Grandfather of Modern Recumbents

Many cycling enthusiasts regard Robert Q. Riley as the grandfather of the modern day recumbent cycle.

Robert Q. Riley came up with an amazing design called the Ground Hugger. The Ground Hugger had some unique features and designs incorporated into it that recumbent styles before it did not have.

Some of the features consisted:
* a unique sweeping frame design
* built much lower to the ground
* ergonomic seat design
* steering system allowing for greater rider comfort

Some opinions differ but it seems the Ground Hugger could have been an offshoot of the Pedi-Plane design conceived and built in the ‘30’s by E.B. Boynton.

The Ground Hugger was such a great design it has stood the test of time. There are even plans that have been put out so that folks can build their own composite version. It looks pretty nice. I have not built one myself nor do I endorse the plans or kit.

For more information on Robert Q. Riley visit http://bikerodnkustom2.homestead.com/robertQriley.html

For more information on E.B. Boynton and the Pedi-Plane visit http://bikerodnkustom.homestead.com/rileyped.html

For more information on plans or a kit for a Ground Hugger visit
http://www.rqriley.com/bike.html

What Makes a Great Recumbent?

What makes a great recumbent is somewhat of a loaded question, but can be answered.

You want to make sure basic frame is well built, and my opinion, built to last. We hear a lot about frame fatigue these days. Frame fatigue is normally going to happen around weld joints. After a lot of riding and/or shock to these weld joints they can weaken and become less stable.

If you think this is the case for your cycle you may want to have it checked out by a good mechanic. One way to lessen this problem is to make sure you purchase high quality frames and components (sprockets, brakes, rims, etc.). It seems, however, these days that you get what you pay for.

The days of the old Schwinn bicycle some of us grew up on that you could ride hard forever, leave outside in the elements and it would never breakdown are over, or are they? Do your research and you will be able to find a well built frame with solid well done welds and well made components for a reasonable price.

The other factor to look at is. In other words; what are your intentions for your cycle? Are you commuting short or long distances? Do you plan on riding daily or occasionally? Do you like to go at or a moderate pace or do you “have a need for speed”?

Do you like 2-wheels, 3-wheels or 4-wheels under you? Would you like underseat steering or a more conventional handlebar style steering?

For more information on these three builds check out http://www.atomiczombie.com/

What is your comfort level in riding?

It really comes down to:

* quality craftsmanship
* use you intend for your cycle
* style of cycle you like
* level of comfort you desire

For more information on frame welding visit http://www.bikeschool.com/

Look Ma No Hands!!

Recumbents have always been outside of the normal upright bicycle box.

We don’t always have to think conventional. As you can see from this build the standard handlebars have been replaced.


The question I have to ask is, “Why not?”

Solar Powered Trike - Off Grid!

This is a very cool build on a solar powered trike. I believe this could easily be adapted to many recumbent trike models.

Solar Powered Trike. Travel for free with the power of the sun!

How to build a Solar Powered Trike

The purpose of this project is to build a vehicle that:

* Provides free, 'green' transportation for short distances ( more than 10 miles)

* Charges while at work

* Is cheap, simple, and low maintenance.

* Draws attention to the practical application of green energies, and promotes Fossil Fuel alternatives.

* Reduces excess automobile wear and pollution from cold driving / short, in town trips.

* This was a project for Dr. Reza Toosi's 'Energy and the Environment, a global perspective' class at California State University, Long Beach. We look at the sources, technologies, and impacts of energy on our environment.Link to other class projects, some of Dr. Toosi's ENG-302i lectures, and other interesting videos.http://www.csulb.edu/~rtoossi/engr302i

Short video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIiJp4aKDHM

To view more information and the complete plans for the Solar Trike go to http://www.instructables.com/id/Solar-Powered-Trike/?utm_source=medrect&utm_medium=solartrike_medrect

Bicycle Brush with Death!

I wasn’t going to blog about this but decided since it is becoming more of an occurrence I really shouldn’t let it go.

I was out taking a short test ride on my son’s bike around the neighborhood before he moves with it to Chicago.

In Akron there is new program called SHARO, short for Share the Road. The city painted some nice bicycle emblems on two major feeder streets designed to raise the awareness of bicyclers out in car traffic.

After T-boning a semi-flatbed truck on a motorcycle when I was 20 years old I pretty much stay out of heavy traffic on my bicycle simply because cars weigh thousands of pounds and I don’t.

As this street feeds west from downtown it widens to accommodate a center turn lane designed for cars coming both directions to get out of the main traffic flow to ready for their turn.

In order to get back home I had to cross this busy street, not a big deal if you obey the traffic laws and watch yourself. I waited until all of the eastbound downtown traffic had cleared and crossed the two lanes of traffic into the wide center turn lane to maneuver my way to my next street.

I timed it so that by the time I would be even with my street the five cars approaching from downtown headed westbound would be past and nice big hole would open up for me to exit through.

I did a quick glance over my right shoulder to make sure no cars were coming up behind me turned back to front just as the large green four door whipped into the center turn lane to pass the cars in front of him. He was doing about 40 MPH and I figured I had about 2 seconds until the head on impact.

Luckily for me he just happened to spot me and yanked the wheel back into his lane of traffic nearly hitting me. It all happened so quickly it was almost a nonevent. But having survived a similar incident some 30 years ago I know I would have died or suffered life threatening injuries, again.

I noticed three things quickly: 1) I had put myself in that situation and was ultimately responsible for my own well being 2) THIS WAS A TURN ONLY LANE NOT A PASSING LANE 3) by the looks of the guy and his car I would have been a hit and run victim because I doubt he had insurance and would not have wanted to talk to the police.

Needless to say I have become even more cautious and less trusting of traffic to do the right thing. Especially with all the cell phone and texting distractions let alone the drinking and driving.

I normally stick to the trails and neighborhood streets. But reality rules and one must occasionally get out into traffic flow. Rule of thumb: we've got one flesh and bone body not encased in by thousands of pounds of steel and no seatbelt. Be careful because it’s usually the other guy that will nail you.

New Trike Frame Build

I initially became interested in this design for its low profile and laid back recumbent style.

I’m not a real speed guy but do like the advantage this trike offers when it comes to moving along at a quick clip if you choose to or just “feel the need for speed”.

This is a very solid frame and is not going to breakdown on you if you get a bit rough with it.

I built my own wheels simply because I enjoy the process. Wheel lacing can be an art but is not that difficult once you get started with a good plan in mind and some very basic tools. We can cover this subject in a later blog. A great source of information is http://www.sheldonbrown.com/wheelbuild.html

You can also check out http://www.bbinstitute.com/ or http://www.bikeschool.com/ for cycle repair classes and wheel building courses.

Why Not a Row Bike?

When I consider recumbents as compared with the normal upright cycle I tend to think outside the box.

Sure all cycles have wheels, brakes, can be steered and have gears to one extent or another, but the recumbent is laid back with the pedals out in front. The handlebars are normally underseat or lengthened to be easily accessed by you the rider.

Thinking outside of the box just a bit; what if instead of handlebars and pedals there was a combination of the two? What if the seat slid back and forth along the main upper tube of the frame?

This type of an outside of the box recumbent is called a rowing bike. Invented by Scott Olsen the same fellow that brought us Roller Blades or inline skates. ScottO as he is known as, like so many of became bored to tears with indoor stationary exercise equipment.

After cycling for so many years I can barely stand to get on them myself! ScottO figured out how to put his favorite piece of exercise equipment, a rowing machine, on two wheels and take it for a ride!

Be sure and check out http://www.rowbike.com/ for a great picture gallery and videos.

The rowing bike is actually an amazing cycle. You will get complete upper and lower body workout plus a great cardiovascular workout as well.

There does seem to be a bit of a learning curve but nothing a few times around a parking lot won’t overcome.

Interesting Approach - Full Body Cycling

Full Body Cycle Experience

A group of Mechanical Engineer students from Stanford University were put to task and given a project to design and build a full body bicycle. They were told to take a normal bicycle and only make changes from the handlebar neck forward. They were given a $1500 budget and only ten weeks to build a fully functioning bicycle.

The first couple of attempts were trial and error but soon they got the hang of it and began to fine tune their attempts.

The students ended up with a pretty decent and functional road bike that would give a full body workout, could be steered while pedaling and had the bonus of both front and rear wheel drive.

Overall I really like this design and may incorporate into a recumbent I want to build if I can conceive how to unbulk the looks of the front end a bit.
As you can see from the picture below by staying with the normal build of the original bike frame there are many advantages. Remember to think outside the box!

Different Styles of Recumbent

Recumbents and bicycles in general are simply transportation. Lately they have been deemed ‘alternative transportation’ because our cultures have become so focused around the internal combustion engine.

Transportation takes many forms based on our environment and needs. Land, air and water need to be traversed. For this we have cars, trucks, buses, trains, planes and boats. Most of which are propelled by some sort of fuel with the exceptions of some types of boats and ships.

Let’s take a look at how human powered vehicles have risen to the occasion:

Land travel obviously has many bicycle and recumbent styles. The recumbent seems to have been more innovative in design in the field of transportation while the bicycle design has stayed close to the same design with improvements in efficiency.
Here are some of the more interesting recumbent designs in transportation:

LAND

This trike uses a ‘Joy Stick’ instead of handlebars. I owned one for several years and loved it! http://americruiser.com/

This looks like a relaxing way for a tandem crew to ride. Take a good look at those seats! For more styles such as cargo bikes and Pedi cabs visit http://www.organicengines.com/

I rode this builders model several years ago. Because of the hand and foot pedals you get a great upper and lower body work out!

Check this video link for several different recumbent styles
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yRURbnJ7mM&feature=related

AIR

This is a video link for a human powered sky plane http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l131fSveof8

WATER

Here are three links to water powered vehicles:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiTjyj9NO5I&feature=related Amphibious Cycle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkKd2vScd4M&feature=related Human Power Boat
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R83c_gKTGY4&feature=related Pedaled Kayak

This is a picture of a human powered submarine:

There are even all-terrain vehicles
http://www.ihpva.org/allterrain.htm

For more information on Recumbents and human powered vehicles be sure and visit the International Human Powered Vehicle Association http://www.ihpva.org/
Another great source is http://www.atomiczombie.com/

Have fun and ride!

The What and Why of a Recumbent

If you are not familiar with a recumbent you may be asking yourself, “What in the world is it?” A recumbent in the simplest terms is a cycle configured for ergonomics. Ergonomics is the science of designing the job, equipment, and workplace to fit the worker or in this case the rider. (Source: Wikapedia)

Recumbents tend to place you in a more upright slightly laid back position. Some of the advantages of riding a recumbent (or as recumbent riders refer to them ‘bents’) are:
1) The rider’s weight is distributed over a much larger area of the back and rump. Traditional uprights normally have that same weight distributed over just a few square inches or so.
2) Less likely to have numb buns, hands and sore neck.
3) You won’t go over the handle bars.
4) Your position offers less wind resistance.

Interesting facts about bents:

The current world bike speed record is held by a recumbent at 80.5 MPH.
Recumbents were not allowed to compete in bicycle races after breaking world speed records. It appears the powers in charge at the time couldn’t take the defeat. This was in the late 1920’s and early 1930’s. For more information on this subject visit http://www.hpv.on.ca/recumb.htm

There are two wheel recumbent bicycles, tandems, three wheel trikes and four wheel quads plus all manner of design in-between. One of my favorite designs is the quadra-ped or a hand and foot cranked model. It is great upper and lower body exercise!

Bents may not be for everyone, but they are certainly worth checking out!

The Rubber City Meltdown

It seems more and more people are taking an interest in cycling. There are many reasons for this upsurge in interest such as; more exercise, recreation, family and friend get together, ecological reasons and now even economic reasons.

No matter what the reason it is a great thing to see! Coming from a well established cycling community like Eugene, Oregon, as I have, we sometimes take for granted that all communities are so well organized.

Living in Akron, Ohio (nicknamed The Rubber City because of all of the turn of the century tire manufacturing plants) for the past 22 years I have witnessed slow but steady change over to a cycling city. Akron had cycling clubs early because of bicycle tire manufacturing. Akron, Ohio was considered the Rubber Capitol of the world. http://www.akronhistory.org/citizens.htm

We do have a lot of cyclist that ride the Ohio/Erie Tow Path http://www.nps.gov/cuva/ohio-and-erie-canal-towpath-trail.htm

The City of Akron and surrounding communities have been revitalizing portions of the Tow Path and are connecting them up again. It is now possible to ride many miles on the Tow Path starting from downtown Akron.

Recently sponsors and business owners have put together the inaugural Rubber City Meltdown or The Akron Cycling Fesitval. http://www.rubbercitymeltdown.com/

There will be several different rides to participate in. One in particular called Follow the Blue Line sponsored by the Road Runner Akron Marathon which follows the route taken annually by marathon runners from across the country and world. Another event called Bike the Trail - Ride the Rail features a ride from downtown Akron along the Tow Path and a ride back on the historic Cuyahoga Valley Train. They have a special car set up to carry your bike while you ride in the comfort of a historic Pullman Coach.

Last year the City of Akron actually started a program called “Sharo” or Share the Road. The city paint crews painted a large bike & rider emblem on two large feeder streets to alert motorist of cyclist. Even if Akron does not have as much actual city government involvement as Eugene, Oregon does it is still great to see them taking steady steps to becoming a biking city.

Feel free to leave comments on what your community is doing to encourage biking and walking.

I Tip My Helmet to the City of Eugene, Oregon

I simply have to tip my helmet to the City of Eugene and their absolute commitment to cycling as a viable means of public transportation.

Take a look at a snippet of their InMotion newsletter:

A new year is a great time to reflect on and learn from the past and also look to what the future holds for us. In 2009 we have the passage of the Bicycle Commuter Act which allows employers to offer incentives pre-tax to bicycle commuters. We also have the Eugene Walking & Biking Summit on Jan 31st. The theme is Crossroads to the Future as the main topic will be looking forward to the future of active transportation in Eugene and Springfield . Our communities could receive $50 million in federal funding to help build a complete network of safe places to walk and bike and to reduce auto-dependence with the assistance of the Rails to Trails 2010 campaign.

2009 is not just the year to practice active transportation, but to participate in the planning, the implementation of incentives, and to really engage in the future of transportation options. Read on to learn more about transportation in Eugene .

InMotion is a monthly e-newsletter designed to help community members in Eugene with some heart-healthy transportation options and with creating a community where biking, walking, and sharing the ride (carpool or bus) are easy and enjoyable!

To subscribe to this innovative newsletter email: peoplepower@ci.eugene.or.us