47 mph Not Enough

Got the new 700 up to 47mph today and it feels like it can easily go over 50. I need to find some longer downhill stretches.

I could care less about going fast in any motorized contraption but it is still an adrenline rush when you can push speeds with the effort of your own muscles and a little gravity while your butt is only a few inches off the ground.

Failed Brake

I took my new Catrike 700 out for a maiden voyage. Rolled out of my garage and started down the hill. I got it up to 43 mph. After a quarter of a mile I had to slow down at the intersection. Immediately the braking noise from my right brake was deafening and the smell of a brake burning filled the air. Needless to say my maiden voyage in my new 700 lasted all of a quarter mile.

The brake pad had a slight rub before starting off. I thought that after a few stops it would wear in. Wear it in I did.

I don’t know if the pad was defective or seated poorly before my quarter mile run but this is how the pad looks now.

Replaced the pads and inspected the rotor. I'm not 100% sure about the rotor.

(7/6/10 update - Had to replace rotor because it was to deeply etched and it was still causing some problems. Working fine now.)

My New Catrike 700

Dana of Bent Up Cycles standing with Kate and Andres with my new Catrike 700. Dana spec'd this beautiful trike out for me before heading off for the RAAM (Race Across AMerica).

Who says a 56 old guy with a messed up back can't have fun?!

Thanks Dana and crew!!

See more at BentRider Online

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Quiet Memorial Day

It wasn't mush of a ride, just to the local school to let Betzi run. But we were all together and that's all that's  important. We usually spend a quiet day together on Memorial Day. This doesn't feel like a day for partying and drinking.

Betzi rides down in her trailer behind my trike. The ride down our hill is fun even though I take it a little slow with Betzi in tow at 20mph instead of the usual 40mph. The ride up the hill with her 37 pounds added to the load makes for good exercise and a slow 3mph grind and a couple of stops in the shade of a tree.

Another Fine Day OVT

Ojai Valley Trail

Ventura River from the OVT

Feels like spring.

Cycled the Ojai Valley Trail today. Great ride.

The view from my trike overlooking the Ventura River from the Ojai Valley Trail.

Couldn't resist taking a break and cooling off my feet a bit.

Betzi's Trike Ride

Betzi takes her first trike ride.

My son Byron and yours truly took Betzi on her first ride in her carrier. We went to the local school parking lot and rode about three miles around in circles to see how the ole girl took to her little adventure. All went well. We'll be taking more rides together.