Sunday, May 28, 2017

Cruising the Central Coast

Recumbent cycling gives us laid back riders a unique perspective of our surroundings. And when your surroundings are the Central Coast it's not hard to want to slow down and take it all in. 
Taking a break along HWY 46


I've finally given in to the slower pace of living on the Central Coast. With Tubus rack and Small Ortlieb Panniers mounted I'm now in cruising mode. I'm now able to carry extra clothes and lunch for longer relaxing rides along the coast and valleys. The extra weight with all my stuff loaded in the panniers (including a pair of walking shoes) adds up to under 8 pounds (4.5 Kg). I plan on spending more time meandering through wine country where the extra storage space will come in handy. Wine bottles take up a lot of room. 

My Catrike 700 is still fast and nibble as the extra weight is kept low and the Tubus rack is cambered in towards the top of the rack bringing the weight of the panniers towards the centerline of the trike. Now I'm better prepared for time off the 700 when I may want to take a break and go down to the beach or simply explore a bit on foot before continuing my ride.

Before moving to the Central Coast most of my rides were on busy suburban roads with an occasional break at a park. Back then my focus was on speed and challenging myself. There wasn't much to see back in suburbia but concrete, asphalt and track houses. That all changed for Carrie and me when we moved to the Central Coast.