After reading sstexex post about the lady wanting to trade rides it reminded me of a guy I chatted with. He rolled up beside me and asked how I liked my Corsa and why I ride it etc., usual curiosity questions. Then he said he didn't think they were bicycles. He said they were 2 wheeled human powered vehicles, with some indignation. I told him, if he rode long enough, he too would wind up on a bent.  When the body starts to fail the bent makes more and more sense. We rode and talked a while longer and he finally stated that he might have to get one! The point is I think, they really do envy the fact that it does not hurt to ride a bent. The ego has to deflate a bit to admit they too would like to be pain free and actually enjoy the ride. I'll bet, by the end of the 100 miles he was giving it some hard consideration.

Quote from Richard on Aug 28^th, 2007, 3:33pm:

I get the same sorts of questions, and I've noticed there seem to be two distinct mindsets behind them.  One is the rider who's genuinely curious about the 'bent.  (S)he may or may not be interested in a recumbent personally, but makes not value judgment about my choices either way.  
 
The other tends to ask leading questions that are the bicycling equivalents of "So, are you still beating your wife?"  To whit...
 
"So, do you find that you miss being able to keep up with the group?"
"From your vantage point next to me... do you?"
 
[during a climb, nearing the crest]
"So, I guess you must miss being able to keep up on climbs, huh?"
"Sorry, can't talk right now.  On your left."
"Oh.  Okay.  I'm right on your wheel."
"With a downhill coming up?  Good luck with that."
 
"Does it bother you, not being able to ride a real bike?"
"I've got pedals; you've got pedals.  I've got gears and derailleurs; you've got gears and derailleurs.  I've got brakes and handlebars; so do you.  What have you got that I haven't?  Other than hand and groin numbness, I mean."
 
"Oh sure, I could ride a recumbent, but that would be cheating."
"As opposed to sucking wheel in a paceline all day?"
 
By and large, though, I find that I get more of the former truly interested sort than the latter.  

Foo,
 
Thats funny. ;D True but funny. I think I might make a small placard with some questions and responses on it  and just attach it somewhwere to the side of my frame or back.  
 
Why do I ride a recumbent bicycle?
 
Do your wrists burn?
Mine don't.
Do your shoulders ache?
Mine don't.
Are the discs in your neck trying explode?
Mine aren't.
Is your lower back screaming for mercy?
Mine's not.
Is your butt on fire?
Mine's not.
Do you have scrotoliths in your groin?
I don't.
 
 
 
 

Oh Mommie,  
 
Man, I haven't laughed that hard in quiet a while.   Google scrotoliths and read the thread on Dirt Rag forum (a mountain bike forum). Disdainful roadies should read this!

These are great. I've yet to show at our group rides with my Corsa, but now I've got some answers to the FAQ.  
 
woo

Just to make you love your bent even more. When you have some time:
 
 
 
http://www.springerlink.com/content/l844nhm8923aeh0p/
 
http://ajs.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/31/4/585
 
http://www.fpnotebook.com/SPO4.htm
 
http://www.nature.com/ijir/journal/v14/n6/full/3900929a.html
 
http://www.emedicine.com/SPORTS/topic12.htm