Fun ride, shedding weight.

Today was a national holiday. That probably contributed to the fact that there was a lot more traffic on the cycle path than during most of my fast rides. I just took the main road every now and then to overtake a group of cyclist that where doing about half my speed. But fun it was and I someone took a photo of me with a big camera when I, safely, rode past them at a more than average pace. I did a lot of cornering. That brings down the average, to 34km/h, but it ads to the fun and vehicle control experience.

One stretched chicane was almost a bit too exciting. This was a nice stretch of 1.5 metre wide cycle path, which wasn't straight, but went half a metre to the right and than half a metre to the left, a stretched chicane, with cattle grid to start with.

It already looked challenging, so I slowed down to 32 or so. I went over the cattle grid when my back wheel moved a bit to the left. No problemo, I kept it nicely between the poles. Than the little left manoeuvre came, with a slippery bump on the apex. That caused understeer and the loss of pressure on the left wheel. So I had over- and understeer within 10 metres, at more than 30km/h. I think it was a good thing I slowed down before this corner. Preparing and looking ahead is crucial!

A thing that helps improve the handling of a vehicle is lowering the weight. Not that I did anything big, but I easily lowered Yavixa's weight with almost 600 grams today. That could make me 0.1 km/h faster at moderate speeds. (not scientific)

• Drilled holes in seat
• Stopped carrying: map, bell, bag for tools
• Removed an un-used bracket and holster
• Removed rubber casing from amplifier

I always 'honk' and the tools found a different spot. The same treatment, without the drilling part,  made Yivalté loose 380 grams. I'll get some fabric Saturday to sow a bag which will be about 350 grams lighter than my current velomobile bag.

Now it's time for an older video of mine, duration is 3:09.