eBent on a Diamond, Again

Roland on a Cross – Note: Sandals

Why would eBent be back on a diamond frame after all the nasty things he has said about them?

Hot Buy – Recumbent Bicycling Sandal – Update

This is an update on my earlier sandal post.

I have found a sandal I like much better than the Columbia Sandal. It is the Merrell Rapid Pulse Sandal. This sandal cushions my feet better than the Columbia and has much more comfortable straps. It is also waterproof and made from synthetics like the Columbia but much better made. At the end of a long ride or a day of walking my feet much better in these sandals. The Columbias were a little abrasives in the foot pad and the straps too narrow for comfort.

They are on sale now at Sierra Trading Post for $24.95 (retail $60) but in very limited sizes. This is a great buy if they have your size.

Filling The Coffin – Packing a LWB USS Recumbent

The Loaded Coffin Being Weighted

I covered the selection of the shipping case in an earlier post “The Coffin – A Shipping Case for a LWB Recumbent”.

Now comes the moment of truth will it actually fit into the case. The numbers were pretty close.

Touring Tip: Packing Tent Pegs and Poles Outside of the Tent Bag

I know this is not going to change your life but it can save you some serious aggravation. On my first group tour, MOOSA, through northern Maine and Quebec, I arrived at the camp site for the first night in Jackman, ME. to discover that I had no tent poles. Of course, no one had spare tent poles and there is no place near Jackman where you can buy replacement poles. Let me tell you, that a night in a tent with no poles is not something you ever want to do.

Since then, I pack my poles and pegs outside of the tent bag. Tents by The North Face have webbing and cinch straps. The webbing and cinch straps hold the poles and pegs very securely in a place where they can be seen.

I also like this approach because it makes the tent easier to pack and eliminates the possibility of snagging.

Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair

Knowing how to repair and maintain your bike is an important skill for any Touring Cyclist if you want to break away from group tours.

If you are a natural mechanic, that is wonderful but most of us need some help. We look to our friends, the local bike shop and books for help.

I have some good news for those of you who look for help in books, Park's "Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair" (BBB-1).

This is a concise book that quickly gets to the essence of the task. Here's how Park describes the book:

Hobo Bikers Update on Ride from Artic Circle

Hobo Bikers – Nancy and Randy

Randy and Nancy take the kind of Adventure Tours we all dream about. Here's the latest update on their ride from North of the Arctic Circle to Denver.

Recumbent News Blog

I have been reading Recumbent Cyclist News (RCN) for years. It is one of the best sources for recumbent bike reviews.

Bob Bryant's review of the Ryan Vanguard and Tour Easy is what led me into Recumbent Cycling.

I decided to buy a Tour Easy and called Gardner Martin on the West Coast. He said when I called "You have a great recumbent builder in New Hampshire, Dick Ryan. You should buy one of his bikes.".

If Gardner had not pointed me in that direction I probably wouldn't be riding a LWB USS Recumbent now. Thanks Gardner, that was a great gesture.

Bob Bryant now also has a companion Blog. Check it out if you are looking for a new Recumbent.

Kennebunkport Loop – 40 Mile Maine Seacoast Ramble

Shamrock Campground, Biddeford, ME

This is as pretty and easy a ride as you will find anywhere on the East Coast. It wanders along a beautiful piece of the Maine seacoast through the historic towns of Arundel, Goose Rocks, Cape Porpoise, Biddeford Pool, and Kennebunkport. My favorite Lobster Pound, Nunan’s is on this ride.

Raingear for Self Contained Recumbent Touring

Patagonia Dragonfly Jacket and Houdini Pants

Let’s start with an understanding that you can’t keep dry while riding a bicycle in the rain. Rain Gear keeps your warm and relatively comfortable not dry. The problem is that anything that will keep the rain out will also keep the moisture from your body in.

My Favorite Summer Recumbent Cycling Jersey – $5.97

I know these aren't the most stylish cycling jerseys you have ever seen but they are my favorite summer cycling jerseys. These shirts are made of polyester and feel very light and comfortable. The material breathes and you feel cool and dry as you ride. They are very simply made with seams that do not rub on long hot rides.

The polyester material is not hygroscopic so they don't get heavy and soggy as you ride. They also wash well and dry quickly. These jersey are much better than cotton T-shirts that are hot and soggy in the summer on the East Coast.

I love these jerseys for tours, no pockets in the back to annoy on a recumbent and they pack very small. If I get some grease on one, I just toss the shirt.

When these jerseys are on sale at Campmor, I usually stock up. Luckily, the bright colors perfect for cycling are the ones they usually have on sale.