Category: tadpole riders

INDIANA, CYCLIST PARADISE?

Fellow tadpole rider Sylvia Halpern on her 9000 miile trike journey stated while riding in my State, Indiana “Indiana is a cycling dream state. I took small and quiet farm roads that had great scenery. It also helped that the weather improved. I loved every day cycling in Indiana.” My response to that is “wait, are we talking about the same state?” It is not the first time I have encountered people whose thinking is much different than my own. My wife and I moved down to the Atlanta, GA area for ten years and thought that it was much more beautiful down there than up here in the north. I came back up here with a friend from down there and he commented that he thought it was much prettier up here. I thought he had slipped a gear or something. Different strokes as they say. Hey, Sylvia’s most recent video is of her riding in Indiana. Indiana, my home sweet home!

Moving right along … which she sure seems to be … 37 days to reach central Indiana and she has had some rain/storm days she didn’t ride … I think she is making very good progress on her journey. My wife and I were just down to Bedford area  just before Christmas in 2021. We drove down there to get a puppy we learned of. Bedford is a very hilly area and rather pretty … much different than where I live in northeastern Indiana. Sylvia reports “38 miles with 2600 ft of climbing”. I can believe that from what I saw of the area.

I wish she was riding thru Indiana further north than she is. I would love to be able to meet up with her and ride a ways along with her. But her route is too far south for me to do so. She has been changing her route since she got into Illinois and Indiana. She has been using Google Bicycle Routes taking their suggested roads and so very glad she did. She reports that she is thoroughly enjoying these alternate roads thru the countryside. I can tell she is in southern Indiana and not northern as she mentions more than once how incredibly smooth the roads are. Our roads up here in the north  are not smooth at all. Well, I guess I would not wish that on her. I am enjoying watching her videos and following her progress. God speed, Ms Sylvia! Be safe out there and enjoy the ride.

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“NORMAL” is not coming back … JESUS IS!

 

 

 

 

 

MYRTLE RIDING THE KATY TRAIL

Syllvia Halpern has completed riding on the Katy trail on her current 9000 mile 10 month long journey across the U.S. and back to the West coast. She has a blog among her various media resources. HERE is her writeup with pictures of riding on the Katy Trail.

HERE is an article with the details of her 9000 mile 10 month long journey. HERE is Sylvia’s YouTube Channel. I noticed that at the time I composed this her videos are not up to date. She is now in Illinois but her most recent video has har just entering Oklahoma. I guess more recent videos are published but they are not yet listed for some reason. Here is one of riding to the Katy Trail …

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MYRTLE’S BEEN UNDERWAY FOR 2 WEEKS NOW

I readily admit that I don’t keep up with the adventures of Sylvia on her 9000 mile journey she started two weeks ago. That being said, I just checked out the latest she has posted and watched the YouTube video.  HERE is a handy web page to do this.

Sylvia reports that it has been considerably cooler than she anticipated it would be. She has had to dress in several layers of clothing to stay warm. At least she has a warm comfortable place to sleep each night. Even Myrtle takes advantage of it.

On her most recent stopover she was met by a pastor who along with his wife are hosting her for a few days in their home.

Turtles are known to move along rather slowly but sometimes ol’ Myrtle will surprise us … 23 mph. I think she is going downhill.

I see that Sylvia’s YouTube  videos are not keeping up. She only has day 5 posted as I compose this. The current videos are available via links on the web page I mentioned earlier.

I would love to be able to ride a ways with her when she comes thru Indiana, however her route is too far south for me to be able to do so. I was just reading Sylvia’s testimony of traveling about 75,000 miles on her tadpole trikes since 2007. She has travelled in over 20 countries. I can’t make that claim but over the same period of time I have ridden my tadpole trikes over 108,000 miles. Most of that is on the local trails here in Fort Wayne, Indiana. It is highly unlikely I will ever travel by trike like Sylvia is doing but thru her and a few others I can share their experiences vicariously. She is several years younger than I am so she may eventually bypass my miles ridden. She will have to work hard at it though as my intention is to …

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as long as I am able adding to my accumulated mileage.

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MYRTLE’S UNDERWAY ON THE USA TOUR

Sylvia Halpern has started her latest trike journey here in the U.S. She has planned a 9000 mile long journey on her tadpole trike. Here are videos of day one and day two.  I would love to take such a journey, but alas it ain’t happening.

I have several articles on Sylvia I have posted previously.

Sylvia’s YouTube channel

Sylvia’s Facebook page

Details and Maps of my 9,000 mile USA Tour

Sylvia’s Tour Progress

Make a Donation

Banking While Cycle Touring

What is Patreon? Please consider joining

Concerns, Worries and Fears

Contact Sylvia …  not working as number of allowed emails has been exceeded for March

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BHTR — GROWING SLOWLY EACH YEAR

As this article is posted Feb, 22 the Big Honkin Trike Rally is going on in Inverness, FL.  It is the 4th day into a 7 day long event. I don’t have the statistics for each year but I understand last year, 2022, there were about 103 riders that showed up. This year I understand the number is up to about 157. That is encouraging. I plan on going next year. Maybe the number will be over 200 in 2024. That would be great!

Here is a video of the 2020 rally …

Here is a video from what I think is the 2021 rally …

Here is a video from the 2022 rally …

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BIG HONKIN’ TRIKE RALLY 2023 ITINERARY

HERE IS THE ITINERARY FOR THE RALLY!!!
Big Honkin’ Trike Rally, Inverness, FL 2023
This Trike Rally is a non-sponsored, non-supported and loosely organized event for mainly recumbent trike riders. The rally will last from Sunday, Feb 19, 2023, to Saturday, Feb 25, 2023. Participants can attend on one day or several. A list of area bike trails will be available in case you wish to explore other area trails. Participants can ride by themselves or in their own groups on any of the trails, or ride with the main group at the listed time and day. All rides will be out and back, so riders can ride at their own pace and distance. Wednesday, Feb 22 there will be no group ride as this is for participants to visit local attractions or ride on their own.
There is no fee and only one organized event – a barbeque meet and greet provided Sunday afternoon (Feb 19, 2023) by the Traveling Trikers/Citrus Cyclepaths group, free of charge to all persons attending the event. All are encouraged to attend this meet and greet where you can get to know some of your fellow trikers from around the country.
All rides will originate from the Depot (under the water tower) at Wallace Brooks Park, 208 N. Mill Ave, Inverness. All miles noted on the rides will be figured from the Depot.
A couple of administrative items: Please obey all trail rules and signage which include riding in single file when meeting, passing or being passed by other trikes/bikes or pedestrians (joggers, walkers), and always alert those you are passing with “On your left!” or bicycle bell. There are several road crossings on the Withlacoochee and other trails marked with stop signs for bikes. If vehicles are approaching, they have the legal right of way – however, most vehicles in this area are familiar with the trails and bikes and will stop to let you cross (do not take this for granted). Be sure the driver sees you and is definitely stopping for you before you proceed. If you are riding in a large group, please “double up” at these intersections in order to cross as quickly as possible.
NOTE: All rides are out and back, so distances are for total length, but anyone can turn around at any time to ride whatever they are comfortable with. No pressure on distance or speed!!
Sunday, Feb 19, 10 AM – NORTH WITHLACOOCHEE – meet at Depot for quick welcome ceremony and then ride the Withlacoochee Trail north from Depot to end of trail – approximately 32 miles round trip.
3:00 PM – Meet and Greet barbeque at 4382 E Amsterdam St/4361 E Bennett St (outdoors in back yards), Inverness – free of charge for rally attendees. Follow the pink arrows from the trail.
Monday, Feb 20, 9 AM – N. WITHLACOOCHEE/BLUE RUN TRAIL – travel on your own or meet at Depot in vehicles (trikes loaded) and convoy about 15 miles to the Gulf Junction Trailhead, 2233 W Magenta Dr, Citrus Springs FL 34434, to ride N. Withlacoochee Trail to Blue Run Trail connector– approximately 24 miles round trip. Return for lunch (on your own).
Tuesday, Feb 21, 9 AM – (drive out time if you plan to follow us!!) – SANTOS TRAIL – travel on your own OR meet at Depot parking lot in vehicles (with trikes loaded) and convoy about 30 miles to the Santos Trail, Landbridge Trailhead, 11100 SW 16th Ave, Ocala FL. Santos Trail is about 30 miles long round trip and is a hilly, curvy and fun trail to ride. However, if you do not have e-assist or are not a strong rider, we recommend you pick another trail to ride on this day, as the hills can be very challenging.
Wednesday, Feb 22 – OFF DAY. Enjoy the sights, visit Orlando (Disney World, Universal Studios, etc), Tampa (beaches, shopping, etc) or ride other area trails.
Thursday, Feb 23, 9 AM – SOUTH WITHLACOOCHEE – depart Depot and ride south on the Withlacoochee Trail to the end (or as far as you feel comfortable) – approximately 60 miles round trip. On your return ride, Mike and Susan Gaeta will be hosting a free hot dog social at their home in Floral City from 11:30 – 1:30. If you plan to attend, please be sure you turn around in time to reach the restrooms on the trail at Floral City by 1:00. From the restrooms, follow the pink “BHT” arrows to 8898 E Washington Lane. From restrooms, ride through the parking lot, take a left out of the parking lot to stop sign. Turn left and then first right (E Marvin St) in front of the school. Stay on Marvin for 4 blocks and turn left on S Annie Terrace. (Remember: follow the “BHT” signs) Their house is the last one on the left at the lake.
Friday, Feb 24, 9 AM (drive out time!!) – WITHLACOOCHEE BAY TRAIL – depart Depot and drive to 10247 N Suncoast Blvd, Crystal River, FL, approximately 25 miles. Trail is 7 miles long one way. Follows the abandoned cross-Florida canal. Short, scenic and ends at the Gulf of Mexico overlook.
Saturday, Feb 25 – Pack up and say “GoodBye” to Inverness! We hope you have enjoyed your visit!! Travelin’ Trikers
OTHER TRAILS IN THE AREA YOU MIGHT WANT TO CONSIDER: (Google for more info)
SUNCOAST PARKWAY, Lecanto FL (10 miles from Depot) Trail is approximately 60 miles long one way, almost to Tampa. Parallels turnpike, not too scenic but if you want to ride fast, this is the trail.
WEST ORANGE TRAIL, Winter Garden FL (52 miles from Depot) Trail is 22 miles long one way. Nice trail through scenic Winter Garden area.
VAN FLEET TRAIL, Polk City FL (74 miles from Depot). Trail is 29 miles long one way. It is very flat and straight, but with lots of opportunity to see interesting wildlife as you cross the Green Swamp.
GAINESVILLE/HAWTHORNE TRAIL – Gainesville/Hawthorne Trail, 874 SE 4th St, Gainesville FL, approximately 65 miles from the Depot. This is a very scenic trail, mostly flat (a couple of hills) and fun to ride. It is approximately 34 miles round trip. After ride, there are several restaurants in the local area.

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As much as I would like to go to it this year I can’t, but I am hopeful I will make it next year.

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SO YOU BOUGHT A RECUMBENT TRIKE … NOW WHAT?

So you bought a recumbent trike … now what? That is a fair question. Do you have any questions? This video addresses some important matters and answers some common questions new trike owners have.

If you still have questions or concerns feel free to address them in comments or you can email me and I will do my best to answer them for you.

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RECUMBENT TRIKES … ARE THEY FOR YOU?

You may be asking … “is a recumbent trike for me”? Keep in mind that one does not have to be old  or disabled to ride a tadpole trike. But if you happen to be old or disabled recumbent trikes are likely your answer. They are highly modifiable and can be equipped to meet the needs of nearly everybody. From a basic tadpole trike to a FAT trike to a sophisticated velomobile there are lots to choose from. When it comes to riding on thru the winter most definitely 3 (or 4) wheels are far better and safer than only 2.

That is how I got started with tadpole trikes. Winter was fast approaching and I wanted to keep riding … riding safely. I knew 2 wheels were unsafe as a bicycle goes down readily on slippery surfaces. I had already experienced that more than once. Fortunately I never received any serious injury, but I was well aware it can happen. So I built me first tadpole trike and rode it thru the winter. I fell in love with riding a tadpole trike. It is so much more fun than riding a bicycle and it is much much safer. When Spring time finally came around I tried switching back to a 2 wheel recumbent bike, but quickly discovered that I much preferred riding the trike so I sold my bike which I didn’t care to ride anymore. That was in the winter of 2007-2008. So for 16 years now I have had the infamous “recumbent smile” on my face and never a moment’s regret. Recumbent tadpole trikes are difinitely for me. I bought a 2009 Catrike Trail and sold my homemade tadpole trike.  I now ride a 2013 Catrike Trail.

Recumbent trikes come in two completely different design builds … a Delta with one wheel in the front and two wheels in the back …. and a Tadpole (originally called a Reverse trike) with two wheels in the front and one wheel in the back.

Although my personal preference is a Tadpole design you may find you prefer (need) a Delta design.  A Tadpole is like driving a sports car (Corvette) while a Delta is like driving a family sedan (Rambler). Not everybody is able to get in and out of the low seat of a Tadpole trike so for them the Delta is the only way to go. In all fairness there are some Delta trikes which are made low to the ground and built for speed and cornering.

These videos address these subjects:

As shown in the video above there is a lot of difference between a Delta recumbent trike and a Tadpole recumbent trike. I fully agree with the thumbs down for the Delta and the thumbs up for the Tadpole.

One last comment … I have found that riding a tadpole trike brings a whole lot more respect from motorists than one gets riding a bicycle. That, of course, adds greatly to the safety factor.

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MATT GALAT EXPLORES 2021 TRIKE BRANDS

Well known tadpole trike rider, Matt Galat, shares a video of him visiting a trike dealer and taking test rides on various trikes.

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SORRY TO REPORT THAT DAVID NO LONGER RIDES A TRIKE

I just learned that our fellow tadpole trike rider, David Goldman, has passed away Nov. 22nd. losing his battle with cancer. I am saddened to hear this as David was such an inspiration and encourager to others to do what they can to exercise and improve their lives. He created many YouTube videos and established quite a following. I always enjoyed watching his videos and found I almost always agreed with him. He started a trike ride over in Illinois last year called the DRAT Ride. Can you guess what DRAT stands for?  Quite a few showed up. It is my hope the ride will be continued annually in his memory and honor.

Here is David’s last video from 2 weeks ago …

My condolences go out to David’s wife, family and close friends. David will be missed. Although I never met him persoanally I considered him a friend. Being a fellow triker we held that in common. I have several posts about David on this website.

Here is his video of the DRAT group ride:

Below is a video featuring David as a guest on Gary Solomon’s LaidBackBikeReport. David shares a lot about what he has been thru and how riding his trike has helped him immensely.

HERE is another triker’s (Greg Garduno) tribute to David. And HERE is another one of Greg’s videos in tribute to David back when David had the DRAT group ride.

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MATT’S SAD STORY

Many of us follow the adventures of Matt Galat. And those of us who do and are keeping up with all that is going on with him know that he just took possession of a brand new Azub tadpole trike said to be worth … are you sitting down? …US $13,000. W ell, he was on his way back from Europe to the U.S. with it when the airline lost it. Here is Matt telling the whole story about it. The bad news is the airline has no idea where it is. The good news is that I have a Friend Who knows exactly where it is at. I have asked Him to help the airline to find it and quickly get it returned to Mat plus a proper monetary compensation for all they have put him thru. I am waiting to hear of the safe return of Matt’s trike.

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GOING DOWNHILL FAST /SLOWIN’ DOWN HERE, BOSS

Time is always on the move and with time comes change. Just two years ago I was able to pedal my trike along at 20 mph. Then a year later I noticed that my top speed had slowed to 18 mph. And this year it is clear down to 15 mph. I am 75  1/2 years old. It is kind of scary to be experiencing this. This body is slowing down.

Oh, I can still go downhill as fast as always but even that is a bit of a mystery to me. Many others report that they had their trikes up in the 40s and even 50s going downhill. I don’t know what kind of hills they have but the steepest hill I know of around here  is pictured above. Riding down this hill I have only obtained 25 mph without an electric motor to assist me. With an e-motor I made it to 33 mph. Obviously that is not fast at all compared to what others have done. Even so I was going downhill fast. It has  been 2 or 3 years since I last rode there. As I have been sharing I seem to be going downhill rather fast and I don’t like it. I don’t think there is anything I can do about it though. I am most grateful that I am still able to go out riding each day and enjoy what I consider almost perfect health each and every day.

I would rather imagine it happens to the best of us sooner or later. I have a few issues I deal with but overall I certainly can’t complain. I have noticed how true the holy scriptures are which state that our lives are like a vapor or mist … here now but disappearing quickly. (https://www.openbible.info/topics/life_is_like_a_vapor_)  The older I get the faster time seems to go. It goes unbelievably fast. I am 75 now but it seems like it was only last week that I was 60 and two weeks ago that I was 40. A person asks themselves “Where did time go? How did I get this old so fast?”

I read that Paul McCartney wrote this popular song when he was only 16 years old …

I should be out riding right now instead of composing this. I am not getting any younger, you know? I would appreciate comments sharing about your personal experiences with aging.l And those who are younger will know what to expect as they age. May we all …

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It’s funny … I did go for a ride right after I finished composing this and much to my surprise I found myself pedaling at 22 mph. Of course, I did not keep it up but I was quite surprised that I was able to pedal that fast. Most days 15 is as good as it gets. And as my ride went on today it did drop down to 15. After I had total knee replacement of both knee joints  late in 2012  I was pedaling the recumbent bike in physical  therapy  at 120 rpm cadence . The physical therapist made me stop. He did not want me doing that.  I don’t remember ever pedaling that fast before. I was surprised I could do it at that age (66) much less just after having the surgery. https://tadpolerider.com/?s=knee+joint+replacement

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5 THINGS ABOUT RECUMBENT TRIKE RIDERS

Fellow triker, David Goldman, shares with us “Five Things About Recumbent Trike Riders” in his video . I added the word Recumbent to his title as we are talking about recumbent and not about a traditional trike. Anyway, here is his video …

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TRIKE n TRAIL AMBASSADORS

Ambassadors … we need more of them. You can be a self appointed ambassador for tadpole trikes and bike trails. All it requires is a passion within you which drives you to share and be a representative unto others. You can do this in everyday life … every where you go … every time you go out riding. One of the ways I like to serve or function as an ambassador is to help others learn our local trails. Although admittedly I enjoy checking out new (to me) trails sometimes trails are not very well marked making it difficult for those unfamiliar with them to successfully ride them. As someone who is extremely familiar with our trail system here in Fort Wayne, Indiana I can be of much help to those riding our trails for the first time. I have long offered my service in this matter and a few people have accepted my offer. Tomorrow I plan on doing so again with a tadpole trike rider coming to Fort Wayne wanting to ride our trails. I know that there are many of you who already do this. As they say “down under” … good on you.

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5 THINGS ABOUT RECUMBENT TRIKE RIDERS

Rarely has there been anything fellow tadpole rider, David Goldman, said i his videos that I did not agree with. These 5 things about recumbent trike riders are no exception. He hit his head on the nail again. Wait … I said that wrong … he hit the nail on the head. There, that sounds better. Hey, I am just messin’ with ya … and maybe David too. What can I say? I am known to be a bit ornery. 🙂

Here is a link to all of his YouTube videos … https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHLiC0Jo0lsF4YHimM4qkHA/videos

David has a website … http://davidridesatrike.com/

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THE WAIT IS OVER–NEW TRIKE HAS ARRIVED

Some of us follow this fellow tadpole trike rider. He has interesting videos which are always well done. Here is one of his recent ones. The new trike he ordered has arrived. Needless to say he is a happy camper … or maybe I should say happy triker. He went with e-motor assist on this trike and is really enjoying and appreciating it. May you enjoy many thousands of miles of trike riding on it David.

Here is a link to all of his YouTube videos … https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHLiC0Jo0lsF4YHimM4qkHA/videos

David has a website … http://davidridesatrike.com/

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RECUMBENT VAGABOND

Meet fellow triker, 67 year old Marty Feely, who rides “Greta”, a Catrike Expedition. He is about to take an epic adventure on his trike riding from the west coast of the U.S. to the east coast. He has a YouTube channel where you can watch his videos. Marty resides in southern Utah.

Marty is delayed in getting started on his journey for good reason. My heart goes out to him as he is dealing with the loss of his friend (his cat). Having watched his video of his “shakedown cruise” where near the end he arrives back home and his cat awaits him and they interact with one another it touched my heart. Then I watched this video …

Sorry, the video has been removed.

I know what it is like losing a much loved pet … having to say goodbye to a best friend. Marty says that there won’t be much in the way of new videos posted during his ride as he plans on riding and not taking time to edit videos to post. He plans on pulling a trailer rather than carry a heavy load on his trike. I wish him well and a safe journey.

According to his planned route at this time he won’t be riding anywhere near me. It would be great for fellow trikers to meet up with him and ride with him for awhile as he journeys along offering him support and encouragement.

If you are interested in helping financially supporting Marty on his trike journey you can do so HERE.

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