it is good to have a goal.

I can see that I have a ton of reading to do to learn who everyone is....May you all be safe and have some great rides, hopefully I'll be seing you out there.
Shellene



Shellene , welcome to the rbent group. I think you will find this an enlightening & entertaining resource for various recumbent & general cycling topics.  You & Bryan looked looked like naturals the day Greg & I ran into you you guys on the "pop" in Wylie.

The Corsa SS crew in growing. Team Mellow Yellow.

-Steve

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by aikigreg on Feb 10th, 2009, 3:44pm

Oh crap, she found us!  *ducks*   [smiley=laugh.gif]

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by AustinSkater on Feb 10th, 2009, 4:19pm


Killer Bee wrote:
You & Bryan looked looked like naturals the day Greg & I ran into you you guys on the "pop" in Wylie.

-Steve


Thanks, you didn't here my internal comments when we saw y'all "I will not fall over, I will not fall over...."

Moving over here from the Merckx is going to be interesting, my thoughts are simple.  I'll use the Corsa as a cross-training aid for my skating.  Of course, I said the same thing about LSR when I joined them, and look where that got me.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Killer Bee on Feb 10th, 2009, 6:09pm


AustinSkater wrote:
[quote author=Killer Bee link=1217463529/45#59 date=1234299907]

You & Bryan looked looked like naturals the day Greg & I ran into you you guys on the "pop" in Wylie.

-Steve


Thanks, you didn't here my internal comments when we saw y'all "I will not fall over, I will not fall over...."

Moving over here from the Merckx is going to be interesting, my thoughts are simple.  I'll use the Corsa as a cross-training aid for my skating.  Of course, I said the same thing about LSR when I joined them, and look where that got me.[/quote]

Bryan ,my apologies..welcome to you as well.  I'm right there with ya about the LSR comment.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Bud_Bent on Feb 10th, 2009, 6:55pm

Welcome, Shellene and Bryan!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Feb 10th, 2009, 6:56pm


AustinSkater wrote:
Thanks, you didn't here my internal comments when we saw y'all "I will not fall over, I will not fall over...."



Welcome, Bryan!!!  You're not having sore knee issues along with Shellene, are you?

Paul

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by AustinSkater on Feb 10th, 2009, 8:07pm


FlyingLaZBoy wrote:
Welcome, Bryan!!!  You're not having sore knee issues along with Shellene, are you?

Paul


Nope, no knee problems for me at all, but then I'm pretty sure Shellene was expecting to deal with some knee issues.  My only ache from the ride is my left shin, it hurts from where I slammed in into the handlbars after mis-clipping.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by irodguy on Feb 10th, 2009, 9:02pm

Welcome Shellene, Skip told me you were going bent a while back.  Good to see you on the yellow beauty.  

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by bigsrturbo on Feb 11th, 2009, 8:55am

hi all....im ash and im 31..just got back into riding used to be a pro freestyle/ dirt jumper back in the late 90s...so when im not working im riding...im in north ft worth by the money mint if anyone live close we should start riding...nice to meet all of u in advance...

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by aikigreg on Feb 11th, 2009, 8:58am

I'm in SW Fort Worth, and you're welcome to ride with me anytime.  We've always got rides going, so make sure you keep coming back here and checking out the upcoming rides section.

I used to be a BMX racer back in the 80's.  Now I'm scared of curbs and grates :)

What kind of bent do you ride, Ash?

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by bigsrturbo on Feb 11th, 2009, 9:49am

well im looking for a new fast bike now...i got a cheap wave bent right now but it gets the job done...i want one that lays down more ...and my wife wants this one so im in the market for some speed [smiley=runover.gif]

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by aikigreg on Feb 11th, 2009, 12:03pm

I have a volae highracer I'm selling at a very good price.  If you're interested, PM me.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Hurricane Dan on Feb 21st, 2009, 6:55pm

Hi all, I'm Danny.  I live in Frisco and own an AB Hurricane (name later changed to Jet Stream).  I stopped riding mountain bikes in 1999 'cause the pressure on my wrists was causing numbness in my fingers.  I bought the AB so I could ride with my wife but I'm really wanting to go on some long distance trips (at least until I can afford that sailboat to travel the world in  [smiley=sleeping.gif] )  I found this forum last night and then, interestingly enough, ran into Clown #1 today at RBM.  Thought I'd introduce myself.  I'm not sure if I can keep up yet, but I'm working on it.  Today was my fifth ride and I went 7.92 miles averaging 9.63mph with two 190' elevation changes.  I'm really wanting to ride in the upcoming Beauty and the Beast ride in Tyler.  Please let me know if anyone is interested.  P.S.  I tried to put a picture here but I don't know HTML.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Feb 22nd, 2009, 7:15am


Hurricane Dan wrote:
Hi all, I'm Danny.  I live in Frisco and own an AB Hurricane (name later changed to Jet Stream).  I stopped riding mountain bikes in 1999 'cause the pressure on my wrists was causing numbness in my fingers.  I bought the AB so I could ride with my wife but I'm really wanting to go on some long distance trips (at least until I can afford that sailboat to travel the world in  [smiley=sleeping.gif] )  I found this forum last night and then, interestingly enough, ran into Clown #1 today at RBM.  Thought I'd introduce myself.  I'm not sure if I can keep up yet, but I'm working on it.  Today was my fifth ride and I went 7.92 miles averaging 9.63mph with two 190' elevation changes.  I'm really wanting to ride in the upcoming Beauty and the Beast ride in Tyler.  Please let me know if anyone is interested.  P.S.  I tried to put a picture here but I don't know HTML.



Greetings, Danny!  Sounds like you're just now getting back into riding - when did you get the AB?  A few of the gang live in Frisco, so you may see other 'bents out and around up there.  Some of us were just riding up there last Wednesday - see the "Photos" section for the post on it.  

The best way to increase your speed and endurance is simply to get out there and ride on a consistent basis - either solo or with your wife.  Working up to 20-25 miles at an outing is a good goal to set -- that's typical "group ride" distance minimums, whether it's the WRTrail and lake, or DFW airport looping, or even just banging around Frisco.

To post photos, create an account on photobucket.com and upload there (using their "Medium" or "Large" size option), then copy the link to the specific photo that starts with " [IMG] " into your post here -- it'll show up.

The Tyler B&B ride is one tough puppy for a new rider (lots of rolling climbs), but it's well supported at rest stops and very scenic.  Another one to consider doing is the GDB Lancaster rally 25 mile version, on April 11th.

Keep us up to date on your progress, or ask questions, by posting in the "general" section.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Hurricane Dan on Feb 22nd, 2009, 1:16pm

I bought the AB last fall from a gentleman who said he had several recumbents and was trying to thin out the flock.  I still have his name somewhere but I'd have to look.  I didn't get to ride much before it got cold.  I had worked up to actually riding it to work, 14 miles one way.  I'm pushing myself a little more each time I go out.  I don't know if I'll get to a 15mph average like the Frisco Cycling Club, but the distance is really what I'm after.  I'm planning on a trip to Lufkin later this summer.  As far as the Beauty and the Beast goes, I'm sure I'll be skipping the Beast.  The have six different circuits, one of them only 12 miles.  I'd like to ride the 52 mile but I'm just going to keep training and play it by ear.  The important thing for me is just to get out there and start having fun.  I saw the pictures of you guys riding the other day.  I think I saw you not too long ago.  I was traveling down Main toward Custer and saw at least two, maybe three high racers crossing Main on Independence.  Last year, my wife and I were walking WRLake and saw a couple of bents.  I was researching at the time and that pretty much settled it for me.  So here I am.  I'll run over to the general forum now.  Thanks!

This was my test drive:
http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss13/MyJudge2/3299360176_db1bdfb94f_o.jpg

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by aikigreg on Feb 22nd, 2009, 6:47pm

Glad to see you, Dan.  Don't worry about being too slow or having too short a range - there's always a bent rider around to ride with, at any speed or distance.  

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by jman on Feb 23rd, 2009, 8:21pm

Hey Dan, welcome to the group. Are you going to ride the bent to Lufkin or drive it there? I have relitives in Lufkin and spent many years there on weekends while growing up. My uncle and several cousins retired from Lufkin Foundries. My family had a home near the lake before they passed away.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by bigride on Mar 31st, 2009, 5:34am

my name is lee and I live up in Ohio but, later this summer I will be riding for veteran issues. www.mybigride09.com from cleveland to dallas not a real big deal right? but, I'm also disabled and have some problems of my own, so that adds to the trip.
I'm taking the UGRR south but its still undetermined where or when I will break off to head west to dallas?

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Bud_Bent on Mar 31st, 2009, 8:59am


bigride wrote:
my name is lee and I live up in Ohio but, later this summer I will be riding for veteran issues. www.mybigride09.com from cleveland to dallas not a real big deal right? but, I'm also disabled and have some problems of my own, so that adds to the trip.
I'm taking the UGRR south but its still undetermined where or whene I will break off to head west to dallas?


Welcome to the forum, Lee. Keep us updated on the details of your ride as the time for it gets closer. Some of us may want to do some miles with you. I know your destination better than I'd like to remember. I am a veteran myself, and have had everything from lung surgery to chemotherapy at that Dallas VA Medical Center.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by bigride on Mar 31st, 2009, 1:51pm


Bud_Bent wrote:
[Welcome to the forum, Lee. Keep us updated on the details of your ride as the time for it gets closer. Some of us may want to do some miles with you. I know your destination better than I'd like to remember. I am a veteran myself, and have had everything from lung surgery to chemotherapy at that Dallas VA Medical Center.

well then I might have to look you up when it comes time to get in there

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by scooterdaddy52 on Apr 1st, 2009, 11:54am

Last week I bought Jman’s Mach2 recumbent bike. Yesterday, I took it out for the first time. The bike shifted great and once I made some intial adjustments to the seating position was very smooth and comfortable for me. I had moved from a recumbent , tadpole trike that was a blast to ride and no worries about balance. However, about 2 years ago I wrecked a Kickbike (a bigboy scooter that is quite fast) and completed dislocated my knee.  That kept me off everything for about a year. During that time I guess I read too much and became concerned about potential leg suck on a trike  plus, I really had no way to transport the trike to good places to ride so I sold it.  I spotted a Burley Canto on Craigslist bought it and rode it a bit but with the crank so high up I never felt safe with the balance so I sold it and thought I might be able to find a used Trike at a good price. I am not a patient person and knowing I need to find a way to exercise outside I picked up the Mach 2. I still have some balance issues but not in a scary way like I did with my feet up so high on the Burley. I did go down on the Mach 2 once already, making a too slow U-turn. Slightly abraded knee but no damage to the bike.  This time I am going to give it a real try.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by jman on Apr 1st, 2009, 2:01pm

So glad you are happy with the Mach2. Turning in tight spaces is a bit of a challenge cause of the long wheel base but you can't beat it for the straights Maybe we can catch you at a ride like the CrossTimbers ride out of the Texas Motor Speedway later in the season.
Happy Trails
Joe

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by irodguy on Apr 1st, 2009, 2:48pm


scooterdaddy52 wrote:
Last week I bought Jman’s Mach2 recumbent bike. Yesterday, I took it out for the first time. The bike shifted great and once I made some intial adjustments to the seating position was very smooth and comfortable for me. I had moved from a recumbent , tadpole trike that was a blast to ride and no worries about balance. However, about 2 years ago I wrecked a Kickbike (a bigboy scooter that is quite fast) and completed dislocated my knee.  That kept me off everything for about a year. During that time I guess I read too much and became concerned about potential leg suck on a trike  plus, I really had no way to transport the trike to good places to ride so I sold it.  I spotted a Burley Canto on Craigslist bought it and rode it a bit but with the crank so high up I never felt safe with the balance so I sold it and thought I might be able to find a used Trike at a good price. I am not a patient person and knowing I need to find a way to exercise outside I picked up the Mach 2. I still have some balance issues but not in a scary way like I did with my feet up so high on the Burley. I did go down on the Mach 2 once already, making a too slow U-turn. Slightly abraded knee but no damage to the bike.  This time I am going to give it a real try.


I understand just were you are coming from on the trike issue.  I love my trike and use it on my trainer all the time and some outdoors.  I really like my short wheel base but it can be scary at night if an emergency turn is necessary due to possible heal strike.  I am so used to LWB that turning it on a dime in an emergency is not an issue.  I just hope that I get that way on the new bike.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Hurricane Dan on Apr 1st, 2009, 7:09pm

Lee,

    I was stationed in Dhahran throughout Desert Storm and lost friends and coworkers in the Khobar towers bombing.  When you get into North Texas, I'll ride some with you as well if I can.  You might need a gang not to get bike-jacked in South Dallas.  I've been to that hospital a number of times myself.  I can't say I've had really good experiences.  I DEFINITELY lock everything in my truck when I go, but I will admit that you can't beat the price.  Maybe if you just ride up really quick, snap a couple photos and clear out, you'll still have tires on the bike.   [smiley=evil.gif]  Okay, I'm exaggerating a little, but it would be a really good idea to have other riders with you.  I would definitely take Bud, and anyone else, up on his offer to accompany you on that part of your trip.  Good luck!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Bud_Bent on Apr 1st, 2009, 8:42pm

Yes, that part of Dallas isn't exactly the class part of town, but I've never had a problem at the VA Hospital. I think some of the patients there are more scary than anyone in the surrounding neighborhoods...

Lee, you should start a separate thread about your ride.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by larry on Apr 23rd, 2009, 5:34pm

Hey, my name is Larry, and I bought a Sun EZ-1 SX to use as a commuter vehicle when gas prices were near $4 a gallon last year. I don't care what the prices go to now, I'll never look back. I am 55 and livin' my dream to be riding such a cool bike to work each day. My commute is 5.5 miles one way. I have to use sidewalks more than I would  like, as most of the roads are 40mph speed limits and the rush hour traffic is bonkers. I will try to figure out how to put in a picture of me on the chariot either here or in the pix section....
;D

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by aikigreg on Apr 23rd, 2009, 6:21pm

Good to see ya, Larry!  

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by jman on Apr 23rd, 2009, 6:25pm


larry wrote:
Hey, my name is Larry, and I bought a Sun EZ-1 SX to use as a commuter vehicle when gas prices were near $4 a gallon last year. I don't care what the prices go to now, I'll never look back. I am 55 and livin' my dream to be riding such a cool bike to work each day. My commute is 5.5 miles one way. I have to use sidewalks more than I would  like, as most of the roads are 40mph speed limits and the rush hour traffic is bonkers. I will try to figure out how to put in a picture of me on the chariot either here or in the pix section....
;D

[smiley=cheers.gif]Welcome aboard Larry. Hope we can join up for some rides sometime. What part of town do you live in, we have bent riders everywhere in the Metroplex. I live near hwy 360 and 183 as does the BikeDoc, a bunch live in and around Richardson and Plano area.
To post a jpg, it needs to be posted somewhere on the net to establish a link to it. Photobucket is very popular with a lot of us. Once you have the photos there use the little picture icon at the top of the message you are typing, it will look something like this,
bracket-img]http://you.addtherest.com/image/your.jpg[/img-bracket
Photo has done most of this for you, it has a variety of codes for your photo on the right hand side of the jpg, select the one with the [img][/img]around the link
Hope that helps, see you down the trail, Joe






Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Bud_Bent on Apr 23rd, 2009, 6:37pm

Welcome to the forum, Larry!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Opus the Poet on Apr 23rd, 2009, 9:56pm

{scene: Cheers bar, bar is wall to wall patrons} Larry!{end scene}

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by tohopko on May 22nd, 2009, 10:57pm

Hey Folks!  I'm Jim and my better half is Elizabeth, new on the board as "PinkTink".  We're down in the La Vernia area outside San Antonio.  We've just made the transition to recumbents in the past couple of years.  I was just really getting back into the DF and MTB riding when a shoulder separation--and the desire to go easier on my posterior region got me looking into recumbents.  We each have Catrikes now, along with an older Corsa and a Burley Jett Creek.  We aren't racers, but I do enjoy the speed.  At 44, I think I'm a little late to get into racing, but you never know.  I'm the stronger rider, but Tink usually equalizes things by making me pull our friends 4 year old in a Burley trailer.  I'm 4 months into a year long deployment to Afghanistan at the moment, so she may catch me on the conditioning!  This is a fantastic job--working to rebuild the Afghan National Army Air Corps, but there isn't much riding to be done!  Hope to meet all of you in the future!

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i91/Tohopko/Cycles/beachride.jpg

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by tohopko on May 22nd, 2009, 11:00pm

And this would be the lovely Tink, with the clearly evident "Trike Grin" on the first day out with the new Cat.http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i91/Tohopko/Cycles/CIMG3958.jpg


Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Bud_Bent on May 23rd, 2009, 8:24am

Welcome, Jim and Elizabeth, great to have you on the forum!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by aikigreg on May 23rd, 2009, 6:36pm

and thanks for serving our country, as well.  Look forward to seeing you at a ride sometime!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Richard on May 23rd, 2009, 7:43pm

Hey Jim,

and all others putting their life on the line...we appreciate you and what you are doing! Thanks for keeping us safe!

RichardC

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on May 23rd, 2009, 8:17pm

Welcome to the board, you two!  Don't misunderstand, it's not all about racing, it's about sharing how we all enjoy Recumbency in our different ways....  Post some ride reports on what you two do down there!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by pinktink on May 24th, 2009, 7:54pm

Hello All - this is Elizabeth - Tohopko (Jim's) other half.  I've decided to stop lurking for a bit and post <Grin>.  

As for my rides - I ride by myself during the week.  Short jaunts in the mornig -between 6-15 miles depending on the days schedule (and if I've been spinning or hiking the night before and how much my legs are up to).  I usually ride with Diamond frame friends on the weekend - they have a 4 year old that he pulls in a Burley chariot - so usually only up for 16 miles or so.  We rode today and did 25 miles together and since we were meeting additional friends for a picnic lunch - I went for an additional 6+ miles because I really really wanted to do over 30 for the day.  Got back just in time for the burgers to be done (awesome timing if I do say so myself <grin>.

Soooo - for now while Im a geographic widow (hubby is in Afghanistan for a year) I do most of my riding by myself and find myself riding shorter distances than when we rode together before he left - a lot more fun riding distances with another.  Im working on increasing my mileage and know I will ride longer trips because I enjoy riding soo much.

We've ben riding trikes and I just recently got my Burley Jett Creek LWB that I love riding.  We've recently purchased a Rans Stratus XP - suppose to be for Jim (Tohopko) but since he's not coming home for 8 more months - he may not have a Stratus when he gets home  ;D.  

SOooo that's a bit about me and my riding.  Glad to find the group!



Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by aikigreg on May 24th, 2009, 8:00pm

Tink, thre are lots of us to join up with whenever you want, depending on what part of the metroplex you're in.  My wife is dying for a bike-buddy.  Also, we are having a bent gathering on the 30th, if you haven't seen the thread - come out and say hi to everyone!


Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by pinktink on May 24th, 2009, 8:04pm

LOL - hmmmm I dont think La Vernia (southeast of San Antonio) can be considered part of the metroplex <Grin>  But thanks for the invite.  I really do not mind riding by myself - its nice to open the garage door head out and flip a coin if Im going to turn left or right out of the drive.  I have the luxury of living in the country - with paved roads and I can ride 25-40 mile loops for weeks without ever riding the same exact route twice.  The locals are courteous and when we are riding the trikes - curious too!! LOL

Thanks for the welcome!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on May 24th, 2009, 9:30pm


pinktink wrote:
 We've recently purchased a Bucchetta Stratus XP - suppose to be for Jim (Tohopko) but since he's not coming home for 8 more months - he may not have a Stratus when he gets home  ;D.  



Uhhh, Tink -- that's RANS, not Bacchetta, if it's the Stratus XP...   ;)   Nice choice of LWB -- it's an excellent cruising bike!

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g73/flyinglazboy/UsSXPs.jpg



Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by pinktink on May 24th, 2009, 9:33pm

oops - by bad - it is the Rans - he was also looking at the Giro for me - and I let my fingers type without brain assitance  :P


Here's a picture of me riding the Jett Creek yesterday (this was at 26 miles of a 31 mile ride):

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i91/Tohopko/Cycles/CIMG6296.jpg


Tink

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by larry on May 25th, 2009, 2:56pm

Jim and Tink, God bless you both in your service to all of us. I pray often  for friends (or in my case friends' offspring!) who are deployed overseas. I will remember both the one who is gone and the one waiting at home.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on May 25th, 2009, 3:09pm

FYI, Elizabeth -- Razor's Edge in Tennesee has taken over the Burley recumbent line....

http://www.edgebike.jdittrich.fastmail.fm/A%20Welcome%20Letter



Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by pinktink on May 25th, 2009, 5:18pm

Yup, FlyingLazboy - I knew that.  Bought my bike used - its a burley built (in 2005).   :)

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by UofHLesley on Jun 9th, 2009, 1:06pm

Hello everyone,

My name is Lesley. I am 25 and will be graduating in the fall from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology.

I am new to the recumbent community. What brought me here is my senior design project. For the project, my team is designing, testing, and constructing a human powered vehicle to enter the utility category of the 2010 American Society of Mechanical Engineers' Human Powered Vehicle Challenge (ASME HPVC).

Before starting my senior design project, I had no clue that recumbent and prone bikes/trikes existed. Through over a semester of research on the market, the competition, and bike specifics, I have learned so much! In April, I even got to go to Philadelphia, PA to watch the East ASME HPVC. That was an extremely beneficial experience to see the competition first hand and speak with judges, committee members, and teams. Everyone was surprisingly really helpful and informative even though I introduced myself as a competitor for the next year.

As for cycling, until a year and a half ago I had not ridden anything further than the stationary bike at the rehab clinic after dislocating my knee in at least ten years. After a friend encouraged me and I purchased an Iron Horse mountain bike, I started riding regularly for about a year until my bike got stolen from campus while I was inside studying for a long time period. It was chained with a decent chain, but it was left unattended too long. That was back in February or so. Since then I have been bicycleless  [smiley=cry.gif] I put another bike on layaway, so soon I will have one! [smiley=laugh.gif]

About two weeks ago, I got to ride my first recumbent at Planetary Cycles in Houston (basically our only recumbent store). I rode a TerraTrike Zoomer Elite and absolutely loved it. I also rode another one (a delta trike), but I cannot remember what brand it was. They were fantastically comfortable and handled so well (especially the Terra Trike). After this project ends, I want to obtain a recumbent. Also, I would like to build more from the knowledge gained during this project.

I joined the RBENT forum to ask technical questions, get advice, find contacts, possibly find sponsors (we badly need help), and to find riding buddies for when I finally get a recumbent. So far I have met some very friendly and helpful people. Thank you Joe, Doug, and Andy for your help!

Lesley

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by larry on Jun 9th, 2009, 3:24pm

Hi Leslie,
Welcome to the recumbent family! I am also a newbie, having purchased my first recumbent (entry-level, Sun EZ-1 SX) last Sept. as a commuter vehicle to go 5.5 miles to work each day. I am SO GLAD to have made the switch to recumbent cycling! comfortable and efficient. I have found this forum very helpful and patient with newbies asking questions. No question is too dumb--I've tried!   ;D

Hope your riding experience is pleasant.
larry

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Jun 9th, 2009, 7:19pm


UofHLesley wrote:
Hello everyone,

My name is Lesley. I am 25 and will be graduating in the fall from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology.

...I joined the RBENT forum to ask technical questions, get advice, find contacts, possibly find sponsors (we badly need help), and to find riding buddies for when I finally get a recumbent. So far I have met some very friendly and helpful people. Thank you Joe, Doug, and Andy for your help!

Lesley



Welcome, Lesley!  Not sure what we can do regarding sponsorship, or providing parts, etc.etc etc, but this is certainly a good place to pose questions and get inputs.  We have riders of all types of 'bents, who do all kinds of riding...   Post a photo of you and your design team!  (You'll need to upload the photo to a publicly viewable site like Photobucket.com, and put the link here)

Paul

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by UofHLesley on Jun 10th, 2009, 8:33am


larry wrote:
Hi Leslie,
Welcome to the recumbent family! I am also a newbie, having purchased my first recumbent (entry-level, Sun EZ-1 SX) last Sept. as a commuter vehicle to go 5.5 miles to work each day. I am SO GLAD to have made the switch to recumbent cycling! comfortable and efficient. I have found this forum very helpful and patient with newbies asking questions. No question is too dumb--I've tried!   ;D

Hope your riding experience is pleasant.
larry


;D I have already been asking many questions and have gotten very good replies, so it is apparent what you said about the forum being very helpful and patient. Thank you for the warm welcome, Larry.

Lesley

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by UofHLesley on Jun 10th, 2009, 8:39am


FlyingLaZBoy wrote:
Welcome, Lesley!  Not sure what we can do regarding sponsorship, or providing parts, etc.etc etc, but this is certainly a good place to pose questions and get inputs.  We have riders of all types of 'bents, who do all kinds of riding...   Post a photo of you and your design team!  (You'll need to upload the photo to a publicly viewable site like Photobucket.com, and put the link here)

Paul


Ahh, so that's how you do the pic. I was trying to post one of me on a tandem bent at the East ASME HPVC this year, but I could not get it right. I will work on getting a photo up of us later this week. For now many pics can be seen on our website at www.teamrecumbent.com. I have already gotten many good replies from the forum since making posts yesterday, so I have quickly seen that this is a place to get good input like you said. Thank you for your welcome!

Lesley

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by plcm111195 on Jul 17th, 2009, 5:43am

Hi everyone! My name is Joanne.  I tore my rotator cuff recently so it's been painful to ride my road bike. So instead of continuing to be a slug until my surgery I decided to trade in my 2008 Bianchi Elena for a new Catrike Trail. I brought it home from RBM last night. I'm really excited to get going on it and am looking for tips on increasing visibility and good places to ride safely. Hoping to get to know you all better soon.
Joanne

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by bikerteam on Jul 17th, 2009, 6:28am


plcm111195 wrote:
Hi everyone! My name is Joanne.  I tore my rotator cuff recently so it's been painful to ride my road bike. So instead of continuing to be a slug until my surgery I decided to trade in my 2008 Bianchi Elena for a new Catrike Trail. I brought it home from RBM last night. I'm really excited to get going on it and am looking for tips on increasing visibility and good places to ride safely. Hoping to get to know you all better soon.
Joanne


Welcome Joanne - wow, quite a change from a Bianchi to a trike.  There are many on this forum who have previously owned, or currently own a trike.  Use the "rbent lobby" or "technical" boards to post questions.  Also, if you can take a little time, read through old posts.  You'll pick up all kinds of good information.

You'll find quite a few bent riders who've converted from DF bikes due to injuries.  The great thing is many of us have realized the benefits of this type of bike, and absolutely love them.  Through this forum, I've met quite a few people in the DFW area, which has given me the opportunity to learn about many different types of recumbents and trikes.  It's a whole new world, and we're here to help you!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by larry on Jul 17th, 2009, 8:24am

HI JOanne, sorry to hear about your rotator cuff. Ugh! May you heal quickly. I think you may find you like recumbent riding so much you won't return to uprights, even after you heal up. I bought an entry-level Sun EZ-1 SX as a commuter vehicle (5.5 miles to work) last October. Purchased at Bicycles, Inc in Arlington. Has worked like a dream. Performance has been terrific, I mainly have to watch out for 4 wheeled traffic at rush hour, which can be harrowing. This forum is patient with newbies. I have asked loads of dumb questions and always gotten a bunch of patient, ;informative replies. Use the lobby to post your Q. Happy riding and quick healing! [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif]

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Jul 17th, 2009, 8:27am


plcm111195 wrote:
Hi everyone! My name is Joanne.  .... I decided to trade in my 2008 Bianchi Elena for a new Catrike Trail. I brought it home from RBM last night....


Welcome to the fold, Joanne!  You picked a nice trike for a first machine.  Here is a little additional information about the Catrike line, from a knowledgeable dealer up in NY:

http://www.bicycleman.com/recumbents/catrike/catrike.htm

As mentioned in that article, you may find that the twist shifters are a bit clumsy to use, as the twisting motion will affect your steering a bit --  (Catrikes are more sensitive to steering, being a direct link system.)  They can be replaced by "bar end" shifters by RBM, if you so desire.

Trikes are great fun, although not very "group ride" friendly when riding with a bunch of "standard" bikes, being so much lower -- you'll need to hang at the back.  You'll also feel the "bumps" of the White Rock Trail a bit more than you're perhaps used to, but it's all good, you'll be having too much fun to really care!

Again, welcome.

Paul

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by irodguy on Jul 17th, 2009, 9:30am


plcm111195 wrote:
Hi everyone! My name is Joanne.  I tore my rotator cuff recently so it's been painful to ride my road bike. So instead of continuing to be a slug until my surgery I decided to trade in my 2008 Bianchi Elena for a new Catrike Trail. I brought it home from RBM last night. I'm really excited to get going on it and am looking for tips on increasing visibility and good places to ride safely. Hoping to get to know you all better soon.
Joanne


Hi Joanie,

What part of town do you live?  If Dallas proper the white rock trail from Hillcrest to the lake is probably your best bet.  If you want a longer trip go around the lake on the trail proper, the street is a bit bumpy on a big cat.  

If your up north the Plano trail system is perfect for a trike.  I always like going past the dog park with the dogs coming up to say hello.  While on a bike you look like some kind of monster to them, on a trike dogs come up and frequently say hello.  

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by larry on Jul 21st, 2009, 9:55pm


Don wrote:
Hi Guys, My name is Mike..........Kidding, its Don : )

Eventualy i saw a picture of a sun EZ1 bike and started calling different bike shops. I told them i needed something i could ride and explained my situation as best i could.  The bike shop owners all suggested i try one first but assured me that i could ride the bike and it would support my back with me leaned back so i could see in front of me. I slept and dreamed about riding and feeling fresh air on my face. I started doing the math as to what i could put together cash wise to get one of these bike and started making calls. Friday i ordered a used (1 year old) Sun EZ1 SX They said it would ship Monday.


Don,
You are amazing. I am a Sun EZ-1SX owner too, live in Arlington and commute to work every day (11 miles round trip). It is a GREAT entry level bike, especially for those of us who have to manage our incomes closely. I worked as a missionary Bible Translator 27 years in Indonesia and Asia, and just this past year took an assigment in our home office here in Arlington. This bike enables me to pass on buying a second car--lets my lovely wife take the motorized wheels while I tool to work happy as a lark most of the time. I have gone through my first winter here and am halfway through the summer. I think this commuting thing on the recumbent will work great.
God bless you Don.
Larry

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Jul 21st, 2009, 10:50pm


larry wrote:
Don,
You are amazing. I am a Sun EZ-1SX owner too, live in Arlington and commute to work every day (11 miles round trip). It is a GREAT entry level bike, especially for those of us who have to manage our incomes closely. .....I think this commuting thing on the recumbent will work great.
God bless you Don.
Larry


Yep, my commmuting started out on the EZ-1, going about 5 miles one way -- works just fine!
Paul

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by GrandpaPhil_Bent on Jul 28th, 2009, 10:34pm

My name is Phil. Just this last Saturday I bought FlyingLaZBoy's old Sun EZ 1AX. I am new to recumbent riding, but already I love it. A big thankyou goes out to FlyingLaZBoy for his help. More than just sell me a bent, he took the time to teach me and demonstrate how to ride it.

Now a little about myself. I am 57 and have been married for 34 years. I have three grown children (out of the house - YIPEE!!) and 4 granddaughters and a grandson on the way.  Thus the handle GrandpaPhil_bent. I had heart By-Pass surgery in 2002 and a kidney transplant (from my wife) last year in August. I am currentlhy overweight and out of shape. But I would like to see that change!

This past June my wife and I were up in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota where we hiked a little on the Mickelson trail (a rails to trails trail). It was spectacular country. It is 100 miles of valleys and hills and tressels and tunnels. Well, I was in no shape to ride that trail this year. But it is my intention to ride all 100 miles on my Sun EZ 1 AX next June. I've got almost eleven months to train for it.  

I'm just now getting in shape, but soon I'll be joining you on some rides.

GrandpaPhil_bent

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by robert.j on Jul 28th, 2009, 11:02pm

Hi Phil, and welcome.  I'm sure you'll find recumbent riding an awesome experience, and, it is GREAT for losing weight and getting in shape.  Just keep after it!  Hope to see you soon.
Robert

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by aikigreg on Jul 28th, 2009, 11:13pm

Great to see you, Phil!  You've joined quite a wacky, but fun group!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by larry on Jul 29th, 2009, 9:28am

Hey Phil! I am so glad we have another EZ-1 rider in the group!  [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif] The little wheels are great to navigate on the sidewalks during my rush hour commutes. congrats on your long stretch of marital bliss. Linda and I mark our 32nd year next month. We are empty nesters too, but our one married son hasn't yet graced us with grandkids. As you well know, we parents don't have a lot to say about such things. Happy riding!
Larry

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Jul 29th, 2009, 11:22am

Welcome to the gang, Phil...   enjoy the bike, and feel free to ask any "newbie" questions that come up.  Also look into the www.bentrideronline.com website, it's a busy discussion board for recumbent riders worldwide.

Paul

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by yetibike on Jul 30th, 2009, 9:21pm

Hi everyone. My name is Tom and I am recovering from back surgery. I joined to get advice on racing oppertunitys and on bike selection. I come from six years of mtn bike racing with most of my training hours being on the road. My doctor told me about recumbents and how much better they are on the back. I have been told it might not be wise to race offroad again and the tuck position on the road races is not good either so here I am. If I ever get cleared for off road I might try again but plan to do my training on recumbents permanently and race them in the limited oppertunities that exist.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Kwijybow on Jul 30th, 2009, 10:08pm

Hi Tom!  Welcome aboard.  Several people here participate in races, primarily ultra events, so we look forward to seeing you on the road soon.

Having switched back and forth from recumbent to upright for different events over the last few years, I can tell you that having optimum power and speed on both is difficult.  It always takes me a surprisingly long time after changing platforms to get to maximum wattage for minimum effort, despite my base fitness being basically the same.  This year I just gave up, and I am pretty much all recumbent, more fun, and it is what I prefer for the long stuff.  My most recent experience has been trying to do some track racing, and also prepare for randonneuring.  I have basically bagged the track racing.  I can see some DF bikes going on the market before too long!  ;)

Take Care,
Nelson.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Jul 30th, 2009, 10:56pm


Kwijybow wrote:
 It always takes me a surprisingly long time after changing platforms to get to maximum wattage for minimum effort...



Yeah, Nelson's all about "Minimum Effort".....   NOT!!!!!!!!   [smiley=evil.gif] [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif]

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by yetibike on Jul 31st, 2009, 5:00pm

That is interesting on not develpoing power good for both bent and df. I may doing bent only but I wont kid you if my back will allow me I will definatly race dirt again. So my bent training for dirt fitness may be bunk. If I did all of my base on bent and tempo and intensity work on df does anyone know if that plan may be viable? Also had a friend tell me recumbent is harder on knees due to pushing more off glutes. Any truth to that? Sorry if I ignite alot of debate. I may need to move this subject over to general discussion.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Kwijybow on Jul 31st, 2009, 6:07pm

Well a lot depends on the bent, as there is a fair amount of variation.  My Corsa/Strada pedal stroke is definitely different than my upright pedal stroke.
I don't find one harder than the other knee wise, although I suppose with closed seating position one could put a lot of force into the pedals if you tried.  The more open seat recline of my Bacchetta's don't seem to promote this.  I believe Greg has had bents with more closed seating, maybe he can comment on that.    Also the different power thing is more of a final few % thing, there is still a lot of transfer between the two.  

Take Care,
Nelson.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Killer Bee on Jul 31st, 2009, 8:38pm


yetibike wrote:
Hi everyone. My name is Tom and I am recovering from back surgery. I joined to get advice on racing oppertunitys and on bike selection. I come from six years of mtn bike racing with most of my training hours being on the road. My doctor told me about recumbents and how much better they are on the back. I have been told it might not be wise to race offroad again and the tuck position on the road races is not good either so here I am. If I ever get cleared for off road I might try again but plan to do my training on recumbents permanently and race them in the limited oppertunities that exist.


Yes, quick recovery & we look forward to seeing you on the road sometime. Last check, I've had 4 separate back surgeries(I quit counting for obvious reasons). I used to be 6'1",now, I'm 6'0"(or less). Maybe it's just life that's  beating me down?!

-Steve

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by jcsadowski on Jul 31st, 2009, 9:27pm

I used to be almost 6 foot, now I am 5' 9" maybe because of a crushed T-12.  Or maybe just getting old?

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Kwijybow on Jul 31st, 2009, 10:10pm

Well I'm an inch shorter too, but I've got no good excuse like back surgery!  

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Opus the Poet on Jul 31st, 2009, 11:36pm

Used to be 5' 10" but now I'm 5' 7 1/2". Besides the usual "settling" of old age I lost a bit out of one leg in a disagreement with the driver of a pickup truck.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Hull 697 on Aug 1st, 2009, 8:50am


plcm111195 wrote:
Hi everyone! My name is Joanne.   I'm really excited to get going on it and am looking for tips on increasing visibility and good places to ride safely. Hoping to get to know you all better soon.
Joanne


Ouch!  Sorry to hear that about anybody!

I often ride alone so added a flag for increased visibility.  Personally, I figure it's about being SEEN and those standard orange flags are too small and not bright enough.  They also have no "Flash".  I use a Sound Winds fanion and now that I have seen their banners have one on order.  When I started flying the Fanion had a couple folks on my training ride slow down and say, "I can REALLY see you now."  So they saw me with the yellow seat bag, but the flag shows up better.  Also provides extra drag which for training purposes is a good thing.

http://poweroncycling.com/itemdetails.cfm?id=720
Has a good selection.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by plcm111195 on Aug 1st, 2009, 12:21pm


Hull 697 wrote:
http://poweroncycling.com/itemdetails.cfm?id=720
Has a good selection.


Thanks so much for the tip! I love the banner. Off to shop!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Aug 1st, 2009, 1:03pm


Hull 697 wrote:
.... but the flag shows up better.  Also provides extra drag which for training purposes is a good thing.



Almost moreso than having a kickstand!!!   [smiley=cheesy.gif]

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Aug 1st, 2009, 1:04pm


plcm111195 wrote:
[quote author=Hull 697 link=1217463529/120#129 date=1249134625]
http://poweroncycling.com/itemdetails.cfm?id=720
Has a good selection.


Thanks so much for the tip! I love the banner. Off to shop! [/quote]


Joanne, how has the riding been on the trike?  Tell us some tales!!!!
Paul

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by plcm111195 on Aug 1st, 2009, 1:46pm


FlyingLaZBoy wrote:
Joanne, how has the riding been on the trike?  Tell us some tales!!!!
Paul

I'm loving it! It's great on my shoulder. The road vibration can bother it a bit but nothing like leaning on it was on the DF.
I haven't had too many problems with visibility yet as people really seem to see it since it's so different. I get a lot of thumbs up, "Awesome bike" and "That looks like fun."
I did have one guy ask if I had room for a hitchhiker. Today we got back from 20 miles around Plano and Allen just in time before the sky opened up. I still feel slow (we only averaged 13.5) but I did have my highest max ever at 31.5 coming down a hill. What a blast! I'm hoping I'll improve the average speed with some practice. I hope to be able to keep up with you all some day.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by barlows on Aug 7th, 2009, 2:58am

I guess it's high time I introduced myself.  I'm Steve Barlow, and I ride with the LSR group.  I've been wanting a recumbent for a little over a year now, and it looks like I'll finally be getting one this weekend.  I'm getting Greg's Corsa from him.  I'll be out at the LSR Pop to give it the first official ride.  I promised a new LSR prospect that I'd hang back with him, so I won't really be able to give 'er hell.  But I'm looking forward to it just the same.

So get ready guys, I'll be asking all kinds of stupid questions about bags and headrests and light mounts and Q rings.  Oh yeah, and magnets for water bladders.  And probably coroplast discs.  Anything I missed there?  [smiley=wink.gif]

Later,
Steve

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by aikigreg on Aug 7th, 2009, 10:46am

Just beards and potbellies.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by barlows on Aug 7th, 2009, 11:10am


aikigreg wrote:
Just beards and potbellies.
Oh, almost forgot.  Is it considered poor form to zip tie a beer coozie to the handlebars?  Or am I supposed to hide it in the water bottles like on the DF?  [smiley=shrug.gif]

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Kwijybow on Aug 7th, 2009, 11:30am

Once you're on a recumbent no amount of zip-tied beer coozies, beards, or pot bellies appreciably lowers your social status among DF cyclists further, so zip-tie away!   ;)

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by evblazer on Aug 7th, 2009, 12:07pm

When you are putting on the beer coozies you could always mount them such as
http://steampunkworkshop.com/images/hyd1.jpg
With the weight on the seat rather then your helmet like those football game helmets it'll be much easier in the long run. I always found putting too much on the handlbar got in the way of my vision or my legs on my B-bike. The seat back is a great place to put lots of stuff.


Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Hull 697 on Aug 11th, 2009, 9:43am


FlyingLaZBoy wrote:
[quote author=Hull 697 link=1217463529/120#129 date=1249134625] .... but the flag shows up better.  Also provides extra drag which for training purposes is a good thing.

Almost moreso than having a kickstand!!!   [smiley=cheesy.gif]
[/quote]

"A bike without a kickstand is not a bike worth riding."   [smiley=runover.gif]

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by johnnybent on Aug 14th, 2009, 7:49pm

Hello, My name is john, guess i'm a 'bent rider now. Picked up a cycle genuis from Joe about a month ago. I ride mostly with GDB and around WRL. Somewhat of a learning curve with this, but going better then I thought.  

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Aug 14th, 2009, 10:19pm

Hi, John, what riding have you been doing with GDB?  I've been with that club for a while, and take/post most of the photos on the website.  I'll be doing the Airport Ride tomorrow morning...

Paul

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Aug 15th, 2009, 8:14pm

Well, it turns out I know John already, after all...  He just didn't bother to tell me he was gonna buy a 'bent!!!   Welcome, Sir!   :)


Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by johnnybent on Aug 15th, 2009, 9:11pm

Hey Paul, I was on the cliff...did alot of tire kicking, looking and all that. This is still a learning experince.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by aikigreg on Aug 16th, 2009, 11:46am

Welcome John.  Bents are fun!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by johnnybent on Aug 27th, 2009, 7:10pm

Fun somehow is a understatement. You ride the most unobtainible tdf team bike around and not get noticed, but ride a bent and the fingers start pointing, maybe it's the cute 16" up front.  My other bikes are jealous.  

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Sep 1st, 2009, 3:08pm

Hey, John --
  Weather permitting, why don't you bring the 'bent out to the Airport Ride this Saturday...  I'd like to see it.  I'm working on convincing Chuck to do the same, and I'll ride with you both, at least going out to the Shell and back....

Paul

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Jan 19th, 2010, 3:51pm

What -  no new member introductions since September?????

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by aikigreg on Jan 21st, 2010, 9:48am

Only 7 new members since then, most of which haven't made a post.  There are still a LOT more bent riders out there, but we're not reaching them since they don't seem to show up at a lot of the events that we go to or follow up on our recommendations to come visit.  

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Kwijybow on Jan 21st, 2010, 10:59am

I'm hoping Bob Ford pops in now that he has the Strada.  He did a 20 mile ride and liked it!  -- Nelson.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by bikerteam on Feb 4th, 2010, 12:10pm

Bob rode my xtream about 20 miles and did great, prior to his Strada purchase.  I got a facebook invite from Bob a few days ago.  I'm not active on facbook, and don't really know what I'm doing.  Anyway, if you can link up to me on facebook you can see him under my friends (I think), then we can maybe get him on this link.

Bob is also a LSR member.  I remember coming up on him a few years ago on his "fixie".  He rode that thing on the Cherry Pie Hill 200k.  

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by goldentouch on Mar 21st, 2010, 2:40pm

Eddie Golden  63 years young.  Just got back into cycling in January 2010 after about 25 years lay off.  I bought a comfort bike and liked it, but when I started reading about recumbents I bought a Sun EZ-3 USX HD.  At 6'5" and 270 I need a heavy frame and wheels to carry all this lard that I want to loose.  I am now down to 260 and called City Cyclist where I got the Sun and they are ordering a Rans Stratus XXL for me to try.   If I can stay on it for a few minutes it is headed back home with me.   I have over 30 years in law enforcement and work in the Dallas area.   I live just outside of Wills Point and drive back and forth each day about 60 miles.  My rides around here are not the best with large pot holes and areas that have gone back to dirt and rock.  You have to be real careful when riding.  I am thinking changing to a larger tire on the Stratus might be the perfect ticket for my riding.  

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by aikigreg on Mar 21st, 2010, 3:15pm

Good to see you, Eddie.  Glad you liked dealing with City Cyclist - Mike has worked hard to grow his business and I certainly support them as much as possible.  Hope to see you on an upcoming RBENT event!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by goldentouch on Mar 31st, 2010, 7:10pm

I would like to attend some of the events.  I drive by WRL and see everyone riding and I am stuffed in a Charger.  I have meetings that cover most of the day and I also live about 60 miles east of Dallas.  I might make it one weekend to WRL and just ride around and enjoy myself.   [smiley=runover.gif]

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by aikigreg on Mar 31st, 2010, 7:18pm

What about our event on Sunday the 11th?


goldentouch wrote:
I would like to attend some of the events.  I drive by WRL and see everyone riding and I am stuffed in a Charger.  I have meetings that cover most of the day and I also live about 60 miles east of Dallas.  I might make it one weekend to WRL and just ride around and enjoy myself.   [smiley=runover.gif]


Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by goldentouch on Apr 1st, 2010, 5:52am

I am going out of town starting tomorrow and will not be getting back in until Sunday the 11th.  I will try and make another one later on.  

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Patti on Apr 1st, 2010, 7:42am

If you can get away, join us at the Heart of Texas Catrike Rally and Bent Event, in Austin on April 16, 17, 18.

http://www.hotcatrally.com/

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Jun 26th, 2010, 6:44pm

Heeeeeeere's GoldenTouch!  (And Jay Gorman)

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae256/pbrown8js/GDB028.jpg


And here's Tony Ward

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae256/pbrown8js/GDB041.jpg


And Andy Floyd

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae256/pbrown8js/GDB008.jpg

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by goldentouch on Jun 26th, 2010, 6:57pm

I enjoyed meeting you at your rest stop.   I hope you had a great ride

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by froglegz57 on Jul 6th, 2010, 1:44pm

Good afternoon gents and ladies.  I just joined but am not too new to laid back riding.  I am in Charlotte, NC and am always looking for a riding partner for anything from 15 to 100 miles.  Drop me a line and we will ride or check out my web site www.recumbentbikestrikes.com   It is dedicated to recumbents and of course me.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by aikigreg on Jul 6th, 2010, 9:10pm


froglegz57 wrote:
Good afternoon gents and ladies.  I just joined but am not too new to laid back riding.  I am in Charlotte, NC and am always looking for a riding partner for anything from 15 to 100 miles.  Drop me a line and we will ride or check out my web site www.recumbentbikestrikes.com   It is dedicated to recumbents and of course me.



Looking for partner in TX?

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by jman on Jul 8th, 2010, 5:23pm


goldentouch wrote:
Eddie Golden  63 years young.  Just got back into cycling in January 2010 after about 25 years lay off.  I bought a comfort bike and liked it, but when I started reading about recumbents I bought a Sun EZ-3 USX HD.I am thinking changing to a larger tire on the Stratus might be the perfect ticket for my riding.  

Hey Eddie, and all you other new folks,  [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif]
I also am 63 and have a bit of that "emergency lard" onboard, hey you never know when an emergency may pop up and no food available  [smiley=grin.gif] so surplus is a good thing. Hope to get to ride with you sometime only you don't need to worry about speed with me along, I am a slow poke.I am used to everyone waiting for me at the top of each hill  ;D
Happy Trails,
Joe/Ft.Worth

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by goldentouch on Jul 8th, 2010, 7:15pm

Hi Jman it sounds like we could get along great.  My average speed is about 11.5 on the Stratus.  Nothing fast and I find myself just enjoying the ride.  I too have a lot invested in my spare tire.  It has been getting bigger over the years.   I am in Dallas most of the week so give me a call on my cell
214-882-2189 If nothing else I can buy you lunch.  I always make time to eat.  

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by jman on Jul 9th, 2010, 8:29am


goldentouch wrote:
Hi Jman it sounds like we could get along great.  My average speed is about 11.5 on the Stratus.  Nothing fast and I find myself just enjoying the ride.  I too have a lot invested in my spare tire.  It has been getting bigger over the years.   I am in Dallas most of the week so give me a call on my cell
214-882-2189 If nothing else I can buy you lunch.  I always make time to eat.  

I am not that good on my tadpole yet, it takes a different set of muscles than I have on the EZ3 where I can avg around 10-11mph. The tad is new to me and I only have 5 rides on it so far but my speed is going to comes as I am at just over 8mph already, so maybe by the end of July or into Aug my speed will get up to a nice 10-12mph which is what you can expect out of a Sun EZ Tad, they are not speed machines for sure :L))
Right now my old truck is misbehaving and wants a tune up that my son Josh is going to look into for me, it is not ideling right for an old diesel 2.2L :L)) so hopefully he can fix it for me and I can feel safe going to Dallas. For now I am going to have to settle for my nice little River Legacy Park in Arlington to ride in, which is a nice 15 mile closed paved path. If the rains go away maybe you can pop on over this way for a ride. The park is very nice and has lots of shaded areas to relieve the summer heat while riding and no cars to mess with.It is located just off Industrial on the north side of Arlington near hwy 360.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Mark on Jul 19th, 2010, 8:17pm

I'm a new member of the forum and a new recumbent trike owner.  My name is Mark.  I'm 63 and live in DeSoto. I usually ride in the Joe Pool Lake, Cedar Hill, Midlothian, & Ovilla area.  I picked up my new 2010 Catrike Expedition on June 30.  I've ridden about 350 miles so far and really love it.  I haven't been on my up right bike since I picked up the Catrike.  I rode in the Peach Pedal a few weeks ago and the Gorman Peanut Tour this past weekend. I plan on doing the BAM rally this weekend and the Goatneck in a couple of weeks.  I'm a member of the Lone Star Cyclist and have only ridden with them once since I've been on my trike.  I was pretty slow and I'm not sure I'll be riding with them very much unless it is with an easy paced ride.  I'm hoping I'll increase my speed.  I seem to be about 2-3 MPH slower on my trike than on my upright bike.  Below is a picture of me getting ready to start the Gorman ride.

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l318/maredco/Avatar/MarkGorrman7-17-10.jpg




Mark

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Bud_Bent on Jul 19th, 2010, 8:20pm

Welcome, Mark! I plan on being at Goatneck. See you there.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by aikigreg on Jul 19th, 2010, 9:11pm

Nice looking trike, Mark.  Lookk forward to seeing you out there sometime.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Jul 19th, 2010, 9:41pm


Mark wrote:
I'm a new member of the forum and a new recumbent trike owner.  My name is Mark.  I'm 63 and live in DeSoto. I usually ride in the Joe Pool Lake, Cedar Hill, Midlothian, & Ovilla area...


Welcome, Mark!  Try to get in touch with KingJason on this forum, he lives in DeSoto as well, and has a RANS V3...

You probably will be somewhat slower on your trike, but pushing yourself in group rides is one way to get faster, as I'm sure you're aware.  You're now dealing with a (probably) somewhat heavier bike (trike), and have three wheels worth of rolling resistance instead of two...   but you're enjoying the ride a lot more!!!   [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Rat Rider on Sep 11th, 2010, 9:01pm

My name is Roy; I am a recumbent addict. (Hello Roy, the group proclaims in unison.)

Working on my 22nd different bike. Current stable XStream, Carbent, Fujin, Screamer, and Tour Easy.    Originally from Wichita Falls - spent a couple a years in Buffalo (TX), - currently reside and ride just North of Austin.

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x273/flycow_bucket/trailer-1.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x273/flycow_bucket/trl2.jpghttp://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x273/flycow_bucket/4i1.jpg

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by robert.j on Sep 11th, 2010, 9:15pm

Hi Roy.  Good to have you on the forum.  Still trying to convince my wife to ride that Columbia!
Robert Johnson

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Sep 12th, 2010, 7:31am

Welcome aboard, Roy!!!  Heard about you for years, dunno if we've met at HHH before or not!  Give us a headshot to go with the trailer shot....

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by SpikeHD on Oct 12th, 2010, 10:51pm

Just dropping into to give a wave. I mostly ride around River Legacy. Been looking into these group rides and such. I'm not a very experienced biker but I love to be out on the bike. I have had a lot of fun and met a lot of interesting people. Here is to meeting more and having much more fun. Mostly checking out all the good references for gear too.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by aikigreg on Oct 12th, 2010, 10:54pm

Welcome, Elliot!  A lot of us are just casual riders, new to the game or not.  We ride together lots so keep checking back and jump in and join us anytime!  I too got my start at river legacy.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by tojesky on Nov 15th, 2010, 7:00pm

Hi,
I'm Tim Oujezdsky and live in Houston. My daughter lives in Dallas near White Rock Lake and I've ridden that trail and also the creek trail to as far north as it goes.

I ride a Corsa now but have both a Gold Rush and my first recumbent - an EZ Sport AX (I rarely ride either of the lwb's anymore.) I primarily ride with a small group of Bacchetta riders (Carbon Aero 1 - 700c, TiAero X 2, and a couple of Carbent Ravens {not Bacchetta but they are welcomed in the group}) here in the Houston area. Additionally, when group rides are not available, I ride on an 11 mile paved trail in George Bush Park at Highway 6 and I-10 West. I am also a TeamBent member and occassionally ride with them. We all keep in touch through their group site on Yahoo.

Last weekend, speedy Mark Lueck passed a few of us on a cold Saturday morning doing his ride. If you look at his blog and video for that day, I'm the rider second to the front on the Corsa at about 7 minutes into his video.

You may see me from time to time around White Rock Lake. If so, I look forward to riding with you.

To learn more about me, visit my blogs:
http://bentonriding.blogspot.com/

I like building furniture. Another:
http://srpeninsula.blogspot.com/

And my Crazy Guy journal from 2 1/2 years ago:
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/TimsMS150

Tim

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Nov 16th, 2010, 10:13pm

Welcome, Tim -
 The "Clown" group rides WRLake Tuesday and Thursday mornings after meeting at Barbec's for breakfast, so try to hook up with 'em...  Other than that, post your travel/visit plans here, and we'll see if we can arrange or suggest any rides...

Paul

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by shellbear on Nov 29th, 2010, 10:23pm

Howdy, 'bent folks!  My name is Shelley and I am new to recumbent cycling.  i spent nearly 10 years on a racing roadie and thanks to all that riding and my genetics, I was left with herniated disks in my lower back.  My new Catbike is my ticket back to the road after a long rehabilitation.  I got my new ride from Easy Street Recumbents in Austin (Mike is the BEST!!) about 2 months ago.  I took it out on a couple of rides before the weather got cold and it's so comfy, I'm so glad to be back on the road again!  I didn't expect to get so much attention riding my new contraption among my upright brothers and sisters, but since this is the Catbike's debut year I suppose it's only natural!  Here's a picture of my new bike!  :)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs462.ash2/73526_799828475253_9201054_42539028_4759871_n.jpg

Look forward to seeing you all on the forums and on the road in the spring!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by goldentouch on Nov 30th, 2010, 6:21am

Shelley that is a nice looking bike and welcome to rbent.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Bud_Bent on Nov 30th, 2010, 8:56am

Welcome to the asylum, Shelley. Pretty bike.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by TonyWard on Nov 30th, 2010, 12:04pm

Welcome!  Hope to see you soon.  I'd like to get a closer look at that bike!!!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Nov 30th, 2010, 3:57pm


TonyWard wrote:
Welcome!  Hope to see you soon.  I'd like to get a closer look at that bike!!!


Tony, they had one at RBM Richardson several months ago, don't know if it's still there or not.

Shelley, welcome -- and it seems that you've discovered that it doesn't pay to be an introvert while riding a 'bent...

Paul

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by diannalightning on Nov 30th, 2010, 5:45pm

Shelley, were you on the Turkey Roll?  I saw a purple Cat 2-wheeler on that ride and it was really moving.  Glad you're back on a bike and enjoying riding again.  

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by shellbear on Nov 30th, 2010, 8:35pm

I was indeed!  I didn't see any other purple Catbikes so I guess that was me.  :)

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone!!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Don on Dec 1st, 2010, 3:11pm

Welcome to the Board Shelley,  I like the color of your Bike  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]  i dont ride in yawls neck of the woods but i love reading about you speedster riders and the group rides.

Thanks Don

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by mikep on Feb 9th, 2011, 11:49am

Greetings everyone,

I have hesitated long enough now to introduce myself ...so here goes...

My name is Mike Pollard, my wife Lisa and I live in north east Fort Worth.  In late 2005 I suffered a stroke which resulted in me having limited use of my left arm/hand.  This caused me to research different options for bicycling as I was an avid mountain biker before the CVA.  In 2007 I purchased a tadpole trike and have been riding with the goofy recumbent grin ever since [smiley=batting.gif].  Recently we bought two new Tour Easy's when City Cyclist was closing, and just in time for the weather to get nasty and days short.  As a result of a busy schedule and the weather/short days I haven't gotten to ride as much as I would have preferred.  However, I expect to take care of that in the very near future.

Most of my riding is at River Legacy or Trinity Trails, but I have been really looking forward to joining some of the group rides as soon as I can.   I am hopefully going to be able to meet many of you when the rides start picking back up again.  I am also on facebook so look me up http://www.facebook.com/#!/txmp62 .

Best regards to all,
Mikep

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by aikigreg on Feb 9th, 2011, 2:11pm

Hey Mike - glad you're here, I've probably seen you a time or two on the trails since i live on them, and DJ practically owns it on his Bacchetta.  I see you're an ME, is that right?  One of my bent racing buddies in Portland is an ME as well.  

Look forward to seeing you out there.  My wife and I ride the trails a lot, and always love an excuse to get to ride with people, so don't hesitate to post on our upcoming rides section if you're going out for a stroll or something.  Happy benting!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Action Lad on Feb 9th, 2011, 2:35pm

Welcome, Mike!
Which tadpole trike do you own?  I have a Catrike 700.  

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Bud_Bent on Feb 10th, 2011, 9:02am

Welcome, Mike. I'm in Crowley. There aren't that many of us in the Fort Worth area. But, Greg hosts an rbent ride every now and then, and Paul does a mid-city ride at DFW airport every once in a while. Join us at one of those.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by goldentouch on Feb 10th, 2011, 1:37pm

Welcome Mike You will enjoy everyone here

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!Leo Roderick Guajardo, 11
Post by Lrodshy57 on Feb 10th, 2011, 3:53pm

hi, Again! I been off since my old pc went kaput, now have an apple and still no too friendley with it! Not sure if I can go back for any more lessons! not done much rising since weather gone donw! now an working on plan to trap feral hogs to fill my frezer, want to buy a ranch and also raised pheasents, rabbits, chickens, etc and make recumbebt s trikes

Sincerly, Lrodshy57     retired surveyor in oOak cliff

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by mikep on Feb 11th, 2011, 2:35pm

Hey Greg, Bud, Action Lad, and Goldentouch thanks for the warm welcome!!

Greg...yes I am an ME investigator now after retiring from police work because of the stroke [smiley=injured.gif].  
Action Lad the trike is a Performance XPR Arrow

I am looking forward to getting acquainted very soon with everyone.

Regards,
Mikep

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by GBRAD on Apr 29th, 2011, 2:16pm

Hello - we are Gary (age 65) and Gay (age 62) Bradford.  We are both retired from US Immigration Service in Dallas, Texas, and live in Iowa Park, Texas, which is near Wichita Falls.  We got involved in cycling about 4 years ago, when we decided we needed a form of exercise that was less stressful than volleyball, softball and other sports, and easier on the joints!  We bought hybrid DFs and rode in the Hotter'N Hell Hundred for the last 4 years.  In researching bicycles, Gary decided that there was a more comfortable and efficient way to go, so we purchased two Scarab recumbent trikes, which were very comfortable and fun to ride.  However, the competitive nature of my husband "came out" when recumbent bike rider Mark Leuck flew by his trike during a ride in Humble, Texas last February.  Gary then decided that we needed recumbent bikes, and he quickly purchased the Optima Baron for himself, and a Bacchetta Strada for me.  We have only been able to make a couple of training runs, and are still learning about and getting comfortable with the recumbents.  We look forward to testing them (and ourselves) in future rides.  We also look forward to meeting fellow Rbent members in rides this summer.

Mark -- I don't believe Gary will be seriously challenging you for some time to come.

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x367/GayBradford/IMG_1901.jpg
http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x367/GayBradford/IMG_1904.jpg

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by aikigreg on Apr 29th, 2011, 3:50pm

Uh-oh, you guys look like you're going to be terrorizing the roads very quickly!  Glad to have you on RBENT.  We'll have to have the RBENT party the night before HHH.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by diannalightning on Apr 29th, 2011, 4:30pm

Gary and Gay, good to have you on the forum.  You will definitely have to join the R-Bent folks before the HHH.  There will be a posting on the forum of when and where.  I look forward to meeting you in person.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Lrodshy57 on Apr 29th, 2011, 5:25pm

Hi, gary and gay! welcome!
if we ever see each other, I hope you don't ask me for my 'green card', I used to have one, but, it is now platinum  ;D! Yes! I do speak some Spanish
Wish my orange "dragon Flyer was purple. like my ranger truck

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Bud_Bent on Apr 30th, 2011, 7:24pm

Welcome, Gary and Gay! I'll look forward to seeing you at HHH.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by goldentouch on Apr 30th, 2011, 8:24pm

Welcome Gary and Gay  Nice looking bikes

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by russellkanning on Jun 2nd, 2011, 10:59am

Hello gang,
I am new to this forum and to Texas. I live in the country between Hillsboro and Corsicana.
I came to this forum because I am looking for a comfortable bike/trike to get to town with (16 miles to Walmart) and my cheap DF will not do the trick., and to meet other cool bent fans.
I bike for pleasure in nice weather to smell the roses usually.
I used to pedal for work and groceries in Keene, NH on a cheap DF (college town, flat and very bike-able). And I did without a car at all for about a year in Santa Clarita, CA  with a Rhodes car (quad) and cheap DF (flat for shopping and also very easy to bike the streets and paths) after someone totalled my mid-life crisis car ('66 Mustang).
I like pedaling for the fresh air, exercise, and money savings. The quadcycle was very fun with its comfy seat, nice view and driving safety, and the huge cooler I kept in back that held my lemonade for when I was sitting at lights. Kids loved to join me if I was just running around residential streets and the thing was a blast down hills and even in traffic, since I was so visible.

ok, I guess that is enough for now. :)

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Lrodshy57 on Jun 2nd, 2011, 1:19pm

how about checking out my add selling a SideWinder recumbent trike?bet you can find rubber wiskers on tires , since not been ridden much.Also have a little used recumbent bike, made by "tour Easy"IN Dallas, 75203

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by jdviz on Aug 3rd, 2011, 9:31am

Hi there,

I'd like to introduce ourselves. My wife is Elizabeth, and I"m JD. We've lived in a loft in downtown Dallas, in amongst the sky scrapers, since 2005. Our Sun EZ-1s joined the family around 2007ish, and we've loved having them. They might not be fast, but they are extremely comfortable. I keep calling them couches on wheels.

About 7 weeks ago, we started training for our first run on the Hotter'N Hell Hundred this August. We started it as a goal to help us lose weight (which is working like a champ), but it has since become a little obsession with us. We're loving being out 6 days a week, even in the heat. Although, I don't think our little EZ-1s were meant for such a pace. We'll baby them along for this year, but in the next month or two, we'll be ordering two spankin' Musashi Catbikes. We can't wait! We'll keep our EZs for commuting & grocery runs and such, but we're greatly looking forward to some real speed.

Until I started the research on which recumbents we wanted to upgrade to, we had no idea there was such a large community of recumbent riders here in Dallas. We look forward to meeting y'all.

We can be seen most days except thursdays (our rest day) cruising around WhiteRock Lake in the heat of the day.

JD-

pics to follow...

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Lrodshy57 on Aug 3rd, 2011, 2:48pm

welcomed , Jd and Liz!
sine you're downtown, how about crossing the bridge to Oakcliff and ride around lake cilff park, not really senic but I can't make a loop without being stopped and ask about my dragonFlyer
No I don't ride in 100 or plu heat, need to loose weight , not pass out 8-)
Use the empty old  bridge behind the train station and return on empty new one
when cooler I am the  somewhat 'plump' guy on a orange trike

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by kenbent6 on Aug 3rd, 2011, 5:21pm

jdvis, JD, you and Liz come down to Barbecs cafe on Garland rd Tuesday or Thursday and meet and ride with the Rbent group. We eat breakfast at 8:00am them go for a ride around the lake till each gives up. Ken.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by jayg on Aug 3rd, 2011, 7:29pm


kenbent6 wrote:
jdvis, JD, you and Liz come down to Barbecs cafe on Garland rd Tuesday or Thursday and meet and ride with the Rbent group. We eat breakfast at 8:00am them go for a ride around the lake till each gives up. Ken.


Yes, come join us. Will be nice to have an increase in the Musashi population at WRL. I'm riding a black 2011 Musashi.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Action Lad on Aug 3rd, 2011, 8:39pm

Welcome, JD, and Elizabeth
I'm with the Clowns sometimes on Tuesdays.  The car is down, so I'm not as regular as I normally am.  When possible I ride in from McKinney.  I am on a Catrike 700, so you won't be so lonely.  

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Bud_Bent on Aug 3rd, 2011, 9:08pm

Welcome, JD and Elizabeth. Quite a few of us will be at HHH. Give us a hello at the recumbent start.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Lrodshy57 on Aug 4th, 2011, 10:00am

Russell,
what can you tell me abou the feral hog situation in that part of texas? have read that we're overun with them. Do you hunt /trap them? I have a trap with cage set up in Kaufam in ranch owned by HS friend have taped and shot four now but wants to sell his 15 acreas. I have a welder so can make more of same Contact me at "lrodshy57@yahoo.com"
There is another member named akigreg, not sure, maybe he will also contact you.Think he revered his correct name, Yes, I butcher the hogs, maybe greg does too.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Aug 4th, 2011, 11:59am


jdviz wrote:
... in the next month or two, we'll be ordering two spankin' Musashi Catbikes. We can't wait! We'll keep our EZs for commuting & grocery runs and such, but we're greatly looking forward to some real speed.


Nice upgrade, glad the recumbent experience agrees with you!!!  Welcome aboard -- I started on an EZ-1 myself...

Paul

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by jdviz on Aug 4th, 2011, 4:44pm

Thanks for the welcomes. Yeah we'll keep the EZs around for commuting to drunken frolics on the weekends.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Monkeywrangler22 on Sep 30th, 2011, 9:53pm

Hi, I'm Vicky and my husband is Dave.  My ride is a 2004 Vrex, and his is a Vision R54.  We both got our bents this summer, via another member on this and other forums.  We're in McKinney, and ride short rides during the week, and try for one or two longer rides on the weekend.  I'm interested in randonneuring (100-200K ), and Dave is planning on riding a double century before he hits 50!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by jman on Oct 1st, 2011, 7:55am


Monkeywrangler22 wrote:
Hi, I'm Vicky and my husband is Dave.  My ride is a 2004 Vrex, and his is a Vision R54.  We both got our bents this summer, via another member on this and other forums.  We're in McKinney, and ride short rides during the week, and try for one or two longer rides on the weekend.  I'm interested in randonneuring (100-200K ), and Dave is planning on riding a double century before he hits 50!


[smiley=cheers.gif]Welcome to the gang, if you ever make it over to the Trinity Trails, I'ld love tom meet up with you.  Hope you meet many new bent friends here.
Joe

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Monkeywrangler22 on Oct 1st, 2011, 3:33pm

Hoping to meet up with some bent riders here in the McKinney area...Lots of nice routes to the north of here...

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Denman on Nov 6th, 2011, 10:30am

Add one more from McKinney, soon to be two.

Mid 50's couple, sort of empty nest now that the youngest is at UTA.  6 weeks into a Catrike Expedition with 505 miles on the odometer.   The previous 500 miles of pedalling probably took me the previous 25 years to reach.

Wife is ready to trade her Mountain Bike for a Catrike in the spring.

Lots of GREAT places to ride in McKinney.  We ride weeknights near Eldorado & Hardin about 15 miles and weekends anything goes; usually about 25 miles on Saturday.

Also do a little "hatpacking" to ride places outside of McKinney.

http://www.rfactor-league.com/images/Rooftop.jpg

Thinking about trying Corpus Christi over Thanksgiving holidays.  

Mechanical & electrical engineer in the daytime designing machines; anything from 3 megawatt diesel electric drive systems (think of the worlds largest hybrid) to rapid cook ovens that automatically shuttle food....

Looking forward to meeting new people and doing some fabulous rides.  




Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by airmoose on Mar 13th, 2012, 9:04pm

New to Texas - working in Midland, but expect to do rides that some of you will be doing as well. Met some of you in Austin last week. I've the one with the yellow Quest velomobile with the moose on the side of the headfairing.

Thinking of riding at Bessie's Creek, but I've barely ridden since November and doubt I will do justice to the Quest.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by jman on Mar 14th, 2012, 10:56am


airmoose wrote:
New to Texas - working in Midland, but expect to do rides that some of you will be doing as well. Met some of you in Austin last week. I've the one with the yellow Quest velomobile with the moose on the side of the headfairing.

Thinking of riding at Bessie's Creek, but I've barely ridden since November and doubt I will do justice to the Quest.

Howdy folks, glad you guys and gals found the board. Don't feel bad about low miles in the winter.  I am not in my best riding shape either, but the nice weather we are enjoying now is only a prelude to future great riding weather. Hope to see you venture over this way to Ft.Worth's part of the Trinity Trails.. I miss all youi Dallas riders and my old Legacy Park this time of year when it starts tuning green again. [smiley=pepper.gif] [smiley=pepper.gif]

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Phantom Rider on Jun 22nd, 2012, 12:20pm

Greetings folks, it's great to be here and see such an active forum.  I've been riding a MTB 29er for quite some time now with very little off road riding.  Got the bug and have fallen in love with being on a bicycle and enjoying the outdoors.  Was once an avid runner, but my Knees just won't let me do that anymore so the bicycle was the next best thing.  

After two months of research and 3 trips to easy street in Austin I am now the proud owner of a lightning phantom.  Adjusting to the new ride and steering is a challenge but I'm getting there, I ve logged 150 miles on it in the first week.   Looking forward to comfortable rides and enjoying the scenery.

Located on north fort worth

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by aikigreg on Jun 25th, 2012, 7:32pm

Hey Phantom!  I'm in Fort Worth as well, in the Benbrook area.  Welcome to the forum.  Hope to see you out at some RBENT events, and enjoy the phantom.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Phantom Rider on Jun 25th, 2012, 7:46pm


aikigreg wrote:
Hey Phantom!  I'm in Fort Worth as well, in the Benbrook area.  Welcome to the forum.  Hope to see you out at some RBENT events, and enjoy the phantom.

Appreciate it, I'm on the north end of town(35 & 820).  Been riding this thing for a little over a week now and am loving it.  MTBer friend of mine ask me today if I felt it was a good investment,my only reply was should have done this a long time ago.  im sure our paths will cross at an event and look forward to it.


Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by spudman1 on Jun 29th, 2012, 8:26am

Hello Texas.
I'm not in Texas, but you had such and active site that it made me want to move.  I can't imagine what it's like to ride with other recumbents.  I live in Kentucky.  We have recumbents, just none in my town.  The 4th of July makes four years since I got My Stratus XP.  Last week I added the Xstream.  Researching that bike led me over to this site.  I noticed several familiar names.  So, now I have two places where kindred spirits "get it".

Gary

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Phantom Rider on Jun 29th, 2012, 9:04am


spudman1 wrote:
Hello Texas.
I'm not in Texas, but you had such and active site that it made me want to move.  I can't imagine what it's like to ride with other recumbents.  I live in Kentucky.  We have recumbents, just none in my town.  The 4th of July makes four years since I got My Stratus XP.  Last week I added the Xstream.  Researching that bike led me over to this site.  I noticed several familiar names.  So, now I have two places where kindred spirits "get it".

Gary

Welcome, I'm sure there is great riding in Kentucky, it's a beautiful p,ace.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by jman on Jun 29th, 2012, 10:33am

Hey Gary, glad you found us.  [smiley=cheers.gif]

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by aikigreg on Jun 29th, 2012, 1:44pm

Gary, I'm from Kentucky - Lexington to be exact.  My wife and I are planning a trip back home around the 6th of August or somewhere in that area.  We're bringing the bikes if you'd like to help us find some rides!  Last time we did the bourbon trail around Frankfort, which was a gas.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by spudman1 on Jun 29th, 2012, 1:57pm


aikigreg wrote:
Gary, I'm from Kentucky - Lexington to be exact.  My wife and I are planning a trip back home around the 6th of August or somewhere in that area.  We're bringing the bikes if you'd like to help us find some rides!  Last time we did the bourbon trail around Frankfort, which was a gas.


I live in London so I'm definitely close by.  I have ridden mostly around London.  We have a new bike club here that rides two or three times a week and usually has groups of different levels go out together and then adjusts the rides accordingly.  They've taken me in as one of their own.  I'd be happy to have you join us or maybe I can meet up with you for a ride when you are in the state.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by JimFPU on Jun 29th, 2012, 4:05pm


spudman1 wrote:
The 4th of July makes four years since I got My Stratus XP.  Last week I added the Xstream.


I love my SXP.  But by the stories I see all the time the X-streme is the next step.  Cool.

Hey Paul, maybe need to start looking for one for me in a few years!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Action Lad on Jun 29th, 2012, 9:16pm


spudman1 wrote:
Hello Texas.
I'm not in Texas, but you had such and active site that it made me want to move.  I can't imagine what it's like to ride with other recumbents.  I live in Kentucky.  We have recumbents, just none in my town.  The 4th of July makes four years since I got My Stratus XP.  Last week I added the Xstream.  Researching that bike led me over to this site.  I noticed several familiar names.  So, now I have two places where kindred spirits "get it".

Gary


Welcome, Gary!
I am so hearing you on this, "I can't imagine what it's like to ride with other recumbents."
Before I got into recumbents, I never rode with anyone because of the poor--and frankly, dangerous--attitudes and behaviors of upright cyclists.  I discovered bents on YouTube one winter, when there was no riding locally for the cold.  Pretty cool.  Then I found the trikes of the lot.  Hmmm, interesting.  Then when I laid my tired eyes on big wheel trikes, it was love.  Not only do I have the ride of my dreams, but I found a recumbent group that "gets it", the Clowns, and they let me ride with them.  For the first time in my life, I can go, "Ahhhh" as I ride.  

There is one level left to attain to for true Heaven on Earth, to ride in a brisk paceline with other trikes.
http://alleysplace.tripod.com/gifs4/palms-swaying.gif


I think the world will collide when that happens, so I don't mind putting that off.   ::)





Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by CruzbikeChris on Jul 23rd, 2012, 9:00pm

Well here I am. And old time runner and MB road rider, tinkerer. Got interested when I saw the kit Cruzbike and became obsessed. Now I got it all put together and can ride it. Rides great and yes it is very different then the rest, like me. FWD moving bottom bracket but it sure is fun. My first bent but probably not my last. Got on this site due to Phantom Rider bragging about it every day at work of how active ya'l are. That's pretty cool to find look forward to riding with the groups at the local rides.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Phantom Rider on Jul 23rd, 2012, 9:30pm


CruzbikeChris wrote:
Well here I am. And old time runner and MB road rider, tinkerer. Got interested when I saw the kit Cruzbike and became obsessed. Now I got it all put together and can ride it. Rides great and yes it is very different then the rest, like me. FWD moving bottom bracket but it sure is fun. My first bent but probably not my last. Got on this site due to Phantom Rider bragging about it every day at work of how active ya'l are. That's pretty cool to find look forward to riding with the groups at the local rides.


Welcome Chris, it's good to see you on here.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Mizta_Nice on Jul 26th, 2012, 7:26pm

Hello Everyone, another n00b here!

My name is Oliver, and my screen name is Mizta_Nice. I'm relatively new to recumbents, but I have been riding for a couple of years, mostly by myself since I don't personally know any other 'bent riders as of yet. I have been reading the boards for a few months now, and I figured it was time for me to stop lurking and start mingling. I'm hoping to get some knowledge about bikes and maybe find out about some of the better rides in the area.

Like many of you, I started out riding a wedgie until I developed back issues. Now, I wonder why I didn't switch to a 'bent sooner, because I love being able to look where I am going while flying down the road. I also love not wondering when my back is going to start hurting or when the neck, wrist and bum pains are going to begin. I've worked up to riding 20-30 miles at a time and wanting to go more.

Right now I am riding a Sun X2-AX which I bought at City Cyclist before they went away. I know from my reading that a lot of people don't like that model of bike, but it's been a good starter bike for me. The LWB really was forgiving for me to get used to the position. Plus, it wasn't so expensive that I couldn't afford some accessories. It's a good beginner bike, but now I wish I had something faster. Much faster. Much, much faster.

I've done some research, and I think I am leaning toward a Rans Stratus or a Lightning P-38. I like the LWB, but I would switch to an SWB if the speed difference was large enough. I just don't want to have my feet too high or my position too reclined because of ruptured and repaired discs in my lower back. I have test ridden some SWB's and putting my feet down caused a little pain, so that's why I am drawn to those more upright bikes. Now, I just need to convince the wife that I need a new bike.

Well, I have rambled long enough. I hope to meet all of you sooner or later, and go on some rides with you all. It sounds like lots of fun.

See you all soon.




Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Monkeywrangler22 on Jul 26th, 2012, 7:29pm

So, Oliver, where are you located?

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Phantom Rider on Jul 26th, 2012, 7:31pm

Welcome Oliver, good to have you with us.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Mizta_Nice on Jul 26th, 2012, 7:33pm

Sorry, just realized I forgot to say I was in Fort Worth. I am normally on the Trinity Trails during the weekdays.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by jman on Jul 26th, 2012, 7:51pm


Mizta_Nice wrote:
Sorry, just realized I forgot to say I was in Fort Worth. I am normally on the Trinity Trails during the weekdays.


[smiley=cheers.gif]Glad to meet you Mizta_Nice. I have good news for you, several of us ride the Trinity Trails from the east and the westewrn direction. I'm on the mend for a few more weeks after stiring up an old shoulder injury I got while in the Coast Guard.
Also, your first bent was a good one and you should have no trouble getting a fair resell price  for it.(that should pacify the wife somewhat)  If you prefer lwb rides check out among others, BentRider for sale forum
(http://www.bentrideronline.com/messageboard/forumdisplay.php?f=5)
cu on the road. I live next to Hulen Mall close to Performance Cycling.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Rawhide on Jul 27th, 2012, 5:25am

Welcome Mizta.  I'm on the trail, most days after 4 PM riding out from downtown or points farther east (4th St) and usually go to Benbrook & back.  See you around hopefully. D J  

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Bent_Vision on Aug 5th, 2012, 2:20pm

I've been lurking long enough so here goes; I am a bentaholic.  

After years of Mountain biking then trying out road biking or a while around the Corinth/Denton area, I was persuaded, thanks Phantom Rider to take a test ride on a used vision R40 that I'd had my eye on for a while at RBM. Apparently the grin on my face after the test ride said it all according to my wife as I was instantly hooked and made the purchase once the sales manager agreed to a reasonable price.

The funny thing is that when I got it home my oldest son(22) after riding it for 5 minutes said I should go find another one because he wanted to buy that one from me. Luckily my wife instantly fell in love with it too after taking it for a spin and has starting riding it regularly.

So, with little options my quest began and in just a few short weeks after driving to Wichita Falls to pick up a very nice used Bacchetta Strata for myself, we are now a two bent family with the potential for a third, once I find a good deal on a SWB for my son.

Looking forwarding to meeting you all soon at some local rides and get togethers.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by recumbron on Aug 20th, 2012, 12:20am

Hi, I'm Ron and I've been riding rbents for for about seven years for the same reason most of us have switched from "wedgie" bikes to "lazyboys on wheels." I've lived in lots of places around the metroplex and north Texas - in S. Fort Worth now. It's great to find a group of other bent riders.  I think we need eachother, or at least I do.  Upright riders don't understand why it takes me longer to top that hill but pass them on the way down the other side.  Somehow it never quite works out even, right?  
I appreciate Bud being a good example of a fine rbent rider on some "Rusty Chain Gang" rides I've been on around Crowley and Burleson, at least he seems to be best I can tell since he's always a good ways ahead of me if he's even in sight.
Hope to get to know many of you as I am approaching retirement gradually and have more time to ride weekdays...retiring that is from preaching but not ministry, but don't hold that against me, OK?

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by JimFPU on Aug 20th, 2012, 7:14am

Welcome Ron.  I started out on an Infinity, probably an 86 model.  Just sold it this summer to a guy who's putting it in a streamliner in Ohio.  Welcome to the club!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by LightningRider on Aug 29th, 2012, 7:58am

Hi, my name is Carl, I live in Mansfield, have had a P-38 since 1995 or so and I have not ridden in over two weeks.

My last ride was 10 miles on August 11. The last ride of any consequence was the DFW Tour de Cure and I finished the 100Km in about 3:10 moving and 3:50 overall. (Had a bad case of hotfoot that I had to stop for about 3/4 through.)  

The P-38 is back in California now at LCD and it is getting a crack repaired and a refinish. I noticed tha crack while changing out the stock idler for the chain tensioner. Local repair and refinish would have been just a little less expensive but sending it "back home" means that people that know what they are looking at get a chance to inspect it for any other issues. I am also having another set of eyelets put on the rear dropouts so that I can run both fenders and a rack at the same time. (It is an older frame that only had one eyelet on the back.) I have riden this bike on a few brevets and feel the fenders may make things a little more comfortable in wet conditions.  

My other bikes include a Softride Power Wing, a DaVinci Tandem, an old Specialized hardtail MTB, and a classic road Falcon of 70's or late 60's vintage. Not enought time to ride them all though I wish I could.  Oh, and there is also my daughter's trailer that often gets hitched to one or the other.  

Looking forward to catching a ride with other benters, although, I may just show up on one of the other platforms.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by lupulo on Sep 20th, 2012, 8:07pm

Hi, everyone.  I'm Ron, and I'm a father of two grown daughters, and a grandfather of five.  I live with my wife of over 30 years in North Fort Worth, West of Keller.  

Professionally, I'm a Unix/Linux system administrator.  I currently (and hopefully for the foreseeable future) work for Southwest Airlines.  This is the first time in my professional career I've worked outside Tarrant County.   [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif]

I loved to ride bikes as a child, and in College (Commerce, TX) I rode my bike everywhere.  After moving to the Metroplex, I didn't feel there was any safe place to ride, so I stopped.  <time passes>  I hurt my back, three herniated disks.  I spent two months in bed while they worked on it.  After many steroids, and three steroid injections to the lower back, I could walk again without pain.  My doctor told me not to jog, run, jump rope, play basketball or racquetball, ride a bike, or anything the puts pressure or stress on the lower back.  

Two years ago, my brother-in-law showed me his new ride, a 2009 ICE Sprint with full suspension.  He let me ride it, and I was hooked.  I couldn't stop grinning for hours after my first ride.  [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif]  It took a year, hours of research on UtahTrikes.com, and BentRiderOnline.com, then last June I bought myself an HP Velotechnik Scorpion fs (tadpole trike).  I still grin every time I go out for a ride.  

Last summer I rode with my brother-in-law, we started on Bear Creek Trail, worked up to River Legacy, and finally graduated to Trinity Trails, and finished the season on the Cowtown Classic.  This summer, I've been riding mainly the Trinity Trails, and peaked about the end of July with 105 miles.  Saturday before last I did 85 miles.  Last Saturday I only did 30 miles.  I gave up and went home early because I had an unpatchable slow leak around the valve stem of my rear wheel.  I had to stop about every 5 miles and pump up the tire.  On one of the stops, I met a nice couple, also on tadpoles, who invited me to join this forum, and I'm glad I'm here.

Last fall my wife (who was jealous of all the fun I was having) bought an ICE Adventure.  So far she only rides the trails around the neighborhood.  I hope to get her out on longer trails soon.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by LightningRider on Sep 20th, 2012, 9:26pm

I am pretty new to be saying welcome to the group, but I am not the newest -- anymore.  :)
Welcome, it is great that you found an HPV that you can enjoy.

I hope to meet you out on the trail sometime.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Phantom Rider on Sep 20th, 2012, 9:36pm

welcome to the forum, its good to know there is someone else in my neck of the woods.  'im a two wheeler guy and ride west of keller often.  from fort worth to haslet, saginaw, keller, watagua over to southlake , grapevine,just making the circles.


Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Sep 21st, 2012, 7:30am

We keep getting more and more "West Side" 'benters!!!   DJ or Bud, you need to organize an RBENT-West get-together ride...   Welcome, new friends!

A lot of us are planning to ride in the "North Tx Bicycle Rally" in Roanoke on October 13th, and if I can find my canopy, we'll have a "tent" to gather at before and after to socialize...  Check out the "Upcoming Rides" section.

Paul

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by suecoop-Linda on Nov 26th, 2012, 10:02am

Hi, I am Linda. I am returning to riding again, and am mountain biking on L.B. Houston and Horseshoe Trails on my Specialized mountain bike.  I love the trails, but by the time I finish, my wrists are killing me   :'(.   I will invest in another bent in the spring to get back to the rides I enjoyed such as the Mesquite Rodeo and other rides.  My bucket list has completing the Hotter Than Hell Ride on it, and I want to do it this year.  A friend really is encouraging me to do the Shiner Ride  [smiley=cheers.gif] in the spring, so I really do have alot of road miles to put in before that ever happens!  My old bents were a Burley Koosah and a Lightning Thunderbolt (loved that bike).  I am still kicking my own rear for selling that bike!
Glad to be pedaling again...just getting started!
Linda

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Phantom Rider on Nov 26th, 2012, 9:01pm

Linda - welcome to the forum.  I noticed you loved your thunderbolt and just so happens bent vision has one listed in the marketplace of this site if you are in the market.  It's good to have you with this, just keep pedaling and the lies rack up.


Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Nov 27th, 2012, 1:05pm


Phantom Rider wrote:
... just keep pedaling and the lies rack up.



HAHAHAHAHAAAAAA...   yeah, some of the whoppers people tell sure are good ones in this club!!!    ;)

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Nov 27th, 2012, 1:06pm

Welcome back, Linda!!!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by diannalightning on Nov 27th, 2012, 3:28pm

Linda, glad you're back on the forum.  I wondered several times if you liked the Thunderbolt (Lightning Thunderbolt (loved that bike).  ) after you took it home from Irving.  Hopefully you'll have another bent soon---keep an eye on the market place here or on BentRider Online.  I've seen several Thunderbolt's for sale there.  Welcome back and hope to see you on future rides.  

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Monkeywrangler22 on Nov 27th, 2012, 3:45pm

There are a few in the DFW metromess available currently on craigslist...
None are mine and I have no financial interest in their sales...

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/bik/3408107283.html  bacchetta giro 20
http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/bik/3408133110.html  lightning thunderbolt
http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/bik/3436880078.html  turner bent
http://dallas.craigslist.org/mdf/bik/3401246084.html  performer?
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/bik/3425852125.html unknown
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/bik/3353128806.html  cycle genius

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/bik/3396567375.html  sun sx trike

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Action Lad on Dec 6th, 2012, 9:27pm

Linda,
Welcome back to the reclining generation, and to cycling period.  I am a Sign Language interpreter, and years of pressure on the handle bars of my upright bike caused me to take care how often I rode.  I now own a Catrike 700, and never have to worry about pressure to the ulnar nerves which was causing my hands to become numb.  Not only is there no pain in my hands, but I can ride as long as I want without a break, since I am not perched on a post.
Post photos of your cruising!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Patti on Dec 7th, 2012, 12:33am

Hey Linda I have a Thunderbolt I could be convinced to part with. PM me if you'd like to look at it sometime.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by suecoop-Linda on Dec 12th, 2012, 3:05pm


diannalightning wrote:
Linda, glad you're back on the forum.  I wondered several times if you liked the Thunderbolt (Lightning Thunderbolt (loved that bike).  ) after you took it home from Irving.  Hopefully you'll have another bent soon---keep an eye on the market place here or on BentRider Online.  I've seen several Thunderbolt's for sale there.  Welcome back and hope to see you on future rides.  

Dianna, I have to tell you that I loved that bike and when I quit riding (mistake) I sold the Burley and the Thunderbolt (bigger mistake).  It was a little hill climbing machine!  I rode quite a few times with John S. at the paid rides and around WRL during my summers off.  I hope he locates a loaner bike for me to start riding until I can invest in another one.  I can't part with my mountain bike because those trails are just too dang fun even if I hurt afterwards, and if I sell it to buy a bent, I will be kicking myself again for a different reason.  I will get back out there...HnH is my goal this year and Shiner if I can get a loaner and start building back up distance and hills for those type rides sooner.  
Linda

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by suecoop-Linda on Dec 12th, 2012, 3:08pm


FlyingLaZBoy wrote:
Welcome back, Linda!!!

Glad to be back in this mountain bike sort of way...will be on a bent before summer for sure!
Linda

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by suecoop-Linda on Jan 28th, 2013, 3:06pm


diannalightning wrote:
 Hopefully you'll have another bent soon---keep an eye on the market place here or on BentRider Online.  I've seen several Thunderbolt's for sale there.  Welcome back and hope to see you on future rides.  


I have a Lightning Thunderbolt!!  Took it out Saturday and froze in my summer biking gear with a hooded shirt!  It's now in my garage waiting for me to get some time to ride! [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif]

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Phantom Rider on Jan 28th, 2013, 6:45pm

Sweet, another lightning rider in the group.  Congrats on the new ride, warm weather this week so get out and enjoy!


Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by obent on Feb 28th, 2013, 8:00am

Hello all,  Gary here.  My wife and I have been on bents for 3yrs. Catrike, Terra Trike cruiser, and Greenspeed Magnum.   We ride for FUN, and Exercise,  also have Trek DF bikes.  Am not new to this forum, have been visiting it for many years, and it has been very helpful and enjoyble to read.   We live in Coppell, and stay busy, with work travel, and our first new grandaughter.   We plan on riding the bents, much more, than in the past, and hope to meet ya all on the road.   Special thanks to Paul for ordering us jerseys, at the last minute, its important to show our bent colors.  We plan on being a proud active part, of the bent family.  See you all soon.  :)

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Action Lad on Feb 28th, 2013, 10:47pm

Welcome, obent!   [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif]

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Monkeywrangler22 on Mar 1st, 2013, 7:46am

<all> Hi Gary!

HOpe to see you around!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by obent on Mar 3rd, 2013, 6:22am

Thanks for the welcome, lad, and wrangler.  

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Opus the Poet on Mar 3rd, 2013, 10:21pm

Howdy, obent!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by obent on Mar 6th, 2013, 10:54am

Thanks, O the P     :)    And hello.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Andy on Mar 9th, 2013, 7:39am

Hello!  my name is Andy and I live in OkC.  My girlfriend Becky and I met a very nice woman named Diana at the HOT rally who invited us to join RBENT so I contacted Bud and here We are.  Thank you for welcoming a couple okies.  For some reason I thought you had to live in Texas to join but Diana said not the case.

I mainly ride our RANS Seavo tandem but also have an Xstreaam 26, CA 2.0, a trike and Alterra 29.  Becky rides a Bacchetta 20 ATT and a RANS Dynamik and I'm building her a new F5.  

We've ridden with several of your members, Paul and Terri Brown,  Patti, Diana, Lynn, Dave Rothgreb(sp?) and all were an amazingly friendly group.  if the rest of y'all are anything like them RBENT is a heck of a club!  Thanks for having us in, we look forward to being part of your discussions.  

Andy. :)

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by GBRAD on Mar 9th, 2013, 8:58am

Good to have you aboard Andy.  Even though you are an Okie, we Texans appreciate the fact that you ride a UT colored tandem.  Enjoyed meeting you guys at HOT....Gary & Gay (Wichita Falls)  

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by freakflyer9999 on Mar 9th, 2013, 1:59pm

Welcome Andy.  My wife, Karen and I enjoyed meeting you at the HOT as well.  

Kenny G.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Andy on Mar 12th, 2013, 10:39pm

Thanks for welcoming us.  Kenny and Kay, Gary and Gay it was great meeting you also.  we look forward to becoming part of the RBENT discussions.
Becky and Andy. :)

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Patti on Mar 13th, 2013, 8:41am

Howdy Andy and welcome aboard. It was good to see you again at the HOT Rally. Enjoyed meeting Becky and hope you all will come ride with us whenever you can.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by diannalightning on Mar 13th, 2013, 4:30pm

Hey Andy---I'm glad you and Becky were at HOT and I'm glad you found your way here.  Keep up with where we're riding and what we're up to.  You never know---some of us may be doing FreeWheel this year.  I'm not, but there were a couple of that did last year.  Anyway, glad you're here and look forward to riding with you and Becky again.
Dianna

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Fireproof on Apr 13th, 2013, 8:24pm

Howdy Folks!!

I'm a new rbent member here, and new to recumbents in general.  I just bought my first recumbent last Thursday, which happens to be a Catrike Expedition trike.  I love that thing.  Been riding on it every day since.  Of course, I haven't been on a bike, let alone a trike, in probably 10 years, so my legs are way out of shape.

Anyway - I live in the Frisco area and am a 44 yo male who just wanted one for general health and fitness purposes. (I need more cardio exercise, but I hate to run).  So I'm in the process of learning everything there is to know, and am enjoying casual rides in the meantime.

Looking forward to learning more from you fine folks.  Maybe I'll see you on the roads!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by jayg on Apr 13th, 2013, 9:33pm

Welcome, Fireproof. Several of us usually do the RBM (Richardson) monthly trike ride. Come join us on the May ride. Check the RBM site for the date and time.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by obent on Apr 14th, 2013, 6:25am

Great to meet ya fireproof.  The RBM trike group, starting in May, will meet the last Saturday of the month at 9:30am.  

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Fireproof on Apr 14th, 2013, 7:55pm

Thanks for the note.  I need to build up some muscular and cardio endurance first, before I can think about joining a ride.  :)

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Apr 15th, 2013, 7:48am

Fireproof, make sure you get some 'SPD' or other type of pedals/shoes that keep your feet attached to the pedals -- commonly referred to as "clipless".  It will help your pedaling efficiency, and more importantly, it will prevent your leg from getting caught under the trike frame by not letting your foot slip off.

One of the keys to getting in better shape is to simply ride regularly -- so get out there and do it, whether it's 2 miles or 20...

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Fireproof on Apr 15th, 2013, 12:33pm


FlyingLaZBoy wrote:
Fireproof, make sure you get some 'SPD' or other type of pedals/shoes that keep your feet attached to the pedals -- commonly referred to as "clipless".  It will help your pedaling efficiency, and more importantly, it will prevent your leg from getting caught under the trike frame by not letting your foot slip off.

One of the keys to getting in better shape is to simply ride regularly -- so get out there and do it, whether it's 2 miles or 20...


Thanks for the tips!  I do have a new pair of clipless shoes and love them.  I was introduced to SPD when I got into mountain biking like 15 years ago.  But it's been about 10 years since I've been on a bike of any sorts, so I'm just working my way back.  :)

And I've been riding every day since I got it.  Short stints now - about 4 miles.  Going to try to make a longer ride today.  Loving the weather!!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Seavo_Sam on Apr 22nd, 2013, 9:30pm

Hello to all,

I am Sam and my wife is Angi, Up until 3 weeks ago we were Co-Motion Periscope tandem riders and getting ready for the BP MS150, but I got a wild hair 3 weeks ago and ran across a Rans Seavo tandem and could not pass it up.  With 2 1/2 weeks of practice we decided to go ahead and ride the Seavo this past weekend instead of the Co-Motion.  many people thought we were crazy, but as it turns out, it was the best decision.  It is truely amazing to ride for 2 days and 140 miles and only have tired legs!!!!!!

We love this bike.  And even with all the training we did on the Co-Motion i don't know if my wife could have made it with her neck and back situation.  Now with this bike she did great with minimal neck and back pain.  

For us, especially Angi, to be back on a bike is our miracle story.  In November 2009, while commuting to work on our then Santana tandem, we were run over from behind by a car traveling 60 mph.  Angi went directly into the windsheild and totaled the car, but in doing so broke her neck and received compression fractures in her mid back as well as other serious injuries.  I was 'lucky' and was just ejected over a concrete wall into the ditch.  

But we are alive and riding again and finally fulfilled our goal of riding in the MS150 this year that was originally planned for 2010!!  I am now very interested in recumbents and will have a really nice Co-Motion for sale shortly!!!  I will probably be asking questions to get mor info on a single recumbent since I dont really want to get back on my road bike after this weekend on the Seavo!!!!


Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Apr 23rd, 2013, 8:36am

Congrats on discovering long distance recumbent comfort, Sam and Angi!!!  Very sorry for the circumstances of your accident, but glad you're still here with us, and still riding!   Terrie and I test rode the Seavo and Screamer tandems several times before pulling the trigger last summer, and the Seavo has worked out really nicely.

Just watch out for heelstrike in turns, and if you overbalance when stopped and trying to turn the bike (or duckwalking), don't try to hold it up by the handlebars -- grab the back of your seat, instead.  Just sayin'....  8-)

Post a couple photos of the two of you on the Seavo, in the Photos section!

Are you perhaps riding the Shiner GASP?


Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by BikeEB on May 9th, 2013, 3:06pm

Okay, my name is Bruce and I live in Wellington, Ks with my wife Karen and our two dogs.  I retired last September after 35 years milling flour.  I recently bought a new Rans extra large, oval tube,  Xstream to accomodate my 6'5" frame and 260 lbs.  

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Phantom Rider on May 9th, 2013, 3:20pm

congrats on both decisions and welcome to the forum.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by aikigreg on May 9th, 2013, 4:20pm

Awesome, Bruce.  You'll find a lot of RANS fans here.  My wife and I both ride F5s.


BikeEB wrote:
Okay, my name is Bruce and I live in Wellington, Ks with my wife Karen and our two dogs.  I retired last September after 35 years milling flour.  I recently bought a new Rans extra large, oval tube,  Xstream to accomodate my 6'5" frame and 260 lbs.  


Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by rcko on Dec 2nd, 2013, 10:24pm

My name is Rich and I am new to the recumbent experience.  I been an avid mountain biker (all mountain /  free style riding) and road for the last few years but...  My back troubles got the best of me and after spine surgery I am riding once again albeit without the jumps or road gaps  :) on a Bacchetta Corsa.

Lots to learn given the difference in posture and my lack of strength after the lengthy back recovery.  Looking fwd to learn from all ur experiences.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Monkeywrangler22 on Dec 2nd, 2013, 10:26pm

Welcome Rich! What part of Texas are you in exactly?

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by rcko on Dec 2nd, 2013, 10:51pm

Up in north Fort Worth about 5 miles south of Cabelas.
Just relocated here from north Ga... That where I did all the MTb riding.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Rawhide on Dec 3rd, 2013, 5:09am

Rich from north GA, welcome.  My wife is a GA peach from Hall County!  

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Dec 3rd, 2013, 7:17am

Welcome, Rich...  Since we're so spread out across the NTx region, "pockets" of us get together on an irregular basis.  Keep an eye on the "Upcoming Rides" section, or even put something there yourself, if you have a particular route you have found that you'd like to have some company on...

Paul

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Phantom Rider on Dec 3rd, 2013, 7:45am

Rich

Welcome to Texas and the Rbent forum, sounds like you are in my neck of the woods as I am just south of Alliance as well(Basswood between 35 & 377.  If you see a green Lightning P-38 or Yellow Phantom out and about it will be me, I ride this area often and cover quite a bit of territory.  Should you need some help finding routes in the area or want to ride together someday shoot me a PM.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by reever on Dec 24th, 2013, 4:38pm

Hello RBenters…
Thanks for putting the time and effort into having both a support group and this blog!
My name is Jim Reeves and I live in Abilene, Texas. My first love was distance running, but I had that taken from me by a bad chiropractor that ruptured a disc in my back.  I went to riding as a vent for my competitive nature.  I rode the HHH for maybe six years on a Fuji Aloha, but my hip started going out on me--couldn't throw it over the bike unless I laid it over almost on its side.  My wife allowed me to purchase my first recumbent (she might say that was her first mistake)--an HP Streetmachine that I rode to a family reunion up in OK one year. Got there and felt fresh as a daisy. So I tried a trip to Canada. Then attempted San Diego to Destin, FL and got stuck in Alabama, but WOW, these things let you ride without riding your ass off--as you all know what I am talking about, I'm sure.
I now own two Catbike Musashis, a Lightning, and a RANS Screamer tandem, which I might like to sell since it gets little use.
I would like to do the "X"--San Diego to Bar Harbor and then Seattle to the Keys some time soon. I'm just breaking in a new titanium hip….we'll have to see how it works.
I am also interested in maybe trying a team effort at the Hoodoo 500 or possibly the Race Across the West if I can get back up to speed on this hip.
I don't know if there are any folks out there who have had metal hips put in, but all I can think of lately is wiping out in my extremely laid back posture usually results in abrasions to the exact spot that is now the home of my six inch scar.  It is freaking me out just a little.  Sooooo, I just test rode a Catrike 700 at Bonzai Bike shop…….WOW. That is a little sports car!!! But in really tight turns the handles hit me in the scarred up hip. Hmmm. But at least I don't have that fear of falling over on it.  Ideas? Suggestions?

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Phantom Rider on Dec 24th, 2013, 5:50pm

Welcome Jim, its good to have you with us.  I'm glad to hear you found Bonzai, great shop and its only 5 miles from me.  I too have rode that 700 and had a blast on it.  Hopefully you will find the machine that will allow you to overcome your fear of which is certainly understandable.  I admire your desire to tour and only wish I had the time to do some of that myself, maybe someday when retirement comes along.


Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by rcko on Dec 25th, 2013, 3:45pm

Hi Jim. I am also new to the forum here and it seems to be a good morale helpful crowd.    I am waiting for my back surgery to heal so I can start riding.  I tried to early after surgery and it was not a good plan...  I rode a lot of mountain bikes and road upright frames but spine issues have put a stop to that.  I got me a recumbent that currently sit in he garage as motivation to heal and to try out once I am cleared come spring. Like you I am afraid of falling and reinjurying so for now just taking it easy and letting healing occur.

Bonzai is a good shop run by great guys. I live near that shop. I also ckd out the cat700 and man it is a business looking machine.  I am sure you can cover a lot of ground quickly with the 700.  


Title: welcome to rich and other newcomers
Post by esbee on Dec 25th, 2013, 8:00pm

welcome  [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif]
I am sure you will like this forum and the recumbent way of doing things
my bent was very beneficial in helping me get back to normal after have 2 hip replacements in 2012
i was able to ride my trike up to the last days b4 surgery (I was on a walker)
and it was the FIRST outdoor exercise I was able to do after surgery- about 3 weeks-of course I went verrry slowleee at first

Susan in paris tx

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by rmillay on Dec 25th, 2013, 9:01pm

Welcome.  The 700's steerers are adjustable, but I don't know if the new 20" wheels restrict that too much.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Dec 26th, 2013, 9:09am

Welcome, Jim --
  As you enjoy long-distance riding, look into the Lone Star Randonneurs group -- they do 200/300/400K and more, sometimes out west of Ft Worth...  Nothing wrong with doing it on a Catrike 700!!!
  If you have the wider-style seat like the Lightning or standard RANS seat, it still protects your hips somewhat -- but your concern is definitely valid, given the expense of the surgery!!!

Paul

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Phantom Rider on Dec 26th, 2013, 9:40am

LSR website http://www.lonestarrandon.org the discussion group link will tie you to all nonscheduled ride announcements.  Good group to ride with and very active.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by TXdaveski on Jan 2nd, 2014, 10:00am

Greetings Everyone from another newbie!
Name here is Dave, I'm 55 and I live with my non-rider wife Barbara in Benbrook about a mile from the Art Cowsen Trailhead.  I had been looking at recumbents ever since the guys at Fort Worth Cycling & Fitness Center tried to talk me into taking a test ride on a brand new TREK R200 they just got in.  I should have bought that bike since I was impressed with the technology, but it just didn't feel right.  I rode an upright road bike for many years until I had a car wreck in 2007 and crushed 4 vertebrae in my lower back.  No surgery but arthritis has set in and my back makes some horrendous noises when I bend certain ways.   In 2009, I bought a SUN EZ-1 Lite when I was working  in south Miami, nice ride with my feet lower than the TREK and after 20 miles NOTHING hurt!  But it was too long to easily transport and slow with the 20" rear wheel, so I sold it to a neighbor.  Thanksgiving Day 2013, I found an older RANS V-Rex for $300 on CL in Oklahoma.  Didn't even test ride it, just brought it home.  I probably only put 100 miles on it so far, but finally got it fit correctly and am just about to switch to Eggbeater clipless pedals.  This forum has been a great source of information on the different types of 'bents out there and how to set one up properly.  I think I made a good choice on the V-Rex based on what I have read so far, though I am straining  the weight limit!  Since the Trinity Trail is so close I plan to ride it a lot when it gets a little warmer.   Looking forward to seeing some of you out there!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Jan 2nd, 2014, 10:17am

Welcome, Dave!  Just get out there and ride...  the "heads-up view" from a recumbent is a nice feature...

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Phantom Rider on Jan 2nd, 2014, 10:29am

Welcome Dave, trinity trails is a great place to ride, there are a few folks on here that you may encounter.  Just get out there and have fun, enjoy your new view on life.


Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by diannalightning on Jan 2nd, 2014, 10:29am

Hi Dave,

"I think I made a good choice on the V-Rex based on what I have read so far, though I am straining  the weight limit!  Since the Trinity Trail is so close I plan to ride it a lot when it gets a little warmer.   Looking forward to seeing some of you out there! "

I also bought a V-Rex 2 days after I bought a Bachetta Cafe.  Sold the Cafe and have been riding the V-Rex ever since.  It just felt "right" the first time that I jumped on it.  There are several of us that go over to the Trinity from Dallas and the Mid-Cities area and ride the trail to Benbrook. Cookie (on this forum) lives close to the trail and rides it frequently as well.  Keep watch on Upcoming Rides and I'll try to remember to post when some of us are heading that way.  Enjoy the V-Rex.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Tiger_Mike on Jan 2nd, 2014, 3:29pm

Hi Dave. Congrats on living that close to the Trinity Trail. I live about 2 miles from it, just east of University Drive. I'm sure I'll see you on the trail from time to time. I'll probably ride Saturday - look for a pm from me, maybe we can meet.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Action Lad on Jan 2nd, 2014, 5:48pm

Welcome Dave, to the forum, and to the life!   [smiley=bounce.gif]

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by TXdaveski on Jan 2nd, 2014, 7:23pm

Thanks for the warm welcome!
I'll try to contribute useful items as I find them.

Tiger_Mike, sounds good about riding Saturday.  I'll look for a PM, I don't think I have anything going on...

diannalightning, I'll keep watching the Upcoming Rides list, some of the older posts indicate there were regular rides as long as the sun was cooperating.  You're right about the V-Rex, it feels good, I'm still a little twitchy on it but getting better...

At least now when somebody tells me to "Get Bent!"  I can say Thank You!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by TexasTwo on Mar 10th, 2014, 1:02pm

HiYa Rbenters,
Two newbie trikers here.  Mike & Helene Bolline from Ovilla.    We saw an EZ-3 delta trike over at John’s in Lancaster and that started our journey.    Went to Austin “just to look” the day before the HOT.   After hours on the net, I was lusting after a Catrike trail or a Terra Trike Tour.  Low down, sleek & sexy.  Helene on the other hand was looking for easy, not much effort and didn’t want to go fast enough to frighten.  Hill climbing isn’t her thing.  
I tried the Catrike Trail and since I’ve been 70 laps around the sun, found out I couldn’t get out of it.  You sit in a trail and sit on a Rover or Rambler.  Made a huge difference in the knees.

So we came home with two new Terra Trike Ramblers.  Went out for a test ride that night –short and pleasant right in front of the house.  

The next day however………………………. Different story.  We rode around the neighborhood (3 miles for her), and I decided to run over to I-35 and back.  10 miles on the second day.  Can you say leg cramps???

Now we’re bike or should I say triking, around Ovilla trying to get in shape.  Looking to go on some trail rides this spring and our neighborhood rides give us a chance to run the Greys (see pic)
We decided not to attend the HOT because we knew we had to build up legs muscles but want to go next year.
Recumbents… What a nice way to enjoy the outdoors.
Like riding your LazyBoy.
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o752/texmic/NewTrikes_zpsaaf8e95f.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/texmic/media/NewTrikes_zpsaaf8e95f.jpg.html)


Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Mar 12th, 2014, 4:07pm

Welcome, Mike and Helene --
  The key to getting "in shape" is to simply ride regularly...  whether it's 3 miles, 10 miles, or whatever.  Nothing wrong with a short jaunt around the neighborhood, thrown in with longer explorations!  
  A few hints, as new trikers -- 1) if you haven't already, get "clipless" shoes and pedals.  You WANT your feet attached to the pedals, to prevent them from falling off after a bump -- you don't want your leg dragged under the frame.  2) Spin, don't mash -- gear down, to keep your RPMs up -- it doesn't matter how slow you go, you don't have to worry about falling over!  Keeping your RPMs >60 will be kinder to your knees.  3) If you're not that mechanically experienced, arrange to take a simple maintenance class at a local bike shop, to at least become familiar with gearing, and how to change a flat.   4)  Enjoy the ride!

Paul

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Patti on Mar 13th, 2014, 12:47pm

Mike & Helene
welcome to the wonderful world of trikes. I'm so sorry you didn't join us at the HOT. It doesn't matter if you are already riding or not as the HOT gives you the opportunity to try out many different rides. Don't be shy next year - come on down and dive in.  Glad you are happy with the Ramblers. Be sure to join John on one of his Saturday morning rides. They are for beginners and are a great way to get started riding with small groups. Happy riding!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by ChrisKirby on Mar 20th, 2014, 9:16pm

My name is Chris Kirby, and I live in Commerce Tx. Previously from The metroplex area. I started riding a KMX Typhoon two years ago, and just purchased a Catrike 700' that should be on my doorstep tomorrow.

I hope to get a few days a month to come to Dallas and ride with others in the community.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on May 8th, 2014, 12:04pm

A late welcome, Chris -- how's that 700 treating you so far????  Try to join the Barbec's breakfast group on Tuesday/Thursdays, for food and riding at White Rock!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by jayg on May 8th, 2014, 2:48pm


FlyingLaZBoy wrote:
A late welcome, Chris -- how's that 700 treating you so far????  Try to join the Barbec's breakfast group on Tuesday/Thursdays, for food and riding at White Rock!


Also, come join us on the last Saturday of the month RBM recumbent rides. There are a number of fellow 700 riders that do the rides.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Action Lad on May 8th, 2014, 10:36pm

Hey, Chris!
I am in the 700 club as well.  I work for a school system, so during the summers I am at White Rock Lake with the rest of the guys.  Come on down, you'll love it!  How's the riding up there?  If there are smooth (non-chipseal) roads, perhaps I can come up to ride your routes.  You come here, or we go up there, either way...let's RIDE!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Ldoc1234 on May 25th, 2014, 4:40pm

Hi everyone, I am a newbie to the site and compared to you all a newbie on a trike, having only been on one for under a year.  My name is Lawrie Friedman [ sorry guys I am not a girl- in South Africa where I was born Lawrie is an abbreviation for Lawrence] and am a Doctor in Richardson.
Having blown out my knee in Tennis exactly 2 years ago, I decided to try cycling in August 2012, and borrowed my Iron Man son's tribike and started riding round the neighborhood. Later bought a road bike and in April 2013 got hit by a car from behind and dislocated my shoulder and tore up all the attachments and was told not to fall again!
So, in June bought a catrike 700 from RBM. Best move ever!! Close to the ground so not far to fall and no unclipping . Just love it. Have done Hotter than Hell 100 k 2013, Munster 2014, MS 150 Dallas 2014 , Wild Ride 2014 and Ride of Silence last week. Usually ride RMB rides Saturday am and White Rock Sunday am and occasionally a weekday evening as well at White Rock lake..
Met Shellbear on the second day of MS 150, rode with me approx last 30 miles.What a nice lady. She suggested I join the forum so here I am. Planning on Hotter Than Hell 2014 maybe 100 mile.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by jayg on May 25th, 2014, 5:55pm


Ldoc1234 wrote:
Hi everyone, I am a newbie to the site and compared to you all a newbie on a trike, having only been on one for under a year.  My name is Lawrie Friedman [ sorry guys I am not a girl- in South Africa where I was born Lawrie is an abbreviation for Lawrence] and am a Doctor in Richardson.
Having blown out my knee in Tennis exactly 2 years ago, I decided to try cycling in August 2012, and borrowed my Iron Man son's tribike and started riding round the neighborhood. Later bought a road bike and in April 2013 got hit by a car from behind and dislocated my shoulder and tore up all the attachments and was told not to fall again!
So, in June bought a catrike 700 from RBM. Best move ever!! Close to the ground so not far to fall and no unclipping . Just love it. Have done Hotter than Hell 100 k 2013, Munster 2014, MS 150 Dallas 2014 , Wild Ride 2014 and Ride of Silence last week. Usually ride RMB rides Saturday am and White Rock Sunday am and occasionally a weekday evening as well at White Rock lake..
Met Shellbear on the second day of MS 150, rode with me approx last 30 miles.What a nice lady. She suggested I join the forum so here I am. Planning on Hotter Than Hell 2014 maybe 100 mile.


Welcome to the Forum. I've seen you on your trike in front of RBM and on Renner Rd., riding with another group, when I've participated in monthly RBM recumbent rides. Also, was riding close to you between the start and Rest Stop No. 1 on Wild Ride. Finally passed you, but it wasn't easy. You can make that 700 fly.  :)

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Phantom Rider on May 25th, 2014, 7:41pm


Ldoc1234 wrote:
Hi everyone, I am a newbie to the site and compared to you all a newbie on a trike, having only been on one for under a year.  My name is Lawrie Friedman [ sorry guys I am not a girl- in South Africa where I was born Lawrie is an abbreviation for Lawrence] and am a Doctor in Richardson.
Having blown out my knee in Tennis exactly 2 years ago, I decided to try cycling in August 2012, and borrowed my Iron Man son's tribike and started riding round the neighborhood. Later bought a road bike and in April 2013 got hit by a car from behind and dislocated my shoulder and tore up all the attachments and was told not to fall again!
So, in June bought a catrike 700 from RBM. Best move ever!! Close to the ground so not far to fall and no unclipping . Just love it. Have done Hotter than Hell 100 k 2013, Munster 2014, MS 150 Dallas 2014 , Wild Ride 2014 and Ride of Silence last week. Usually ride RMB rides Saturday am and White Rock Sunday am and occasionally a weekday evening as well at White Rock lake..
Met Shellbear on the second day of MS 150, rode with me approx last 30 miles.What a nice lady. She suggested I join the forum so here I am. Planning on Hotter Than Hell 2014 maybe 100 mile.


Welcome to the forum, its always refreshing to see the bent family growing in the metroplex.  sounds like your have a wealth of experience behind you and enjoy the 700.  I took a test ride on one today and now understand why everyone is going cray over these things.


Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on May 25th, 2014, 9:18pm

Welcome, Sir Lawrence...   [smiley=cheesy.gif]  Sorry to hear about your car incident, but good choice on the trike!  Several of us do the Hotter 'n Hell, and it's always interesting seeing a trike in the mix of 15,000 of your closest riding friends....

Look into joining the Barbec's gang for breakfast and riding on Tuesdays/Thursdays....  Several of us are also involved with the Greater Dallas Bicyclists club, at www.greaterdallasbicyclists.com

Paul

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Ldoc1234 on May 25th, 2014, 11:46pm

Can you tell me more about ' Barbec's gang for breakfast and riding on Tuesdays/Thursdays' ?

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by brian_d on May 27th, 2014, 12:58am

Hi yall, Brian here.  Some of you have met me at the monthly RBM bent rides. Got my Catrike EXP in the summer of 2012 and have just reached 600 miles. I was not born with the athlete gene, but I still try to hang around with those who were. I turned 40 a couple of years ago while doing chemo to banish my testicular cancer and shortly thereafter realized I could never be the same couch tater again. I joined the Livestrong program at the YMCA and made a commitment to myself to get back into shape and stay active. After seeing a 'strange' looking trike with a wing covered with lights (Action Lad?) I started to learn about bents and trikes. I would often spend my lunch hour walking part of White Rock Trail near LBJ and see more bents. So I went to visit Joel at RBM and tried some trikes for myself. I've always owned a bike or two, but a trike was definitely a new kind of fun! I just completed my first 40+ miler in an organized ride at the Bosque Tour de Norway and checked off my first goal. Now I'd like to get a little faster and try for a little longer distance ride. Hopefully, I'll meet more of you folks and get some names and faces figured out.

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m156/bdillaman/Tn4_2274_zps155b3131.jpg (http://s103.photobucket.com/user/bdillaman/media/Tn4_2274_zps155b3131.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by jayg on May 27th, 2014, 5:44pm


brian_d wrote:
Hi yall, Brian here.  Some of you have met me at the monthly RBM bent rides. Got my Catrike EXP in the summer of 2012 and have just reached 600 miles. I was not born with the athlete gene, but I still try to hang around with those who were. I turned 40 a couple of years ago while doing chemo to banish my testicular cancer and shortly thereafter realized I could never be the same couch tater again. I joined the Livestrong program at the YMCA and made a commitment to myself to get back into shape and stay active. After seeing a 'strange' looking trike with a wing covered with lights (Action Lad?) I started to learn about bents and trikes. I would often spend my lunch hour walking part of White Rock Trail near LBJ and see more bents. So I went to visit Joel at RBM and tried some trikes for myself. I've always owned a bike or two, but a trike was definitely a new kind of fun! I just completed my first 40+ miler in an organized ride at the Bosque Tour de Norway and checked off my first goal. Now I'd like to get a little faster and try for a little longer distance ride. Hopefully, I'll meet more of you folks and get some names and faces figured out.


Brian, enjoyed riding with you on last month's RBM recumbent ride. Hope you will be able to make this month's ride, this Saturday. Those recumbent riders you used to see on the White Rock Trail, near LBJ Fwy, were a contingent of the Clowns riding to Anderson Bonner Park, where two of our riders' vehicles were parked. Sometime, when you have a Tuesday or Thursday off, come eat breakfast at Barbec's with the Clowns and ride with us at White Rock Lake. We currently order breakfast at 8:00 AM and start riding at WRL's Sunset Bay about 9:00. We ride in three separate groups. Average speed for first group is 10 - 11 mph; second is 13 - 14.5 mph; and third is 15.5 - 16.5 mph. The longest distance we usually ride is a little over 43 miles (Four lake laps). If some of us ride up the White Rock Trail and back, the total distance is somewhat longer.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Action Lad on May 31st, 2014, 3:25pm


brian_d wrote:
Hi yall, Brian here.  Some of you have met me at the monthly RBM bent rides. Got my Catrike EXP in the summer of 2012 and have just reached 600 miles. I was not born with the athlete gene, but I still try to hang around with those who were. I turned 40 a couple of years ago while doing chemo to banish my testicular cancer and shortly thereafter realized I could never be the same couch tater again. I joined the Livestrong program at the YMCA and made a commitment to myself to get back into shape and stay active. After seeing a 'strange' looking trike with a wing covered with lights (Action Lad?) I started to learn about bents and trikes. I would often spend my lunch hour walking part of White Rock Trail near LBJ and see more bents. So I went to visit Joel at RBM and tried some trikes for myself. I've always owned a bike or two, but a trike was definitely a new kind of fun! I just completed my first 40+ miler in an organized ride at the Bosque Tour de Norway and checked off my first goal. Now I'd like to get a little faster and try for a little longer distance ride. Hopefully, I'll meet more of you folks and get some names and faces figured out.

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m156/bdillaman/Tn4_2274_zps155b3131.jpg (http://s103.photobucket.com/user/bdillaman/media/Tn4_2274_zps155b3131.jpg.html)
Welcome to the dark side of cycling, where all the enlightenment is!  
I did, indeed, have that winged 700.  It was one of three test structures made of PVC for the purpose of holding lights, and cameras for commuting, and regular nightly riding mainly.  They have all broken, which actually was the goal.  I wanted to see where all the stresses were.  When funding gets itself together, I will have an aluminum one.
I hope to see you on a Tuesday or Thursday, with the Clowns at WRL.  
Congratulations on your 600th!   [smiley=cheers.gif]

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Action Lad on May 31st, 2014, 3:39pm


Ldoc1234 wrote:
Hi everyone, I am a newbie to the site and compared to you all a newbie on a trike, having only been on one for under a year.  My name is Lawrie Friedman [ sorry guys I am not a girl- in South Africa where I was born Lawrie is an abbreviation for Lawrence] and am a Doctor in Richardson.
Having blown out my knee in Tennis exactly 2 years ago, I decided to try cycling in August 2012, and borrowed my Iron Man son's tribike and started riding round the neighborhood. Later bought a road bike and in April 2013 got hit by a car from behind and dislocated my shoulder and tore up all the attachments and was told not to fall again!
So, in June bought a catrike 700 from RBM. Best move ever!! Close to the ground so not far to fall and no unclipping . Just love it. Have done Hotter than Hell 100 k 2013, Munster 2014, MS 150 Dallas 2014 , Wild Ride 2014 and Ride of Silence last week. Usually ride RMB rides Saturday am and White Rock Sunday am and occasionally a weekday evening as well at White Rock lake..
Met Shellbear on the second day of MS 150, rode with me approx last 30 miles.What a nice lady. She suggested I join the forum so here I am. Planning on Hotter Than Hell 2014 maybe 100 mile.
Welcome to the life, Lawrie!  Good on ya, owning a 700.  I do too.  Let's ride sometime!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by shellbear on Jun 1st, 2014, 9:58pm


Ldoc1234 wrote:
Hi everyone, I am a newbie to the site and compared to you all a newbie on a trike, having only been on one for under a year.  My name is Lawrie Friedman [ sorry guys I am not a girl- in South Africa where I was born Lawrie is an abbreviation for Lawrence] and am a Doctor in Richardson.
Having blown out my knee in Tennis exactly 2 years ago, I decided to try cycling in August 2012, and borrowed my Iron Man son's tribike and started riding round the neighborhood. Later bought a road bike and in April 2013 got hit by a car from behind and dislocated my shoulder and tore up all the attachments and was told not to fall again!
So, in June bought a catrike 700 from RBM. Best move ever!! Close to the ground so not far to fall and no unclipping . Just love it. Have done Hotter than Hell 100 k 2013, Munster 2014, MS 150 Dallas 2014 , Wild Ride 2014 and Ride of Silence last week. Usually ride RMB rides Saturday am and White Rock Sunday am and occasionally a weekday evening as well at White Rock lake..
Met Shellbear on the second day of MS 150, rode with me approx last 30 miles.What a nice lady. She suggested I join the forum so here I am. Planning on Hotter Than Hell 2014 maybe 100 mile.


Welcome!  I hope you find lots of helpful info and make some new friends on the forum.  :)  Great group of folks here.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Jun 4th, 2014, 9:38am

That Tour De Norway has got some tough climbs, for sure...  good on ya for doing it!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by dchoch on Aug 28th, 2014, 10:51am

http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag390/Denise_Talbert_Chochrek/Facebook/Timeline%20Photos/06ec3e9b-5988-42b6-b6e3-cb22b5050441_zps82b5b3de.jpg (http://s1373.photobucket.com/user/Denise_Talbert_Chochrek/media/Facebook/Timeline%20Photos/06ec3e9b-5988-42b6-b6e3-cb22b5050441_zps82b5b3de.jpg.html)

I'm Denise Chochrek and I've been riding a number of years but just started riding my recumbent trike last year.  I was on a tandem before that.  I love my trike (except up hill) but I am incredibly slow.  Maybe once I build up some leg muscles I'll be able to ride with the group.  I did some of Bike MS last May and really loved the new bike.  So glad there are other low flying people.   ;)http://rbentonline.org/Templates/Forum/default/wink.gif

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Bud_Bent on Aug 29th, 2014, 10:04am

Welcome, Denise!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Monkeywrangler22 on Aug 29th, 2014, 10:12am

Hi Denise!  There are lots of trike riders here.  Some fast, some slow, some in between.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Action Lad on Aug 29th, 2014, 11:28pm

Welcome, Denise!
I have been riding a Catrike 700 for six years.  It's absolutely the HPV of my dreams.  
Welcome to the life!   [smiley=cheers.gif]

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by jabens on Sep 6th, 2014, 11:44pm

http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag421/jabens/Mobile%20Uploads/79640C82-96E5-43DC-BFBB-E8CADAA10744_zps8utlng8j.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/jabens/media/Mobile%20Uploads/79640C82-96E5-43DC-BFBB-E8CADAA10744_zps8utlng8j.jpg.html)
Hey everyone!  I'm new to trikes and love riding. I'm an above knee amputee and glad I found an exercise that strengthens the muscles I need for walking. Developing my recumbent legs and looking forward to group rides when I'm in shape.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Monkeywrangler22 on Sep 8th, 2014, 7:13am

Welcome, jabens!  Nice trike!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Sspoonless on Sep 8th, 2014, 7:27pm

Hi I'm Mike and this is my son Seth. We ride out of Cedar Hill on day trips, camping trips, and an occassional rally.  

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e22/Sspoonless/Triking/SethNMikeNTrikes_zps9be730b0.jpg (http://s36.photobucket.com/user/Sspoonless/media/Triking/SethNMikeNTrikes_zps9be730b0.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Monkeywrangler22 on Sep 8th, 2014, 7:34pm

Welcome Sspoon and Son!  Nice trikes too.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Sep 10th, 2014, 4:46pm

Hiya, Mike!!!   Myself and Daniel (SquareCorners, here) met you on Sunday afternoon.....

Paul

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by rmillay on Sep 10th, 2014, 6:24pm

Welcome jabens and Sspoonless.  Clowns are always open for guests.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Dennis on Sep 27th, 2014, 7:07pm

Hello I'm new here,   well unless you count the time I was on rbent when it was just a mailing list instead of a forum.

If you've seen me it would have been on my Vision-R54:
http://i.imgur.com/trR0q9v.jpg

And likely with a flag such as:
http://i.imgur.com/BcBgDNo.jpg

on the end of that flag pole.

That bike has been with me since July 2000,  and I was likely more active in rbent back then.   Under that Bike Texas fake license plate there is a yellow RBENT placard that I gave up on trying to move to somewhere more visible as the pins holding it to the bag had rusted greatly.


Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Action Lad on Sep 27th, 2014, 11:43pm


Dennis wrote:
Hello I'm new here,   well unless you count the time I was on rbent when it was just a mailing list instead of a forum.

If you've seen me it would have been on my Vision-R54:
http://i.imgur.com/trR0q9v.jpg

And likely with a flag such as:
http://i.imgur.com/BcBgDNo.jpg

on the end of that flag pole.

That bike has been with me since July 2000,  and I was likely more active in rbent back then.   Under that Bike Texas fake license plate there is a yellow RBENT placard that I gave up on trying to move to somewhere more visible as the pins holding it to the bag had rusted greatly.
Welcome *back* Dennis!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by rmillay on Sep 28th, 2014, 5:27pm

Indeed, welcome back, Dennis.  And get that thing fixed!  The good used bikes here have mostly been snapped up!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by LordMarv on Oct 16th, 2014, 12:57am

Hello!  I've been reading this forum for some time, and the folks on here are great!  I've really enjoyed this forum, wanted to join but hesitated...because I don't live in North Texas, I'm a tad farther north, I'm up in Billings, Montana.  And I've actually never been down to your fine state, altho I've seen the H.O.T. videos and other videos of rides in texas, that would be great to attend some day.  But see, we don't have any recumbent bike shops, or clubs in the state, and recumbent riders are few and far between here (I personally don't know any and have never seen a recumbent of any type in my town), so I thought I'd say howdy to you fine folks.  
So I hope you don't mind an out-of-stater joining.
 I'm 53, my wife and I have 2 great boys, both special needs kids.  I've been bike commuting to work a couple of years now, and have been thinking about recumbents a long time for my commute.  I've just gotten a Sun EZ-1 in excellent condition from Recycled Recumbents, and will soon be riding that around town.  I know these make great little city commuter bikes, and alot of folks have started out on one, so I'm pretty stoked to try riding it.
 It's great to read all of the earlier introductions and see pics of you folks.  This is a great forum.

LordMarv
Billings, Mt

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Monkeywrangler22 on Oct 16th, 2014, 7:24am


Welcome back, Dennis!  Welcome to RBENT LordMarv!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Action Lad on Oct 16th, 2014, 7:25pm


LordMarv wrote:
Hello!  I've been reading this forum for some time, and the folks on here are great!  I've really enjoyed this forum, wanted to join but hesitated...because I don't live in North Texas, I'm a tad farther north, I'm up in Billings, Montana.  And I've actually never been down to your fine state, altho I've seen the H.O.T. videos and other videos of rides in texas, that would be great to attend some day.  But see, we don't have any recumbent bike shops, or clubs in the state, and recumbent riders are few and far between here (I personally don't know any and have never seen a recumbent of any type in my town), so I thought I'd say howdy to you fine folks.  
So I hope you don't mind an out-of-stater joining.
 I'm 53, my wife and I have 2 great boys, both special needs kids.  I've been bike commuting to work a couple of years now, and have been thinking about recumbents a long time for my commute.  I've just gotten a Sun EZ-1 in excellent condition from Recycled Recumbents, and will soon be riding that around town.  I know these make great little city commuter bikes, and alot of folks have started out on one, so I'm pretty stoked to try riding it.
 It's great to read all of the earlier introductions and see pics of you folks.  This is a great forum.

LordMarv
Billings, Mt

Welcome, LordMarv.  Just to let you know, you have a friend in NTX, (North Texas).  My dream locale to live is Kalispell, MT.  I've never been, but I am strangely drawn there.  I'm originally from Massachusetts, and I love the four distinct seasons of the northern climes.  Just the thought of a log home high enough in elevation to see the storms rolling in...
Okay, I'm back.  No problem you are a little farther away.  Since you'll be riding recumbent, you'll never have to get off all the way down here!  See you this weekend?
Seriously, welcome to the group, and many happy miles to you.      

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by LordMarv on Oct 16th, 2014, 11:21pm

Thank You Dennis and Action Lad!  Kalispell, Mt is a beautiful place, that is true, alot of folks go there to retire in the mountains.  I live in the south central area which is dry, dry, dry, rolling hills and such, and hot as snot in the summer...lol.  We do have some pretty nice mountains about sixty miles southwest of us, there is the Beartooth Pass, which alot of motorcyclists and a few road cyclists will ride up each summer, on the way to Yelllowstone.  What we find pretty funny here is that tourists will pay big money to have themselves and their bikes transported to the top of the pass....and then they coast the 15 miles or so down the switchbacks...and have a big party once they reach the bottom. (Actually that does sound like fun...lol)

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by aikigreg on Oct 19th, 2014, 6:24pm

Awesome that you're here.  Who knows when you might meet up with one of us sometime.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by LordMarv on Oct 19th, 2014, 8:29pm

Thanks aikigreg.  Someday we're thinking to take a long road trip down through Texas to see the gulf coast, and will definately time it to coincide with one of your Texas rallies, for sure.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Oct 21st, 2014, 10:00am

Welcome aboard - an EZ-1 was my first recumbent, as well, back in '05...  it was a bit heavy, but then again, so was I!!!

Enjoy the heads-up view....

Paul

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by LordMarv on Oct 21st, 2014, 10:26am

Thanks for the welcome Flying!  That's exactly the year of this ez-1, a blue 2005. I was really lucky, not a scratch on it, looks like it was ridden once and then garaged.  I saw an older photo post from one of the Rbent members, it was a silver aluminum ez-1 he was selling back then, beautiful cool looking bike.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by texpug on Oct 22nd, 2014, 7:08am

Lord Marv, the welcome mat is always out for you at the HOT. We have people come from all over the country for the fun three day recumbent fest!

www.heartoftexasrecumbentrally.wordpress.com

Enjoy your bent bike when it comes. Be prepared to be stopped frequently and asked questions about it! :)


Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Phantom Rider on Oct 22nd, 2014, 7:39pm

Welcome to all of our newbies, I love seeing this site grow.  

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Phantom Rider on Oct 22nd, 2014, 7:41pm


jrob_bent wrote:
Hi everyone. I too am new to this forum. I don't live in Texas, but my daughter and family live in Argyle, TX. I have spent more time there this year than my home in Missouri. Probably will be moving down that way in the next year or two. My wife and I will be coming down the 26th of this month and I am hoping to get to ride with the clowns on Thrusday the 30th. Maybe I'll get to meet and ride with more of you fine folks at another time!

Thanks for allowing me to join your forum.
Jerry

P.S. My ride as of August 31, 2014 is a Rans V2. I have left the dark side of DF's. [smiley=vrolijk_1.gif]


Great riding in argyle, I used to do a 20-30 mile loop there two evenings a week after work. GPS files available for the asking.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by jrob_bent on Oct 23rd, 2014, 8:10am

Thanks for the offer phantom rider. I might take you up on the offer at a later date. I can't recall off hand all the road and street names, but I usually take Country Club Rd. to 377 and loop back on Brush Creek, over Hilltop rd. down into the valley to Old Alton Rd. and back. I tried Crawford Rd. a couple of times...way too much traffic and crazy in a rush people! I want to try E. Hickory Rd. to Cooper Canyon Rd. to 2181 to Hickory Rd back to Country Club Rd. I rode 2181 to Lillian Miller Pkwy once...that was enogh of that! [smiley=headbang.gif] And it wasn't even rush hour.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Phantom Rider on Oct 23rd, 2014, 12:18pm


jrob_bent wrote:
Thanks for the offer phantom rider. I might take you up on the offer at a later date. I can't recall off hand all the road and street names, but I usually take Country Club Rd. to 377 and loop back on Brush Creek, over Hilltop rd. down into the valley to Old Alton Rd. and back. I tried Crawford Rd. a couple of times...way too much traffic and crazy in a rush people! I want to try E. Hickory Rd. to Cooper Canyon Rd. to 2181 to Hickory Rd back to Country Club Rd. I rode 2181 to Lillian Miller Pkwy once...that was enogh of that! [smiley=headbang.gif] And it wasn't even rush hour.


Your on the right track, there are several routes on Strava and ridewithgps that will loop you around some other areas there.  I always start at country club and 377, going west is nice after you cross 35 and you can venture into lots of good roads with minimal traffic out there.  I typically go west and loop back across 377 ridng a variety of roads in argyle and copper canyon.  Pm me next time your here and maybe we can ride it together.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by rowenusmc on Nov 5th, 2014, 6:50pm

Rod Owen, Huntsville AL.  Switching over to bents from Triathlons and Marathons.  Two Iron Distance Finishes, several lesser Triathlons, around 30 marathons and some ultras.  Retired from the Marine Corps in 1996 and now support the Army.  Gastric bypass in December of 2009.
Already did a couple of 24 hour bike races and a 12 hour race.  First 24 hour was at Sebring this year on a DF.  It hurt!  Bought a Corsa the next month.  Did MidAtlantic 24 hour on the Corsa then went out to the Texas Time Trials this year for the 12 hour.
Finished my 2nd and last Iron Distance Race last weekend and now selling everything I have to do with DF bikes.  Will always ride reclined from here on out.
Do about 80% of my training on a computrainer and the remainder is usually out on Redstone Arsenal where it is abandoned on the weekends and therefore pretty safe.  The roads of the surrounding area here in North Alabama are some of the least safe roads to ride in the whole country.  Alabama ranks 50th in bicycle safety.
Corsa 700c
RANS Xstream
Sun Sport CX

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Action Lad on Nov 6th, 2014, 5:33am


rowenusmc wrote:
Rod Owen, Huntsville AL.  Switching over to bents from Triathlons and Marathons.  Two Iron Distance Finishes, several lesser Triathlons, around 30 marathons and some ultras.  Retired from the Marine Corps in 1996 and now support the Army.  Gastric bypass in December of 2009.
Already did a couple of 24 hour bike races and a 12 hour race.  First 24 hour was at Sebring this year on a DF.  It hurt!  Bought a Corsa the next month.  Did MidAtlantic 24 hour on the Corsa then went out to the Texas Time Trials this year for the 12 hour.
Finished my 2nd and last Iron Distance Race last weekend and now selling everything I have to do with DF bikes.  Will always ride reclined from here on out.
Do about 80% of my training on a computrainer and the remainder is usually out on Redstone Arsenal where it is abandoned on the weekends and therefore pretty safe.  The roads of the surrounding area here in North Alabama are some of the least safe roads to ride in the whole country.  Alabama ranks 50th in bicycle safety.
Corsa 700c
RANS Xstream
Sun Sport CX

Welcome to the life, rowenusmc.  Many happy, pain-free miles to you! [smiley=cheers.gif]

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by dd5339 on Nov 6th, 2014, 9:16am

Rowen,

Welcome aboard Marine!

Former 0351 myself.  Have to meet up one of these days, have in-laws over in Huntsville.  Would love to talk ultra distance stuff.

Semper Fi

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Monkeywrangler22 on Nov 6th, 2014, 9:22am

He means sister in law... [smiley=thumbsup.gif]  Yes my b.i.l. was a JAG Col there at RSA until retirement.  Note he's a civilian consultant/contractor at RSA, or something.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by rmillay on Nov 7th, 2014, 4:25pm

Welcome, Ron!  Vaguely remember seeing you at TTTT; I was at the timing table.  I took note of all the recumbents.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Nov 13th, 2014, 2:45pm

Greetings, fellow XStream rider!!!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Opus the Poet on Nov 19th, 2014, 9:02pm

I'm back. I have been dealing with some issues including a stolen bike [smiley=censored.gif] that I replaced with a locally built cargo bike and then promptly had a minor lump on the back of my neck grow like crazy until I can't ride anything that doesn't let me sit upright and I can't even get my helmet on because the lump won't let the back of the helmet go all the way down. Still trying to get clearance from my Obamacare insurer to get the lump removed so I can ride.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by diannalightning on Nov 20th, 2014, 4:31pm

Hi Opus.  I was wondering the other day what happened to you.  I've missed you on the forum.  Hope everything works out ok with the insurance.  Otherwise, we may have to custom fit a helmet for you.  

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by enerjazz on Feb 8th, 2015, 8:05pm

Been riding a 1998 Bike E since 2001. Just picked up a 2007 Bacchetta Strada last weekend and took it out both Saturday and Sunday on this beautiful weekend. What a difference - much faster and that Euromesh seat is so much more comfortable. I'm in Fairview.  

Paul

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by reever on Feb 9th, 2015, 1:13pm

Opus,
That's the neat thing about recumbent riding--I have retrofitted many things that were meant for the DF world and made them fit my world. If you put your mmd to it you can retrofit a rock climbing helmet or something to your particular situation. I hope you find what you need to get back on the road!!!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by BenbrookBent on Mar 19th, 2015, 8:44pm

After a five year break from riding, I'm back on a bent.  A Catrike Villager, this time.  Still have the V2 and Cruz but haven't been able to ride for a long time due to family and health issues.  But, I'm back and plan to start riding the trail starting at Memorial Oaks in Benbrook three or four time a week (late mornings).  I'm retired now, so should be able to get riding time in.  Of course it does compete for time with my other hobbies.  Retirement is busier than I thought.

Hope to see to see some bents out there.

John

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by rmillay on Mar 19th, 2015, 9:20pm

A busy retirement is a good retirement.  Come visit with the Clowns sometime.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Mar 20th, 2015, 12:08pm

Enerjazz, would you be Paul Westbrook, Elena's hubby???

Paul Brown

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by BenbrookBent on Mar 29th, 2015, 10:34am

No...that's not me.  I'm John...no wife, just a dog and hobbies.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by JasonMartin on Jul 16th, 2015, 10:52pm

Hey fellow benters, Jason Martin here. 48 yrs old, been a triker since 1991 on my homebuilt. I am now back in the DFW area after having served in the U.S. Cavalry at Ft. Bragg, NC. I live in Rowlett, just east of Dallas. At the moment of this post, my trike is a multi-basket case going through a teardown/rebuild. Working on blueprints for an all monocoque construction, Indy car style body trike. Pics coming. You'll like it I promise. Anyway, I need to get riding as soon as possible, this old body needs conditioning. VA says I'm 80% disabled, but I don't use it for anything. No handicap parking, no special anything. More deserving soldiers out there need it more than I do. If there is anything I can do for my North Texas Trikers,  give me a shout.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Action Lad on Jul 16th, 2015, 11:39pm


JasonMartin wrote:
Hey fellow benters, Jason Martin here. 48 yrs old, been a triker since 1991 on my homebuilt. I am now back in the DFW area after having served in the U.S. Cavalry at Ft. Bragg, NC. I live in Rowlett, just east of Dallas. At the moment of this post, my trike is a multi-basket case going through a teardown/rebuild. Working on blueprints for an all monocoque construction, Indy car style body trike. Pics coming. You'll like it I promise. Anyway, I need to get riding as soon as possible, this old body needs conditioning. VA says I'm 80% disabled, but I don't use it for anything. No handicap parking, no special anything. More deserving soldiers out there need it more than I do. If there is anything I can do for my North Texas Trikers,  give me a shout.

Welcome to the forum, Jason.  Thank you for your hard work and service to keep US going.  Where in the area are you?  Do you weld aluminum?  

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Monkeywrangler22 on Jul 17th, 2015, 7:01am

Welcome aboard Jason!  What part of DFW are you in, now?  Lots of areas to ride, and a fair number (relatively speaking) of bent riders.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Phantom Rider on Jul 17th, 2015, 9:24am

Welcome Jason

Welcome to the forum and thank you for your service, 23 years Air Force and spent some time on the other side of Ft Bragg and No Hope Pope airplane patch.




Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by TonyWard on Jul 17th, 2015, 10:49am


JasonMartin wrote:
Hey fellow benters, Jason Martin here. 48 yrs old, been a triker since 1991 on my homebuilt. I am now back in the DFW area after having served in the U.S. Cavalry at Ft. Bragg, NC. I live in Rowlett, just east of Dallas. At the moment of this post, my trike is a multi-basket case going through a teardown/rebuild. Working on blueprints for an all monocoque construction, Indy car style body trike. Pics coming. You'll like it I promise. Anyway, I need to get riding as soon as possible, this old body needs conditioning. VA says I'm 80% disabled, but I don't use it for anything. No handicap parking, no special anything. More deserving soldiers out there need it more than I do. If there is anything I can do for my North Texas Trikers,  give me a shout.


Welcome!  I live in Rowlett as well. Do you happen to have a bulldog and a son that is around 6 or so?  If so, I believe I talked with your wife at the dog park in Rockwall a couple of weeks back partly about bike riding. She mentioned her husband is back from the military and exploring some riding in the area. Curious if it was you.

In any event get some pics of the trike up sounds interesting. Would like to get a look at it in person one of these days. We have 2 more bent riders in Rowlett that will be along shortly I would suspect. Though one is riding cross country so he maybe a while.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by reever on Jul 17th, 2015, 11:20am

[smiley=thumbsup.gif]
Jason, welcome to the forum! Thank you for your service, my man! I'd love to see your machine, and I'd be honored to ride with you some day.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by rmillay on Jul 17th, 2015, 7:33pm

Welcome, Jason.  Our Rowlett Clown is in Wisconsin right now, but FlyingLaZboy visits us occasionally.  You're welcome to meet with us at Barbec's on Garland Rd. 8:00 Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by JasonMartin on Jul 23rd, 2015, 4:04pm

Hey guys, thanks. I will come to Barbecs tonight to meet n greet. Might even bring the trike in the trunk. Looking forward to it. Now then, where in the heck IS barbec's?

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by diannalightning on Jul 23rd, 2015, 4:57pm


JasonMartin wrote:
Hey guys, thanks. I will come to Barbecs tonight to meet n greet. Might even bring the trike in the trunk. Looking forward to it. Now then, where in the heck IS barbec's?

Hi Jason, welcome to the forum.  The Clowns meet at Barbec's in the mornings so unless I'm on vacation, I don't ride with them.  If you're retired, then have a lot of fun with them on Tues. and Thurs. morning.  They're a great group.  The rest of us "benters" hopefully will see you on some weekend rides.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by rmillay on Jul 23rd, 2015, 5:41pm

Guess I should have put a 0 in front of the 8:00--sorry!  Yes, we meet in the morning and ride when it's nice and warm.  Barbec's is at 8949 Garland Rd., a little North of the arboretum, and not far South of Richardson BikeMart's Garland Road store.  We like guest visitors.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by JasonMartin on Jul 23rd, 2015, 5:52pm

Awww maaan! !! Yeah, the post said 8 pm,  so I already had the trike in the trunk. Oh well, next week then...

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by jayg on Jul 23rd, 2015, 6:04pm


diannalightning wrote:
[quote author=JasonMartin link=1217463529/360#360 date=1437685440]Hey guys, thanks. I will come to Barbecs tonight to meet n greet. Might even bring the trike in the trunk. Looking forward to it. Now then, where in the heck IS barbec's?

Hi Jason, welcome to the forum.  The Clowns meet at Barbec's in the mornings so unless I'm on vacation, I don't ride with them.  If you're retired, then have a lot of fun with them on Tues. and Thurs. morning.  They're a great group.  The rest of us "benters" hopefully will see you on some weekend rides.
[/quote]

Our Summer schedule is to arrive at Barbec's earlier than 8:00 AM, then order breakfast at 8:00. After breakfast, we drive (some may ride their bikes or trikes) to WRL's Sunset Bay parking lot. We're usually ready to ride somewhere between 8:45 and 9:00.

If you ride at WRL in the late afternoons, you may run across several RBENTers.

Come join us this Saturday (Jul 25) on the Richardson Bike Mart recumbent ride. There will be a number of us RBENTers in attendance, with the majority probably riding trikes. The ride starts at 8:30 AM in front of the RBM Richardson, TX shop at 1451 West Campbell Road (located in shopping center South of Campbell). Ride distances will be 10, 20, and 30 miles.



Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Parachristo on Sep 15th, 2015, 5:00pm

HELLO EVERYBODY!!!!

I go by Parachristo and I found you guys in a most interesting way!!!

A couple of years ago my wife came home and told me that she wasn't happy. She wanted to drastically change life. Her boss at her work place recently went out and rode 40 miles in some bicycle rally and she wanted to do this kind of stuff too. (wiping sweat from my brow) I asked her "what do you mean." she said "I want to get back into riding bicycles." All I could think of is a fat guy in spandex riding some silly bike.... I gave her time to talk and wisely refrained from making any comments. i honestly thought that this would all jus blow over. Boy was I wrong!!!

Next thing I know we are at Richardson Bike Mart purchasing two new bicycles. A year and one major life style switch later and we were collectively 185 lbs lighter (120 for my wife and 65 for me). I looked up to discover that I am an avid cyclist!!!

The one major detriment to my new found hobby was winter. I grew up in a much colder climate than Texas and so i can't take the cold as well as many other people. My hands and feet go totally numb with out feeling very rapidly and take an act of congress to warm back up. So I have trying to figure out a way to ride in the winter. I eventually discovered Velomobiles. Even tho i have never seen one in person I decided to start building one anyways.

My part time job, working for Performance Bicycle in Plano, had me helping to lead the beginner ride this past saturday. We were taking a break at the gazebo when I look up and spot a group of recumbents riding by. One of them was Mr. Wizard in his Sinner Mango. I FREAKED!!!! jumping on my Cervelo I left my group and sprinted to catch up. Eventually catching him just before Country Club. We talked briefly and he hooked me up with this page.

I am extremely excited about my little Velo that i am building and would really love to on rides with you guys. I am currently using Atomic Zombies plans and designing my own velo body to go around it. Here are some pictures


My Trike
http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy339/jeffxdesigns/My%20Trike_zpstxchn7zm.jpg (http://s805.photobucket.com/user/jeffxdesigns/media/My%20Trike_zpstxchn7zm.jpg.html)

The designs for my Velo

http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy339/jeffxdesigns/JBR2Front_zpskg8noefd.jpg (http://s805.photobucket.com/user/jeffxdesigns/media/JBR2Front_zpskg8noefd.jpg.html)

http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy339/jeffxdesigns/Jbr2Back_zpshagkquw9.jpg (http://s805.photobucket.com/user/jeffxdesigns/media/Jbr2Back_zpshagkquw9.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by rmillay on Sep 15th, 2015, 5:19pm

The plan's a beaut!  Welcome to the club!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by jayg on Sep 15th, 2015, 6:20pm

Welcome to the Forum. I too have a problem with my hands and feet, during cold weather. Have been wearing heated gloves from Cozy Winters (http://cozywinters.com/heated-gloves.html) and Hothands toe warmers (http://www.ebay.com/itm/40-HOTHANDS-TOE-WARMERS-2PK-KEEP-TOES-WARM-8-HRS-TOSTIE-TOES-HEATMAX-/271662588715?hash=item3f405a232b) and shoe covers. Thinking about replacing my old Cozy Winters gloves with their glove liners, plus extra batteries.

Like your aircraft-inspired velo design. Would have been appropriate for our Saturday-before-last's Lancaster Air Show ride. :)

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Bud_Bent on Sep 15th, 2015, 6:32pm

I also have Raynaud's, and really struggle to keep feeling in my hands and feet in the winter. I use chemical hand warmers in my gloves and socks, ride a bike with a fairing, and keep my rides shorter in the winter.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Phantom Rider on Sep 15th, 2015, 7:22pm

That will be one awesome machine when finished, can't wait to see the pics.

Welcome to the forum and a new way of life.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by MrWizard on Sep 15th, 2015, 9:26pm

Hi - Again.

Glad you found us ..    Performance isn't too far from me and I'm out in the mango a lot in the evenings if you want to catch up some day with more time its easy enough to do.      You should definitely check out the "official" RBENT ride which happens the 4th Saturday of the month starting from RBM ..     Since the weathers cooling off, more of us might show up ..   A lot of us also do the PBA/GDB east side ride Saturday mornings too - -thats what you caught up with.  I'm planning on doing the Cottonpatch classic payride on saturday unless I get home late friday from work.    I'll also be at the PBA ABCD rides most wednesdays

In regards to winter riding ..  gloves with finger covers,  shoe covers, a chest-vest and shell etc.   ..  Winter in a velo is still cold .. especially when you start out  ..  A insulated water-bottle of hot chocolate for the first few miles was one of my tricks for winter riding to stay warm until my body warmed up enough to maintain its own heat ..  

Your velo pattern looks pretty awesome ..  Can't wait to see it out on the road!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Parachristo on Sep 16th, 2015, 11:33am

Thanks for the warm welcome guys!!!

I absolutely want to hook up with you guys and do some rides! Cycling is my passion. It is actually great to feel like I am an athlete again!!! Every time I get on my bike I realize that I am adding life to my years.

Thanx for the compliments to my design. I have been woking my bootie off on trying to keep it Aero and gorgeous as well. I am a HUGE airplane buff and so I knew from the onset the direction that I wanted to take my Velo.

Here is a picture of the original design that I have abandoned (for now)....

http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy339/jeffxdesigns/FlyingTiger_zpsegpnzcry.jpg (http://s805.photobucket.com/user/jeffxdesigns/media/FlyingTiger_zpsegpnzcry.jpg.html)


I do have a question for you guys... I need some help. I am not completely happy with my current trike frame. It is a little to flexy for my taste. I really love a fast stiff frame that is as light weight as possible (like my Cervelo). The frame that I built is made from 1 1/8" 4130 ChromMoly. I have been thinking about switching to thin wall square ChromMoly tubing (for stiffness and light weight) I just don't know about what size would be the best for a trike. Atomic Zombie builds his trike with 1 1/2 1020 mild steel... but mild steel is REALLY heavy!!!

What would you guys suggest for a fast light weight stiff frame???

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by MrWizard on Sep 16th, 2015, 10:03pm


Parachristo wrote:
What would you guys suggest for a fast light weight stiff frame???


In order --
Carbon Fiber
Titanium - this is what the high speed streamliners use for sub-frames.
Aluminum - double butted square tubes  (this is what mango's, stradas and quests use)
4130 chromoly, what catrikes and others are made of  Reynolds #s  531, 631, 725 or 853 which is used to describe the particular blend.   http://www.columbustubi.com/eng/1.htm is a good source of double butted tubes, blades and stuff already made up for you to build frames off of.  






Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Monkeywrangler22 on Sep 17th, 2015, 5:34am

Would it be possible to put a gussett at the joint where the rear section mates with the front section?  Something like is used on some of the S-framed bikes...

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by TadpolePilot on Oct 3rd, 2015, 7:54pm

Bud, Thanks for letting me join the group.
I am Tadpole Pilot and I ride a Catrike Speed CS 1103 Orange in color and New in 2011.
I am 74 years old; Can't hear, walk with a walker but ride;  My Recumbent like a Bat going to a feast after a long nights sleep!
Just installed Ceramic hybird bearings in the two front 16" wheels  and in the bottom bracket.
Ceramics are going to help me keep up: I hope. ;D ;D ;D
Paid $128 for the parts. Labor was $78.00  so spent $ 208.00.
I can tell the difference.
The pros who install hybirds on their race bike do know so I just followed them down the path! [smiley=cheers.gif] [smiley=cheers.gif]
If any one wants any information I will be happy to supply details.
Rolling along till the end of the road
steve
TadpolePilot@outlook.com
210 852 3134[font=Sans-Serif]

[/font]

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Action Lad on Oct 3rd, 2015, 9:01pm


TadpolePilot wrote:
Bud, Thanks for letting me join the group.
I am Tadpole Pilot and I ride a Catrike Speed CS 1103 Orange in color and New in 2011.
I am 74 years old; Can't hear, walk with a walker but ride;  My Recumbent like a Bat going to a feast after a long nights sleep!
Just installed Ceramic hybird bearings in the two front 16" wheels  and in the bottom bracket.
Ceramics are going to help me keep up: I hope. ;D ;D ;D
Paid $128 for the parts. Labor was $78.00  so spent $ 208.00.
I can tell the difference.
The pros who install hybirds on their race bike do know so I just followed them down the path! [smiley=cheers.gif] [smiley=cheers.gif]
If any one wants any information I will be happy to supply details.
Rolling along till the end of the road
steve
TadpolePilot@outlook.com
210 852 3134[font=Sans-Serif]

[/font]

Welcome, Tadpole Pilot!
You've got wings to fly.  

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by MrWizard on Oct 3rd, 2015, 10:05pm

Welcome..  Hope to see you out on our monthly ride.


I have to agree with you .. properly seated hybrid bearings make a huge difference ...


TadpolePilot wrote:
Bud, Thanks for letting me join the group.
I am Tadpole Pilot and I ride a Catrike Speed CS 1103 Orange in color and New in 2011.
I am 74 years old; Can't hear, walk with a walker but ride;  My Recumbent like a Bat going to a feast after a long nights sleep!
Just installed Ceramic hybird bearings in the two front 16" wheels  and in the bottom bracket.
Ceramics are going to help me keep up: I hope. ;D ;D ;D
Paid $128 for the parts. Labor was $78.00  so spent $ 208.00.
I can tell the difference.
The pros who install hybirds on their race bike do know so I just followed them down the path! [smiley=cheers.gif] [smiley=cheers.gif]
If any one wants any information I will be happy to supply details.
Rolling along till the end of the road
steve
TadpolePilot@outlook.com
210 852 3134[font=Sans-Serif]

[/font]


Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by X-Wing on May 31st, 2016, 4:46pm

Phantomrider from BentRider suggested this forum to me. New to recumbents. Bought a KMX Typhoon a few weeks ago. Since I started riding it the wife has been on the Triton we have. We've been doing slow circles around the neighborhood in the evenings. She's wanting to go faster so I'm working at getting a used 2008 Catrike Expedition for either her or an upgrade for me. I usually ride down to Walnut Creek Park and ride it on the weekends.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Phantom Rider on May 31st, 2016, 7:45pm

Good to see you on here, welcome to the other side of cycling.




X-Wing wrote:
Phantomrider from BentRider suggested this forum to me. New to recumbents. Bought a KMX Typhoon a few weeks ago. Since I started riding it the wife has been on the Triton we have. We've been doing slow circles around the neighborhood in the evenings. She's wanting to go faster so I'm working at getting a used 2008 Catrike Expedition for either her or an upgrade for me. I usually ride down to Walnut Creek Park and ride it on the weekends.


Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Action Lad on May 31st, 2016, 7:52pm


X-Wing wrote:
Phantomrider from BentRider suggested this forum to me. New to recumbents. Bought a KMX Typhoon a few weeks ago. Since I started riding it the wife has been on the Triton we have. We've been doing slow circles around the neighborhood in the evenings. She's wanting to go faster so I'm working at getting a used 2008 Catrike Expedition for either her or an upgrade for me. I usually ride down to Walnut Creek Park and ride it on the weekends.

Welcome, X-Wing!  The Expedition is a fine choice.  Happy miles to you both.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Celticherself on Sep 22nd, 2016, 9:22am

Hi, my name is Vicki. I just bought a new Catrike from John's Trikes and Bikes in Lancaster Texas. I brought it home Saturday; haven't had time to ride it yet. I still work a rigid 40 hour a week schedule and won't be retiring until at least December 2018.

I'm searching for a Saturday morning ride with other recumbent or Trike riders. I'll ride early morning. Can't ride weekdays because this late in September it appears too dark in the mornings to ride and still get to work on time.

I've read that White Rock Lake is no longer the place for Trikes on Saturdays due to the dogs and "walking parties." On my road bike I did find ways to avoid the most crowded part of the trail by avoiding the south and west side of the lake. I'm talking about Saturdays and Sundays.
1) Can anyone recommend a good parking spot where there aren't so many car thefts?
2) Does anyone use the White Rock Trail that runs North of Northwest Hwy? How far North do you ride?

On my road bike I started near Medical City and rode south to to the Bathhouse or Winfrey Point, then turn around and ride back to my car. Does anyone NOT recommend that trail now? My average speed on a road bike was never more than 13 mph, I never really improved. I hope to add to the length of my rides now. Overheating/heat exhaustion has always been a problem, so evening rides in hot weather are impossible.

Are there any new women riders out there? Any new riders who work 40 hours a week? The weather just now TODAY feels cool enough for me to ride. I plan to ride early on Saturdays and when it's cool I'll also ride Sundays after church.

Thanks to the moderators and to the creator of this site for their time and effort running this service.
Vicki

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by jayg on Sep 22nd, 2016, 4:30pm


Celticherself wrote:
Hi, my name is Vicki. I just bought a new Catrike from John's Trikes and Bikes in Lancaster Texas. I brought it home Saturday; haven't had time to ride it yet. I still work a rigid 40 hour a week schedule and won't be retiring until at least December 2018.

I'm searching for a Saturday morning ride with other recumbent or Trike riders. I'll ride early morning. Can't ride weekdays because this late in September it appears too dark in the mornings to ride and still get to work on time.

I've read that White Rock Lake is no longer the place for Trikes on Saturdays due to the dogs and "walking parties." On my road bike I did find ways to avoid the most crowded part of the trail by avoiding the south and west side of the lake. I'm talking about Saturdays and Sundays.
1) Can anyone recommend a good parking spot where there aren't so many car thefts?
2) Does anyone use the White Rock Trail that runs North of Northwest Hwy? How far North do you ride?

On my road bike I started near Medical City and rode south to to the Bathhouse or Winfrey Point, then turn around and ride back to my car. Does anyone NOT recommend that trail now? My average speed on a road bike was never more than 13 mph, I never really improved. I hope to add to the length of my rides now. Overheating/heat exhaustion has always been a problem, so evening rides in hot weather are impossible.

Are there any new women riders out there? Any new riders who work 40 hours a week? The weather just now TODAY feels cool enough for me to ride. I plan to ride early on Saturdays and when it's cool I'll also ride Sundays after church.

Thanks to the moderators and to the creator of this site for their time and effort running this service.
Vicki


Hello, Vicki. Welcome to the Forum.

One of the first opportunities to ride with other trike riders on a weekend will be this Saturday (Sep. 24) at the monthly Richardson Bike Mart Recumbent Ride. Roll out is at 8:30 AM from the Campbell Rd. Store. Most riders will be doing 20 miles. The rest stop and turnaround is at a Starbucks on Renner Rd. The 20-mile ride is led by an RBM employee and is no drop.

John's Trikes and Bikes conducts Saturday rides, according to their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/johnsbicycleshopllc/. Patti can furnish more details.

I personally prefer to ride my trike, rather than one of my bikes at White Rock Lake on weekends, because of their excellent brakes and maneuverability. A blast from the Air-Zound horn (https://www.amazon.com/Delta-Airzound-Bike-Horn-colors/dp/B000ACAMJC) I purchased from John's Trikes and Bike aids in clearing pedestrian congestion ahead. Haven't ridden early on Saturday mornings at WRL in a long time. When I used to, the main problem was congestion, due to running events. There can be congestion on Sunday afternoons, but haven't run across much for the last several months. Haven't had any problems with dogs, other than owners sometimes having them on too long a leash.

I and our Clown riding group always park at the Sunset Bay parking lot. The presence of circling vehicles, riders and park visitors pretty much discourages vehicle break-ins.

Some members of our Clown group ride the White Rock Creek Trail twice a week (unless it's muddy) all the way to it's end. I've ridden my trike to its end on a few Sunday afternoons for a change of pace. Kind of a rough ride on a trike in places, due to poor pavement conditions.  

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Celticherself on Oct 8th, 2016, 11:56am

Thank you jayg for your reply. I've got to get a hitch with rack. I just discovered my Catrike Trail wont' fit in the back of my Kia Soul without folding first. [smiley=shrug.gif] It is just too heavy for me to fold up and lift every time I want to take it somewhere.  I've been riding my own neighborhood because of this.

When I do get a set up or hitch and rack I will get out on White Rock Trail again.  [smiley=runover.gif]

RBM takes Recumbents and Trikes one Saturday a month, right? Which Saturday? The third or fourth?

Thanks again for your reply jayg.

Vicki

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by jayg on Oct 8th, 2016, 1:15pm


Celticherself wrote:
Thank you jayg for your reply. I've got to get a hitch with rack. I just discovered my Catrike Trail wont' fit in the back of my Kia Soul without folding first. [smiley=shrug.gif] It is just too heavy for me to fold up and lift every time I want to take it somewhere.  I've been riding my own neighborhood because of this.

When I do get a set up or hitch and rack I will get out on White Rock Trail again.  [smiley=runover.gif]

RBM takes Recumbents and Trikes one Saturday a month, right? Which Saturday? The third or fourth?

Thanks again for your reply jayg.

Vicki


This month's RBM recumbent ride takes place on the 29th. All the rides take place on the last Saturday of each month. There are no rides from November through February. Ride roll-out time is 8:30 AM.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by MrWizard on Oct 8th, 2016, 11:57pm

what neighborhood?    There are a lot of PBA and GDB rides that accept trikes; you might be able to ride to one.


Celticherself wrote:
Thank you jayg for your reply. I've got to get a hitch with rack. I just discovered my Catrike Trail wont' fit in the back of my Kia Soul without folding first. [smiley=shrug.gif] It is just too heavy for me to fold up and lift every time I want to take it somewhere.  I've been riding my own neighborhood because of this.

When I do get a set up or hitch and rack I will get out on White Rock Trail again.  [smiley=runover.gif]

RBM takes Recumbents and Trikes one Saturday a month, right? Which Saturday? The third or fourth?

Thanks again for your reply jayg.

Vicki


Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by bkdraft on Nov 2nd, 2016, 11:17am

Howdy. Not new to rbent as I was here back before the forum, maybe 03-04 time frame. I have been riding recumbents since around 02. First bike was Sun EZ-1, them moved to Vision R-42, 03 Catrike Speed, Catrike Silver Cat Prototype, 05 Catrike Speed, 06 Catrike 700. Then hit burn out, and rode very little for few years. Sold the 700 and bought a Canondale Easy Rider and got back to riding again couple of years ago. The Canondale is VERY slow, but good excersise. Wanted something faster so recently bought a Bacchetta CA2. Yup, now have one of the slowest recumbents and one of the fastest. Looking through the list of names I recongnized lots from the past, some still around some driffted away. Anyway, glad to be back!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by jayg on Nov 2nd, 2016, 12:22pm


bkdraft wrote:
Howdy. Not new to rbent as I was here back before the forum, maybe 03-04 time frame. I have been riding recumbents since around 02. First bike was Sun EZ-1, them moved to Vision R-42, 03 Catrike Speed, Catrike Silver Cat Prototype, 05 Catrike Speed, 06 Catrike 700. Then hit burn out, and rode very little for few years. Sold the 700 and bought a Canondale Easy Rider and got back to riding again couple of years ago. The Canondale is VERY slow, but good excersise. Wanted something faster so recently bought a Bacchetta CA2. Yup, now have one of the slowest recumbents and one of the fastest. Looking through the list of names I recongnized lots from the past, some still around some driffted away. Anyway, glad to be back!


Welcome back. Some of the members of the original RBENT group, including its founder (Bob W), ride with our Clown group at White Rock Lake in Dallas.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Nov 13th, 2016, 4:23pm

A note for those looking to ride with groups -- John's has two groups riding from the shop on Saturdays, one at 14-16 mph, and a 2nd at a MUCH more casual, no drop pace.  If you don't mind the drive south, check 'em out.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Action Lad on Nov 13th, 2016, 10:42pm


FlyingLaZBoy wrote:
A note for those looking to ride with groups -- John's has two groups riding from the shop on Saturdays, one at 14-16 mph, and a 2nd at a MUCH more casual, no drop pace.  If you don't mind the drive south, check 'em out.

Paul,
At church today, Dennis of GDB introduced himself and invited me to the Poteet ride, after having heard that I ride.  I told him that that is a very well known ride and that I knew you.  Took him backstage for a tour of the trike.  Perhaps I should venture to the high school when I'm not doing all these miles, later.  What's the character of the ride?  Average speed?   [smiley=chinscratch.gif]

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Nov 15th, 2016, 12:00pm


Action Lad wrote:
Paul,
At church today, Dennis of GDB introduced himself and invited me to the Poteet ride, after having heard that I ride.  I told him that that is a very well known ride and that I knew you.  Took him backstage for a tour of the trike.  Perhaps I should venture to the high school when I'm not doing all these miles, later.  What's the character of the ride?  Average speed?   [smiley=chinscratch.gif]


Dennis Gentry?  Nice...

Poteet ride is about 32-35 miles, and the "main" group tends to roll at 20 mph.  I took Doug's 700 on it when I borrowed it, and it was a challenge to keep up -- but I was new on the trike -- you probably would be fine, being acclimated to the 700, and Daniel Schaaf doesn't have any issues, either, I don't think.

During the April - October timeframe, the ride rolls at 5:30 pm.  During winter, they ride on Saturdays.


Paul

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Action Lad on Nov 18th, 2016, 10:15pm


FlyingLaZBoy wrote:
[quote author=Action Lad link=1217463529/375#388 date=1479098562]
Paul,
At church today, Dennis of GDB introduced himself and invited me to the Poteet ride, after having heard that I ride.  I told him that that is a very well known ride and that I knew you.  Took him backstage for a tour of the trike.  Perhaps I should venture to the high school when I'm not doing all these miles, later.  What's the character of the ride?  Average speed?   [smiley=chinscratch.gif]


Dennis Gentry?  Nice...
17
Poteet ride is about 32-35 miles, and the "main" group tends to roll at 20 mph.   I took Doug's 700 on it when I borrowed it, and it was a challenge to keep up -- but I was new on the trike -- you probably would be fine, being acclimated to the 700, and Daniel Schaaf doesn't have any issues, either, I don't think.

During the April - October timeframe, the ride rolls at 5:30 pm.  During winter, they ride on Saturdays.


Paul
[/quote]Thanks.  By myself, I tend to "roll" or cruise between 18- and 22 mph over 30 miles with occasional hills that don't go over 6, or 7 percent.  Machine avg. in the mid to high 17s mph.  In a group it could be a bit quicker as folks are moving the air out of the way.  I'm also at my fastest when I don't have motorons to worry about, as when riding in a group.  When riding alone, if I go fast, they don't leave because of the entertainment value.  As the "Preacher," (Clint Eastwood in Pale Rider) said, "A man (riding) alone is easy prey."  Very true.

I'm encouraged to give it a try.   [smiley=stirthepot.gif]

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by smurfy on Jan 13th, 2017, 10:21pm

Thanks for adding me to the forum, I'm a new bent rider and loving it!!!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Phantom Rider on Jan 14th, 2017, 9:10am


smurfy wrote:
Thanks for adding me to the forum, I'm a new bent rider and loving it!!!


Welcome to the forum Smurfy, looks like you have two 2 wheelers that you spend time on and excellent choices I might add.  

Tell us a little about where you ride, how you ride and if there is anything in particular your looking for from this forum.  Lots of people on here with years of knowledge and experience to share.

Title: Greetings All
Post by jimsproul on Feb 8th, 2017, 4:09pm

Hi -

This is Jim Sproul from Coppell. I will be 64 in April, ready for that Beatles song I guess. I work in IT with no plan for retirement any time soon. Only 1 child of 5 still home. My wife Laura does not ride. I have hopes and a tandem in the garage but no luck yet.

At the moment I am training on a conventional bike for the Hotter'n Hell 100 in August, it will be my first 100 miler. I have ridden HHH 3 times before 100K and 50 mile. I am training with Mike "Bikin' Mike" Keel over in Plano.

Last fall I bought a Yellow Giro 20. I have been learning to ride it. I was shocked how different it is to ride a recumbent. This month I will begin to replace my morning walks with recumbent rides. I have not ruled out using the Giro at HHH depending on how training goes this spring.  

Riding the recumbent is a blast. To date I have not ventured more than 25 miles on a ride. My favorite ride on the conventional is White Rock Creek / Lake Trails. I get down there at least once most weekends, or will once my current training ends with Mike in March. I have seen (and stalked) the recumbent riders down by the lake looking for tips. Hope to meet some of you fine folks on the road.

Thanks

- jim


Title: Re: Greetings All
Post by jayg on Feb 8th, 2017, 6:53pm


jimsproul wrote:
Hi -

This is Jim Sproul from Coppell. I will be 64 in April, ready for that Beatles song I guess. I work in IT with no plan for retirement any time soon. Only 1 child of 5 still home. My wife Laura does not ride. I have hopes and a tandem in the garage but no luck yet.

At the moment I am training on a conventional bike for the Hotter'n Hell 100 in August, it will be my first 100 miler. I have ridden HHH 3 times before 100K and 50 mile. I am training with Mike "Bikin' Mike" Keel over in Plano.

Last fall I bought a Yellow Giro 20. I have been learning to ride it. I was shocked how different it is to ride a recumbent. This month I will begin to replace my morning walks with recumbent rides. I have not ruled out using the Giro at HHH depending on how training goes this spring.  

Riding the recumbent is a blast. To date I have not ventured more than 25 miles on a ride. My favorite ride on the conventional is White Rock Creek / Lake Trails. I get down there at least once most weekends, or will once my current training ends with Mike in March. I have seen (and stalked) the recumbent riders down by the lake looking for tips. Hope to meet some of you fine folks on the road.

Thanks - jim  


Welcome to the Forum, Jim. Come do the PBA/GDB East Side Ride sometime (Saturdays. Mix of recumbent and road bike riders). Also, you might want to consider doing the monthly RBM recumbent ride (First ride of the year will take place on March 25).

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by trikinoldman on Apr 10th, 2017, 8:22pm

Well, 76 years young and tryin to get younger on my tadpole. I've had it since 2005, but haven't ridden it in 3 years. Just redid the seat to make it easier to get on and off and a little more comfy. It's an ActionBent copy, sold by Ilovebent. It started out as a 20" fronts and a 26" rear, it now is 20" front and 700 rear, with a Bionix pedal assist. When I get it all set up again I'll post a pic. Any how glad to be here and  [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif] Howdy.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Action Lad on Apr 11th, 2017, 11:30pm


trikinoldman wrote:
Well, 76 years young and tryin to get younger on my tadpole. I've had it since 2005, but haven't ridden it in 3 years. Just redid the seat to make it easier to get on and off and a little more comfy. It's an ActionBent copy, sold by Ilovebent. It started out as a 20" fronts and a 26" rear, it now is 20" front and 700 rear, with a Bionix pedal assist. When I get it all set up again I'll post a pic. Any how glad to be here and  [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif] Howdy.
Welcome, trikinoldman!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by brrit on Jul 15th, 2018, 6:20am

New recumbent owner here. Just purchased a new Catrike Expedition from Easy Street in Keller from Micah.

I live near White Rock Lake and look forward to taking my new trike for a few laps around the lake soon.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by johnnybent on Jul 15th, 2018, 12:31pm

That wasn't you on the orange trike this morning? If you see a Schwinn it'll be me.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by brrit on Jul 15th, 2018, 6:57pm

JohnnyBent - That was not me this morning at the lake, but I'll be on the lookout for you in the future. I pick up my trike later this week and then I'll be out at the lake.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Phantom Rider on Jul 15th, 2018, 8:16pm


brrit wrote:
JohnnyBent - That was not me this morning at the lake, but I'll be on the lookout for you in the future. I pick up my trike later this week and then I'll be out at the lake.


You need to ride that trike down the red carpet trail when you pick it up... mike and Micah are real proud of the addition to the Keller trail system.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Action Lad on Jul 15th, 2018, 8:43pm


brrit wrote:
New recumbent owner here. Just purchased a new Catrike Expedition from Easy Street in Keller from Micah.

I live near White Rock Lake and look forward to taking my new trike for a few laps around the lake soon.
What color is the trike?  What do you look like so we'll recognize you when we see you.  Do you have typical colors you ride in?  

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by brrit on Jul 16th, 2018, 9:12am

Phantom - I test rode it a few times on the "red carpet". I really appreciated being able to take it on a longer test ride as well. Circling RBM's parking lot didn't offer as good of a test ride as Micah's setup.

Action Lad - the trike is red. I bought an Easy Street flag and wear a white helmet. Can't think of any other distinguishing qualities to the trike. Typically, I'm usually exercising around 9-10am in the morning around the lake. I've been running the lake and riding my DF bike for years. During that time, I've watched several trikes pass me by with envy. I'm looking forward to joining in the fun.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Action Lad on Jul 16th, 2018, 2:15pm


brrit wrote:
Phantom - I test rode it a few times on the "red carpet". I really appreciated being able to take it on a longer test ride as well. Circling RBM's parking lot didn't offer as good of a test ride as Micah's setup.

Action Lad - the trike is red. I bought an Easy Street flag and wear a white helmet. Can't think of any other distinguishing qualities to the trike. Typically, I'm usually exercising around 9-10am in the morning around the lake. I've been running the lake and riding my DF bike for years. During that time, I've watched several trikes pass me by with envy. I'm looking forward to joining in the fun.
Oh, okay, so you've been there at the lake and you've seen the Clowns there.  Popularity of trikes is rising, so you may see some folks on bent bikes and trikes who aren't part of rbent, but most are.  Me, I tend not to ride with a helmet.  I use a purple and yellow do rag, (no, not an LSU Tiger...eww! Those are just my riding colors.  I am a Minute Man from UMass/Amherst, MA.  I ride a purple Catrike 700. I am African American.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by brrit on Jul 16th, 2018, 6:36pm

Clowns?

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Action Lad on Jul 16th, 2018, 8:51pm


brrit wrote:
Clowns?
Right.  The Clowns is the name of the group of rbent cyclists who regularly ride around White Rock Lake.  Funny how they ended up with the name, Clowns, and their "circus" is the circuit they run around the lake.  I even call my slow, warm-up first lap my "parade lap."  Being with Clowns is as fun as you remember as a kid...perhaps better!  Join us!  We start with breakfast, if you'd like, during the summer months at 8 a.m. at Barbec's, just off the lake, then join those who haven't eaten at the restaurant at Sunset Bay.  Most tend to leave 8:45-9 a.m.  Not really a strict time, but what do you expect?  We're Clowns!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Jim_the_Nomad on Oct 18th, 2018, 5:33pm

My name is Jim.

I got into recumbents when I was ten years old thanks to my dad. Dad has had back problems my entire life (was having surgery as I was leaving the womb). This led him o recumbents in the late 80's. I've been picking up his hand-me-down bikes as long as I can remember.

As of this post, my stable includes a Ryan Vanguard, Easy Racers Gold Rush, Vision R82 tandem, and an ICE Vortex.

I've lived in North Alabama, Central Florida, Houston, Southern California, and now Dallas. I got into bike commuting and ebikes back in California and have been trying to figure out the safest way to do that in Dallas.

I haven't found my North Texas "biking buddies" yet, but ran into Mr. Wizard on Bentrider, who recommended I check out RBent.

Hello everyone!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Phantom Rider on Oct 18th, 2018, 6:15pm

Greetings Jim and welcome.  I’m a Fort Worth boy so not much help to you on the other side of 360 but there are plenty of good folks here who are.




Jim_the_Nomad wrote:
My name is Jim.

I got into recumbents when I was ten years old thanks to my dad. Dad has had back problems my entire life (was having surgery as I was leaving the womb). This led him o recumbents in the late 80's. I've been picking up his hand-me-down bikes as long as I can remember.

As of this post, my stable includes a Ryan Vanguard, Easy Racers Gold Rush, Vision R82 tandem, and an ICE Vortex.

I've lived in North Alabama, Central Florida, Houston, Southern California, and now Dallas. I got into bike commuting and ebikes back in California and have been trying to figure out the safest way to do that in Dallas.

I haven't found my North Texas "biking buddies" yet, but ran into Mr. Wizard on Bentrider, who recommended I check out RBent.

Hello everyone!


Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by jayg on Oct 19th, 2018, 6:43pm


Jim_the_Nomad wrote:
My name is Jim.

I got into recumbents when I was ten years old thanks to my dad. Dad has had back problems my entire life (was having surgery as I was leaving the womb). This led him o recumbents in the late 80's. I've been picking up his hand-me-down bikes as long as I can remember.

As of this post, my stable includes a Ryan Vanguard, Easy Racers Gold Rush, Vision R82 tandem, and an ICE Vortex.

I've lived in North Alabama, Central Florida, Houston, Southern California, and now Dallas. I got into bike commuting and ebikes back in California and have been trying to figure out the safest way to do that in Dallas.

I haven't found my North Texas "biking buddies" yet, but ran into Mr. Wizard on Bentrider, who recommended I check out RBent.

Hello everyone!


Welcome to the Forum.

Some of us ride at White Rock Lake. See: http://rbentonline.org/YaBB.pl?num=1240255446

Some of us also do the RBM Recumbent Ride on the last Saturday of each month (April thru October). Roll out is at 8:30 AM from the Campbell Rd. store.

A few of us do the GDB/PBA Plano East Side Ride. Roll out is at 9:30 AM from the back parking lot of Plano Cycling and Fitness on 18th St. in Plano.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by reever on May 25th, 2019, 8:07pm

I introduced myself some years back, but I'm going to re-introduce myself again, since I feel this is the new me. My beautiful wife Beth and I are leaving the great state of TEXAS and moving to Inverness, Florida to a really neat recumbent community. Gary and Gay Bradford who hosted the big carb load party each year before the HHH will be my almost next door neighbors. The Hansens, Dan and Robyn will be our caddy-corner next door neighbors. Everyone remembers Dan for that awesome workshop he gave at the HOT in Austin one year, where he covered everything about recumbent riding from stem to stern, top to bottom, never-rode to faster-than-snot.
We love Texas--been here since '74. Folks were sharecroppers here, kids were born here, educated here. It will put a hole in our lives, BUT being a block from the Withlacoochee trail........46 miles of nuttin but bikes n trikes......WOW. As my west Texas aunts and uncles used to say all the time, "Y'all come!"

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by aikigreg on May 25th, 2019, 9:44pm

Well darn. I was looking forward to riding with you again!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by reever on May 26th, 2019, 11:42am

My pleasure and privilege breathing the same Texas air as you Greg!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by jrob_bent on May 26th, 2019, 3:03pm

I guess this means you aren't moving to the Dallas area then! Ha! When I come to Florida in the winter I'll give you a holler and we can go ride. If it is the same Dan Hansen, he is pretty fast! Good luck with your move Jim.

Jerry

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by jrob_bent on Jun 4th, 2019, 9:26pm


reever wrote:
I introduced myself some years back, but I'm going to re-introduce myself again, since I feel this is the new me. My beautiful wife Beth and I are leaving the great state of TEXAS and moving to Inverness, Florida to a really neat recumbent community. Gary and Gay Bradford who hosted the big carb load party each year before the HHH will be my almost next door neighbors. The Hansens, Dan and Robyn will be our caddy-corner next door neighbors. Everyone remembers Dan for that awesome workshop he gave at the HOT in Austin one year, where he covered everything about recumbent riding from stem to stern, top to bottom, never-rode to faster-than-snot.
We love Texas--been here since '74. Folks were sharecroppers here, kids were born here, educated here. It will put a hole in our lives, BUT being a block from the Withlacoochee trail........46 miles of nuttin but bikes n trikes......WOW. As my west Texas aunts and uncles used to say all the time, "Y'all come!"


Jim, be careful on that trail. Look at this idiot in a stolen truck with the State Troopers chasing him and he turns onto the Withlacoochee trail. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEKyPHQpAHw&feature=youtu.be

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by ark40 on Jul 1st, 2020, 10:01pm

Hi everyone,my name is Zahid, I'm a new bent rider 55 yes old. After decades of slaving on diamond frame bikes I finally decided I am too old to be suffering from wrist, neck and butt pain after long rides. So finally got the courage to buy a high racer from someone selling it in Denton. Today I took the courage to ride it on the Blue Bonnet trail (I live in Plano) for the first time. Wasn't too bad only had to get off 2 to 3 times. The gentleman who sold me the bike indicated that this mightt be a good forum to join for north TX riders.
Looking forward to meeting some of you and learning the mechanics and techniques of riding a recumbent. Oh and the only recumbent I have is a Volae high racer. I'll post a picture once I figure out how to from Flickr.


Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by aikigreg on Jul 1st, 2020, 10:40pm

Welcome to the fun Zahid!  This is a great group of friendly people and we will help and ride with you whenever we can!

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by rmillay on Jul 3rd, 2020, 6:23pm

Welcome, Zahid!  The Clowns, who meet up at White Rock Lake in the morning on Tuesdays and Thursdays, will actually ride with anyone, and the lake isn't all that far to come.  Coronavirus has co-opted the main attraction, namely, breakfast at Barbec's.  But, the pandemic can't last forever, can it?  Also, you have one of our members with a recumbent-oriented shop in Plano--Bicycle Evolution, at Los Rios and Park.  Tell Doug I sent you.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by ark40 on Jul 3rd, 2020, 11:53pm

Thanks Doug, I go to WRC trail frequently on my weekend rides. May be I can catch the clowns on Tue and Thu mornings. I'll go check out Bicycle Evolution

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by rrgrandad on Nov 4th, 2021, 2:16pm

https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipOzHnMA4YVGM7Jw3YHRz7xt8gIeBgKFzy2agqMLHi, I'm Norm and I live in Dallas.  Wife and I are new to recumbent trikes.  Hope to meet some of you out riding!  

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by rmillay on Nov 4th, 2021, 7:06pm

Hi, Norm.  If you ride at White Rock Lake on Tuesday or Thursday mornings, you will likely be able to see some of us there.

Title: Re: Introduce yourself!
Post by Coach on Mar 8th, 2023, 12:16pm

Hello, All - I have been biking since 5. So that makes 70 years. I just acquired a Catrike Villager and so I am in the learning phase. I plan to ride where I can see something other than 4 walls on a stationary bike. I have had one total knee replacement to this point. Perhaps the other down the road, literally. I need to ride to burn calories and see what it does to my lower back pain due to vertebrate slippage off of S1. FWIW - I am also a Certified Bowling Instructor and an I.T. Instructor at Collin College. In addition, I offer computer services, primarily Microsoft rather than MAC. I am a Green Bay Packers shareholder and lead a watch group during the season. Let me hear from you with common interests.



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