John's been busy building bikes this fall and winter. This bike is based on a Lightning P-38 and is supposed to be lighter and faster than our previous bikes. It didn't turn out to be as light as desired, but it appears to be faster! It is the seventh bike John has built and he will be the rider.
Next he decided to build me a short wheel base bicycle. The aluminum frame began its life as a kid's BMX bike. It took a number of fittings and adjustments to get it to fit Marilyn's short legs! It is not quite complete but is ride-able. We rode Sunday afternoon, giving it the first test beyond circle and figure eights on the campus commons. We found a few things to tweak but it was a fun ride. I felt like I got more power out of each stroke than on my compact wheelbase bike. It doesn't flex like a steel bike and the seat is harder so I feel all the bumps! The handle bars were a bit far forward so I couldn't practice the more laid back position.
It looks like I am all curled up in a ball. It doesn't feel that way. These photos just remind me that I am really short! Oh, Gromit didn't get to ride today. Maybe next time...
Today we went to Lincoln for a medical appointment. John likes to plan a mid-afternoon appointment so he can visit The Used Bike Shop where the owner is also a recumbent bike builder. (And I want to have time for a nice lunch. Today it was at the Great Harvest Bakery!) He bought some new handlebars, a new bike computer, and some other parts that aren't nearly as exciting. He ordered another part which we will pick up when we go down for the spring UNL volleyball game in a couple of weeks. Look for more photos when he gets the new handlebars installed!
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