The story of my first trike...
The first time I saw a trike was in a local community newspaper, where a guy was on a tandem training for a trip around Africa. Having toured in Africa and in North America on an "upright" bike, it immediately grabbed my attention. Not to mention how "cool" I thought it looked. I started my search to find out more about these things, with my dreams of touring ignited once again. However this time I could see that it could be touring in a lot more comfort ( and style).
I soon learnt that HPV's and trikes did not come in a "budget version". An important factor if I wanted to have one! However I also learnt that plans were available. I asked around for the cost of welding and the cost of materials. To cut a long story short, my family bought some plans for my birthday. It took me three different welders to find some one who could do the job accurately...And I learnt a lot about negotiating with welders and patience in the building of a trike - rush in and invariably something gets stuffed up and has to be re-done. Anyway despite going a bit over my budget I have a trike for less than what I would have paid for a new one, and I really like it! This is what I like about my trike:
- No pressure sores - and you know where I mean.
- No discomfort when riding for a long time.
- No need to go out and buy specialised clothing to reduce discomfort and pressure sores.
- No speed wobbles when I have the panniers full of stuff.
- The fact that I hardly even notice I have the panniers full of stuff.
- The fact that I ride faster without an increase in my fitness ( average about 10 km faster I think).
- The fact that it is just FUN to ride!
