Every once in awhile a new video comes out about touring thru the Catrike factory in Orlando, Florida. Laidback Bike Report has the latest. The video goes on to other things and there are other things before the factory tour as well. Here is what is on the video, but I am starting it on the factory tour …
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Some have gone to the popular 14 speed Rohloff rear hub. But what if you have a rear hub motor? That eliminates using a Rohloff. With the Pinion Gearbox there is hope as it installs in the bottom bracket on the end of the boom. It comes in a choice of 6, 9, 12 or 18 speeds and is like Rohloff it is also a product of Germany. With only the 12 speed it is superior gearing than the 14 speed Rohloff which offers a 526 % gear range as the 12 speed offers 600 % gear range. I think that is the equivalent of a 60 tooth chainring. The 18 speed is 636 %.
The Pinion Gearbox is heavier than the Rohloff hub so it is a lot of weight to hang out there at the end of the boom. Like the Rohloff which costs about $1500 uninstalled the Pinion Gearbox is very expensive (about $1000). But that is the price one must pay for this nicety. It comes with a 5 year warranty. As you can see it is heavily built.
Here is a video about this option …
And here is another video …
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Why wish upon a star when you can talk to the One (Jesus) Who created them?
TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU’LL EVER BE SO – ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS FOR THIS IS A DAY THE LORD HAS MADE! REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!
Most trike manufactures supply the buyer with one mirror. I believe strongly in the use of two mirrors. I have written about mirrors before. Here is a video about mirrors on a trike.
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Why wish upon a star when you can talk to the One (Jesus) Who created them?
TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU’LL EVER BE SO – ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS FOR THIS IS A DAY THE LORD HAS MADE! REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!
Our trikes come pretty much bare bone from the manufacturer so we need to start adding accessories to them. And there are lots of them one can add. Here is a video telling of the accessories one trike rider added to his trike.
Yes, lights, horns, mirrors. safety flags, neck rests, wrist rests, foot retention, cameras, hydration, canopies, assist bars, storage bags, tools, spare parts, and more … all things we can add to our trikes.
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Why wish upon a star when you can talk to the One (Jesus) Who created them?
TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU’LL EVER BE SO – ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS FOR THIS IS A DAY THE LORD HAS MADE! REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!
While waiting on a new battery charger to arrive I have gone back to riding my Greenspeed Magnum. Making the change from my Catrike Trail to the Magnum one thing is very noticeable. Seated on the Catrike seat I definitely feel like I am “IN” the seat. Seated on the Greenspeed Magnum which sits much higher it feels like I am just sitting “ON TOP OF” the seat. There is a lot of difference. Even though the Magnum is built to handle pretty good I don’t feel as safe on it as I do the Catrike Trail. I ride the Catrike obtaining a speed nearly twice as fast as I do on the Greenspeed.
I had a moderate air leak in my rear tire on the Magnum yesterday and got that fixed so I could ride it again today. I think I would be a lot older than I am if I were not riding my trike regularly. I am still going pretty strong while my former trike riding buddies are deceased or slowed way down. I am the only one of us still riding regularly … pretty much every day.
When I finally get the new battery charger (should arrive within 1/2 to 1.5 weeks from now) and get back to riding the Catrike I am definitely going to be ready for it as I really miss riding the Catrike. It is like going from a high powered sports car to an under powered family sedan. Seriously … that is what it seems like!
The Catrike has a 72 volt battery 2000 watt hub motor while the Greenspeed has a 54 volt battery 750 watt Bafang crank drive motor. It makes me really appreciate the hub motor all the more. It is not dependent upon the drive train.I have never cared much for a crank drive motor system. Going back to it brings it home all the more.
I used to have “everything” onboard the Catrike carrying the battery charger and even an extension cord with me all the time. A couple of weeks before the battery charger quit working I removed it from the trike. I now have it set up so I can quickly remove the battery and charge it off of the trike. Of course, that has taken a lot of noticeable weight off of the trike. It was really handy the other way, but I appreciate the difference in the weight I have to lift. Either I am getting older and weaker or the trike keeps getting heavier. My plan is to …
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Why wish upon a star when you can talk to the One (Jesus) Who created them?
TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU’LL EVER BE SO – ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS FOR THIS IS A DAY THE LORD HAS MADE! REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!
This is a subject I have written about previously. There is nothing hard about riding a tadpole trike except one thing. I mean they are comfortable. And they are much safer than a bicycle. Yep, just one thing that is hard about riding a tadpole trike. Let’s see, what is there that is harder? I knew it when I started writing this. Just one thing. Hmmm. now what was it?
Oh yeah, now it comes to me! Just one thing that is hard about riding a tadpole trike. Yep, just one thing. Do you know what it is? I know I knew when I started writing this … oh yeah, I got it now. Just one thing. Hey, this one thing could make riding a tadpole trike rather dangerous … downright deadly. It is a good thing I remember what it is. Let’s see … what is it? I remembered it just a moment or two ago. And it won’t take a team of horses to draw it out of me either. Just as soon as I remember it I will tell you. It is rough getting old I tell ya. I know there is something about riding a tadpole trike which is hard. I’ve got it! … a horrible headache from trying to remember. No, I am just kidding. You probably did not want to know anyway. Or maybe you have figured it out for yourself. Give up?
TRYING SO STAY AWAKE! That is the hardest part of riding a tadpole trike. I mean they are just so darn comfortable one could easily fall asleep while riding one. Yep, TRYING TO STAY AWAKE … is the hardest part of riding a tadpole trike.
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Why wish upon a star when you can talk to the One (Jesus) Who created them?
TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU’LL EVER BE SO – ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS FOR THIS IS A DAY THE LORD HAS MADE! REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!
Mickey of LaidBack Recumbents has made many videos. Here is one of them about getting the most out of your trike.
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Why wish upon a star when you can talk to the One (Jesus) Who created them?
TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU’LL EVER BE SO – ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS FOR THIS IS A DAY THE LORD HAS MADE! REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!
E-motor assist has really caught on but sadly they are being banned all over the nation. It makes no sense to me. Roadies pass me by everyday but they don’t get banned. Nope, it just does not make sense to me. I have never been passed by an e-bike, but I sure get passed by a lot of Spandex clad cyclists. Here is a video about this subject …
As a teenager I could pedal my 3 speed Schwinn bike over 50 mph. Nobody tried to ban my bike then. I can’t begin to go that fast on my e-trike. Nope, it just does not make any sense to me!
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Why wish upon a star when you can talk to the One (Jesus) Who created them?
TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU’LL EVER BE SO – ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS FOR THIS IS A DAY THE LORD HAS MADE! REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!
On rare occasion I have been known to venture off of the beaten path riding my trike on various terrain and back roads like these people are doing in this video. They have FAT tire trikes though which are better suited for such ventures. I have ridden off road several times but I find a tadpole trike rather impractical for off road riding. They tip over too easily on uneven surfaces.
In this next video you can see how easily and quickly things can go wrong when suddenly this trike tips over spilling the rider out. Fortunately he did not get hurt nor did the trike. And this happened on a dirt/gravel trail … not while riding truly off road where there is no trail.
In this last video they don’t look like they are enjoying themselves at all. That ride looks to be quite miserable and quite frankly I don’t know why they would choose to do it. It is rough on them and their trikes and definitely rough on the tires.
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Why wish upon a star when you can talk to the One (Jesus) Who created them?
TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU’LL EVER BE SO – ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS FOR THIS IS A DAY THE LORD HAS MADE! REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!
I personally am not a fan of ICE trikes as I much prefer Catrikes over ICE. Never the less ICE has its share of the market and is known to be among the top offerings. Here is a video about their Adventure and Sprint models.
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Why wish upon a star when you can talk to the One (Jesus) Who created them?
TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU’LL EVER BE SO – ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS FOR THIS IS A DAY THE LORD HAS MADE! REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!
I came across this website called Trike Guide so I am sharing it here for those interested in what it offers. It covers Tadpole vs Delta, Wheels, Brakes, e-Motors, Trike Brands & Manufacturers, Gear, Tours, and lastly Trike Events & Conferences. It also covers basis repairs and maintenance. It is far from complete. In fact, I think you will find more comprehensive information right here on this website. Never the less I did enjoy looking thru it.
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Why wish upon a star when you can talk to the One (Jesus) Who created them?
TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU’LL EVER BE SO – ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS FOR THIS IS A DAY THE LORD HAS MADE! REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!
Two entirely different tadpole trikes. Is either right for you or would you need to look at more models? Here is a video comparing the Catrike Villager with the Catrike MAX.
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Why wish upon a star when you can talk to the One (Jesus) Who created them?
TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU’LL EVER BE SO – ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS FOR THIS IS A DAY THE LORD HAS MADE! REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!
Azub makes some really nice trikes if you are able to afford them. Here is a Utah Trikes video about their TiFLY and TiFly X models.
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Why wish upon a star when you can talk to the One (Jesus) Who created them?
TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU’LL EVER BE SO – ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS FOR THIS IS A DAY THE LORD HAS MADE! REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!
Bafang is one of the most popular crankdrive e-motors being offered. Most trike riders who buy them install them themselves. I have a Bafang, but I didn’t install it. I did install a Tongsheng motor kit however. Mostly I use rear hub motors however.
Here is another Utah Trikes video which covers how to install the popular Bafang kit.
Next is the installation of a 1000 watt Bafang e-motor kit …
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You are invited to come join the Tadpole Rider Facebook Group. Please note that in order to join you must first answer the three membership vetting questions.
Why wish upon a star when you can talk to the One (Jesus) Who created them?
TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU’LL EVER BE SO – ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS FOR THIS IS A DAY THE LORD HAS MADE! REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!
When I was much younger I had tons of fun riding bicycles and motorcycles, but years ago I said goodbye to both. I had more miles on bicycle by the time I was 19 than most people have in a lifetime. I said good riddens to bicycles and only goodbye to motorcycles. Yep, I am sold on tadpole trikes and would never go back to a bicycle. Now I consider a bicycle a torture machine.
Here is another Utah Trikes video on the hidden benefits of riding tadpole trikes instead of bikes .
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Why wish upon a star when you can talk to the One (Jesus) Who created them?
TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU’LL EVER BE SO – ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS FOR THIS IS A DAY THE LORD HAS MADE! REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!
Do you have winter to deal with where you are at? I know lots of people go into hibernation and put their trikes up for the duration. Depending upon how severe winter gets one can continue to ride their trikes thru the winter. I try to, but I admit I am not as brave in doing so as I was when I was younger. I still get out but I don’t deal with the cold as well as I did years ago and therefore I don’t venture out if it is worse weather than I care for.
Anyway, here is a Utah Trikes video with tips and tricks on surviving winter on a tadpole trike.
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Why wish upon a star when you can talk to the One (Jesus) Who created them?
TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU’LL EVER BE SO – ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS FOR THIS IS A DAY THE LORD HAS MADE! REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!
Two regualar tadpole trikes and two modified tadpole trikes which are now quads go for a ride together . This in is in Australia … north of Brisbane, Queensland.
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Why wish upon a star when you can talk to the One (Jesus) Who created them?
TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU’LL EVER BE SO – ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS FOR THIS IS A DAY THE LORD HAS MADE! REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!
FAT tired tadpole trikes are a nice innovation but not practical for most of us. I consider them a luxury type item. I would like to have one but I realize I have little need of one. A standard tadpole trike serves my needs as I just don’t ride anywhere where a FAT tired trike is needed . I suppose it makes a big difference where a person lives and rides. I ride mostly on paved streets, paved roads and paved bike trails. FAT tires are expensive and they wear out much quicker than standard tires. I doubt if I could afford to keep good tires on one.
Here is a video of a couple riding their FAT tired trikes. Where they live they can probably find places to ride them.
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Why wish upon a star when you can talk to the One (Jesus) Who created them?
TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU’LL EVER BE SO – ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS FOR THIS IS A DAY THE LORD HAS MADE! REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!
This is a trail I see mentioned often on social media. The Virginia Creeper is a 34 mile long rail trail located in southwest Virginia. It runs from Abingdon on the west end to near Whitetop Station near the North Carolina State Line on the east end. The town of Damascus in at the half way point. Bike rental and shuttle service is available in Damascus.
This trail got its name from the fact that railroad locomotives had to creep along at a slow speed as they climbed the steep grade. Most railroad tracks are built with a maximum of a 2 % grade, but this corridor has some 7 % grade which is difficult for a locomotive to climb.
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Why wish upon a star when you can talk to the One (Jesus) Who created them?
TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU’LL EVER BE SO – ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS FOR THIS IS A DAY THE LORD HAS MADE! REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!
Of course, Bugs Bunny comes to mind with those infamous words, but I am not talking about him. To be honest, I am bored and I am just rambling on here. I am composing this on Sunday, April 7. I warn you upfront that this post has next to nothing to do with tadpole trikes. Consequently, you may not want to waste time reading it. The very last paragraph is about my tadpole trike. Basically, this post is about aging.
For most of us our memories start to fail us as we age. Since I am not able to ride today I have spent the day sort of reminiscing listening to music videos on YouTube. I am listening mostly to Evie Tornquist Karlsson who was very popular back in the 70s and 80s. It brings back memories. She appeared with the Billy Graham Crusades for 9 years.
I get emails every once in awhile from Together We Served asking and suggesting that I capture memories from my 8 years serving in the U.S. Navy … while I still remember them. Certainly several things have escaped my memory and it is too late. Others have reported the same thing.
My dad in his mid 80s undertook the task of writing his life memories, especially his time in the Navy during WW2, but he started in his early childhood. Of course, there were some things he could not recall clearly. He was part of the Greatest Generation and so he had much to say. I have thought of doing the same, but I came along after his generation and honestly don’t feel I have much to write about that would interest anybody. I am glad I have his personal story on paper while he could still remember most of it. I wrote “A Tribute to my Dad” a few years ago in which I shared the story he wrote. Some people find it interesting to read while others could care less. And HERE is my dad’s story in another location in cyber space.
We all have the same amount of time each passing day. I belong to a few different Facebook groups including those for the ships I served on in the Navy. Thru these groups I am exposed to others who served on these same ships. Some of them were aboard the ship the same time I was, but most of them I didn’t know. One thing I have noticed is that sometimes we don’t remember certain occurrences the same way. And, like me, they readily admit that their memories are failing them as they age. One of those occurrences was my last time out to sea when we experienced “The Night We Almost Lost the Ship“. I wrote this article about it several years ago and found that I didn’t remember it the same as some of my shipmates. One thing I have noticed is a tendency not to be able to remember which ship things happened on.
Today is “eclipse day” which the world is making a big deal out of. We will see what occurs regarding the eclipse, which is nothing at all in my book. I don’t trust the deep state and can’t help but wonder if they have something planned on eclipse day to stay in power. I am thinking perhaps an attack on the nation’s power grid and then try to blame on the eclipse. They know they have to do something as they don’t stand a chance in a fair election. They cheated and stole the last one in get back into power.
After watching quite a few videos I ran across this one I am posting here. If I remember correctly Whitney Houston sang this. It brings back memories. This female singer does a good job of singing it.
Yep, our memories are precious …
What does all of this have to do with tadpole trikes you ask? Absolutely nothing! As I said near the beginning … I am just rambling on. As I age the passing years are starting to catch up with me. Not only am I not able to do some of the physical things I did when I was younger, but my mind is not as sharp as I wish it was. I do remember how I got into recumbent bikes and trikes. I remember when I first built my first recumbent bike followed by a recumbent tadpole trike. I can remember when I got my Catrike Trail back in 2009 … the same year I retired from my job. I can remember certain long rides I took. They are all good memories. Since my local Catrike dealer will no longer work on my trike because it is modified (has an e-motor I installed) I have to do it all myself. And as I age that gets harder and harder to do the mechanical work on it. And, definitely, I don’t like having to work on it as I have gotten older Fortunately it is a Catrike … well made … so it does not require hardly any work. The local TerraTrike dealer told me that they were willing to work on it so at least I have that to fall back on if needed. What I need most is some riding weather now before I get too old to ride.
Wanna test your memory? …
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Why wish upon a star when you can talk to the One (Jesus) Who created them?
TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU’LL EVER BE SO – ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS FOR THIS IS A DAY THE LORD HAS MADE! REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!
Here is a video about this option …
Tadpole Rider 