"The bicycle is the most civilized conveyance known to man. Other forms of transport grow daily more nightmarish. Only the bicycle remains pure in heart."
~Iris Murdoch, The Red and the Green
I started this blog, so I can share the process of finding, buying, modifying, and riding a trike. And losing weight and getting in shape.
After I had my knees and hip replaced, I wanted to get back in shape. I never thought that gyms were the way to go, if you REALLY want to change you fitness level you need to do something that you love. I always enjoyed riding. When I lived in NYC, I loved ride out to Riis Beach, just to hear the surf and smell the sea breezes.So I bought a Electra Townie, figure the flat foot technology would help with my knees.
When I test rode the bike, I felt a little shaky, but I thought it was because I hadn't ridden in 30 years and I would get used to it in time. Boy was I wrong! I am scared. After all the years of knee problems and my atrophied leg muscles, I'm terrified of falling. I just didn't feel comfortable. I kinda gave up for a while.
I don't think I can honestly tell you why I started look at trikes. But after reading about how comfortable they are and how much fun. I thought to myself, "Self that's what you want and need".
Research Mode!
~Iris Murdoch, The Red and the Green
I started this blog, so I can share the process of finding, buying, modifying, and riding a trike. And losing weight and getting in shape.
After I had my knees and hip replaced, I wanted to get back in shape. I never thought that gyms were the way to go, if you REALLY want to change you fitness level you need to do something that you love. I always enjoyed riding. When I lived in NYC, I loved ride out to Riis Beach, just to hear the surf and smell the sea breezes.So I bought a Electra Townie, figure the flat foot technology would help with my knees.I don't think I can honestly tell you why I started look at trikes. But after reading about how comfortable they are and how much fun. I thought to myself, "Self that's what you want and need".
Research Mode!
Part 1
Which one to buy?
What physical characteristics do I need in a trike?
Well, I had two knee and one hip replacement. I'm overweight and out of shape.
After searching the web for awhile, I found a site called BentRider, which has a fount of information about recumbent trikes: why ride 'em?, are they safe?, and last but the most important, are they fun? YES! to all questions.
Needs:
High Seat
High weight rating
Cheap - I found most Trikes are around $2000. Yikes!
BentRider to the rescue! Check out this article:
"TerraTrike Rover – The TerraTrike Rover isn’t the prettiest trike that came out in 2010. It’s also not the most technologically advanced. However, the simple fact that it is a truly good trike available at a price point that was complete unheard of a year ago, makes it an easy choice for Trike of the Year. The Rover handles well, is easy to get on and off of, comes apart for easy transport and is highly customizable… all for a starting price of just $799. TerraTrike reports that a vast majority of Rovers are being sold to first time recumbent riders. And they’ve sold A LOT of them. Will this be a trike we look back at and call a “game changer”? I don’t know… But I do know that it is very worthy of this award."
from BentRider Online
Sounds like a winner to me. So off I go TerraTrike.com. I spend a lot of time looking up reviews and testimonials. The biggest selling point for me is the seat height of 18.5 inches, since it's still difficult to get up from a sitting position. And of course the price.
I hope to lose weight, get fit and strengthen my legs. I will post my progress here.
So decision made. I will buy the TerraTrike Rover 8 ( 8 speeds) for $999.
FEATURES
Higher Seat - Easy On and Off
Fully Adjustable Seat & Frame
Easily Transportable
Direct Steering
Tighter Turning Radius
Extremely Quiet
Disc Brakes
Single, 3 or 8 Speed
One Size Fits Most
Decal Pack Lets You Pick Color
Steel Frame
Nylon Seat Cover
For Riders Up To 400 Pounds!
Part 2
Goals to accomplish before I get the Trike
I have been sedately for so long, I'm concerned about weather I'll WANT to out to ride. So I have come up with some pre-goals.
2. Follow plan to walk up the hill - 5 to 6 times a week
We are near Las Tramples park, which has several trails, one which (Rocky Ridge Rd.) starts very steeply. I have been walking the steep trail more frequently and farther each week. I started 0 to 1 times for 2 weeks, 1 to 2 times, and so not until I get to 5 to 6 times a week, than I'll work on going farther until I can get all the way the ridge, which is 1.1 miles and 2023 ft elevation.
3. Continue Portion Reduction
I have been reducing the size of my meals, each time I get use to the reduced amount, I reduce it farther, until I get to my ideal weight of 150-160 lbs. Along the way I will add more soup and salad meals, more exercise (riding trike, hiking hill) and anything else I know I can do.
Next Test Ride
What physical characteristics do I need in a trike?
Well, I had two knee and one hip replacement. I'm overweight and out of shape.
After searching the web for awhile, I found a site called BentRider, which has a fount of information about recumbent trikes: why ride 'em?, are they safe?, and last but the most important, are they fun? YES! to all questions.
Needs:
High Seat
High weight rating
Cheap - I found most Trikes are around $2000. Yikes!
BentRider to the rescue! Check out this article:
TRIKE OF THE YEAR
"TerraTrike Rover – The TerraTrike Rover isn’t the prettiest trike that came out in 2010. It’s also not the most technologically advanced. However, the simple fact that it is a truly good trike available at a price point that was complete unheard of a year ago, makes it an easy choice for Trike of the Year. The Rover handles well, is easy to get on and off of, comes apart for easy transport and is highly customizable… all for a starting price of just $799. TerraTrike reports that a vast majority of Rovers are being sold to first time recumbent riders. And they’ve sold A LOT of them. Will this be a trike we look back at and call a “game changer”? I don’t know… But I do know that it is very worthy of this award."from BentRider Online
Sounds like a winner to me. So off I go TerraTrike.com. I spend a lot of time looking up reviews and testimonials. The biggest selling point for me is the seat height of 18.5 inches, since it's still difficult to get up from a sitting position. And of course the price.
I hope to lose weight, get fit and strengthen my legs. I will post my progress here.
So decision made. I will buy the TerraTrike Rover 8 ( 8 speeds) for $999.
FEATURES
Higher Seat - Easy On and Off
Fully Adjustable Seat & Frame
Easily Transportable
Direct Steering
Tighter Turning Radius
Extremely Quiet
Disc Brakes
Single, 3 or 8 Speed
One Size Fits Most
Decal Pack Lets You Pick Color
Steel Frame
Nylon Seat Cover
For Riders Up To 400 Pounds!
Goals to accomplish before I get the Trike
I have been sedately for so long, I'm concerned about weather I'll WANT to out to ride. So I have come up with some pre-goals.
1. Devote 1 hr a day to working around the house.
2. Follow plan to walk up the hill - 5 to 6 times a week
We are near Las Tramples park, which has several trails, one which (Rocky Ridge Rd.) starts very steeply. I have been walking the steep trail more frequently and farther each week. I started 0 to 1 times for 2 weeks, 1 to 2 times, and so not until I get to 5 to 6 times a week, than I'll work on going farther until I can get all the way the ridge, which is 1.1 miles and 2023 ft elevation.
3. Continue Portion Reduction
I have been reducing the size of my meals, each time I get use to the reduced amount, I reduce it farther, until I get to my ideal weight of 150-160 lbs. Along the way I will add more soup and salad meals, more exercise (riding trike, hiking hill) and anything else I know I can do.
Next Test Ride
