Pjotr320's writings

OBT 2011

2012-01-01T11:08:00.001+01:00

Data
Tuesday: rode from 9:50 to 16:05 and covered 167km. I started following the Fietsersbond route too late, causing me to ride over brick roads for 10km or so.
Wednesday: 51km with 150 other velonauts through an open and windy landscape.
Thursday: 166km in 5:20, including not riding for 15 minutes.

Velomobiles everywhere you look, in so many colours and variations. Let's hope we stand at the beginning of a new form of transport for millions around the world. And with the youngest velonaut being a 16 year old girl, there's hope. Though frankly said, I'm one of the few who keep the average age down a tiny bit too.

The K again was a headturner. With some minor aerodynamic tuning it's the fastest VM is the field. And the entrance is big enough for a woman too. (tested, N=1) In 400km, only 1 'drempel' was so steep that it needed a different approach. Even in 'long distance save energy mode' a 6-7Bft headwind slowed me down no further than to 30kph. Without headfairing and with un-enclosed wheels. How cool is that?!

The organization of the event was outstanding. Food was good and the location provided everything we needed. During the ride the group leader did take a wrong turn. 40 (?) VM's had to make u-turn. A moment we will remember for ages. The route was very good for a ride and huge group like this. Little traffic and only 1 traffic light.

I met new velonauts and exchanged experiences with the more experienced ones. No matter how different we are, we've all had something to say others recognize or find useful. And else, it's just fun. Like memorizing how much fun a certain part of cycle path is.

More photos: here

Een goed doel (2)

2011-12-17T11:01:00.000+01:00

Gisteravond was het zo ver, 1 uur zwemmen voor het schooltje in Rwanda. Elke vrijdagavond zwem ik ongeveer 45 minuten, wat neerkomt op 40-50 baantjes. Als het water een beetje warmer is, kan dat 60 zijn.

Gisteravond hadden we een uur om te zwemmen en het water had de juiste temperatuur. Tel daar bij op dat er toch iets van een wedstrijdelement in zat, en de omstandigheden zijn perfect om veel te zwemmen. Want alleen al het idee dat het ergens om gaat, is 10% snelheidswinst.

Ik had gedacht 60 baantjes te zwemmen, dat werden er meer. En ik denk dat dit voor elke zwemmer gold, ik zwom veel meer dan gedacht. Wie mij sponsort is misschien minder verheugd met mijn gezwem. Honderenzes baantjes, achtentwintighonderd meter. De sponsoren ontvangen bericht van mij over hoe ze het geld kunnen overmaken.

part1/deel 1

Yesterday evening was the evening of swimming 1 hour for a school in Rwanda. I swim every Friday, for about 45 minutes. Most often that's 40-50 lenghts. When the water is a little warmer, 60 lenghts is possible too.

Yesterday we had one hour and the water was warmer too. Add the element of competition, and the circumstances are perfect. Apart from the fact that I had to overtake a lot of slower swimmers. But just the idea that it's about something, adds 10% speed.

I'd expected to swim 60 lengths, I did more. And I think every swimmer did a lot more than he/she expected. Those who sponsored me might be less enthusiastic. One hundred and six lengths, twenty eight hundred meters. I'll send my sponsors a message about how to transfer the money.

My K, after the 1st 1000km

2011-12-16T19:09:00.000+01:00

It took me 3 weeks to reach the 1000km mark. A classic moment to sum up my experiences thus far.

Ground clearance is sufficient. Only some utterly steep or prolapsed speed bumps require attention. The right angle of approach helps. I'd say 98% of the 'drempels' I encounter don't cause any scraping. (The thing on the right is a horrible obstacle, but my K manages it. Anything steeper or higher should have an escape route for cyclists)

Suspesion is good. The front suspension is hard, but that also makes it handle so good. The occasional pothole like obstacle (we don't have real potholes here) isn't pleasant at all. But that's not the K's fault, and the ride stays stable. Roads should not have such ridges. It's best to swerve around them. As I'm also a volunteer for the Fietsersbond (cyclist federation) a new goal of me is to get rid of every ridge I can find in the roads around Assen. Luckily though, the roads and cycle paths around here are very good. But there are still a few annoying bumps on my routes. All that said, the air suspension at the back is fabulous. It has plenty of damping is a big advantage at high speeds.

Speaking of which, it's fast. Even with the slow, but puncture resistant, Conti Sportcontacts, I'm 25% faster in a straight line that I was with my Mango. On an average ride, with a mix of rural and town (3:1), the difference is close to 15%.

It took some fiddling, but the Philips headlight is fine now too. I've shielded a small part of the beam that reflected on the nose, and blinded me. The rest of the lights is combined in the box on top of the K. High, easy to install and work on, with good visibility.

At this moment, Beyss only offers a full head fairing and no simple rain cover. So I've made one from foam and Cordura which I bought from Radical Design. I tested it, and it works, hail and rain proof.

Handling is sublime, outstanding, yes even lovely, at any speed. A year or so ago I rode a Catrike for a few KM and wondered why velomobiles don't have such fun handling. There always felt slow, lacked responsiveness and where unstable compared to a bare tadpole trike. Now the handling of the K feels totally different from the Catrike, because it's a different vehicle, obviously, but it is fun. This marvellous handling also is a big safety factor.

Gearing is almost the way I want it. A 61 and a 39 chainring are waiting for a 32-12 cassette to arrive. That's just a bit easier to get going than the current 28-12, and also the spacing of this particular cassette is better.

A tiny problem are the holes in the floor that are there to remove the rear wheel. When the road is wet, water comes in, floor gets wet. The currently used Coroplast sheets don't seal enough. I'll work on it. Removing the rear wheel is pretty easy. Practice makes perfect.

The seat, 625 gram of carbon beauty, (and 15gr foam) is way more comfortable than you'd think. I've cut 2 holes in it, that fit my spine. I like it the way it is now. Adding a Ventisit would double the total seat's weight. (and make the seat to pedal distance to short....)

Two 90mm drum brakes are more than enough for this velonaut. I'd did upgrade the brake cables, the stock cables where the cheapest sort imaginable. There is a bit of brake steer, but even above 50kph, it's nothing to worry about.

The drive train is perhaps a masterpiece. I don't know the physics involved, but this utterly stiff set up I've got is great. The carbon boom, carbon sandwich floor, immense oversized rear swing arm, the chain line and the 23t TC idler make viaducts (and hills) feel less steep. Also on the 39t chain ring, this drive train is a long way ahead on the competition. You've got to experience it to fully understand it. (and when you ask, almost any kind of drive train is possible, like gearing needed on 20% grades)

Last week I tried out the luggage capacity. With some creativity, I can fit in my usual camping gear. Only thing left to figure out is a 'thing' to hold my sleeping bag in front of the crank set.Something with Coroplast and tiny brackets held in place with epoxy. The space in front of the wheel wells also is tempting to use. The thing is that there's enough room inside this small sports velomobile to carry almost the same amount of stuff as I could get in my Mango. It does ask for more creativity.

The chain needs some kind of cover between the idler and the rear swing arm. And again, a small piece of Coroplast does the job. Now my Radical Design velomobile bag finds a stable and clean spot under my right elbow.

Summation: I like it, a lot. And with a tiny bit of creativity with Coroplast and a sewing machine, the every practicality is there too. Yes you sacrifice things like a 'Flintstone reverse' and a few centimetres of ground clearance. But my wish never was to reverse and have 14cm of air under my vm. Speed and handling are worth more to me.

More photo's

Ride to Dronten (XS & K)

2011-12-11T15:00:00.001+01:00

I bought my K with a 70t chainring. 70 is a big number, so big, that I even at 65kph, my cadence would be only just over 90rpm. Indeed, that makes no sense. With 61t, starting is easier, and the whole range would be more 'close ratio'. Velomobiel.nl had a 61 in stock and I rode there to get it.

I left at a quarter past 10, and grabbed a banana after 45km, that I ate whilst riding. A short pause after 58km for the pond across a water. 42 km later I was at my destination.

There was quite a crowd at vm.nl. Velonauts for parts, advice, technical problems, new vm's or just out as a group. Nina had brought something tasty to share. Marjolein's Strada had a small technical issue with an own will. I quickly received my 61. When asked how I'd install the new part, I simply replied: 'just crawl in'. And once I was in, swapping the parts was easy. Most important, I didn't get stuck on my way out. Than there was more time for eating and some velo talk. Clement found out he fit's in my K. Others studied it, up close.

What had caught my eye was the new Quest XS. And hurrah, I was offered a ride. Now, I'd just bought myself a very fine vm, but it's always good to know how such an eagerly awaited machines is in real life. I didn't ride for long, perhaps 10 minutes or so. Talking about how it's build and what specs it has is not that interesting. It's a Quest, so it's it good in just about every aspect. Build with a huge amount of every day experience.

What really makes it different is that the body is lower. Because of that, small people can sit just as low, and have their seat just as reclined as large people can in the big Q. And whereas I (short featherweight velonaut) always found the big Q very unstable, the XS is alright, a bit like a Mango perhaps. Compared to my K it's very comfortable, but it weights more and isn't such a dream when it comes down to handling and raw speed. But it's a good vm, absolutely. And, when you stand next to it, it looks better than on a photo. Even the rather large head fairing is well proportioned. The XS was designed with a rider up to 1.75m tall. I'm right on the limit, particularly with my 110cm ex-seam. And shoe size 43 felt like a maximum with 155mm cranks.

Back in my Ksynonica J. for the ride home, I felt at home again. The 9t less on the chain ring make it a lot better to ride, much easier and smoother to accelerate. The evening before, I'd swapped the hard chain tube for a softer one, with flared ends. That lowered the sound level a lot. Velomobiles and hard chain tubes are not a good combination.

I rode the final 55km in the dark. A clear sky, a long smooth cycle path ahead and 36kph on the cyclometer. The Philips head light (tweaked to work on the onboard battery) gives a nice beam, wide and far. And when 20Lux isn't enough because of dirt on the road, the high mode of 80Lux certainly will give enough light. Day's total was 180km.

Een goed doel

2011-11-29T19:13:00.001+01:00

For kind English speaking readers, please use Google translate and read the comments.

Mark is mijn grote broer en Esther is zijn vrouw. Zij gaan wat bijzonders doen.

Mark en Esther gaan naar Rwanda. Wel drie maanden lang en ze vertrekken op twee januari 2012. Wat ze gaan doen kun je hier lezen. En als je wilt doneren kijk dan hier.

Dit ondernemende duo is ook lid van zwemvereniging de Watervrienden Assen, net als mijn moeder Tiny en ik. Iemand had het idee om een sponsorzwemactie te organiseren, en o.a. mij en Tiny is gevraagd baantjes te gaan zwemmen in het 25-meterbad van de Bonte Wever Assen op 16 december a.s.. We hopen op ongeveer 15 zwemmers.

Het idee is verder natuurlijk heel simpel. We zwemmen in een uur zoveel mogelijk baantjes en per baantje maken de sponsoren een x-bedrag over. Let op! Ik zwem niet zo goed als ik fiets. En al helemaal niet als het water koud is. En de laatste maanden is het water vaak koud. Bah! Je kunt ook een vast bedrag overmaken, maar ik vind dat nogal saai.

Vind je dit een goed initiatief? Zo ja, mail/twitter/comment me dan je naam, en het bedrag dat je mij of Tiny per baantje sponsort. De aantallen baantjes worden geteld door mensen van onze zwemvereniging. Op zaterdag de 17e december maak ik hier bekend hoeveel baantjes ik en Tiny gezwommen hebben. Ik bericht je dan welk bedrag je kunt overmaken op de rekening van Mark en Esther. (zie hier) Eigenlijk ben je slim genoeg om dat zelf uit te rekenen, maar goed.

My new Evo K (2)

2011-11-28T16:05:00.001+01:00

So, I was on my way to Apeldoorn for my first stop to eat something. Until now I'd followed the Fietsersbond (cycling union) route. A good route, but now I was in an area that I knew. On a small road next to the A50, there was a small descent. I shifted up, until the gears started to make noise. The derailleur wasn't in order yet and I made the mistake to fiddle with the cable length. Not a clever thing to do at 55kph or so. The K rapidly shot from right to left, and then back again. Obviously a driver error. It scared me, but I realized what had happened and that, despite my clumsiness, the K remained stable and controllable.

In Apeldoorn I ate, drank, and ate some more, next to do Canada monument. It was getting dark now. I had approximately 145km behind me, and still 110km to go. I attached lights to my helmet and rolled the K back to the cycle path. That's when I noticed my 3th puncture. The tiny leak was found by licking the tube, but I the patch fell of. And yes, I'd dried the tube before using the solution. To make things worse, I'd ran out of tubes. There was a hotel on the other side of the road.... I tested my luck at the trainstation's bike shop. There remained enough air in my left tire to get there. To my surprise, they had tubes in my funny size! I bought two and enough solution and patches for months. (I hope)

The friendly guys that ran the place offered me a spot inside to fix my bike. They where somewhat surprised by what came rolling in. There I sat, warm, dry and with plenty of light to make work easy. Commuters walked by, they'd arrived by train and now collected there bikes to ride home. People respond funny when you tell them that you came from Venlo, still got 110km to go, and it's 18:30 in the evening. Quickly I was on my way again.

As I left the lights of Apeldoorn behind me, I saw the shortcoming of my helmet mounted light, it was pointing the wrong direction. I took it from my helmet and held it in my hand for the final 105km. That works pretty good, as you can aim your light. Problem is that I had no hand left to eat, so I had to stop for that every hour. But when I was riding, the K felt like wanting to go faster and faster. With over 200km in the legs, in a new to me VM, I took it easy and stopped again to eat just before Meppel.

With in my right hand a Mars and my light, I was now cruising along the Drenthse Hoofdvaart, my commute route. When I'd finished eating the candy bar, my hands could swap tasks again. Now right was steering, and left was aiming the light. Left is better at steering, and right better at aiming, but right had gotten cold from the time it took to eat the Mars.

Finally, after 260km I was home, just before 11. It had been an eventful ride. The K had proven itself. But naturally, I found things to improve. I parked the K inside the house, so I could start personalizing it the next day. My legs where not happy.

My new Evo K (1)

2011-11-27T19:50:00.001+01:00

Well, this must be my most anticipated blog post ever. Last Monday I received an e-mail that it was ready, and on Wednesday, around 2 in the afternoon, I walked in to the Beyss factory.

I changed clothing and had a go. The seat needed to be a bit more upright and the shifting wasn't what it should be. It quickly turned out that an expert was needed, so the help was Daniel was called in. In the following hours, the seat bracket was adjusted, the rear wheel was changed (better fit and 500gram or so lighter!), the cassette fixed, the chain shortened and I the tires where swapped for something faster.

After that we did series of coast down tests with 2 different K's, mine and Daniel's. Apart from about 7kg, there also light years apart in components. So by swapping wheels, and putting the optional head fairing on these 2 K's, we discovered interesting things. We tested on a tiny slope with smooth asphalt. We concluded that a 23-571 Vittoria rolls much better than a 35-559 Kojak. We tested that with both K's, and swapped riders too. I could see my brand new K seriously lifting a wheel in a corner, and I smiled. That didn't happen by accident ;-) Obviously, there was nothing wrong with the steering and handling of the heaviest K ever made. (25kg)

Serious again, more testing followed. To my surprise, even at a speed below 5kph, the head fairing has a noticeable, even significant advantage. Even below walking pace, you can feel an airflow coming in through the small inlet under the visor. So, if you want the fastest VM, a really racey 571 wheel is a step forward. And the K 'Kopfhaube' has an advantage at every speed. Of course, as it is with aerodynamics, the higher the speed, the bigger the differences.

Afterwards, it was past 11 in by now, we had a beer. Now the legend goes that legendary riders drink beer the night before a race and big ride. On Thursday, this legend was confirmed for me.

The next day started at 8:30. Breakfast, check out from the hotel, walk to Beyss and buy food in the Supermarket I walked by. I rolled my K outside and loaded my stuff in the luggage spaces. There's enough space, but I'm yet to learn how to use it best.

First part of the ride was easy. But strangly, as soon I crossed the border, the cyclepaths disappeared or got worse. The region around Venlo is not blessed with the usual 'Dutch cycle path' quality. To make things worse there where construction works everywhere and I had 2 punctures within 33km. The ride continued, still over 200km to go. And the more north I got, the better the roads became.

The K is agile and doesn't get stuck on drempels, but it's more at home on 'fast' roads. More a semi lowracer than a swb tourer. Steering is fantastic, stability outstanding and I got to test the higher speed stability later this day. The suspension does a fine job, though you wont fly over a cobblestone road. However, those roads are a small minority.

Through Nijmegen and Arnhem, nothing mentionable happened, except lots of 'thumbs up' from teenagers. Specifically, more from the girls than from the boys. By now I'd ridden over 100km and I'd planned to stop to eat something in Apeldoorn, still 35km to go. The ride had only just begun....

Ameland

2011-11-22T12:45:00.001+01:00

Last weekend I stayed at Ameland. That is an island in the north of the Netherlands, one of the Wadden islands. I stayed there with family, who went there by car. Since it only was 90km to our vacation house, I cycled there. The route from the Fietsersbond website was very good. My little Q451 was my 'bent for this weekend. It did get very dirty, there was so much mud and clay on the roads. One thing is for sure, the Quest will get mudguards!

Travelling to an island includes a ferry. During the short ride from the haven to the village Hollum I spotted several bird species I hadn't seen before. My bike got a spot in the shed and I took my Radical Backbone inside to set up my 'camp Pjotr' for the two nights to come.

The next day, Saturday, the weather was surprisingly good. Very little fog and even sunshine. Right after breakfast I rode to the nearest beach to get the system going and to take advantage of the supreme photo making conditions. Half an hour later it was time for coffee with the family.

In the afternoon I went for a longer ride, circling the western half of the island. Riding through the dunes is fun! When I was back after 40km or so, I decided to remove most of the dirt from the Q451. Yes, it would get dirty again when I'd ride home, but it's was just to muddy to handle. The chain does stay pretty clean, another benefit that comes with fwd. When a splash of water hit the rear wheel, I heard bubbles. My first ever puncture with my Cruzbike was a fact. Caused by a small stone and the end of nearly 2300km of puncture free riding. I actually think that my most recent puncture, with any bike, must have been in May or so. And that's easily over 5500km ago.

In the evening we ate in a pancake restaurant and played a board game. The next day was expected to be extremely foggy. I decided to head home early in the afternoon instead of after dinner. It turned out to be a very wise decisison.

That the sight was less than 50 metres wasn't just because I was on an island. Visibility stayed very bad for the entire ride. An extra tail light helps, and the Spok on my helmets is small, but bright and high. Now as long as there was daylight, riding was easy. But when darkness comes, and the roads become more rural, the situation changes.

Most difficult section was when there was no cyclepath and the only thing I could see where the lines on the side of the road. Quickly after that, there was a cyclepath again. Being away from cars is one mayor worry less, even when you're a 'young fit adult male'. Under normal circumstances I would have continued to follow the route from the Fietsersbond. But from Roden on I used the route I know very well. Nice paths, good lights next to them.

Ten km from home, the only route was via a back road again. No lights and no lines. Also almost no other traffic. I quickly learned the best way to deal with this situation. Hold your headlight low to the ground and aim at the side of the road. I could see about 4 metres ahead, I was slow, but felt sure and save.

When I got home, at a quarter to eight, I wasn't really tired. The 90km had demanded a lot of concentration, but physically, it was no big deal. I cleaned the Q451 the next day and I took my Backbone with me to the shower. The backpack now is ready for the 23th of November, for the trip to Straelen.

More photos on Picasa.

Record day Apeldoorn 2011

2011-11-01T17:23:00.000+01:00

This event wasn't only nice to look around, there also was a criterium in which I took part. After having watched the Indian Grand Prix, I took the train to Apeldoorn. The tailfairing on my my Fuego Yivalte is compact enough to stay on the bike when I travel by train. Very important because I use the train about 5 times per year to take part in a race.

Omnisport is a bit of a maze. There is a shortcut to the midfield of the velodrome, but that's only opened on request. I went via 2 elevators, 2 stairs, a restaurant and past the twirl girls dressing rooms.

The atmosphere is always buzzing at an event like this. New bikes, new ideas, much to talk about. The young woman who I called a 'fast rookie' at the beginning of this year, now proudly showed me 'her' new Tyrfing. A very special machine, nicely built by Elan. The seat angle is about 9 degrees, but thanks to the top of the seat and the neck rest, it doesn't feel that extreme.

Also present, Bram Moens with the most time trialistic 'bent I've ever seen. Daniel was there too, with his Evo K. And even though mine will be ready really soon, I could not resist to try the seat. And even without padding, it fits like a glove.

Suddenly, as I return from the toilet, the criterium is about to start. I quickly stick on the thing that opens my nostrils a bit more and smell some eucalyptus to make sure I can breath as freely as possible. Than a few laps to make sure everything works and to find out that my fairing doesn't rub.

My criterium is far from a steady race. Speeds vary every few minutes. 48, 50, 47, 44, 43, 50 and so on. Mainwhile the Evo K is going around at 57kph higher up the track, constantly overtaking. Eight 2-wheeled 'bents circle the track a few metres lower.

There is power coming from my legs when I need it though. There's only some pain right above my knees. My right ankle appears to be enjoying taking part in racing again. So, we'll work on fixing the problem with the muscle in my upper legs, and than I could be pretty fast again. (well, back to my best possible level again, and than further up)

I finish with an average of 45.1kph and ride 5 laps to cool down. Next on the track is Janneke. She rode a successful attempt to break the 1 hour record. The new record is 46.5kph.

I head home again just before 8 in the evening. Front and tail light back on the Fuego, rear shock in the high ride position again. That's all I changed to my bike. The pizza tasted good at 11 in the eveing.

photo with my Fuego, probably the world's fastest bike and the fastest velomobile

All the photos I made on Picasa.

And the video I made from Daniel's 1000 metre.

Coroplast for my Fuego

2011-10-26T16:58:00.002+02:00

How can you make your favourite 'bent better? Make it faster! I have good experiences with the TF on the Pioneer, so I thought I could make something similar for my Fuego. This time more aimed at speed than at practicality. And because the rack of the Fuego sits quite high, the luggage compartment will be tiny. It turned out to be big enough for long 1 day rides.

The TF on the Pioneer is effective, but I used a lot of tape. That works, but doesn't look slick. I decided to use more pop rivets for this TF. That method worked. The finishing is much better.

I started with the same cardboard template I used for the Pio, only made the back part (part that rests on the seat) a bit narrower. The Fuego is my fair weather and race bike, so not often will I wear thick clothing when I ride it. The result is a widest point of no more than 46 centimetres. And those who paid attention at their aerodynamic lessons will know that a narrow TF can be shorter than the wide TF. That's the reason this fairing is relatively short, keeping the bike easy to manoeuvre and store.

After I'd cut the back plate to size, I strapped it to the seat of the Fuego and then bent the connection flaps with the use of a hot air gun. I then roughly cut the side parts to size and started pop riveting them in place. One by one and carefully heating the material when bending was needed. In practice, you'll quickly get the hang of it. Good household scissors work well for cutting.

30 or so rivets (and 60 m3 washers!) later I could cut it to size in more precisely. Just a matter of look, fit, try, and cut. Small steps, as you can't cut part back on.

First ride was my 42km commute to work. It held and didn't cause any problems. Coroplast dampens sound good and keeps it's flexibility for a long time. This afternoon I tried to do some roll test. Coast from 40 to 30kph and measure how that takes. Do that in 2 directions and repeat the test without the fairing. The differences you see in coasting time give an idea of what the TF does.

However, the wind was changing all the time. The times I measured weren't really clear. But, based on what I saw on my cyclometer and felt, Id say it ads about 7%. And, as it often is for aero ad-ons, the faster you go or the more headwind you have,the more effect it is. I certainly won't be riding without it often.

My address for Coroplast is http://kunststofshop.nl/

Suspension (2)

2011-10-23T20:02:00.000+02:00

In part 1 I wrote about how suspension can be an advantage on a fast bike. And in the end I mentioned the added comfort. Now especially American riders often seem mighty concerned about rear suspension. They (excuse me for the generalization, but this is the impressions I get from following the forums )say it soaks up energy when they climb. And they are worried about the extra kilogram it ads to a bike. Don't they know that extra kilo makes your bike more comfortable and faster? And keeping your wheels on the ground also is a mayor safety feature.

Anyway, the climbing thing. If you want a bike with rear suspension and rear wheeldrive, you need the right chain line. The 'right' chain line is more than just a line trough the pivot point of the rear swing arm. That's what many people think. I can't do the calculations, but this website is a good tool for those who are not an experienced ' bent designer.

You can control the chain with an idler. When that idler is placed at the right place, all the power you put in at the front, is transferred to your rear wheel. If you do it wrong, energy is wasted in making your bike bounce. Now some say that the solution is a stiffer spring. Wrong! Very, very wrong. A stiffer spring only makes the problem less noticeable. There's less movement, but just as much loss.

Especially when climbing that is a big problem. When you climb, you often pedal less ' round' and you put in more power. Now let's look at a Nazca Gaucho Highracer. That has comfy, safe and fast rear suspension, but also allows you to climb like a mountain goat. I haven't done any serious climbing, apart from my Spezi adventure, but others have. I have ridden it, and now matter how hard and I stamp on the pedals, I can't sense any movement in the rear swing arm.

Now if you're a racer, you're looking for what is absolutely the fastest. Than you might worry about a tiny little bit of loss. But for the 98% of the riders, the advantages of proper rear suspension can not be ignored.

My old Cruiser did not have a chain idler when it left the factory. Cruisers didn't get an idler until 2009 or so. I added on with help of the website I mentioned earlier. On my way to the Easter meeting earlier this year I got to climb a bit. And even when I really tried to get the suspension to pogo, it didn't.

Conclusion. Not having suspension only is an advantage for a small group of people. They race on super smooth roads. Everyone else who commutes, travels or tours will be happier with good suspension.

LEL 2011,

2011-10-17T14:07:00.000+02:00

Assen, train, Kampen, ride 40km, Lelystad. And 4.5 hours later, back home in the same way. Inbetween was the annual 51km TT over the dyke between Lelystad and Enkhuizen.

51km in a very open landscape, with only 4 corners, means that this is a velomobile event. And I'd been taking part with a VM here since 2007. I didn't feel strong then, and neither did I yesterday. The difference between 4 years ago and now? Two seconds. It's an apples and eggs comparison, I know.

I started enthusiastically with just over 40 and still had an average of over 38 at the half way point. But then the headwind took it's toll. At higher speeds, the aerodynamics could be better. I did benefit from the excellent climbing capabilities on the 6 times I had to climb the dyke. That always used to slow me down more than I found acceptable. With 10km to go, I had the brilliant idea to push the head rest way backwards. A feature this protype Vendetta has. Immediatly I gained more than 1kph and was now doing 36 or so. I finished with an average of 36.5kph.

It's time to put my cleats back to the position I always had them, about 1.5cm closer to my toes than now. I'd moved them towards my heel because of my ankle injury. Not being able to ' ankle' a bit is costing to much power. I'll start with 7mm.

What is good news is that an Evo K rider won with an average of 60.9kph, a track record improvement of 3kph. Within two weeks, according to the contract, I too own a K. Heavier than the one that won, and without the head fairing, but even then, a really fast VM.

Despite the fact that my upper legs had a tough time in the TT, the ride back to Kampen went surprisingly well. It's a shame though that the only elevation we have here are viaducts. Because when it comes to climbing and long distance riding, the V is an fine addition to the 'bent market. My daily total was 140km.

Suspension (1)

2011-10-12T19:18:00.000+02:00

Suspension is an important factor on a bike. The most common form is using the right tyre pressure. A tyre that is at a not too high pressure will absorb small road imperfections. The fatter and/or more supple a tyre is, the smoother your ride can be. A light rider deforms his tyres less, so he/she can do with a lower pressure than a heavy person.

The same goes for a shock absorber. A light person needs a different spring, or air pressure in the air shock, than a heavier person. Spring load and damping must be set up correct to keep the wheels on the ground. A wheel that's not on the ground, does not steer or brake. Proper damping is so that 1 bump, translates in to 2 movements of your shock. 1 in and 1 out. Yes, good suspension can very much improve the handling of your bike.

When you take a turn right on a bumpy road, and your rear suspension is not what it should be, the rear end could bounce to the left. A brick road I often follow has a sharp right hand corner. When I take it on my Fuego, with the 28mm rear tyre at 8 bar, at 30kph, the rear suspension keeps the wheel on the ground. On unsuspended wheel could loose grip and bounce of, resulting in serious road rash.

Many velomobiles have a really basic kind of rear shock. They can sort of make up for that with a fat rear tyre. However, it's better to have a proper mtb-style shock. And in my new Evo K, there will be a fully adjustable air shock. Air shocks have something steel springs don't have, progressive suspension. The deeper you push it, the firmer it gets. That means that small imperfections get filtered out nicely, while it won't be too soft to soak up big bumps. Velomobiles most often have 1 rear wheel. When that looses contact, there's no back up. When a front wheel get airborne, there's always a second wheel to keep you in a straight line.

On a two wheeled 'bent, front suspension can be nice too. It's often said that you don't need front suspension with a big front wheel. But I surely felt a difference between my Cruiser (406mm + suspension) and my Pioneer. (559mm no suspension) Even though the Cruiser had 35mm Kojaks and the Pioneer a set of 50mm Kojaks, the C felt more comfortable.

Now the route of a chain can make it difficult to install a front fork with suspension. It varies per model, but it's not easy on an old Pioneer. I did get it to work, and I love it. When you buy the more modern Nazca Gaucho, there is the option to get it with front suspension. (not with USS) It's a version with the suspension built in the head tube that gives slender look and does not conflict with your chain. The travel it has is enough to soak up most bumps. If I where to buy a new Gaucho 26, I'd opt for the most comfortable version. Not that an un-suspended front is harsh, but I really like it plush on my big tourer.

Part 2 about suspension will be about potential power losses and suspension. Yes, you can have rear suspension and ride up a mountain!

Vendetta

2011-10-09T19:56:00.000+02:00

Today was cold and windy. I have a bit of a cold and spit out stuff when I ride. It drizzled on the 2nd half of my ride. Conditions and excuses enough to complain about a lack of speed. But today's ride of 32km, went in just over an hour and I my max was 57kph.

I'm used to riding 'bents with suspension. And my opinion is that a touring and commuter bikes need some short of shock absorption. (rack and fender advised too) You can even benefit from suspension on a less than perfect race track. It's one of the things that makes my Fuego so good. But when you're out for the simple reason to go fast, you know where the smoother roads are. You can often skip most of the brick roads.

The Vendetta has no suspension. It's light en very stiff. With the 23mm tires at 8 bar and a 62kg rider, going much faster than 30kph on a brick road is not pleasant. But hey, that's only to get out of town. Because when there is room and a road/cycle path to gallop, this 'bent is a joy to ride. At cruising speed, the combination me&Vendetta is only a tiny little bit slower than I was with my Mango. Yes, a VM adds a lot of practicality, but this is only about speed now.

Last Tuesday I had 60km ride on my borrowed prototype. It's perhaps a kilogram heavier than the production version. The wheelbase is quite some shorter too. That might explain why it can feel a bit jumpy on short bumps. The rider position as much more aero than what my Q451 offers, handling however, is quite easy. A dry winter is very welcome. That will ensure I can make many more fast rides on this fine machine.

Autumn meeting 2011

2011-10-03T16:58:00.001+02:00

In the week before this Autumn meeting I had to decide with which bike I'd go. Cruiser or Cruzbike? I choose the latter. Thus far my longest ride on it was just over 80km and I was curious how it would be to ride way over a hundred, a 140km. All luggage (sleeping bag, liner, toiletries, clothing and food) fitted in my 25 litre Radical Backbone, that fit's nicely to the seat tube rack of the Q451. I did recently ad 2 small hooks to the seat that hold the seat straps of the Backbone. Electronics and alike fitted in my fanny pack. (also brilliant for using your camera while riding)

So, Friday morning, 7:25h, of to work. Plenty of things to do after the usual 42km commute. I had macaroni for lunch and was offered some left over couscous after work. With that extra little meal I had enough fuel to ride untill Dronten. There, 50km from work, I ate some sandwiches and turned on my lights. There was at least another 2 hours of riding left. At 28kph, the good ol' Nordlight bottle dynamo buzzed happily.

Farmers kept working way past sundown, taking maximum advantage of the summer weather. Heavy machines, with lots of lights, everywhere you looked, something was being harvested. It was dry, but not dusty, the sky was clear and I only had 20km left to go. The Vogelweg is well known under Dutch riders, perhaps it's our own 'Route 66'. It starts and ends with traffic lights. And after that, it only was a few km to the Stichtse Brug. Quickly ascending, and steadily descending, due to roadworks, I reached Blaricum. 15 minutes later, I arrived at my destination.

The problem with arriving at 10 in the evening can be that you spend time finding a bed in one of the 7 huts. However, I was smart enough, and someone else kind enough, to reserve a spot for me. There also was tea and there where many familiar faces to say hello to. It was past 1 in the night when I crawled in to my bed.

The next day started with breakfast and explaining a dozen or so times what sort of bike I had brought. And also during the 50km group ride my little orange 'bent was quite a head turner. I swerved a bit through the field of about 50 riders. Halfway we stopped at a pancake restaurant. I had a big vegie pancake that actually was complete meal. But with a weekend like this, it's good to have calories to burn. The pear ice creams Maarten bought at the end of the trip do not provide a lot of calories. But, they are delicious and very refreshing, which is a good thing with the temperatures we had.

Traditionally, the time between the ride and the evening meal is spend on talking about and looking at each others rides. In the evening it quickly get's to dark look at them. Maaike did a successful attempt at riding the Q451. Harry arrived in his ROAM Mango after having made a special delivery. And I took a shower.

Gerold gave another great explanation about what we where about to eat, more specifically, how. He has the right to do so, the food is excellent each year, including the salad and the dessert. I went for sliced banana with whipped cream, twice. And when the big bowl of cream was 'empty', I made sure it was really empty.

The campfire was hotter and better than the night before. Another thing I was often asked about was my Evo-K. And, since where sort of a big family, we talk about more just bikes. The night that followed wasn't quite long enough. But by the time I woke up, it was almost 9. I managed to get everything back in to the Backbone again after breakfast. Wilfred was waiting to get going on his Thys 209. Together with him and Harry I rode back home, via almost exactly the same route I used on Friday.

Harry's right wheel went wonky and needed a roadside repair near Dronten. It had done well during the 5000km of ROAM, but now, suddenly having 5 broken spokes, something needed to be done. That caused some delay, which didn't matter, since I had all day to get home. The 3 of us didn't carry a lot of food. So we had a meal in Dronten. And with our belly's filled up, we maintained a good pace for the rest of the day.

The pond between Genemuiden and Zwartsluis had a small suprise. Imagine someone with the words 'blue jean hotpants', blond, 'floppy white shirt', and... well, you get the idea. Daisy Duke. Anyway, I had another 60km to go. My companions just under a hundred or so. We had a second stop for food near Havelte. 4km from my place, Harry and Wilfred took a turn left. I got home, took a shower and had pizza.

Weekend total: 335km, avg speed around 25.5kph, cruising at 28.

My photos: here.

Race Groningen 2011

2011-09-29T14:23:00.001+02:00

I know people. And those people now other people. Most often we've all got something to do with recumbents. And that's why I was riding a Vendetta through Vries, 10km from home, at 11:30 in the morning, when I saw Q89 appear in my mirror. At that moment, I had 30km experience with this bike I get to borrow for a while.

The Q89 velonaut and me where on our way to Groningen to take part in a race, part of the Dutch Recumbent Competition. Besides us two, there where 23 others to race with/against. Rob was also there, together with Lee. It was good to hear that Rob also ordered an Evo-K. Now I know that I'm not the only one who thinks it's a fine VM. Even better is that he can compare it with his Q and Glyde experience. His will be ready in May 2012, mine within a few weeks. (next week would be very much appreciated)

The 1 mile long track is pretty smooth, except for the 2nd corner. Tree roots have damaged the asphalt in that corner and that's very unpleasant on a stiff and fast 'bent. It even slowed me down. But, even with this slower section in the track, I did quite well in the 45 minute criterium. With each lap I felt quicker. And together with Piet on his Rowing Bike, I had a fun race. Your faster when you've got someone to ride with. And that obviously contributed to a nice average of 41.8kph. In a field filled with velomobiles and tail faired low racers, I finished 16th. If you saw us finish, you'd say I'd classified as 17th. But my transponder was on my front fork, and Piet's transponder was on his rear fork...

The time trial over one lap started promising. Despite the lack of experience with the V, I started the lap with 55kph and took the first corner at 47. The rest of the lap felt alright too, but again, the bumpy 2nd corner cost time. That said, the bike is very nice when the road surface is smooth and the perfect drive train is very much noticeable. One lap of 1610 metre was ridden by me with an avg of just over 45kph.

The day in Groningen always ends with a relay race. Our team of 4 'youngsters' became 3th. Since I was the 1st to start, I had a chance to film some of the relay action.

The podium of the competition that consist out of this race and the one in Rütenbrock had a surprise for me, I was on it, in 3th position. At the end of the day, a group of 4 riders rode back to Assen. A Strada, a Quest, a Mango and me on the Vendetta. The Q still had another 45km or so to go after Assen. The weather was excellent all day and I had a good 1st ride on the V.

Robert made good photos. Better than mine.

Airforce days

2011-09-20T14:42:00.000+02:00

Most of my blog post require quite some time to write. This one doesn't. Instead of writing down what I saw at this event, I simple post some visual content.

More photos can be found in a Picasa album.

Perhaps not very interesting for my international readers, but Dutch readers might be interested. I'm selling some parts that have been laying around un-used here. Check the ad here.

Terra Cycle Sports idler

2011-09-06T20:44:00.000+02:00

The drive train of me Pioneer: 3x8 dérailleur with Taxc pulleys and straight chain tubes. The best compromise between costs, efficiency and practicality on a RWD 'bent. Until about 700km ago, the idler was not what it should have been. I was unsure if I wanted a TC idler, and I hesitated about buying one. The plastic idler worked and, even the more affordable Sport idler would still cost me €50,- But having a decision hanging in the air for so long doesn't do me any good, so I ordered one from Icletta.

15 tooth aluminum cog on 8mm bearings, packed with local newspapers and an invoice hidden somewhere in the box too. Naturally, installing it was easy. The first ride revealed that it's not as quiet as a cheap plastic stock idler. But the soft sound it makes is a sound of quality. Like the Elite idlers, that I use on several other bikes, the Sport idler too gives a more direct feeling. The Elite is quieter, but costs 50% more. For a velomobile or a high end bike, it's the one to go with. For my good ol' Pioneer, the cheaper model is good enough.

It'll likely last really long, survive multiple chain and sprocket replacements. It'll just be there, doing it's job as a idler should. Hardly wearing out, not sucking up power or make my chain run awkward when plastic slowly wears out. I like, I recommend.

Ordinary ride with my Q451

2011-08-31T21:40:00.000+02:00

I replaced the stock derailleur pulleys with a set from Tacx and I felt like going for a ride anyway. The be honest, I always almost feel like going for a ride. So, in the right bottle holder .6 litre of sports drink, and in the right bottle holder my Cage Rocket with important stuff and a mini chocolate bar.

Past the canal, via the cycle road, past the graveyard, on to the brick road (suspension :-) and then a 2nd traffic light and I'm out of Assen via the Southern route in 5km. A 10km straight follows and the speedo reads 32 or so. Depending on the wind, my speed varies between 29 and 35kph in this 2 hour ride. I cross the rail roads and follow a nice cycle path until I start riding past another canal for the next 20km. Half way, I have a wee. The upper body thing Cruzbike mentions makes for a higher heart rate and a better performing engine. Good for building up my stamina and it's why this little orange 'bent is faster than you'd except from such an up-right seat angle. It often gives me a happy grin on my face when I accelerate out of a corner.

About 40km on the cyclometer now and I'm on a section past a pine forest. It had just rained and it smells like pine and forest, which is nice. I remember I have my camera with me today and I decide to shoot some photos of horses behind a small village named Grolloo. A few with, and view without the Quest. The clouds are most helpful now. They move aside precisely on time. Horse number 1 doesn't like cameras. Number 2 isn't scared of my humble Casio, so that's the one that you see on the left.

Still 14km to go. There now is quite a headwind. Still, I'm enjoying it and I try to set a nice average. Just over 29 is what I read when I come to a stop beside my place.

To a wedding with my Pioneer

2011-08-28T17:07:00.000+02:00

Friday morning, bike and rider are ready for what should be a day with about 240km. There's clean clothing in the coroplast tailfairing, that rests on the sturdy rear rack. The hub dynamo will make for a save ride back home at night, and the fenders are very welcome with the weather and paths I expect to encounter. Once again, my big tourer will prove to be the right choice for long distant riding. Under the seat hangs a 2 litre bag with fluids for the day.

I head south, via Zwolle, a route I've followed so many times. The first 72km glide by effortless, almost boring. My ankle does let me know it's not yet completely happy. But there's no further comment from it for the rest of the day. I ate some bread close to the IJssel river and put on my coat before continuing my journey. Dark clouds have gathered now and within a few minutes the sky bursts open. Despite the viaducts that could give shelter, I keep on riding. I feel good, have a goal, and the coat keeps me dry and warm.

The GPS does a good job, as long as you choose the right settings. I didn't. With only 6km or so to go I strand somewhere in a forest. Even walking gets difficult here. It turned out that I'd set it to guidance for pedestrians, not cyclists. That cost my 20 minutes I did not have. Now it's time to unleash the rally rider within. The sandy/gritty paths are wet, long puddles across them. But, there's nothing/nobody to crash into and my bike is up to the job. Going as fast as I dare, splashing, honking at a couple of pedestrians, the rear suspension handling the bumps. I was in a hurry, running late, but also enjoying the ride.

With no time left I swap clothes behind the church and lock-up the Pioneer. I enter the church seconds before the groom. Than follows the ceremony, dinner with close family, and a ride to the party a few hours later. The groom had the biggest smile on his face everywhere you saw him, and the bride was just utterly . Nice party, a bit loud perhaps. But like being there, watching it all happen.

Bad weather was expected for the night. And when I checked the weather radar I saw that it could get close between me and the rain clouds. If I where to leave soon, I might stay just ahead of the rain and we would head north side by side, the rain a bit more to the East than I.

So, I got changed again and said goodbye. I slid my Cage Rocket back onto the tiller. It contained my phone and cookies to grab whilst riding. Very convenient and very weatherproof. The first part was to Zwolle, again. The GPS lead me through forests. The only thing I heard was my soft high tech sound of my TC idler. A sound I like. And owls of course. Owls everywhere, ore maybe just one following me.

Someone recently had the marvellous idea the build new cycle paths near Heerde. Good concrete, but not always on my digital maps. The Garmin's compas then comes in handy. I carried a battery light in my pocket to look around when I stood still. Hub dynamo's don't do much when stationary. When I was riding, like 97% of the time, my home made twin Seoul P4 headlight gave a great beam. There was no other traffic to blind. I had it aimed a little higher than usual.

A short rest in Zwolle with a banana and a cookie. Past Meppel and a 2nd stop with 36km to go. Next to the canal it did become less entertaining to ride. Just a long wide road with a good cycle path next to it. I rode on both, because I could and because the road is a little bit faster too. Other traffic? 3 cars in hour time. I grabbed my radio and listened to an interview with the legendary Ramses Shaffy. There was a tailwind and I was cruising happily at 32kph. Time was 02:45. Riding like this, home came close quite quick. After a days total of 245km I turned of the GPS and parked my Pioneer in the shed. At 4 in the night, I turned of the light beside my bed and slept 'till 9.

Rütenbrock 2011

2011-08-24T11:28:00.000+02:00

Friday, right after tea, time to ride to Germany. Not 600km like in April, just under 60 this time. The Radical Cyclone trailer behind my Fuego carries my camping gear, except for the kitchen stuff. Food is supplied by the excellent temporary mini campsite of the Bentlage family. For the 5th year, they host/organize/arrange the races in Rütenbrock. An quick ride, shaking of a roadie included, of only 2:17 hour was enough to get me there. Tailwind still helps. (and on the way back too)

I pitched my tent, said hello and spoke German (well, tried) for the rest of the day. We had the usual recumbent conversations and had a drink. And Daniel had brought his K along :-) It was after 12 when I crawled into my sleeping bag.

Saturday morning started with, what else, breakfast. Brotchen with Nutella and coffee. That followed by some lingering and admiring the K. Well on time I rode to the start/finish area. The track looked the same as last year. I saved my energy for the 1 lap time trial. That came with a downside. Now, that one fast lap was the 1st time I tried to do the corners at speed. And because I had a different front tire, it felt different. But, at 7.5bar the Minits Lite felt sharp enough. At 6.5, there's some sideways roll noticeable. Anyway, I managed to set an acceptable average, 41.2. However, 2 year ago I did 43kp/h.

Through the hour, the corners went better. And on the rougher parts, it all went nicely too. The first straight was fun at 40kph, than the bikes dances over the characteristic road surface. With a very loos grip on the handlebars, the bike kept a perfect straight line. The section through the housing estate was fun every time I passed through. The long back straight was becoming a bit boring though, just too long at 40kph. Pedal harder perhaps? I did that a couple of times, it's more fun that way. But judging by how I felt after I finished, I did try that more than enough. Near the end I got company from a WAW. Excellent, now I had some extra motivation. Nice, because since I'd let Heinz go on his RazzFazz, it all had been a bit lonely on the track. So, I looked around and waved at people I knew when I overtook them. Not in the twisty bits, those demand full attention. And that's what makes this track so good. Everybody who tries to go fast here must of had on of those 'that was close' moments. David had one too. Read his story here.

I finished 9th, with a 37.9kph average. When the fastest group lapped me, I made a big jump from the WAW. After the race, there was a bit of a gap to the podium ceremonies. The waiting, the weather and the race had taken the best of me. I didn't do much for the rest of the day.

That evening I did decide to go for the 70mm brakes on my new VM instead of the 90mm. A featherweight velonaut doesn't need bigger and heavier brakes. And thanks to the short cables and housings, the 70mm are already quite powerful. We talked about the German forum too, and I even made a joke. Tired from the whole day, I went to bed early. The next day, I felt a whole lot better. Still, I took it easy and left just before noon, as one of the latest to leave. The end of yet another weekend devoted to riding and racing. I was lucky to get home a few minutes before rain and thunder started.

Thoughts on tires, part 3, examples

2011-08-17T17:19:00.000+02:00

After a long summation, here are examples from what's used in practice. Notice that, like Maarten mentioned in his excellent comment on part 1, that intended use and thus also road surface, plays a big role in selecting tires.

Regarding my own preferences: I'm a light weight reasonably trained rider who likes cornering. When the pressure in my tires has dropped a bar or so in pressure, I may very well notice that and find the steering slightly vague.

My Pioneer Lobbes, 50mm Kojaks. 4.5-5 bar
A big comfortable tourer. Year round use, urban too, on just about any sort of road. Where I did the rode to Spezi with.

My Fuego Yivalté, Minits Lite and Durano, 7-8 bar
Fast, 99% on smooth roads, corner happy, good weather only, racing.

My Cruiser, 35mm Kojaks, 6 bar
Quick classic 'bent for visiting meetings. No heavy use. Full suspension, so no fat tires needed. Happy 'bent.

My Oké-ja Yoska, 47mm M or M-Winter, 4.5 bar
For delivering and winter riding. No speed intended, urban use mainly.

Future Evo-K, Minit's and 35mm Kojak, 6.5-7 bar
And a Supreme for the Winter season. Utterly fast velomobile, limited tire width. Good roads only.

Mom's 24" Gaucho, 47mm Marathons, 4.5 bar
Daily commuter and touring, including urban use, rider not that agile.

Dad's Cruiser, Marathon Racers, 5.5 bar
Fair weather touring. Reasonably quick for a 65yo.

Dad's FAW, 47mm Moirees, 4.5bar
All weather use, and comfort is important.

Thoughts on tires, part 2

2011-08-14T12:03:00.000+02:00

Schwalbe Durano
Hard rubber, not that supple. Easy on and of. Gives enough grip for the back of my Fuego. Should last long. Came with my Mango too, at the by Sinner advised pressure of 9.5bar, which is stupid. Such a high pressure turns a velomobile with not large 'not that stiff surfaces' into a noisy wheely bin. Lowered to 8 bar, it was better. Cornered excellent, until you met brick roads, than it would bounce of in understeer. Good for going fast on a smooth surface.
rated: good for specific use

Vredestein S-slick
Out of production, which is good. Might sometimes be fitted without bumps. Needed 12bar+ to pop in place. Exploded at 16 bar. Close to impossible to get on or of.
rated: tire production/development failure

Kenda Kwest
1100km experience with this tire that is standard on a 2010 Q451. Cheap, but tough. Easy on and of. Not that supple, but suspension masks that. Every day tire in the odd 451mm. Profile picks up small stones. Funny pressure range: 2.5 to 7 bar. No side wall reflection. (American market?)
rated: probably a good choice in this size.

KHE park 40mm (or so)
I had these on the front of the Alleweder. A bit like the M-Racer, but should withstand 8 bar. Extremely grippy, light and easy to change. It's a BMX tire, so there's no anti puncture layer. It lasted 13000km on the back of the Mango in the 54mm version, at less than 4 bar! I did at a liner for the desired puncture protection. Not very fast. Too expensive.
rated: I liked them, but you can get better for less money.

Schwalbe Marathon Winter
Slow, heavy, noisy, expensive. But very good to have when in icy/snowy conditions. Spikes keep you up-right. I keep on of these for the back of my Oké-Ja, my 'bent for Winter riding. Perhaps a few hundred km per year. DutchBikeBits has them. Why wait with ordering 'till you need them?
rated: must have

Vredestein HPV
Short lasting and cheap. Would be a bad weather tire, if it wouldn't become very sluggish under 7 degrees C. I did use them with my Dahon. Soft rubber results in plenty of grip.
rated: for anything that rides a few km per year.

Schwalbe Marathon Plus
I've never used this tire. It's not slow and is almost bomb proof. A fellow 'bentrider made one last 40.000km the back of his Mango, without a single puncture. A pain the get on or of, especially in the 35mm version. Heavy but extremely reliable. A worry free commuter tire. Available in many sizes!
rated: recommended for some.

Schwalbe Marathon Surpreme
No personal experience with this one. The more comfortable (supple) competitor of the M+. Costs more, lasts a lot shorter. Is much lighter and has excellent grip, even in the wet. So much grip even, that it slows you down. I might use it on the back of the Evo-K in the winter months because it's supple, light and puncture proof. It's considerably less slow with light weight inner tubes. Has 'triple nano compound' and comes in a folding version too!
rated: I don't look forward to changing a tire on a 2 side mounted rear wheel, with cold hands, in the rain. This is probably the best for this job.

Thoughts on tires, part 1

2011-08-10T14:09:00.000+02:00

It's always a hot topic on every 'bent forum. At what rim, which tire rolls the best at what pressure. Everything focused on one thing: rolling resistance. I like reading these tests, but hardly use the outcome. Finding the tire which is best for your personal circumstances involves so much more than the lowest rolling resistance on one type of road surface.

I can come up with quite a list of relevant factors

weight
suppleness
grip when dry
grip when wet
grip on sand
sideways stiffness, for proper cornering
width, it should fit, often with fenders or wheel wells
height, same reasons as width
comfort
pressure range
maximum load
price
durability (can be relative to price)
puncture resistance
reflective side walls or not?
how easy is it to change the tire? (with cold hands)
noise
availability
rolling resistance (varies with weight of rider)
air resistance (less important for a velomobile)

I can't possibly explain everything and mention tires with everyone of these 20 factors. What I can do is sum up my own experiences with tires I've ridden with. Hopefully this will help people understand how complex this subject can be.

Vredestein Monte Carlo
These where on my FAW when I bought it. Hard to change, little grip, not comfortable, didn't roll well, heavy for it's size. Availability was good back then. Garden hose with innertube.
rated: not good

Tioga Compool
Replacement of the MC. Very comfortable, fast, and easy to change. No puncture resistance, that improved with tire liners. Durability was good enough for a 62kg rider. Relatively cheap, bought via friends and webshops. Some had carcass problems and didn't last long. A classic, modern stuff better.
Rated: I liked them

Schwalbe Big Apple
Heavy but reliable. Cheap and last very long. Grippy enough, also works on sand. Turns bricks into asphalt at lower pressure, though needs at least 4 bar to roll good. Liked it on the back of the FAW and under the Pioneer. Easy to change too.
Rated: liked and recommended.

Schwalbe Stelvio
A long time friend of mine. Was the choice for all my fast Nazca's. It's now called the Durano S, but not yet available in 406. With that name it carries my Thivasca. It corners so nicely at 8 bar, with it's grip and sideways stiffness. Reliable enough for fair weather riding. Could last up to 4500km. Easy to change. Comfortable enough under a good steel bike. Rolls good and being only 28mm width, doesn't come with an aero penalty.
rated: I like

Schwalbe Marathon
Had it on the front of the Mango for over 6000km. Not fast, not supple. Easy on and of, puncture proof and grippy. Last long, corners well. Probably the most alround/middle of the road/average tire. If you don't know what to buy, get these. Won't disappoint you. Good for up-right town bikes too.
Rated: I recommend

Avocet Fasgrip
Wide and fast fast, just like the Compool, but last longer. Hard to get when it was still made. Has no grip at all on even a slightly moist road. Possibly dangerous with catastrophic under/oversteer. Really fast on a track though. I survived 7000km with them on the front wheels of the Mango. Puncture fairy magnet when it's wet.
Rated: if you dare

Schwalbe Marathon Racer
Faster more supple cousin of the Marathon. Rides much nicer, rolls way better. Last long enough on a 2-wheeler. Too expensive if you're a corner happy velonaut. Puncture proof enough before, let's say 2/3 of their life span. My mom commuted 6500km on them, with 1 puncture. Easy on and off, but often needs 'easy fit'.
rated: recommended fast tourer

Schwalbe Kojak, 35mm
I first had these for my red Fuego. More supple and faster than the Racers. Lower pressure meant cornering was not as good as the Stelvio's. They have enough grip, as long as you stay far away from sand and alike. Last pretty long too and are easy to change. Puncture resistant enough. Great fast and comfortable tourer, but has no sidewall reflection. I wouldn't put a high load on these. In a roll-out test I did on rough asphalt, they where quicker than Duranos. They also last longer, and give a more pleasant ride. My 1st pair of 35mm Kojaks now is on my Classic Cruiser. I had them on the front of the Mango for almost 5000km.
rated: recommended and liked (more people should use these instead of Marathons)

Vredestein Perfect Moiree, 47mm
Supposed to be fast on 6 bar. 1.5 bar over their recommended and comfortable pressure of 4.5. I tried them on my Mango, and really didn't like them. Felt slow, sluggish, noisy and cornered vague. Was nice as a rear tire though. At 4.5 bar, they are comfortable, as long as you're not in a hurry. Last long, affordable. Good for heavy trikes, or on the rear of a VM. Makes funny noise, that could become annoying, especially in the wet.
rated: the Schwalbe Tryker probably is better.

Panaracer Minits Lite
Recommended to me by Fards, used now on the front of 'mi bella Fuego'. Very supple, comfortable at 7 bar. Stelvio corners better. Expensive, but easy to buy via Chainreactioncycles and Gingko. Nicest tire for the front of the Fuego. Rolls nicely. Extremely light, easy on and of. Highly recommended for fast bikes. Great on brick roads, feels like 40mm, so comfortable. No more than 300km experience.
rated: loved and recommended

Schwalbe Kojak, 50mm
A big fat slick! The tire for an urban cyclepath SUV like my Pioneer. Knows how to deal with German cycle paths. Doesn't care for potholes, saves your rims. Puncture resistant due it thick surface. Supple in it's sidewalls. Last long, corners good at 4.5 bar. Narrower than a Big Apple and a lot lighter. Cheap too, what not to like? That is has zero grip on sand. Grip enough on anything else. Side wall reflection is not there, so I use spoke reflectors, the little grey thingies. More people should use this tire. They don't need profile! You can't use in on snow either, but you can buy another tire for that. Aero penalty at higher speeds.
rated: liked and recommended

That was enough for one post. Remember, this is not science, it's my well based opinion. You can disagree with me, that's alright.

1st Cruzbike video

2011-08-05T11:46:00.000+02:00

Yesterday I went out to shoot my 1st video with the Q451. I rode to one of my favourite spots, the army training grounds. Most of the time, nothing happens there. Perfect to ride whilst fooling around with a camera. All went according to plan and I extended my ride with a little loop in Northern direction. Just past a tiny village called Eleveld, I took a wrong turn. First part of the road was asphalt. After a few hundred metres I discovered my navigation error, but decided to see where this road would take me.

First some sand, than a mixture of sand and grass. More bumps, mud, puddles followed. It had rained really hard the night before. I'd been doomed on any other dual 20" bike with 28mm tires, but the little fellow just pulled me through! Front wheel drive at it's best, and the suspension did a welcome job too. Here and there I was in it up to the rims, but at no point, it got too hard to ride. After 1km or so, the mud and sand road reached 'civilization' again. That is, there was a little old asphalt road, that led to some old farm houses. So close to home, and I'd never been there before.

It was fun, not fast, but it get's you there. I'll film it the next time I encounter the un-paved. Below is the video.

After dinner I washed of the mud. I think that with a pair of fat 406mm wheels, a bike like this will do just about every little path you can find. And with nobby 24" wheels, even more.

Time trial Nijeveen 2011

2011-08-01T12:10:00.000+02:00

Saturday the 28th edition of this TT was held and for the ??th time there was a recumbent categorie. The start is less than 3km from the Nazca hq. Relatively speaking, this race is just around the corner. And so I rode there in a relaxed pace of just under 30kph. First stop was Nazca where I left my luggage rack and had lunch. Several fellow 'bentriders where already there. Most of them had camped the night before on a nearby campsite.

With plenty of time left, we went to the clubhouse of the local sport clubs. We received our shirt numbers and transponders. I got number 1. More riders arrived, some with a van, others with a 60km warm-up. Two Quests received the duct tape wheel fairing treatment. Others where lightened by throwing out huge amounts of luggage, like 5 tires. The only thing I did was use a the quick release lever to lower my Fuego, a 2 seconds job.

Having number 1 on your shirt, means being the first to start. As usual, I revved the legs and reached the first corner in little time. There I felt that a Minit's lite steers less accurate than a Stelvio. That said, it does roll very nicely. Even at 7 bar, it's quite comfortable. Without any drama I sped up again. A few cars overtook me. One kept riding 20 metres or so in front of me for 6km, with his warning lights on. That might have given me a small aero advantage, or not. It obviously had something to do with the organization.

After 9km I asked myself when Jos would zoom by. He started 2 minutes after me in his Quest. Right after that, he appeared in my mirror. That was lap 1. I started lap 2 with a little wiggle on the straight, just because I felt like. The previous 11km hadn't gone by unnoticed by the legs. Two more Quests came by and I overtook one. In the end, it's the engine that counts. The long back straight was fun, there I reached 48 or so. In the headwind, I struggled to keep it above 37.

Fuego felt good around the track, fitting me like a glove. And, I was 14 seconds faster than in 2009. Now I needed 31:49 to complete the time trial and averaged 40.94kph over 21.73km. My blood needed some re-distribution, so I stayed on my comfy seat to prevent me from feeling too light headed.

I'd given it all I got, but had energy left to ride home at a reasonable pace. It's was another nice day with fellow riders and a days total of 112km.

Here are 11 photo's on my picasa page.
A link to the results will be here within a few days.

Coroplast 'shorty' TF

2011-07-25T16:21:00.000+02:00

My Pioneer is a great 'bent. It does just about everything. That's the reason I choose it to ride to Spezi with. For longer distances and headwinds there is a problem though, it's not that fast. Compared to what I'm used to, what my 'standard' is, it's slow into a 4Bft. headwind.

Coroplast is a nice material, but almost completely unknown in the Dutch recumbent world. In the English speaking world, it's used quite often. On the CV2011 campsite, my tent was pitched near Fards' tent. And, one we the things we talked about, was the 'magic' material. I'd already found a Dutch website selling it, but during CV the decision was made that I'd do something with Coroplast. You could say that Fards ignited this project.

First I thought making something for the Q451. However, that already is a quick little bike. The Pioneer is the bike that could use less drag. I ordered several sheets, and tried to think not too long about the high shipping costs of the large sheets. I know had them in black, which looks cool.

First I made a cardboard template for the back panel and the floor. The floor would rest on the luggage rack. The back panel would have a widest point of 46cm, matching my shoulder width. I cut the panels and bent flaps under a 90 degrees angle, using a hot air gun. Pop rivets with little washers kept it together. Than I could add the sides and cut those to size. I lowered the stress on the joints by heating the curved surfaces. The edges where sealed with Tesa Power Tape. You can also use hot glue to join it.

It looks alright, not a pretty one, but stalwart. It held in place with only 2 bolts, near the bottom of the seat. I kept it relatively short in order to make it easy to store in the shed. Normal sized TF's are sort of bulky.

The first thing I noticed during ride number one was how silent it is.The first ride was to the hairdresser, so I didn't do any tests regarding the aerodynamic qualities. It did give a hint of an advantage.

That evening, I went out for a ride. Curious about how good it would be and just to ride. After 15 minutes or so the idea came to do a simple roll out test. Here's what I did on my test location.

accelerate to 40kph
coast down to 30kph
measure how long that takes in seconds
2 times, return run, that's 4 runs
repeat without TF.

The method is not very precise, not at all. But, the results, which I had to memorize, where clear and consistent enough to conclude that the TF really works. Without the box, it takes about 11.5 seconds to get from 40 to 30. With box, it takes about 13 seconds. If I than hustle the results a bit, trying to be as negative towards my own design as possible, the TF gives at least a 7-8% advantage. And for such a short TF, I find that's very good.

When I rode to work last Friday, the advantage was very welcome. A strong head/side wind, and still I could keep going at 29kph or so. For less than €30,- and a short day of work, I'd made my big practical Nazca significantly faster.

Group ride at night

2011-07-19T11:57:00.000+02:00

Last Friday I travelled down to IJsselstein. After work I rode to Meppel, took the train to Utrecht, and cycled the remaining 12km on my Pioneer. My Garmin Dakota knew how to get there. It turned out my destination is marked quite well. It's close to a 300 metre high radio tower. Speaking of radio towers, on of the first things I heard when I arrived at Maarten's place, was that 'my' radio tower had lost 200 metres.

The tower of Hoogersmilde. I ride past it so often. It's still there, but the top has collapsed. A fire caused the metal antenna to melt, snap and collapse down in to a field. That tower has been my source for FM signals all my live. Now, it's future is uncertain. The 100 metre concrete part is still there. With a little luck, that part is good enough to mount a new antenna on. We now miss a land mark and an icon. Listening to radio 1 and 2 can be problematic. And those are about the only stations I listen to. I dedicate this song to the tower of Hoogersmilde: Radio Gaga.

Back to the ride. Plan was to ride near the Lek river. Not before the sun had set, and we had something the eat. Maarten and Maaike had prepared ingredients to mix your own pasta salad, jummy. We left around 22:20h.

Since the invention of the high power LED, riding at night has become a relaxing experience. Navigation was easy, just follow the Gaucho. To my surprise, the headlights gave enough light for my camera to film some of the ride. We enjoyed the scenery and chatted a bit. There was a full moon, and every now and then, the clouds would move aside to show it. The temperature was right, the wind hardly there. Only downside was the length of the ride, just under 50km. Not really a problem of course, I just felt good enough to do more.

Afterwards there where waffles and hot chocolate. Both with whipped cream :-) And tea too, so plenty of fluids after a day total of 108km. The result of all this hospitality was a bedtime of 3 o'clock in the night. I slept 'till 9.

Breakfast was followed by a bit of music. Songs about tea and silver machines, subjects well known to many 'bentriders. I also did a little work on a Fuego and a Pioneer. By now it was almost noon. And I still had quite a ride to go. So I loaded my stuff in to my Radical Backbone, and said goodbye.

There was a 180km ride ahead of me. But the short night and my right ankle limited me in my performance. On Sunday I did some measuring and concluded that a reason for my ankle problems is that my feet are a bit to far away from each other on the Pioneer. You have time to think when you ride 185km in 2 days time, and I used some of that time to think about my right ankle. Now, if you paid attention, you now found out that I only rode 77km on Saturday. That's because I took the train from Putten to Assen. It had started to rain and I didn't feel like draining myself empty on 180km. That did cost me some money for a train ticket, but I arrived home feeling fit. The last 3km from the station in Assen to home where fun again.

A bike like the Pioneer is excellent for riding through town, on not so good roads, with quite some speed. The fat tires and rear suspensions soak up the bumps. And even though it rained, those 3km where fun.

Das K, Probefahrt

2011-07-10T20:58:00.002+02:00

Yesterday I took the 6:55am train to Venlo. I'd made an appointment with Beyss, the manufacturer of the Evo K in Straelen. The public transport did it's job well and I arrived in Venlo without any delay. From there, it was a short ride with my Cruzbike to cross the border with Germany and arrive at the Zeppelinstrasse.

I was very much on time. After 20 minutes or so, Daniel Fenn arrived in a K. After he had a close look at my Q451, we set up a K for me. Kojaks on the front and some foam to lift the seat a bit. I used the seat covers from my Cruzbike in the K for some extra comfort, and to be able to see the road in front of me.

As soon as I'd left the Beyss factory I tried to find some bumps in the road. Those bumps aren't much softened by the suspension. The good thing is that the K keeps on going in a straight line, not affected by the bumps. The seat covers made it all comfortable enough. Because of the supreme build quality, the body does not rattle at all. The noisiest thing is the rattling freewheel. A 23t TC idler under the front tip op the seat guides the chain to the rear wheel.

Getting used to the side stick steering would probably take a few hundred kilometre. But even so, I felt quite confident at 50kph, with a strong wind from the side. Achieving that same speed with a headwind was as easy as pie. Slowing down with the independent front brakes felt secure. That said, the high speed potential of the K does make me advice 90mm drums, instead of the standard 70mm.

To test it's usability on roads of lesser quality, I used some German urban cycle paths. It manoeuvres nicely, though something narrower than 35mm Kojaks on the front is wise. Minit's Tough could be perfect. There almost as wide, but significantly lower, giving you a smaller turning radius, which is a good thing.

I even found a tiny elevation. With it's super stiff construction and weight of only 18kg, this must be the best climbing velomobile on the market. You would need more than the 1x10 gearing that this K carried. A 38 and a 63 on the front, combined with a 12-27 on the back would make it more pleasant in every day life. A long cage derailleur could do that. A 63 combined with a 559 rear wheel, may sound odd, but with that combination, I'd often be cruising in 6th gear.

So, it's actually pretty good for normal use. Are there downsides? Yes, some. The rear wheel is not single side mounted. That makes the construction a lot stronger, but fixing a flat would take more time. Extras, like lights, indicators and rear suspension cost a lot. Luckily, vm electronics are not that complicated. The openings on the left photo can easily be closed with fibreglass sheets and magnets.

It's not perfect, but nothing is. The ride is divine, the quality outstanding. The K is wickedly fast and looks fantastic. With a few easy and small changes, this could be the best VM for a velonaut like me. In the more affordable 23kg version that is.

After the ride, we had some coffee, discussed my experiences and wishes with the K, and I got a factory tour. Daniel showed me the differences between materials and we put a few items on the scale. I saw rear forks, weighing around 400 grams. A set of rear drop-outs, weighing 30. And, very interesting, we testes a Milan entry hatch. This one had some cosmetic damage, making it good for a smash test. It was hit with a steel pipe, the size of your arm. You can find more photos in this Picasa album.

After 4 interesting, fun and possibly, in the near future turning out to be expensive hours, I rode back to Venlo. Again, my little Quest surprised me. A small hill was easily climbed and descended without any hesitation. Manoeuvring through an unknown city with several diversions, while looking at a GPS, was no problem. I believe I dreamed about the K in the night that followed.

Two days later, I took time to create a short video.

My 2011 Cycle Vision (part 3)

2011-06-30T13:33:00.000+02:00

The 3 hour race started with a short delay caused by a rider showing up too late. That gave me the time to re-attach my water sack. I was feeling better than on Saturday, but 3 hours of riding at quite some speed still didn't sound appealing. Anyway, I got going and settled for 39kph or so, riding the whole track in 5th gear.

That however was to hard to keep doing. After 3/4 of an hour, and my speed began to dip and variate. Not sure what to do, I rode behind Ellen for a while, than chased a faster group. That again was to fast (should have known that) and I dropped back again. Now Ellen was too fast for me and I was really on my own. The 2nd hour was a struggle. Not going any faster than 33 and having a hard time staying focused. Heinz gave me some draft for a couple of laps. The crowd kept cheering, that helped as well. At 1:50 hour, I stopped to stretch and walk a bit. Those 8 minutes was just what I needed. It further killed my average, but after that, I could keep up with Gerold at 40kph.

I saw Emmy at the start/finish straight. Wilfred was cheering after he'd swum across the pond in the middle of the track. In the last 15 minutes, I somewhat felt strong again. Now Gerold got to ride in my slipstream. The last 3 laps of the races where the fastest. I sprinted along with a small fast group for a lap. With 16 seconds on the clock, I crossed the line. That meant I had to do 2 more laps,instead of one. 17 seconds later, would have meant 3 hours + 1 lap, the rule for a this criterium.

3 hours was long enough. After finishing, I walked around a bit, like a duck because of my racy shoes. My carbon Thivasca went back North with the van Dijken family. I'd pick that up on Tuesday. A shower, an ice cream, talking with my parents who'd been volunteering this afternoon, and wandering around. Time to eat a meal I'd brought from home. It only needed heating up, tasted good and was nutritious. The instant tomato soup was very welcome on a hot day like this.

By now, most people had left the event. A group of less than 20 would leave a day later, making for a relaxed and entertaining evening. We had tea and hot chocolate. I could make water hot, Maaike had the other ingredients. More people joined in, including Fards, so we spoke English. Bas had a bag of chips, everybody had stories to tell.

Even though she'd been here all weekend, Maaike had not yet ridden on the 5km track. I said that, since we have access to the toilets, the track is also reachable for us, no extra fence to stop us. So, around 11, a small group had a late evening ride around the track, o so scenic. That was the 1st time I rode my Fuego since Friday. Again, like so many times before, it proved to be my favourite. Yes it's slower than Thivasca on a track like this, but it suits me so nice, handles like a charm and still goes pretty well ;-)

We chatted 'till 1 past midnight and looked at the stars. Satellites past side by side, plains came blinking towards Schiphol airport.

Monday morning, time to pack up and head for home. A weekend of CV and a trailer behind me slowed me down. I and 2 other Huneliggers took a scenic and slightly longer route home. It all had been a little too much for the legs. Still, it was amazing to see how relatively fast you can still go with a fast bike. And everything outside the racing had made this weekend into a success. That rainy Saturday is now almost forgotten.

260km on the Fuego, with trailer, 140 with bike on it.
180km or so on Thivasca.
both are clean again.
I now have 4 'bents against a wall in my room.
my photos on Picasa

My Cycle Vision 2011 (part 2, Evo K)

2011-06-29T21:54:00.000+02:00

Let the writing continue. After nearly a month without a new post, today you get 2!

Sunday morning, it's still wet. Not raining, but wet. It'll take 'till 11 for the track to dry. After breakfast, it's time for the first start of the day, the single fast lap. After Saturdays experience with the 200m, I decided to be there early. Let's not go in to what further happened. I did a reasonable lap, avg. 42kph, and they continued to do fast laps past 11. Wrong timing again... What the heck, I could now enjoy the weather and so on.

I checked out the Cruzbike Silvio. Nice machine, probably rides good too. It felt just as easy as my Q451. Sadly though, brakes and derailleurs weren't adjusted correctly. So I didn't have the chance to do a proper little test ride. (on the left, a Gaucho 28)

There was a second 'must ride' on my list, das Evo K. For that I had to speak German. I walked to Daniel's van and ask if he had a K available. There was one parked beside the building, but I needed shoes with Look pedal compatibility. He had a pair, his. With a big smile on my face I walked back to the K. People where frowning a bit when I rolled it to the 400m oval. I swapped shoes, climbed in, looked around and set of. Better said, I took of. First gear get's you up to 35kph effortless, but it's not too long. You reach that speed in an instant.

I was laughing out loud, this thing is wickedly fast! Two laps around the oval, doin' 40 as if it was nothing. The track obviously was to small for me. I manoeuvred to the long road in front of the main building. Steering felt good, responsive and stable, also at higher speeds. As soon as I had clear road in front of me, a second burst of acceleration followed. 50 was reached as if it has an electric assist. Since this was not my VM, and we knew each other for just a single kilometre, I decided that 52 was fast enough. That felt though, like I could maintain it for quite some time.

I coasted (noisy rear clickityclack freewheel), braked (no brake steer) and made a 1 point u-turn. It's turning radius is small enough. 'Panzerlenkung' is a good thing, this VM handles so nice. Again, I launched myself and the K for a run back to the main building, again reaching 50. With only a centimetre or so of suspension on the front, the last bit of bad road asked for a much, much lower pace. I brought the shoes back to Daniel and told him my experiences. This 3km did result in wanting a longer test ride, to see if it is any good on Dutch roads.

By now it was time to eat and prepare for the 3 hour race.

My Cycle Vision 2011..... (part 1)

2011-06-29T14:38:00.000+02:00

.....Wasn't nearly as fast as the 2010 edition. There's a story behind that. You'll probably know that my right ankle had some problems. Because of that, I've been riding with a different pedal technique. Less ankling and less explosive. Than I had the 'not so brilliant' idea of going there with 2 bikes. My Fuego towing a Radical Cyclone trailer carrying all my camping stuff and my home built carbon TT 'bent. Both work fine, but together they form quite an anchor. Towing all this for a 135km or so, prior to a weekend of racing, is a dumb and silly thing to do.

Now where did that TT 'bent suddenly came from? Well, that's a project of me, ignited by fellow 'bentracer Thomas, over 2 years ago. The premiere of the story behind the bike is reserved for 'our' magazine, the Ligfiets&. Since the bike turned out to be a good one, she got a name, Thivasca.

After a 4 hour ride from work to the location for the individual 1 hour, I wasn't at my best. Not my best from what already wasn't a strong Pjotr. Marloes quickly handed me a transponder and 2 numbers 10 to stick onto my bike. It was my totally impracticable and utterly harsh racer that allowed me average nearly 36kph. Yes, she does what she's supposed to do, be fast. The CV2010 version of me would easily averaged 42+. Although that easy to just say in retrospect.

Back to the campsite, another 25km of towing everything minus 1kg. The front wheel of Thivasca travelled with the HPT-Delft team van. Together with David, Harry, Ilja and Yvonne I arrived at a dark, but scenic field in front of the race track, Flevonice. Tent and tarp where pitched, camp Peter was set up. One of the excellent features of this location was enjoyed around midnight, proper showers and toilets, available at any time. Never before have I experienced such luxury at a race weekend.

Saturday, let's not mention that day too much. It started with a wet 20 minute criterium. I qualified for the finale, but didn't feel like going into the cold and wet weather again. I missed the 200m flying. The origination aborted the event shortly after 4, but the program had promised me it would be from 2 'till 6. Funny though, this must have been the only thing that ended on time. Everything else had huge delays. That not such a bad thing. I've gotten used it. But this year, it went a bit out of hand. Maybe I, with zero experience on organizing any event, could write a guide to help out the organization. I'll think about it.

It stayed wet all day. I did enjoy hanging around the exhibition and catching up with various people. The combination of a v-brake/disc brake lever with a road bike brake on various Optima bikes was one the awkward things I saw. The cup of tea from Radical gave some extra warmth. I also met Pat Franz. Not only does he design the best idlers, he also has a good memory. I met him once before, at CV2009, and the good man remembered my name. Speaking of idlers, Thivasca will get a TC idler too, before the next race.

The presentations given by HPT Delft where interesting. Their bike looks relatively big, but their data tells them it should be really fast. Anyway, it'll be fast. But if they'll beat Sam's 133kph record...

The rain continued to fall. I had dinner, showered, and crawled into my sleeping bag. The next day would completely different.

Race: Trias

2011-05-31T19:58:00.000+02:00

Normally, I use my ankle joints in an active way when I cycle. My calves are busy all the time and act as a 'boost' when I accelerate. Problem is that my right ankle still remembers me of my ride to Spezi. I can pedal, but without my usual 'mild ankling'. Can you race with that? Yes, sort of. I tried it yesterday on my favourite track, Trias The Hague, where I arrived after a 4 hour journey by train and Fuego. A cup of coffee was just what I needed.

With seven participants we had more than enough room on the track. I did my warm-up laps and inspected the track. There where a few small branches right on my apexes, which I removed. Within a few laps, my confidence was back and my cornering speeds rapidly grew. I needed that for the first thing scheduled, a single fast lap.

Attacking every corner, utterly concentrated, and struggling on the straight, this wasn't an easy lap. The head wind on the long straight made that the problem with the ankle was even bigger. Still, it was reasonably fast. Two seconds slower than last year, but fast enough to win with an average of just over 43kph.

The second thing on the list would take longer. The 45 minute criterium would also be slower. I kept up with the winner for a lap or two. After that, I found a pace that suited me, especially on the straights. Near the end a rider I'd lapped once began to push a little. Big fun! Now I had someone to race with. My corners where tidy again and I went a tiny little bit less slower on the straight. In the final lap I overtook him again and decided to leave him behind me. I did 37kph in the long corner in the middle of the track after that. Usually, that is 35kph. That 2 kph extra on the cyclometer surprised me half way that corner. I kept my cool and didn't run out of asphalt. That I finished 2nd doesn't say much. My avg. of 38.6 does show me that I won a lot in the bendy parts of the track. And that's nice.

Lets not talk much about the second criterium. I ran out of steam. My legs had to work in a different way today. The corners where fun though. I finished third in this race, that's midfield as this race had five people on the starting grid. Right after I'd decided to take it easy, but keep riding proper corners, I missed one. Luckily, there was a run-off area and I could continue without falling.

In the end, everybody received a price. Cookies of various kinds where our reward. I said goodbye to everyone and rode back to the train station. At Schiphol I ate some good food from Toko Togo. You don't feel like burgers or fries after a race, you want something light, Asian. After Amersfoort I had a conversation with another 'bentrider. The train was more than full, but the atmosphere was relaxed. I was home just before 22:00h. (the results of the races are not online, yet)

A quick shower, more food, and a DVD. My oldest brother had recorded the Monaco GP for me. Staying up 'till one past midnight was worth it.

Like in almost every race, I'd brought my camera and edited a video with the material it made. On of the things it shows how good rear suspension can be on a racer.

Niels made photos, have a look here.

Radical Design Velomobile bag

2011-05-28T12:25:00.001+02:00

In the past I had two homemade 'velomobile bags'. The 'old jeans 5 pocket' model was used for quite some time. The 'simple tunnel with a zipper' was a lot lighter, but less practical. Now, I've found what I was looking, the ideal velomobile bag.

What now follows is not a long story about how I came up with an ingenious idea, while riding through the night, somewhere between far away and home. Based on what I'd heard and seen I decided to buy the real Velomobile bag. I was on my way to Radical to buy a different bag, when I did that.

I'd called the worlds largest recumbent bag manufacture earlier that day and asked If they had a Backbone in stock. They had, and 2 hours or so later I was at their headquarters. The Backbone is a backpack, that can also be used as a bag on your rear rack. I thought it would be a good addition to my Pioneer. Turned out, it really is.

For both bags I had the choice between 5 colours. Red would be excellent for a Red Edition Mango. Black for the Backbone would suit every 'bent. I quickly found out how well thought out the Velomobile bag is. It stays in place, offers a spot for my phone and MP3 player/radio, camera and food for a day. There's foam in it to stop content from rattling. You don't even think about when you use it. It just slides into your velonautic live, like it has always been there.

Something completely different: next week a post about tomorrows race at my favourite track, Trias :-)

Chain lube: Green Oil

2011-05-17T13:07:00.000+02:00

A lot of cyclist have their favourite chain lube. It took a while for me to find mine, but a few months ago, I did. When I'd decided to buy a TC idler for my Mango, my order at Icletta was only one item. One item with, a reasonable, €10,00 or so shipping costs. I wanted to spread those costs over more items and that's why I browsed through the webshop.

There I found Green Oil. It looked like an interesting product. To be know more about it's quality, I quickly scanned some online reviews. Not only was it 'green', it also was described as a good lubricant. (and that it smells pleasant)

Well, after a few months I can agree with those reviews I read. It sticks to the chain, survives rain and doesn't get messy. I even use it on my Fuego's chain. Since that a good weather bike, that's an easy job for a chain lube. The Pioneer does get used in wet weather and has chain tubes. Also under those not so lube friendly circumstances, Green Oil does the job.

Problem here is that there's no local retailer for it. To be sure I'd have enough for quite some time, I asked Kirk from Icletta if he could bring some of it for me to Spezi. He did and now I have 3 bottles, more than plenty to make it past Spezi 2012.

So, when you see at a local retailer, or when you buy something from Icletta, buy some. I recommend it.

Green Oil has a website too...

Das Evo K

2011-05-09T22:06:00.001+02:00

For getting from A to B, German cycle path are far below the Dutch standard. If you want to go fast in a velomobile, you won't be using them much. The main road than is a far better place to ride. Almost every road, not cycle path, I've ridden on during my 540km ride in Germany, had a tarmac surface. A bump here and there, but certainly no brick stones, like here in the Netherlands. Another thing I didn't see, not that I remember, are speed bumps. So to ride comfortably as a cyclist, I needed big wheels and suspension. For a velomobile, raw speed only may have preference.

And this is how I finally understood the Evo models. They may still lack inside chain covers and some other practical items, but as a concept, they should work quite well I think. Practical items can be installed as an upgrade, or will finds it way to the production models soon, I guess.

At Spezi 2011, the 'K' was presented. The first head-out Evo. A good move as transparent canopies fog up and do silly things with light and sight in the dark, especially when it rains. I had a good look at it. Sadly though, I didn't had the chance for a mini test ride. But even so, I can say a couple of things about it.

It looks fabulous! The interior finishing is very basic, but of high quality. Everything is there to be light, fast and strong. The shape is very sleek. It's so narrow, that it actually fits me. Getting in even was a bit of a struggle for me. Practice naturally takes away those entry difficulties. When it comes to build quality, nothing comes close. Some of the competition might be very good, this is on a whole different level. The speed potential is too. Things like: '54kph at 200W' are utterly impressive. It also gives me the impression that cornering should be good too. Open wheel arches, a low centre of gravity and side stick steering, should be fun to ride eh. The weight of all this is less than 18kg. Even with things that I see as necessary for a velomobile, it should be sub 20kg.

Because the one at Spezi had no: indicators, headlight, tail light, rear suspension, inside chain covers and granny gear. All that is, if I remember correctly, available as an option. You should add that to the €11.000 price tag. (edit 2011-05-10: I just learned that there also a €7000,- (glasfibre?) version possible)More 'bad news' is that it has very limited front suspension movement. To be honest, I don't know how it behaves on real Dutch road.

Concluding I'd say that this beauty can't replace my Mango R.E. Jenease. It would involve a complete change in riding behaviour, moving to Germany would help. Would I like it? Yes, sure, it wickedly fast, should handle great and looks fantastic. As a 2nd velomobile perhaps? In reality though, there is no such thing for me as choosing between these two. Both are completely different, like apples and oranges. And 11k, is a bit of of my price range. A poster would be nice, but a test ride would be fine too ;-)

If you want to know more, follow the velomobile forum.

Spezi, the weekend

2011-05-08T21:22:00.000+02:00

It's just before 9 in the morning on Saturday when I ride to Germersheim. Only 5km or so, that's wasn't too much for my ankle. I spend most of this day at the test ride area, working. Every half an hour a new group of people is allowed on the track. They've often waited quite some time, and are eager to try out as much 'bents as possible. Some know exactly what they're looking for. Others don't have a clue. Some just want fun. The level of experience varies from absolutely zero (even below that), up to being an experienced dealer.

I saw 130kg man trying to ride a 'bent set up for 1.6m short females. Seeing short people trying to climb onto a obviously way too tall and big bike is also no exception. The scary category doesn't know how derailleurs work. Some people better stay away from bikes in general. But, in the middle of this mayhem, good things happen. People find the bike of their dreams, or successfully ride for the first time, and really enjoy that. On the photo you (could) see a Pioneer.

Near the end of the day I did a quick check of what was to see at the rest of Spezi. Walking was a problem, so I didn't go for long. Like in 2010, I bought something to eat at the food stand. Russian Pelmeni are worth becoming a tradition for me.

For me, there just wasn't enough time to see everything. I missed the Rotovelo. I didn't ride in the Evo K. (drool....) So maybe, I should ride to another special bike show. Preferably less than 600km from Assen. With time to see and try everything. Now I'd 'done' Spezi in under an hour.

Speaking of riding 600km, I wasn't able to ride back home. Luckily, the 'bent world is a small world. A man from Challenge Recumbents had some space left in his van, enough for a big red Pioneer. He gave me the hint to ask Radical Design if they had a spare seat for me. They had :-) My ride home was arranged. One worry less that was. Going home by train was possible, yes. But that would have cost me dearly, and would have been quite an expedition too. The Nazca van already was full with bikes and other luggage.

On Saturday evening, I had dinner with a whole group of 'Aussteller'. I choose patatoes with asparagus and melted butter. Conversations jumped in all directions. It's good to talk about something different after a whole day at an exhibition. Dessert was something I'd been waiting for half a week, chocolate-milk with icecream and whipped cream.

Sunday starts with breakfast, just like every other day. The rest of the day was new. I gave Lobbes to the man with the van, Dirk. I'd re-unite with my Pioneer on Wednesday, in the outdoor shop where Dirk works. I spent most of Sunday in the Nazca stand in hall 2. Answering, explaining questions and things, talking with people I know. No easy task, but I managed, I think. German is my 3th language and I rarely have the need to use it.

The little spare time I had where spent in hall 1 mainly. I visited Sinner and admired the Evo K. I sat in it. The only thing that doesn't suit me is the €11.000 price tag. That machine is definitely worth a blog post. At Icletta, i said hello to Kirk, bought some Green Oil and a Cage Rocket. Meeting some fellow 'bentriders is always nice, especially when you don't expect them. Wim and Frank dropped by and, more important, Willemijn too. And in between everything going on, some other stand holders found time to drop by as well.

At 6, Spezi ended, and the big exodus began. I couldn't carry stuff. I'd arranged a pair of crutches to get around today. Luckily a, if all goes well, near future customer helped us out. One member of the Nazca team had been sick all day, and didn't leave his hotel room all day. And with one man down, not many where left.

I left Germersheim just after 7. Together with the people from Radical Design. We had dinner in a good roadside restaurant. My right foot was on a pile of bags to keep it high. We arrived at Radical hq. at 2:30am. After a glass of milk and the brushing of my teeth, I went to sleep. They had a spare bed. At this time, just a blanket would have been enough for me.

The original idea was to cover the final 20km homewards by buss. Judging the size of my ankle, I was offered a drive home. Not before I paid a quick visit to the sewing studio, where a lot of special recumbent bags are made. With that, a remarkable weekend had come to an end. So I was home 3 days early. That felt odd. All I could do now was rest, type and wait.

more photos here.

Late report: Recumbent Easter meeting

2011-05-04T16:31:00.000+02:00

There only was one day between the meeting and my ride to Spezi. That's too little time to write a blog item. I spent that Tuesday preparing for the 3 day trip.

Well than, it started at Friday morning. I rode to work with my Cruiser and everything I need for a long weekend of camping. I thought it would be fun to make the journey on a classic and basic machine. The minor tailwind was enough to get there while cruising at 28kph or so. The conditions where good too when I left the little int. hq. at half past four. The fun always begins after Apeldoorn. First some uphill, than mostly downhill. Top speed was 55kph on a slightly bendy cycle path, fun!

I arrived at the Harskamperdennen campsite precisely on time. Camp Peter was set up and I walked to Maarten and Maaike who where so kind to prepare some extra food. It was around 9 now and I tend to have a good appetite after 95km of riding. Dinner was excellent. Lot's of veggies, great taste, exactly what I need after a long day. A good base for a good night of sleep.

Saturday is the day that I do very little. I went to the supermarket, twice. First just for breakfast, the second time for more. More and more people arrived at the campsite. The atmosphere was good, the weather was almost too warm. It actually was so dry, that the usual Saturday evening campfire wasn't build.

Sunday, to day of the GPS puzzle ride. I was in a clever group. We first answered all questions and than had a nice tour behind the only man with a GPS, who just knew how to use it. I had to brake a little for a pretty Fujin SL2 Rohloff on a downhill section. Me and Yoska wanted to go faster than the 59.5 the man in front wanted. In all circumstances my nearly 12 year old bike with only 8 gears had what was needed. Full suspension, good handling, a well engineered chainline and 35mm Kojak tires. Except for a part with loose and rough gravel. I needed more rubber for that. I managed, but very slowly.

We'd been riding fairly slow and social for most of the ride. I felt like doing the final part at a substantial higher pace. More felt that way. The fastest three can be seen in action near the end of the video I've made.

Like on most evenings, I prepared my own dinner in front of my tent. It was when I did the dishes that I met a fairly unique person in the world of 'bents. Let me say we (or just I) need more of those. The music used in the video gives a hint.

After that, I said hello to my parents, who where enjoying their first Easter meeting. They didn't camp, but had rented small accommodation, elsewhere on the campsite. Mom rides a 24" Gaucho, Dad a 2004 Cruiser.

Monday, time to say goodbye and head home. Now with a headwind. Time to take it easy. Good to practice riding at a slower than usual pace. Excellent preparation for the Spezi ride. This long weekend was good for 330km.

More photos can be found here .

The ride to Spezi

2011-05-03T11:52:00.000+02:00

After Spezi 2010, I decided to ride there the next year. And so I did. I knew that proper cycle paths are almost exclusively a Dutch phenomenon, so I took my 'bent with the biggest wheels and the most comfortable ride on any surface possible, my Pioneer. Far from the fastest and without weather protection. But the weather would be good (I just knew that) and I had time. It was my first multi-day long ride ever.

With hotels booked, food for a day, a little too much luggage I set of on Wednesday morning. The location of each hotel was a waypoint in my Dakota GPS. I had a vague idea of the route. A list of places I would ride through was what I had prepared. I started following the GPS after 130km, that's when I ran out of signs to follow. I'd sometimes followed a cycle route when that was in line with my route and/or I was tired of riding on the road with motorized traffic. But, 99% of German motorist are patient and amazingly respectful to cyclist. However, you hardly see any other cyclists on roads with a speed limit of over 70kph. Riding there is allowed though, and it get's you there when you got the guts.

Cyclepaths had became short, narrow, bumpy for most of the ride after 61km. That was when I crossed the border between the Netherlands and Germany. Sure, our big friendly neighbour has nice routes, but those are mostly of a touristic nature. With about 200km per day, the fast route has preference.

Day one was mostly flat and I relatively easy completed the 220km to the hotel in Hamm. Münster was the only big city I crossed. Countless traffic lights and rush hour traffic. A big 'bent and a GPS become your best friend in such situations. I arrived at the Herzog Hotel in just under 10 hours of riding. The meal at an Italian restaurant was good. The staff spoke with a strong accent at Italian speeds. Back at my hotel room I showered, watch television and slept 8 hours straight.

Day two, 2 hours of mild rain after a good breakfast. This would be the toughest day. Climbing was new to me and most of this day would be through the Sauerland. The busy roads did lead me to beautiful sights and quiet trails. Up and down hills, with 10% gradient, things that all where new to me. I saw a 14% slope warning sign for the first time. Hairpin corners limited my top speed to 66kph. The GPS followed some narrow and unpaved roads. Again, my choice of bike proved itself right. It was slow, but fun.

I thought I'd left the hills behind after 130km. Wrong I was, very wrong indeed. Another 40km followed, and I decided to walk to two times to reach the top without putting too much strain on the legs. Fewer luggage and a lower granny would have helped for sure. 30-32 with a 50-559 wheel is too high for these circumstances. I'd sometimes feel funny and stopped to let that feeling go away. The last 30km was relatively easy, mostly downhill.

At half past 8, I was tired, with leg muscles protesting and a right ankle feeling strange. A night of rest solved most of that. It was almost 9 'o clock when I had dinner at the hotel in Diez. Yes I was utterly tired after my hardest day of riding ever, but I felt proud that I'd made it. 200km, through the Sauerland, on my own, with my 9 year old bike, with hills, traffic and zero climbing experience.

Day three started a little later. This would be such a long day, 170km or so. And just when I thought it would easy from now on, 35km of hills came in sight. I completely had it with the big roads to crawl up hill and fled into the woods for a few kilometres. But when I reached the end of the final real climb, at 512 metres, having a wide road in front was really necessary.

My heart had been in overdrive after 26km because of the climbing, forcing me to an early break. Now the blood pressure went up for a whole different reason. 9%, downhill, 2.8km, no corners, lorry's must gear down. Down I went. Faster and faster. Lightweight 'bentrider on big bike with luggage on the rack. Throw in some wind from the right to make it more exciting. 60 was nothing, 70 was easily past. 76 was when I stopped accelerating. Trucks going up hill had their engines going at full power.

With hot brakes and rims I entered Wiesbaden. I hopped to the side of the road to take a deep breath. Not for long though. I was on my way to the river Rhein. Following that was easy. Flat, very little traffic, with good signs. I said 'hello' to another 'bentrider, also on his way to Spezi.

After 102km, I had a cappuccino at a bakery. That is also the moment to buy bread for the next day. Problem was that my right ankle had suffered from the climbing and needed rest. From here on, with 70km left to go, I had to take it easy. And so I did, most of the time. Bumps hurt, bridges too. Having 2 legs is handy in these situations. My left leg was doing the hard work now.

So, with almost 600km in three days, I felt good, except for the ankle sadly. I'd achieved something, seen many things, rode for almost 30 hours. I shared my final kilometres to Lingenfeld with a Quest rider. It was almost 8 in the evening when I stumbled into the hotel lobby. Tired and hungry for food and more riding.

More about Spezi later on...

Special customers

2011-04-19T10:38:00.000+02:00

Every customer is unique, especially in the world of 'bents. Every bike brought in gets full attention, some a bit more. Things get interesting when friends bring in their bike. The situation than get's perfect for everything to go wrong. Last Friday however, it all went well.

A 2002 Pioneer and a 2006 Fuego. I did the work on the Pioneer. This one was made a month or so after mine was made. Several things needed replacing. I already knew that. This was the same Pioneer whose handlebars where replaced with the help of a manual I'd written. Quite an achievement for the writer and the reader!

I'd seen this 'bent before on the Easter and Autumn meeting. The owner watched the whole operation, she was good at doing that. You see, often customers want to see how their bikes get repaired. Some get in the way than, talk to much, and so on. I did my wrenching, explaining and talking about this and that, and nothing really went wrong. I might be getting better at it actually. Most important thing I did was change the headset. A vital part to make the handling of the bike easy. This one had been badly adjusted and worn out as a result of that. Replacing it requires force, special tools, knowledge and experience. If something didn't turn out the way it should have, I'll hear that Friday evening at the campsite of the Easter meeting. There will be some small tools in my luggage anyway. There's always something to repair or adjust at the 'bent Easter meeting.

The ride home from work went a little slower than expected. The bike, Yivalté, was fine. It was the engine having problems. The past days I had some small problems breathing. It took me a few days to figure out what the problem was. I remembered that I'm asthmatic. Now most of the time, that's not really a problem. Just take the medication once a day and stay away from: perfume, paint smell, deodorant spray, 2 stroke engines, crowded rooms (I don't like crowded places anyway), dust, cigarette smoke (outdoors too) and badly ventilated buildings. (which means almost every new building) No big deal... But sometimes, it get's a little worse, like your lungs suddenly are half their original size. No worries needed, it's normal again after a week or so.

So, after 18km at 38kph I did feel like slowing down. My speed dropped to just below 30. Not for long though, a quarter of an hour later I was cruising again at 33. Taking it easy with this set of lungs meant an average of 32kph.

Sunday, more wrenching. Now for a Huneligger's bike. But surely not before I'd watched the F1 Grand Prix of China. What an utterly fantastic race that was! After lunch then, a full check-up, another headset and some tidying up. I don't do this often, fixing someone else's Nazca, in private time. But some just have privileges most others don't have. This Paseo now was ready for many trouble free rides. Special bikes need a specialist's eye.

Ligfietsopstapdag Assen 2011

2011-04-14T17:13:00.000+02:00

The easiest and most efficient way of promoting recumbents most possibly is an 'opstapdag'. I don't really know how to translate that, but the idea is simple. Manufacturers hire a location, do some local promotion with posters and bring demo-'bents. That's all. In Assen we have a good location. A 400 metre oval/ice/skeeler rink.

Good weather and about 30 'bents. The whole mix was good enough to attract a few hundred people. Among those, people like me, but also complete newbies. For the more experienced rider it's an event to meet each other and talk 'bents and so for an afternoon. Some make it part of a Sunday group ride. The newbie has everything he/she (yes, she too) could wish for. Experts to talk with and nothing to be ashamed of. Your surrounded with people just like you and with those who are able to help.

The results of a day like this? Lot's of people had a good time and manufacturers sell more bikes.You can't buy anything on a day like this, but it sure triggers people to visit a dealer for a longer test ride.

I was busy telling folks about the different Nazca's half the time. The rest of the time was about having fun.

More of my photos.
Guldan's 141 photos.

Questions? Don't be shy to use the comment box below.

Racing: Sloten velodrome

2011-04-06T17:16:00.000+02:00

Last Sunday I had the 3th and final race of this years indoor competition. After some thinking I decided to go with my own Fuego and not with the demo Gaucho 28. Yivalté is my favourite, slightly faster and would give me more confidence on the tight 200 metre track.

Getting there this time was different that the usual train ride. By car and with a female chauffeur. Someone to talk to and perfectly on time. Most Huneliggers tend to be behind schedule most of the time ;-) Now I had time to look around and to eat when I arrived at the velodrome.

I quickly got used to the track and did a little warm-up. The 200 metre flying went awfully slow. I'd forgotten how to corner at high speeds and averaged a miserable 50.7kph. In 2009, same track, I did more than 55!

The Keirin went a lot better. I managed to corner at 55kph, without going high up the banking, I felt comfortable. The Yivalté-Pjotr320 combination made it to the semi finale. In the end good for an 8th place, based on the average speed I reached.

Than it was time for the criterium over 45 minutes+ 1 lap. I started from the back, but leaped to the front of the field within a few laps. Good thing was that I was able to keep doing these short sprints throughout the whole race. My main competitor was new to me. I kept watching him, making sure he wouldn't get away. That was a smart thing to do. I thought I had one lap on him. It turned it was less than half a second. The video shows the rest of the story.

Most helpful thing was that some people shouted advises at me. To go faster, chase someone, or to take it easy. During the 'easy' parts of the race my heartbeat dropped to just below 170. Left hand and hips did the steering and the occasional braking, right hand offered the drinking hose (?) and my head relaxed against the neck rest. Zen cycling on the track :-) (Thank you Hankie) I finished beside Thomas, the other Nazca rider on the track. He was riding his Gaucho 28, and finished in 5th position.

I got a ride home with the van Dijken family, again. There 2 sons (5 and 7) are amazingly smart. They also took part in the 200m flying. You can read those results, and all the others on ligfiets.net

I'll try to keep the fast legs. More fast riding over longer distances is needed. With the improving weather, that should be no problem. Today started with a fast 60km ride with Mango Jenease.

National pride, sort of.

2011-03-29T21:14:00.000+02:00

When Jenease stood on her wheels for the 1st time, the idea came to put a big Maple Leaf on the sides. I went to the sign company, next door, and they had an idea. Then, nothing happened, they'd lost my phone number. But recently, Sinner let me know that the sign company still had something for me. I hadn't had much time during winter, but now I had, some. So I made an appointment, cleaned the body, rode to Groningen, and had it done. Twenty minutes was all it took. It looks fabulous. Just an outline, in red on white and in white on red, brilliant.

I took her out for a fast ride last Sunday. The evening ride I did last Wednesday was only 28km. This would be a longer one. On my way North, I helped out a father and his son. A flat, no pump and no 'glue'. Naturally, a had it all. They where each riding one of them up-right bikes, with a saddle and so. Didn't look very developed. But we're here, on our little earth, to help each other. And I was in a good mood, and the weather was helping too. Just 10 minutes and everybody was on his way again.

This 'delay' had created time for my dad to overtake me. He also was out for a ride, in his Alleweder. We had a different plan and I'm somewhat faster, but we rode together for a couple of minutes. We then both went our own way again. I continued heading North, with quite some speed. For some reason, me legs and Jenease felt excellent. The speedo showed a figure around 40 for most of the time. Also on my way back, after a visiting a recumbent friend. Long straights, legs spinning at 95 or so, effortless acceleration, enjoying the close gear ratio of a 10 speed cassette, the TC idler, the comfort and aerodynamics of my Mango. (in no particular order) This day I cycled 90km.

Friday also was a 90km day. The usual commute to Nazca, this time on Yivalté, mi Fuego. A happy German customer came to collect his Gaucho 26. I, once again, tried my best at doing my job as good as possible. Thriving for the best adjustments finishing and fittings possible.

On Friday evening, on my way back from the pool, I chased a fire truck to see where something was happening. Turned out, nothing really happened. But I sure had a good time racing through a suburb on Lobbes the Pioneer. This big 'bent is so good at doing this. Going fast under urban circumstances, never afraid of some rough roads. Almost capable of the same corner angles as Yivalté.

And, let's also mention Yoska, my 1999 Cruiser, that I didn't sell. I cleaned the rear rack and made a list of what has to be done to get her back in an original condition. Not much that is. A new rear fender is on the list, as well as black paint for the rack and tiller.

Tuesday evening, the bright sky called for a ride. I took out my Q451 and cycled past and through several small villages around hometown Assen. 36km with a stop to have a wee and to look at the twinkling stars. It has a dynamo and a 2x8 Dynolight to lite up the dark roads I prefer to ride on. The same set up as on the Oké-ja. That was used quite a lot on Thursday to deliver all the post. My dad was away for a few days with mom, so I had to do it all myself. Pedalling through Assen on a little 'bent, while earning some money and listening to the radio.

Yup, last week was a good one. I also listened to 3 records. A chair, a cup of coffee and some chocolate completed the scenery. Let's not forget Sunday morning. Watching the 1st race of the F1 season is fun too. And I made banana pancakes for breakfast, supreme!

More photos, from the whole stable of 'bents can be found on my Picasa page. Videos are online on my YouTube channel. Next Sunday: the 3th and final race of this years Dutch Recumbent Competition.

My Cruzbike Quest 451, special.

2011-03-22T10:27:00.000+01:00

Regular readers knew something was coming. And last week, the last part arrived. Usually, all parts arrive at once. I had bad luck, an important part wasn't in the box. After some e-mails going back and forward between here and The States, Fedex delivered the missing telescopic front tube. I had used the time that took to work on the details and finishing of my little orange 'bent.

Assembling it was quite easy for me. Swapping the short 451 chainstay for the longer 559 chainstay however, took a lot of effort. The fitting of the pivot points near the front axle is very tight. But it resulted in a higher bottom bracket, and that is worth the effort for me. I did more to make it 'special'. Aerobars/open cockpit style handlebars, different reflectors, pump, toolkit bag, presta valves, no granny gear, clipless pedals, Nordlicht bottle dynamo, 2x8 Dynolight, seat post rack, wireless computer, bottle cages, Drop-stop mini fender and neater cable routing.

I changed all that, without having ridden a metre. Last Thursday, just before dinner, I went for it. With some Flevobike experience in the legs, this should be easy as pie. The first round the block required the full width of the street. Later that evening I started with 'roll, steer, pedal and relax'. That lead to a 6km ride through a quiet and dark neighbourhood.

On Saturday morning my stability, manoeuvrability and speed grew during a 12km ride. After that, I felt confident enough the install the Wellgo clip-less pedals I'd bought on E-bay. 256 gram a pair and cheap. With the clip-less pedals, the quality of my ride greatly improved. A nice cadence of 95 or so and, again, more straight line stability. After lunch I rode 33km. I adjusted the front brake halfway the ride. You go faster when the disc don't rub the pads...

Sunday was the day of the first long ride, 87km with my fellow Huneliggers. I started to notice and appreciate the different sort of work out I was getting on this type of 'bent. By now I could cruise at 28kph or so and sprint to a max of almost 50. I'm happy to conclude that the Q451 is a good addition to my stable of 'bents. Every bike has it's place. The Quest makes me engage more muscles, a bit like on an upright when you pull the handlebars, I guess. Anyway, I like it, it feels good. Thanks to Nanda and the people from Cruzbike.

Numbers, as on photos:

weight: just below 16kg
wheelbase: 108cm
seat height: 53cm
bb height: 56cm
gears: 52/42 - 30-11, 2x9
crank length: 155mm

In my previous post, I said I'd sell my Cruiser. Things have changed. I'm keeping the young classic. It's one of the first, likely build by the founder of the company, came with all documents, from the 1st owner and I have room enough. Plan is to get her back to how she once left the factory. So with the rack, fenders and front derailleur. A bright yellow blast from the recumbent past.

Fuego time, finally

2011-03-14T21:57:00.000+01:00

A little while ago, a Pioneer rider visited the Nazca shop in Nijeveen. That happens more often. The funny thing was that this man knew me, sort of. He reads my blog, and my writings, videos and photos where part of the reason he got himself a 2nd hand Pioneer. More important where the many Nazca's used to travel the world. If the bike could handle Australia, it'll work here too. Not his exact words, but you get the idea.

That day, I took my Fuego Yivalté to ride to the little int. hq. And yes, she is my favourite. Nothing feels, handles and goes like this 'bent. The ergonomics are perfect for me. The narrow handlebars, the custom brake handle position, the low seat angle, the neck rest, the shifter, the seat, the bracket height. This feeling of near perfection is what I aim for in every bike I ride. Of course, I know that every bike has its/hers/his own strong points and intended use.

Anyway, the weather was good last weekend and I used it good. I rode the Biddinghuizen on Saturday the review the facilities for Cycle Vision. A 100km ride with Yivalté. Recumbent grin form ear to ear... I spent over 3 hours riding, looking and discussing the place with fellow 'bent rider Gerold. He offered me a ride to Woerden, where I would attend the annual meeting of the NVHPV. I took the offer the be on time for dinner. The Audi he drives was a pleasant addition to this day.

I quickly found the train station and, from that, the meeting location was found back by memory. Theo and Erik had prepared dinner and more riders where there to do other things. Mainly it was an evening of telling stories and sharing experiences. On the photo you see 'camp Peter'. I dragged my Fuego and stuff up 2 stairs to where I wanted to sleep. High, cool (for the inner 10yo), under a smoke detector and next to a fire escape.

The next morning, there was good breakfast. No waffles, but with plenty of other things to make it a proper start of the day. Later on, more people came in to attend the meeting. The meeting was interesting. It's good to be where decisions are made. And I spoke with Guus, that's something I wanted to mention here. I had my worries about his health, but he's doing fine now. He ain't fast, but he's riding.

Afterwards, around half past 4, I started my journey home. I wasn't sure how exactly, so I just started riding towards Utrecht. Maarten pointed me the right direction and of I went. My GPS lead me through parts of Utrecht, Soest and forest. After 45km I decided to head for Amersfoort. A city with a train station. I never intended to ride back to whole 180km. The bendy cycle paths near Amersfoort are fantastic. Left and right, up and down, past the field, through the woods.

As usual, the train ride back to Assen went without any difficulties. I grabbed a snack before boarding, a 'bamischijf'. This weekend added 180km to the odometer of Yivalté. Needless to say, it was a good one.

During the meeting, I made eye contact with a man I hadn't seen for a year. Now that happens more often. You say hello to someone you haven't seen for a while and than continue with what you where doing. But this was something different. A year ago he was very enthusiastic about a special bike he would pick up three days later. Insiders and my fellow 'bent riders know the rest of the story. I spoke with him during the tea time break. That was one of those conversations I won't forget.

Take care out there.

A race with the Gaucho

2011-02-15T21:51:00.000+01:00

I was close to sleeping in the train on my way to Alkmaar. My throat was soar, my head was aching every now and then and I felt like going to bed most of the time. Not the best condition to enter a race. But I really wanted to race. In front of me stood a fast machine that needed testing. Besides that, I like racing. Luckily, I wasn't to only one who felt the same. 22 other riders wanted to give it a go on the 250 metre velodrome.

So, after the usual unpacking, testing and warm up, I started with a 1km time trial. Now you must know that I had zero track experience with a dual 28" bike. So I was glad that I could practice a bit during the warm up. The world sure looks different from the Gaucho's point of view. It becomes easy when you go past the 40kph barrier. Slower is possible, but doesn't feel pleasant on the banked corners.

The 1km. A good start followed by 3 steady laps of just over 50kph. Lap number 4 went a little slower. My time was 1:17:3, nothing special. I qualified for the runners-up race.

The great thing about a criterium is that you can draft, or slipstream, whatever you call it. For me however, there wasn't much to hide behind. I could feel some difference with a bike in front of me, but it kept feeling awfully windy around my head. But I could keep up with our group of four. And I also was fast enough to lead the pack. How? Most likely a combination of a good 'bent and a trained engine. As long as I didn't push to hard, heart rate 174 or so, I felt fine. And so we kept riding around for 43 minutes.

That was the moment I thought: let's see what's possible. I left my 3th position and fiercely accelerated from 44 to 54kph. I cleverly used the height of the banking as a gravity boost. For 5 more laps, my speed was above 50. The last 2 laps where difficult and I finished coughing, but in 1st position. Five seconds behind me in 2nd position was Emmy, followed by the tandem and Gerold on his Baron.

And yes, I made it without a headache! I spent the rest of the afternoon hanging around, talking about this and that, taking some photos and eating. I got a ride home with the van Dijken family, thanks! That saved me from the utter chaos you often find on the train station of Amersfoort on Sunday evening.

I won the little race, the Gaucho with a 21 or so degree seat angle is fast, I didn't get ill, and had another fine afternoon at the races.

How fast is it? I'd say very close to my Fuego on the track, and faster on the open road. The big wheels and high position really pay of in every day life. But choosing a bike is personal. I'll keep riding my Fuego because it's just more exciting and fun. And I can't buy everything I like.

Results
My photos

An even better Gaucho 28?

2011-02-12T21:04:00.000+01:00

Friday morning. I get well dressed for a ride on my Pioneer. Just before leaving I install my radio in my pockets and ears. Riding the Fuego and Mango have spoiled me a bit when it comes to speed sensation/ The Pioneer is kinda slow on such a long, long straight. Radio 2 is a good companion for the long distance commuter. But it's a good bike, and I get to Nijeveen in a comfortable and save way. I had time to think of ways to make Lobbes faster.

I spent most of the day checking bikes for dealers and customers in France and Germany. Everything most be perfect. Everything as by the book. Everything as good as possible.

After tea I start working on some wheels. And while I'm doing that, Henk is preparing a special Gaucho 28, one with some new, an experiment. Instead of the usual 28 degrees, which racy me finds rather up-right, this one goes down to 21 or so. Of course, without getting a strange geometry and wobbly handling. Two weeks ago I swapped the aluminum plates halfway the bike. Now the bike gets a headlight (an IQ-Speed) and a small rack so that I can ride it home.

Half past five, time to go. I load my stuff onto the little rack and switch on the lights. I sense in the first 50 metres that I like this geometry. It's the ride position of the Fuego combined with the best rolling wheels possible. You might expect that after a ride in the morning on 50 millimetre Kojaks, riding 28 milimetre Conti GP4000S's feels rough. It doesn't, it really doesn't. No rattle, no noise. Nothing more than a deep humming sound. The rear air suspension and 622 size wheels are truly excellent.

It's on my way back home that I know what my Pioneer needs. A derailleur and a different seat. We'll work on that. More things happen when I ride past the canal. My headlight's battery drops in voltage. That means the IQ switches into 'eco mode'. 10 instead of 50 lux. Enough to see the road, enough to be seen. But it ain't very bright no more. To compensate I turn on my latest buy, a Planetbike Spok. Small, economic, high on my helmet and amazingly bright. The perfect back-up!

The Gaucho is clean now, ready for tomorrows race. I'll bring my cameras and I'm curious how it'll do on the track.

Weekend, several things

2011-02-06T21:09:00.001+01:00

My weekend started at Nazca. I checked several bikes and built four wheels. A lot of wheels I use on my own bikes are laced and trued by yours truly, but these where the first I build for Nazca. I learned it, five years or so ago, from a fellow Huneligger. And yes, I also had the joy of my 84km Friday commute. This time with a 5-7bft. wind. The tailwind pushed me home, the headwind gave my some extra training. Which is good. I have another race on the 13th of February.

Last week I gave my Pioneer a proper tiller. I'd been using a home made one for over a year, that one wasn't that stable anymore. So a well engineered, slightly heavier, but much nicer tiller from the 'little int. hq. was installed. Also added to my big red 'bent was a 46t chain ring. That completed my 3x3 gearing system. An efficient and classic Sturmey Archer AW3 hub, with two 33% steps, combined with a 38, 42, and a 46 chainring give a 9 speed system with 10% steps. Operating it has a learning curve, but it works! Big easy steps for city riding and close gearing for longer distances. The gear range goes from 13 to 48kph.

My Oké-ja finally got the right shifter to match the SRAM TK3 hub. This hub replaces the original Nexus 4. That one was geared way to high and much less efficient. Indeed, I like 3 speed hubs. I got the classic looking little thumb operated lever from a fellow velonaut with a webshop in bike parts. My up-right-ish 'bent also had it electrics checked and it's tail light replaced. That's another little home made thing. Dynamo operated and with a capacitor to keep it shining when the wheels don't turn.

On Sunday I made a little 70km ride with 3 other Huneliggers. The four of us where riding some of the worlds finest velomobiles. A red Carbon Strada, a Mango Red Edition, a Mango Sport and a 'normal' Quest. Again, the wind was strong, we enjoyed that. Later this day I took mom out on her Gaucho. Winter had kept her from riding her blue 24" 'bent and I thought it was about time she'd get back on it again.

Tomorrow, a courier from DHL will pick up a large package from my house. This is part of a little project of mine. It involves second hand recumbents, me, and the international community of bentriders. More about this later. However, my Cruiser still is available. It might be a good idea to create an add for that on ligfiets.net

An extra little notice for my American readers. Nazca's are available via a dealer in California since not so long. That's makes buying this Euro-bent a whole lot easier. Check out the Spincylz website for more info. Am I getting paid for this? Not that I know. I already liked the idea of more Euro-bents on the other side of the big pond. And an overseas dealer makes for a whole lot less hassle.

Cruiser Yoska for sale

2011-01-30T19:09:00.000+01:00

As I wrote in a previous post, I'm very seriously considering a new bike. A suitcase transportable machine that I can use on far away journeys. An important factor in buying things is money. Another factor is space and practicality. I'd decided that I'd sell my Cruiser. It has overlap in it's purposes with my Fuego and Pioneer. My money and space could be spend in a more efficient way.

The new bike will be a Cruzbike Quest 451. Something completely different, and yes, mine will be even more different. I've came up with a small modification that, from my point of view, will make the Q451 significantly better for me. More on that when the orange fwd mbb 'bent is in my house. That 'orange' is a bit of a downside. It's a colour that dangles somewhere on the lower end of my list of favourite colours. Red and white are my colours! But providing one colour keeps the costs down, which is an understandable business philosophy.

I'll buy my Q451 from Spincylz, the Nazca dealer in California. Nanda spotted my interest and pointed me in the direction of the Quest. That does mean that I'll join the club of Quest owners. In the Dutch 'bent world however, that has a complete different meaning. My Q451 is small enough to fit in a Radical Design trailer behind my Mango ;-)

Back to Yoska. Her story has been tolled on this blog and there are plenty of photos in my picasa album. I'll sell her without lights and dynamo. You can use this blog's search function on the top of this page to find all I've written about this 1999 Nazca. The original rack is also included. That does need quite some sanding/grinding and painting. I was thinking about a €525,- price tag. Overseas shipping is possible, but be aware that the cost of that easily exceed €350,-!

The bike will probably fit people from 1.6 up to 1.8 metre tall. The tiller is a bit on the short side, but it fits me. It's meant for rides from early spring to the 'Indian summer'. Not for year round commuting. Kept simple and ready for thousands of fun kilometres. Possibly the ideal bike beside your velomobile. Riding on a 2 wheeled open bike just is more fun. I have my Fuego Yivalté for the close to perfect riding experience.

DRC Apeldoorn, back on my Fuego

2011-01-15T13:32:00.000+01:00

Finally, a chance to ride my precious Yivalté again. My last ride was in September. Since then, the roads have always been wet, dirty or a combination of that. I customized the route of the return chain the day before the race. A chain tube is practical, an extra idler is more efficient. It should be good for a few tenths of a kilometre at 45kph.

A 4km TT means 16 laps on this oval. I had a careful start, beginning with 44kph or so. But when the 2 other riders came close, (we started close after each other) gear 7 was traded for gear 8 and I took a leap forward. It went rather well with a time of 5:19, just over 45kph average. That was a time that put me in the slower half of the strong field. I'd be taking part in the runners-up criterium.

And in that group where a few riders I'm very familiar with on the track. Jos, Thomas and Emmy. We quickly formed a group in which also Walter and Marcel had a place. The speeds varied from 44 to 54. Luckily I'm able to cope which such a race nowadays. Of course, training helps, but a fast bike helps too. One of my favourite special modifications to my Fuego is reclining the seat beyond the original specifications. That, combined with narrow handlebars, strong legs and a nice 'no pogo' chainline make for a fast combination on most tracks.

And until the final lap, everything went according to plan. Than I made the mistake to look at the timing a bit to long. That's how I missed the quick getaway of Marcel on his loaner RazzFazz. He won, and I finished just behind Jos. You can view all results here, on Mylaps.

Besides the racing, there's more. I also like to just, be there. Watching, chatting, listening, being in the middle of it. In the middle of world class recumbent racing. There is good camaraderie between the riders. It more than just 'bents we talk about.You can see some of that atmosphere on the photos I've made.

Like always, I brought my Drift X170 camera. I filmed my own and David's race. Unfortunately he dropped back after half an hour. But the camera kept recording. Lot's of close racing. I also like the short scenes about what happened right after the finish.

David was riding his trusty M5 CLR, he was in the fast group.

Thoughts, suitcase, Q451

2011-01-04T21:39:00.000+01:00

I've been thinking. I write this post to organize my thoughts.

My stable of 'bents is pretty complete. It could be better though. The Cruiser has 'overlap' with the Pioneer and the Fuego. Lobbes the Pioneer used to be 'not so fast', but that has changed. A different rear hub and Kojak tyres gave him a 10% speed increase. Yivalté always has been fabulous. It is as if she, better said the Fuego in general, was designed for me. I know it isn't, although I did once test ride the first prototype, in early 2005. So within my six steeds, there is the possibility to sell one and buy something else that has a more unique function. A bike that is high speed train and, especially, plane travel friendly.

I'd like to see more of the world. Canada is a country far away, but settled deep within me. Getting there is expensive, but not too difficult. There's public transit, but I'm a cyclist. The bike that might replace my 1999 Cruiser should be the bike to take across the big pond. It should fit in a suitcase, wheels included! Not many bikes meet those demands. Most of them are very expensive. I reckon that all suitcase 'bents are good for climbing.

A beautiful and supreme Nazca Gaucho can be fitted in to a suitcase, except for the wheels. However, I might look at it closely and see what is possible. I don't know much about 'suit casing' it. Neither am I a bike builder or a real developer. I'm just the Friday guy, the technician.

There are only a few bikes that really appeal to me. On most bikes, the finishing and attention to detail is far from the level I'm used to have. German 'bents are often way to complicated. I also don't understand most American designs. Mostly not so aero, often a silly long wheelbase, (although it works for a slow bike like my Oké-ja) poor detailing and so on.

One American design does intrigue me. From the moment Cruzbike introduced their Silvio, this company had a new follower. A short chain, a different philosophy and clever details make it stand out. It's not so pretty, and the seat position fairly up-right. That seems the part of the idea behind this concept. Now a Silvio is a racer in my point of view. And before I continue, I've never seen a Cruzbike in real life. I already have a racer and fast tourer, Yivalté. Nothing corners and rides better than this beauty. A Silvio also won't fit in a suitcase, 451 Quest does.

The 451 Q is very affordable, climbs well, has disc brakes and is fast enough for touring in far away places. Again, it's far from laid back. But that could be a good thing when I don't have the luxury of Dutch cycle paths. I don't like the colour, I do have sympathy for this bike. Actually, it's the bike that comes really close to my demands. It even has dual suspension. I can work a bit on some details I don't like. Fiddle with some cables, tyres, give it the Pjotr320 treatment.

To wrap it up:
I could try and find a new owner for my special Cruiser.
I'll sell my Dahon anyway. (to limit my total number of bikes.)
I'll have a close look at what a can do with a Gaucho. Heck, I'd still like to have a 28"Gaucho. But than I'll end up with 7 bikes.
If the Gaucho doesn't fit the suitcase, A 451Q from Spin Cylz is very likely to come my way.

And yes, the Vendetta also scores points. Possibly the coolest 'bent from the USA. But it won't fit in a suitcase, costs a lot and I'd rather have a special Gaucho 28.

2010 in a list

2010-12-31T16:04:00.001+01:00

You can use the search function on the top of this page to find more about the things mentioned in this post.

Best race: 6 hour race with Jivalté, Cycle Vision
Worst race: Tilburg, I was sick.
Top speed with tail wind: 68.5kph in Jenease, 62 without tail wind.
Best rational buy: Flevobike Oké-ja
Also bought: Jenease and Yoska
One week of flu meant no holiday for me this year.
I assembled and checked many Nazca's. I plan to do many more in 2011.
Financially seen, December was the best month. A new job and a tax refund.
I'm still working on the carbon racer.
3 Nazca's, 1 Sinner, a Flevobike and a home-made 'bent.
1 vote for the green party during the July elections.
Great and longest ride: my 306km night ride.
I sleep on an Auping bed base since a few weeks.
No friends/family died, one came close.
This blog had about 13.500 visits and 22.000 page views, average visit time: 1:34
I sold 6 lights.
I had my hair cut from, approximately, 30 to 7 centimetre.
The Northern Velomobile ride was organized by me.
150 or so of this years kilometres where ridden on a 28" Gaucho.
My first Spezi
I went to an Ellen ten Damme concert.
I bought 2 Beatles albums: Magnificent (edit: Magical) Mystery Tour and Rubber Soul.
I wrote a manual to replace the handlebars of an uss Nazca.
I don't know who made the photo below, but it's made after the most exhausting race of the year. It was the semi final of the velodrome racing at Cycle Vision. After this, I won (!) the loser final. That does mean that I didn't qualify for the grand final...

Christmas rides, 2011 coming near

2010-12-26T21:02:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I went out with Jenease for a 40km through a quiet and white Drenthe. There was so little traffic that I choose to ride on the road, instead of on the cyclepath. Doing so, I also was able keep a nice average. The cyclepaths on this route where good enough to ride on, but not much faster than 25kph or so. Close to 40 was no problem on these deserted rural roads. Snug warm, listening to the radio, the joy of diving into small patches of snow and to kick the tail out every now and then.

If you feel like playing with google maps, here follows an idea of the route. Assen - TT circuit - Laaghalen - Hooghalen - Amen - Ekehaar - Eldersloo - Rolde - Balloo - Loon - Assen

The great thing is that my Mango has no problem dealing with the snow and salt. The aluminum parts of the front suspension and the rims have a layer of vaseline to protect them, the body doesn't need extra care and the chain is perfectly shielded. I was so happy to ride that I didn't stop to take a picture.

Today, I did use my camera during a little ride in my city's forest. Just a 10km ride in that typical sort of silence winter brings. Easily toodling (?) around at a slow pace on my Oké-ja.

It being Christmas, boxing day in the English speaking world at the time I write this, means that the end of the year is approaching. Time to post this 'card' you see below. I shot all the photos within 2km of my house. Assen can be beautiful, you just need to now where to look. (click it for large version)

More Oké-ja things, lights and studs

2010-12-20T21:28:00.000+01:00

Because of the winter weather and my new little commute, the Oké-ja gets used a lot more. That made it a bike to equip with a dynamo light system. A shiny Nordlicht (just like on Yoska) from the webshop "Dutch bike bits" and a "2x8 Dynolight" out of my own little factory. I mounted the prototype, number zero. Now I finally got to see how my lights perform. To make the system complete, I made a matching tail light, with capacitor.

I'd used similar head lights before, but never actually ridden with a 2x8. There was a sense of relief when I saw that it gives a nice bundle and enough usable lux. It does what it should do. Better said, I really liked it! The bundle is about seven metres long and three metres wide. There's some light outside that too. The two I'd already sold should make their owners happy in the dark. Anyway, I still have two in stock. You can read more about them in this blog post.

The snow and ice also are a reason to see what it is like to have a studded tyre at the back. The grip it gives is like nothing you've ever ridden. The Marathon Winter is noisy on a clean road, but the stability it gives on ice and snow is wonderful. As long there's snow and alike, this is a great addition to your everyday bike. It'll probably be replaced with a fat Marathon Plus. Again, that's reliable, worry free and comfortable, perfect for a 'bent like this. That gives my the possibility to enjoy every little ride as much as possible.

my Flevobike Oké-ja and snow

2010-12-18T12:14:00.000+01:00

Snow is fun, but it makes riding a bike less easy. Back in the days, when I still rode up-rights, snow would greatly reduce the fun and speed of which I'd ride a bike. Still, I'd be riding. Because it's possible and I have no alternative. Cycle paths are kept clear enough to ride and keep us away from sliding cars.

When the velomobile came in to my life, snow became a highlight, and it still is. Three wheels mean stability and the chance to slip and slide as much as you want. It also protects me, and the chain, from the cold and the wet. For shorter distances however, a two wheeled bike is easier. More agile and usable for delivering mail.

When I brought my Oké-ja home from Bussem, the last 3km or so where in a white world. It turned out that this bike handles very well when there's little grip. Now, I ride it 3 to 4 days a week to work and I use it to deliver mail. My conclusion is, is that an Oké-ja (or something similar) is the perfect 2-wheeled bike for snowy conditions.

The feet are low, the seat is very upright. Yet, is still offers enough comfort for rides up to roughly 10km. The chain is well protected and the gearing is an internally geared hub. With this bike I can ride at a reasonable pace, even when there some ice on the road. The low feet position means that I can easily reach the ground when the tyres loose grip. The seat positioning gives good balancing. No worries, no ride that requires your full 100% concentration. I just pedal and enjoy the view of my hometown Assen dressed in white.

It'll be great to ride the Pioneer again. My Fuego, Yivalté really needs a ride. But as long as I enjoy winter, the Oké-ja and Jenease will do the job.

I wrote about the Oke-ja before. There now sold be a different company. The new name is Velo Fun. I did once ride my Pioneer in the snow. That was challenging, but I did end up with a nice video.

Studded tyres seem to be a good thing too, check 'em out here.

Terra Cycle idler for Jenease

2010-12-12T17:39:00.001+01:00

First of all, news about me. I've got another job for three days a week. It's for a local shop/warehouse and I'm their furniture delivery assistant. More income, more work, more life, more future. We'll see what happens after three months, that's when the contract ends. For now, I'm happy with it.

Work is needed to have an income. And that income is spend on various things. A significant part of my total income is spend on 'bent related stuff. My latest buy is a TC idler for Jenease. I did hesitate, these things don't come cheap. But the experience I had with the TC idler in my previous Mango was so good, that I knew what I was missing. You can read about that idler here.

I send a question to Icletta to ask if a ten speed chain would require something special. The answer, from Kirk, mostly written by Pat Franz, was more than complete. Dérailleur chains have the same inside width 3/32" or 2.38mm. The more gears you have, the thinner the side plates are. I should have known that.... Anyway, conclusion, a 10 speed chain will run just as good on a toothed idler as a 9 (or 7 and 8) speed chain does. So, after some more thinking, I did buy it. A 14 tooth titanium Elite idler.

The photo shows my chain line set-up. The idler has 'float' and the chain runs smooth and feels direct in all gears, like it should. The power side chain tubes are attached to the return side tube. It feels a lot better than my previous idler, a plastic flevo one. I already had a special bolt with a thread-less top section. TC can make you one if you order an idler from them.

This little special 'bent part costs almost €100,- and that's a lot of money. But even ol' cheapskate me thinks it's worth it. All your power has to pass this little idler. And it's price is only a small percentage of what a velomobile costs. It'll last extremely long too and is worry free.

Yesterday, I went to the Ligfietsgarage to install another new part in Jenease. It's something new and I'm the guy who's going to test it. I'm waiting for the final parts to come in, but it should be a great addition to my Mango. When I walked in, the first thing I noticed where 2 other Red Editions. On the photo you'll see: 3 R.E.'s, a Sport and a Classic. That's a lot of healthy fruit!.

National Automobile Museum, The Hague

2010-11-29T18:05:00.000+01:00

I had a 'cheap whole day train travel card'. The real cheapskate tries to use such a card as good as possible, as in, for a long ride. And naturally, that's what I did. I use my card for a train ride to The Hague. The Louwman Museum was on my to-do-list since September. The museum has a collection of 230 cars. Some ordinary road cars, some unique and worth millions.

Does this story involve a 'bent? Sure it does. I used my R604B to ride to several locations in the city. There's plenty of cycle path, but the quality is not what I'm used to. (tiles and bumps, but properly segregated) More infrastructure related information: even a car museum has a cycle parking, and it's being used too.

Well then, back to the cars. The museum is brand new and, to be honest, could use some more decorating. The collection however, is very impressive. From an original 230 year old coach to several Bugatti's. They have to worlds oldest Toyota and 80 year old cars which have never been restored. I walked around for a little more than three hours and there was always something to amaze me. Browse through my Picasa gallery to see the cars that drew my attention the most.

After the museum I rode back to the nearby forest to eat some sandwiches I carried with me. I found a nice spot near a royal palace. From there on my legs pedalled me to the coast. It was there that, for the first time ever, I road a bike on a real beach. I did have to drag my bike to the coast line, to there where the sand is flat and compressed.

Next stop was our country's centre of democracy. I ate a delicious almond donut from a small stand behind the Ridderzaal. By now it was already 4 o'clock. There was more to today. Our national railway company brought me to Schiphol Airport. Wandering around there is as close as I can get to going on a far vacation for a while. I discovered a, for me new here, concept of 'fast food', Toko Togo. Actually, it isn't fast food. It's fast, but good food too. They sell Asian food, rice and alike. So if you happen to be hungry on Schiphol, there more to choose from than Burger King and other fries selling companies. Toko Togo is something I'd recommend. My rice with broccoli and other veggies was yummy!

Back home at half past eight or so with 25km on the cycle computer.

Visiting record attempts

2010-11-23T17:14:00.000+01:00

Sunday's first 74 kilometre followed a route I know well. After that, I started following a track I made on the website of the 'Fietserbond'. An easy to follow route that led me to roads and paths I'd never seen before. It has some variation is height too, something I don't have in my own region. Nothing steep, high or spectacular, but enough to use a wider range of gears than usual. And, I was overtaken by an Aston Martin Vanquish :-).

These scenic roads brought me to Koudhoorn. A small collection of houses in the woods of 'de Veluwe'. It was there that I had my first rest after 123km. I enjoyed the silence there and ate a banana. I checked the garage of friends that live there, to come to the conclusion that they'd decided to go for a ride. That was easy to understand, the sun was shining and there was little wind. It did mean that I continued my ride without having had a cup of tea. No problemo, the idea to ride past Koudhoorn came in an impulse.

My GPS guided me to Apeldoorn. There, in the Omnisport velodrome, todays main topic was about to start. I was early and it took a while for fellow recumbent riders to arrive. Some of them would do an attempt to break or set a world record. I'd be there to watch it all happen. I talked a bit with various persons and saw things happening on the track. A chain snapped, attempts failed, high speeds where reached and 1 record was broken.

David set a new world record on the 1000 metre. He did it on his own bike, his M5 CLR. The machine I always see him racing on. The bike with which he got lost in the Nijveen time trial. He fell with it on the Trias track. In Zwolle, he had to quite because of a puncture. And that's why I like what David did. He set a record on his own trusty ol' CLR. I've seen people try to set a record on a bike they've hardly ever ridden before. Let me just say that I don't think that doing so is a good idea...

What was a good idea, was to leave on time. I was tired and had a minor headache. That did mean that I missed Aurelien's 1 hour. It also meant that the headache went away and because of that, the ride home was good. By the time I left Omnisport it was a quarter to eight. It was dark and I had a 110km or so to go. This is the sort of situation that I really appreciate my IQ-Speed headlight. I also was really glad I was wearing long pants know. The day had started in shorts, and even that was warm at some moments. Now the wind was cold and the temperature low. But, as soon as I left Apeldoorn, the engine started running smooth again. The behaviour of tyres and suspension changes when the temperature drops. And on a day like this, the difference was clear. The ride was rougher.

It was just after midnight when I parked the Mango behind the front door. I grabbed a washcloth and quickly changed in to pyjamas. The vegi macaroni that my mom had kept in the fridge was delicious after 266km, 9:50 hours of riding.

5 Dynamo lights

2010-11-16T11:58:00.000+01:00

Not long ago I wrote about the pros and cons of hub and bottle dynamos. It ended with the fact that I'd bought a Nordlicht bottle dynamo from Dutch bike bits. It works fine and my lights give plenty of light. Indeed, you also need a proper head light to ride in the dark. Riding on quiet, scenic, rural roads is a thing I like doing. But like I just said, I need lots of lumen to do so.

Lights that are powerful enough for this sort of riding can be pricey. For my Mango velomobile, that doesn't matter. The IQ-speed I have with that is absolutely worth the money. But for my humble Cruiser, there's less money available. For such a case, a home build light often is a solution. And that's what I did. I combined two 3 watt Leds with a narrow lens and some other parts to make a cheap light. Where the IQ has a beautifully and well engineered reflector to give a efficient beam, these ones use more low tech, much cheaper, solutions.

They're not near as good as the B&M lights. Those give enough light to ride 40kph in pitch darkness, with a velomobile. During my evening rides with the Cruiser my speed isn't much higher than 30kph. At that speed, my home build does the job very well. Because of your point of view, you need more light on a velomobile than on a 'normal' bike.

Now I like building lights and I also like to do some business. So, after hours of thinking, I found a way to make affordable lights in a for me profitable way. The headlight produces about 160 lumen and and weights very little. They're small enough to be shipped in an envelope. (again, that keeps the price low) I've made 5 and you can have one of them for €17,50. That includes European shipping.

You might notice that there is quite some glue on them. That's a way to ensure a strong and reliable headlight. You can hook 'em up to a dynamo and bolt or zip-tie them to your fork crown/handle bar/light mount. You can tell me if you want more that 30 centimetre of wire. Send me a photo of your mount and I'll make something that makes it fit.

Mango maintenance

2010-11-14T11:12:00.000+01:00

I get asked quite often what I do when it comes to servicing my Mango. The short answer is: not much. More precise, a tiny bit on a regular basis. I give the primary chain a few drops of oil every 500km. The secondary chain gets some when it doesn't look oily enough. Lubing it is easy. I put the rear end of the Mango on a small support stand, spin the rear wheel backwards, and than I oil the chain. The chain is easily reached when you tilt the seat forwards. Thin racing oil, Morgan Blue in this case, works fine. The whole procedure is a two minute job. I never clean the chain and expect it to last 40,000 kilometre.

Every thousands km or so the front suspensions struts get a few drops of oil. There's a hole in the top of them that makes this an easy thing to do. For this I have a thicker sort of oil. I check the tyre pressure every two weeks, or when I feel like doing that. Depending on the weather, cleaning has to be done as well. Once every few months I wax ('soft' metallic wax, that doesn't scrub!) to body to make it water repellent, just like you'd do with your sports car. Water, car soap and a sponge for the spots that have gotten really dirty. Like I said before, the drive train does not need cleaning. Clean and shiny is what I prefer.

Once a year I lube the pivoting points of the drum brakes. Before winter really begins, the exposed aluminum parts, wheels and front suspension, get a layer of spray on Vaseline. Sometimes, I listen if hear something I shouldn't hear. That could indicate that a bolt or nut needs tightening.

How long tyres last is hard to predict. It depends on which tyre you use, your weight, the road surface and your riding style. I corner hards, use racy tyres, but the whole combination of rider and VM weights just over 90kg.

more photo here
videos here
more about Jenease on this blog

Not always a velonaut

2010-11-07T21:22:00.000+01:00

Last Thursday I went to a reunion in Haren, 23km from Assen. For the last time I went back to the university building where I'd spent half a year as a trainee. I liked it there. The Biological Centre is about to move to a brand new building in Groningen. Finding a job there would be close to perfect. Anyway, I went back to meet some people I worked with in the first half of 2009.

Now autumn had arrived at his best that day, but the rain was expected to stay away when I would be on the road. The wind was strong and here and there the paths where colourfully paved with leaves. Doing this in my velomobile would be like a walk in the park on a summer day. But, I'd just spent some time improving my Pioneer and was really looking forward to ride it, in the dark. So, I rode like nearly every cyclist does, on two wheels. Yes indeed, this velonaut was ready for adventure, sort of.

Actually, it was easy, of course it was. My Lobbes has a seriously strong head light and his fenders/mud guards do a good job of making every ride, a clean ride. His Nexus 8 rear hub was just replaced with a, very efficient, "78 AW3 from Sturmey Archer. The entire set up gives more than three gears. More about that when I receive the final chain blade.

The ride was fun. My intuition tells me that the gear hub swap made the Pioneer at least 7% faster. Gently, smooth, elegant, lonely, scenic and fast. Words that describe that evening ride. Long stretches of cycle path and an engine running nicely. The ride back home was done with quite a lower average speed. The 5bft wind was enough to lean in to sideways at some points. My legs just kept going and the headlight did an excellent job at making me feel and ride safe.

I'm planning on doing more of these night rides with the Pioneer. I plan on doing a similar thing with my Mango Jenease. Yes, I have plenty to do and like the night.

At the reunion, two thing where a bit disappointing. I only met one former colleague and the project I worked one was stopped. There was good food and it was nice to hear how things had been going after I'd finished my trainee ship.

This morning, I again went out on two wheels. This time on my Nazca Cruiser Yoska. She also received a few upgrades last week. The ride was no longer than 30km but enough to release positive chemicals in my head.

Nordlicht bottle dynamo

2010-11-01T21:44:00.001+01:00

My Cruiser is my 'back to basic' bike. Simple and elegant, fast and fun. Eight gears is enough and ordinary components will do fine. No mudguards, no rack, no profile on the tyres. Just to ride, a ride. Worry free, no high goals. However, for a ride in the dark, or in twilight, there was a problem. I depended on batteries for my head light. And batteries need attention. I wanted something that's always there when I need it.

'Go get a hub dynamo' is what some might say. For a special utility 'bent like my Pioneer, that is a good idea (just like mudguards and a protected chain). Lot's of light, always there, for a ride from dusk till dawn. The hub is also there when I don't need it. And also, a hub generator is exactly cheap. At least €70,- or so and close to €200 when you want a shiny, slightly more efficient, SON.

So the solution for your 'go fast' and/or 'basic' 'bent, is a bottle dynamo. No drag when not in use and always there when you need it. Low in weight and elegant. It's the same story for a town bike. People used to complain about slipping dynamos, but honestly, mine never slipped. Well, maybe when it was snowing. But than it was way difficult to ride on two wheels anyway. So reliability is not an issue.

Mounting them the right way is important. People often don't do that. The axle of the dynamo wheel should, if you imagine it longer, cross the axle of the bike wheel.

The Cruiser, her name is Yoska, now has a bottle dynamo. It's a shiny one, nicely made too. It feels well made when I spin it with my fingers. (Pjotr320 likes it already.) This is not just a bottle dynamo, it's a Nordlicht. I mounted it this afternoon and did a test ride after dinner. I feel a tiny bit of drag and I can hear it humming. But it does what it should do. There's another nice feature, it runs on the rim instead of on the tyre. The side of a Kojak is to fragile to run a dynamo on.

Concluding I can say: 'I recommend this product'. Now, if you feel like buying such a shiny little pedal powered energy device, go visit www.dutchbikebits.com That's where I got mine too. They also sell lots of other sensible bike related products.

LEL 2010

2010-10-18T19:31:00.000+02:00

Yesterday we had the final race of this years competition. And like each year, the season ends with Lelystad - Enkhuizen - Lelystad. A 51km race over a dyke with a u-turn after 25.5km. David had arranged the Sinner van. Harry and Marjon picked us up on a, not so early, Sunday morning. Newbie racer Serwin also rode along with us.

We arrived nicely on time. The sun was shining and lot's of 'bent riding friends had gathered at the beginning of the dike. I took it easy and made time to talk to several people. Some jumping around, eating a Mars and having a wee, all part of my preparation for the time trial. Then, finally, I rolled up to the starting line. I velcro'd the race hood in position and closed the visor. From this moment all my air would come in via my newly made air in-take. A test earlier that day told me that it works. It let's in fresh air, which I so badly need, and works from a speed as low as 20kph. At 50, there's plenty of air to feed the engine.

It started with an enthusiastic start, followed by a coast down and three challenging corners. After that, it was just a matter keeping the revs and the speed up. 44 felt fast enough for the first 14km or so. The second part went faster, with the faster part close to the aquaduct. There was a bump in the road that was really rude to my suspension. A few seconds later, I reach my top speed for today of 62kph. My u-turn went quick. I used some of the grass and just let enough room for a man with a camera.

My legs didn't feel happy after the short climb from under the aquaduct. But after a few kilometer, I was back up to speed. Now, with a tailwind my speed started to creep up to 50kph. Still, I found time fiddle with my camera and to wave to other racers. Well, 'wave' is not really the word. There's not much room under the race hood. Luckily mine doesn't fog up. That's the result of the proper ventilation and using an anti-fog cloth, the day before.

I kept going faster, my heart rate stabilized around 183. My cadence was just below 100. It wasn't easy, but it sure was fun. Than, one final sprint back up to the bridge where we started from. I did it in 1:07:19, and that's nice when you where aiming for 1:07. I finished 12th out of 37 with an average of 45.5kph. More important, I was a lot faster than two years ago and a little faster than H@rry, who also rides a Mango Sport.

I felt satisfied and happy. My brain still felt a little fuzzy from pushing so hard. The after race atmosphere was great. People like the looks of Jenease and there's always so much to talk about after a race. Good people, nice day, Peter happy.

More of my photo's. Mango54's photo's (recommended!)

Tire testing

2010-10-16T11:40:00.000+02:00

I'd been thinking about a new and improved rolling test for quite a while. I'd done one once before and actually, I was far from satisfied with that David had found a good location and I new what had to be improved in my way of testing. The rolling distance was enlarged from 50 or so to 260 metres and the time between different tires was greatly reduced. Top speed during all tests was between 17 and 20kph.

The location is a quiet old viaduct with rough asphalt. To me, in a test, rough asphalt is a realistic mixture of smooth concrete and brick roads. Tires should also perform good on less than perfect roads. Call it a more realistic form of testing if you like. I can't tell you the rolling resistance coefficient of the tires. But such numbers don't represent the actual difference in speed.

I measure the time it takes to roll the distance. From that I calculate the average speed. The result of that is that I can see what the actual speed advantage, or disadvantage, of a tire is. The rear tire is my usual Racer at 5 bar. The rear carries about 30% of the total weight.

Schwalbe Kojak
My current choice with 1000km experience. Reasonably comfortable, good grip, easy to mount, puncture resistant enough (thus far, winter is coming), last long enough, fast, and tested with Schwalbe 6a inner tubes.

Schwalbe Durano
My previous choice with 1000km experience. Little comfort, enough grip, easy to mount, does not wear fast, rolls good, puncture resistant enough, and tested with Schwalbe 6a inner tubes.

Continental Grand Prix
A request from David. This set of tires is brand new and that usually makes a tire less fast. They give a rough ride. Mounting them went a lot easier than expected. They look really fast. Also tested with Schwalbe 6a inner tubes.

Avocet Fasgrip
A exotic tire which is out of production. They have no grip and very little puncture resistance. They are wide and very comfortable. Presumably very fast, especially with 6000km of rubbing in. Tested to see how good it'll be against narrow racers like the Durano and the GP. David's idea. I used different inner tubes for this set.

(click for larger table, V+ should be V-)
Conclusion
Hard and skinny doesn't work for me when it comes to tires. Under normal conditions the wider Kojak is faster and a lot more pleasant to ride. Front tires and 8.5bar do not sound pretty in a velomobile. The GP seems to suffer from being new. My feeling tells me that it's something like a Durano. Possibly faster, but that hard to judge without having ridden it. The Fasgrip is the fastest, but has the previously mentioned disadvantages.

In the end it was nice to see that the control run turned out good. That tells me I have done a proper test with reliable results. I know that testing like this leaves room for error. But the differences between tires are consistent. I'll keep on using Kojaks.

Next idea is to see how the Kojaks compares to something I'd like to use during the winter, the Supreme. Some say it's awfully slow. I like the idea of not getting a puncture in the cold and wet winter. We'll see how things go.

Gingko 12t idler, sliding

2010-10-13T22:00:00.000+02:00

I've made a small change to Jenease's chain line. The idler under my seat now is free to move a little to the right, or to the left, depending on whether I shift up or down. In short, a sliding idler. This had the great advantage that the relatively narrow ten speed chain runs better on the idler. Less noise, less friction, more efficient. Being optimistic, this could result in a speed increase of 1%. That's just me guessing, but it is well known that chains run less efficient when you deflect them sideways. This evening I did a short test ride, and it felt and sounded better.
The idler comes from Gingko, a German company. I've added a short piece of chaintube to the upper chain to guide the tube with with the return chain. Only thing left to do is change the chain keeper I've made. It's a little to close the chain now, and the edges aren't nicely round.

Fun and warm race in Groningen

2010-10-07T16:49:00.001+02:00

I left the autumn meeting early Sunday morning together with fellow 'bent rider Wendy. After a cup of coffee at my place we rode to the track. She by car, me with two other velonauts. Wim had parked has Quest at my place on Friday and had just arrived by train. David called and said he be going to race too. So, with a strong tailwind, two Mangos and one Quest easily averaged 33kph to arrive at the track well prepared for the race.

The asphalt in some places had seen better days, but most of the surface is smooth. You can see in the video where the trees cause instability at high speeds. Nothing serious, but a fresh layer of gravel and bituminous stuff would be a good idea. Thanks to the lovely weather the track was dry and grippy.

My Jenease already was ready to race. Other riders where swapping tyres and alike. I only had to remove unnecessary items. You don't need spare tyres, a pump and a battery whilst doing 50 on a track. And yes, I was doing 50 on the track. My fast lap had an average of 51.6kph. Reasonably fast indeed. H@rry, in his Mango Sport, (without the luxery, with a big experienced engine) did 53.7! We where both riding with a head fairing. By far the fastest was Ymte is his unique personal Quest. His average of 60.4kph is simply astonishing. My time was good for a 5th place.

During the individual fast laps and the criterium there was time for the usual socializing. The atmosphere is relaxed and this is always the time to hear the latest news from our little close recumbent society.

My criterium started quite normal. I was the first velomobile to reach the first corner. Not long after that Ymte flew by and I overtook two 'naked' bikes. Problem was, that my mirror had come loose. It didn't show me what was going on behind me, it reflected tarmac. As I saw no other riders on the track no more, I started to get worried. Maybe something had gone wrong? Maybe the rest was still at the start? Non of that. I kept my 2nd position for almost three laps. It wasn't until then that the big guys had closed the gap I'd pulled with my lightning start :-)

When the fastest five had past me, I was on my own for most of the time. I was joined by Pieter for a few laps, but he isn't one of the strongest this season for no reason. Also Jan-Marcel tolled he'd been drafting me for a lap or so. However, our cornering is to different to cooperate. Didn't matter. I had fun in my Red Edition. Shifting, accelerating, touching the brake for the first corner. The heat made for a high, but stable, heart rate of 193. When the bell sounded for the final lap, I pushed a little more and it rose to 200. It all felt alright, strange enough. I will arrange extra ventilation for the next race on October 17.

I finished with a nice average of 46.5kph in 6th position. The day ended with a relay race. Handing over the transponder went good when did it, but it did go wrong between other team members. So even with our time being the fastest, we didn't get rewarded for that. It was a fun day, even without winning something. David and I rode at a relaxed pace of 30kph. A pleasant way of ending another fine day at the races.

My photos.
David's photos, with good shots of my Mango Jenease!
David's blog.
Race results.

Autumn meeting.

2010-10-06T13:35:00.002+02:00

Riding through a forest in twilight on your home mode wooden 'bent is fun. I was on my way from Hilversum to Blaricum/Huizen. One small bag hanging on the right side of the luggage rack, my sleeping bag tucked under the seat. The homemade headlight gave plenty of light, even in the economy mode. The little bike handled good enough and my GPS knew the route.

Most of my fellow 'bent riders had already arrived when I showed up at a quarter to eight. I found a bed in a cabin and went back to the canteen where everybody had gathered. Like always, I felt like eating. Luckily Eugene and Brechtje had a little to much meat for the barbecue. When I said that I'd built another woody, people became curious and I brought the bike in. It turned out it is quite a head turner and I answered loads of questions. And, as this sort of bike actually is a good idea, I decided to built a second one later in time. Someone should be crazy enough to buy it. It was way past midnight when I went to bed and slept very well.

The next morning started with breakfast followed by conversations about this and that. Just after eleven we all left to for a ride. A 50km ride with about 40 'bents. This would a good test to see how my little bike would behave. I rode along for a while with 'Grey Pioneer'. She recently replaced her under seat handlebars, with the guidance of a manual I had written. I felt sort of pride that it had turn out so well. Shifting, steering, bracking, everything was in order again. The scenery was nice and the other traffic didn't give any problems. We did have to take it easy two times to pass horses, but the amazons had good control over their animal.

We all had a rest stop half way. I enjoyed warm apple pie. The ride continued and, apart from one puncture, everything went alright. The little bike did ask attention at higher speeds on rougher roads. Easy to understand when you know about the short wheelbase, stiff frame, no suspension and corner happy steering characteristics. It felt like cycling in a very pure form.

Dinner was cooked by Gerold and Maartje. They've done this at the autumn meeting several times and know how to feed hungry cyclist. It was delicious! A fourth portion would have been nice, but the pots where empty. Actually, the pot was scraped empty to give me the final portion there was. This gastronomical piece of excellence was followed by dessert. For me: banana with whipped cream and chocolate flakes, hot chocolate with whipped cream and again, banana with whipped cream and chocolate flakes.

The evening continued and the atmosphere only became better. We'd speak about a broad spectrum of subjects, including the usual things like traffic and the joy of recumbents. This evening was shorter than the previous one. I had to get up early on Sunday to be on time for the race Groningen.

More of my photos can be found here.
Marcel's photos.

Fire trucks and events

2010-09-30T12:02:00.000+02:00

Just before the event at the TT circuit ended, me and my dad headed home to switch bikes. I parked my precious Mango and together we rode to the city centre. He on is upright, me on my trusty Pioneer. We had a good reason to leave the track a little early.

My oldest brother had in a part in organizing the day at the race track, my big brother is a fire fighter. And this day he'd be driving 'his' vehicle as part of the parade of fire trucks. 88 vehicles gathered at the old harbour after the parade. All this to celebrate the fact that Assen has it's own fire brigade since 1760. I arrived just in time to see most of them and film them as they left the terrain.

So that Saturday was about as good as it can be for the child in me. Next weekend will be fun too. Friday starts like usual at the little int. hq. But that's the only thing normal about this weekend. I'll go there by train and my newest creation, the R604B. (more about that later) The day at Nazca will end a little sooner the catch the train to Hilversum, From there, I'll ride to Huizen where the annual recumbent autumn meeting is held. Two nights and one day with about 40 recumbent friends. Sunday starts early as I head back to Assen by car. Me, and a fellow racer go north to attend a race in Groningen. In Assen I'll switch over to Jenease after I've prepared food and alike for the rest of the day. Groningen is only a one hour ride from home. At the end of the afternoon, after one and a half hour of racing, I'll slide back in the Mango again and ride home easily. Probably a little tired after 3 very busy and fun days.

Our local race track

2010-09-27T15:24:00.000+02:00

Let's start this post on Friday. Like usual, I worked at the little int. hq. Besides making bikes ready to go to costumers, I got a new thing to do, modelling. A costumer had questions about how to service an suspension unit. So I showed step by step how to dis- and re-assemble it, whilst my boss made photos of my hands handling the air shock. It's only a five minute job, but it's difficult to do it on your own. Also worth mentioning is a bike brought in for a quick inspection. The client also dropped by to talk about his latest bike trip, a 17.000km ride through Europe. Except for a small crack in the seat, everything was in order with his Rohloff equipped Gaucho. He'd visited many countries, from Sweden to the Ukraine. During my work, I made two photos. One to show a bike I'd been working on, the other because it really shows how 'green' my way of travelling is.

On Saturday me and my dad went to our local race track, the TT circuit. World famous as being one of the finest tracks, with a rich history going back to 1928 or so. We visited the 'Friends of the TT circuit foundation day'. The day started with some speeches about future plans with the track, and how to deal with the few people that don't fully appreciate the fact that they have this wonderful facility close by. Good ideas where mentioned on sound levels and the landscape. On thing was made clear, the track is here to stay :-)

At two o'clock it was time for the moment I'd been waiting for so long. The 'friend' could choose between a bus ride over the track, or to ride their bike on it. Today Jenease was wearing the race hood for the first time. The tyres where at the highest allowed pressure and the wheel arches where slightly modified. I quickly realized that in this set-up, my Mango Sport is very fast. Doin' 50kph went almost effortless. An outlap, a fast lap, and an inlap, I really like this track. My dad had a go in his FAW and he did 2 laps. With only 12 people on the track, and me doing more than twice their speed, I had the whole track for myself. Without proper warm-up and preparation I averaged 47.5kph, not bad for a first attempt on a damp track.

Variety

2010-09-23T11:35:00.000+02:00

Last Friday was a busy day for me at the little int. hq. Six bikes needed my attention, and that will the same tomorrow. One of the things that make the world of recumbents so fascinating is the wide variety in models. At the end of the day I made this photo. It shows a Gaucho 28" and a Fiero XS. The first one is a 'bent with a road bike touch. 'Real' wheels and high end components. The other is an agile little machine that's ideal for shorter people. 1.55 metre, or 5'2" is tall enough to ride it.

The ride home in Jenease was a good one. I had support from a side/tail wind and was quickly cruising at 40kph. A few intersections bring the average down, the short shower didn't. In fact, I kept going faster. The 10 speed gearing is so nice that even above 40kph the steps are small. My cadence was somewhere between 95 and 100. I'd shift up when I'd pass the 100rpm, and I'd gain a few kph too when I did so. Everything went so easy, that breaking my previous record of 1:09:28 was as easy as pie. I knocked 1 minute and 7 seconds of the time I set last summer on my Fuego. Fuego Yivalté is way faster on tight twisty tracks, but my commute is more like the track of Monza. The 41.8 kilometre where done with an average of 36.7kph. Faster, as always, is possible. But than I'd have to give it a go when there's less traffic. (more about my Sinner Mango Sport Red Edition: the manufacturers website)

The next day I did something different. I had a family meeting in Giethoorn. Naturally, I went there by bike. My slowest bike, the Pioneer. But I got there comfortable, reasonably dry and on time. In fact, I was the first to arrive. The rest of the family took there cars and got, well, lost. Bridges, road works, closed roads, made them arrive an hour later than I did! They must have had a great time driving.... ;-) And no, they only had to travel 75km or so. I did 53km, with a headwind.

Giethoorn is a, very touristic, scenic place with old houses, tiny canals and lot's of boats. My parents where there too. They'd made a three day trip out of it, staying at a B&B before and after the meeting, and rode there on there Nazca recumbents. Anyway, my uncles, aunts and so on, aren't that interesting. So no photos or stories about them. I did take some photos on this day, mostly about my usual topics. My total for this day was 104km. A day well spent in many ways.

Back again, starting with a race, Zwolle

2010-09-14T10:51:00.001+02:00

It's been quiet on this blog for a while. You don't have much to type when you're dealing with flu. And even when I got rid of that after a week, I still needed time to get back in to shape and to re-gain some weight. But now, everything seems alright again. Not that fit to happily do a 6 hour criterium or a 300 kilometre night ride, not yet. However, fit enough to take part in lasts Sundays race in Zwolle. I sent both my parents South too to help the organization. They had a fun day and cycled about 23km in total.

Zwolle is only 72 km from Assen. Riding there would be a bit to optimistic, so I took the train and brought my Fuego with me. It felt good to be back on my 'chromo' steel racer again. It would have been better without the constant drizzling rain. Rain is the biggest reason I have a velomobile. That same velomobile is the reason that I have very little experience on cornering in wet conditions on two wheels.

The event is one of the best organized of the year. It's a street circuit with very little traffic. The track was closed for just about everything. Only locals and bikes where allowed. There where persons in orange vests at the intersections. There was a guy on a motorbike, complete with flashing lights, who patrolled the 4.3km track. We could get good coffee and cappuccino, both freshly brewed. The apple pie, sold for charity, was of outstanding quality. There where toilets, shelters, volunteers, friends and 25 riders. To put that in contrast, the next race in Groningen has a great track, but only 1 facility, a toilet. So 'Zwolle' is like a luxury resort. The track is challenging in it's own way. It has 3 speed bumps and a corner in which the tarmac has seen better days. High speeds are possible. I averaged 37.6kph. Not spectacular, but good in these circumstances. The fastest guy pulverized the records set during the 1st edition in 2009. He did 47.7kph, 4km faster than the winner of last year.

The first 5 laps of the race where the fastest. I was with a group of 4, that got smaller as the race unfolded. After that, just kept pedalling at my own speed whilst keeping an eye on my heart rate watch. I lapped some riders, and got lapped a few times as well. And since I already was wet, the ongoing rain didn't bother me. My glasses did fog up. I usually know how to prevent that, but know I'd forgotten to rub the glasses in with a special cloth. Not really a problem, the roads where wide and there was little to bump in to. I did loose my superflash tail light on the back straight, a the screw had come loose. That meant an extra lap after finishing to pick it up.

The end result was satisfying. There was plenty of time to chat and socialize afterwards. My day ended with a puncture, 700 metres from home. I simply carried my Fuego home on my shoulder and fixed hat the next day. A part of Monday was spent on cleaning the bike as well. It's white, dry and shiny again.

The race results are here.

Fast

2010-08-24T15:30:00.000+02:00

I like recumbents for their comfort, fun, practicality and safety. And their was something else too... Speed potential. This post isn't about cruising speed, or average speed. It's about the kind of speed less used and that's actually isn't important at all. This type of speed is there for only one reason, fun. I'm talking about top speed.

In the past weeks I found out that, without significant wind and elevation, Jenease's top speed is 61.5kph, when I'm riding. Thus far that is. Two years a go I reached 72kph down a large bridge with Yavixa. Complete with race hood and strong wind gusts from the side. My all time record is 76kph, down a small hill on my previous Fuego. The fastest descent ever reported about on a Fuego is 106kph. Set by Ian Fardoe in Great Britain. The bike feels rock solid at such speeds. He did it twice to make sure the GPS was right.

Yesterday there blew a strong wind over my flat country. Good circumstances to try to break the wind assisted record. You need a good location for such an attempt. When I reached to first location, a cyclepath next to the TT-circuit, the circumstances where ideal. The wind was so strong that I could feel my helmet being pressed against my helmet. However, I didn't turn around to 'max it', I went further on to Hooghalen. The road is wider there and I thought the wind would be similar.

It wasn't. I had a strong wind gusts from the side, and at normal speeds that doesn't bother me. Now I didn't go any faster than 64.4kph. Before doing this, I'd checked my tyres, just to be sure. I felt like more was possible and I headed back to the first location. Again, the wind was strong. The concrete cycle path was clean and all mine. There was a bit of lose gravel at some point. I turned around at the far end of the straight and accelerated.

30 was reached almost instantly, 40 didn't cost much power. Reaching 50 went surprisingly easy. The gravel was crossed at 50 too. I kept shifting at the right moment, at a cadence around 110-115. 60 was known terrain for me. The wind gusts did ask my full attention. The 2.5 metre wide cycle path started to look narrow now. It was a small movement of my right had that engaged top gear, sprocket number 10 on the mid-drive, at 63kph. From now on all I had to do was keep it steady and pedal really hard. The number on the speedo kept going up. I lifted the throttle once at 65 because of a minor left bend in the cycle path. I ran out of straight at 68kph. So 70 is reachable. Freewheeling at 60kph is great fun. I lightly tipped the brakes and took a turn right on to the military practice area. That piece of road is open to cyclists. I kept doing 45 for a while and everything went back to normal.

Grotere kaart weergeven

The map shows the problem of this straight, it's only 1.3km long. The good things are that it's tree free and that the grass is at the same level as the cycle path.

Warning: 70kph with strong wind gusts feels alright to me. I've got over 40.000 kilometre of velomobile experience. Practice at lower speeds before attempting such high speeds. Mango's have gone faster than 100kph down hill. Humans are not made to travel at almost 20 metre per second.

Racing Rütenbrock, a weekend

2010-08-17T11:54:00.000+02:00

I arrived at the Bentlage campsite just after eight in the evening, last Friday. This family has a key roll in the organization of the event. They also offer the great possibility of camping in their yard. I was on of the first to arrive. Later that day I was followed by, Frank in his Milan, Paulus in his Quest and Daniël in a Ford Transit. He'd brought his Go-one Evo R.
That thing is about a 'racy' as a velomobile can possibly be. Small, 18kg, a bit of suspension and an expected price of €12.000 It couldn't be my only velomobile, my Mango is way more practical, comfortable and so on, but my god it's pretty. And ludicrously fast too.

Saturday morning started with a good breakfast. After that I just relaxed and loitered around a bit. Until the idea came to line up the four velomobiles to compare them.

At some point in time the moment came to ride to the small town of Rütenbrock, three kilometres from the campsite. With almost an hour to go, the start/finish area already was boiling with activities. I did the usual pre-race things with my Mango (transponder, number, remove pump and battery etc.) and met 3 other Mangoteers. David, H@rry and Wilfred would also give it a go at this fun track. Besides us four there where 52 other participants. I took the time to explore the track. The first lap I road slowly, looking for edges and bumps. The second lap was done at a slightly higher pace. All that data was stored in my memory and used during the fast lap.

All 56 started with an individual lap. Mine went pretty well. In fact, it went well enough for a 9th place. An average speed of 40.7kph. Fastest Mango and not far away from number eight.

After filling up the water bottle, and having lost some water, I arrived at the already packed grid. Right on time for the parade lap. During the parade lap I found a way to the front of the field. My start wasn't really good, but within a few laps things started to go fine. The corners went a lot better, or faster, than I'd expected. I gave room to the few that did overtake me. And the many I overtook gave so much room that I didn't lose much speed. One time however, it did became a little scary. In the video, around 5:00, I lift up the left wheel a lot higher than planned. The Quest that finished in front had a lot of luck around 5:50. I started to slow down after half an hour or so. The bouncing at 40kph became tiring, the corners still needed my full attention. Hitting the apexes lap after lap never gets boring. (Judy made the photo with Wilfred's camera)

I ended in 10th position, closely behind the blue and the yellow Quest. My average speed was slightly higher than 3 years ago when I raced the Fuego. I'm stronger now, so on a track like this, a 3-wheeled, (considered a disadvantage) Mango isn't much slower than my favourite 2-wheeled semi low racer.

After the racing I treated myself with fries and ice cream. The barbecue in yard of the Bentlages was, like always, a good one. I heard up a funny question. Well known rider A asked well known rider B if he races more often. Rider B being a former world record holder...

All the racing and eating had made me sleepy. I went to my tent for an hour of sleep. After that, the evening went on 'till after midnight. The next morning I had another good breakfast, and a puncture too. I didn't trust the rim tape anymore, so I added a layer of strong tape. Than it was time to say goodbye and head home.

You'll find the 22 photo's I made here. And here's the video I made:

A Nazca Fiero XS

2010-08-12T14:14:00.000+02:00

No, I didn't buy another bike!

Almere is one of the biggest cities in the Netherlands. Getting there is an easy 125km ride. I've done that numerous times. Last Monday I went there again. This time, for the first time ever, by car. There was a good reason for that. That day, I was the expert helping a fellow 'bent rider buy a 'new' Nazca Fiero XS. She'd found it on ligfiets.net. She was looking for a XS version because she's only 1.58 metre tall.

The right address was easily found. The bike was in good condition. It still was a bit to long for her, so I did the test ride. The owner told us that, for some reason, she couldn't get the hang of it. So this little blue Fiero had spend most of his young live in the garage collecting dust. The deal was closed and after a cup of coffee we drove to Dronten. This 'velomobile valley' also is the home of Alligt. Not only does this company produce the Alleweder, it also sells and produces 155mm crank sets. A set of those would make the short Nazca perfect for short legged people. I did some measuring and I reckon that an x-seam of 97cm could be enough to ride this bike. The photo on the right shows how much clearance there still is between the cranks and the front wheel. Tight turns won't be a problem!

Back home I gave the bike a full check up. I adjusted the boom length and mounted the short cranks. I found out how little riding was done on this Fiero when I gave the computer a new battery . With a total distance of only 294km, this bike was practicably new! New, easy to handle, the right size and agile.

During her first ride, everything turned out to be just fine. I did shorten the boom a few centimetres. One thing was a bit peculiar, the 42t up front. That should be a 52t. Now the bike had a silly low gearing. I'll take care of that when I've been to the little int. hq. of Nazca in Nijeveen.

Some specifications:

3x9 dual drive
bar-end shifters
40-406 Schwalbe Marathon Racer tyres
small luggage rack
sigma bc-1109 computer
kick stand
mudguards

It may be small, but it's a proper bike that looks good too.

Durano vs Kojak

2010-08-10T12:16:00.001+02:00

My Sinner Mango Sport Red Edition, or 'Jenease' to keep it short, first had Durano tyres on the front. They're fast, quite reliable and offer plenty of grip in the dry. But they are only 28mm wide and at a pressure of 8 bar, they're not as comfortable as I'd like tyres to be. So I became interested in Kojaks. They have a maximum allowed pressure of 6.5 bar and are much bigger. The nice thing is that they only weigh a bit more than Durano's. There was however, on big downside, rolling resistance.

Various test had shown that Kojaks are a lot slower than the very racy Duranos. But I liked the idea of more rubber. Fatter tyres would make riding on rough roads a better experience. The thing is that most of the roll out tests I've seen are done on perfectly smooth surfaces. And our cycle paths may be very good, they're not perfectly smooth. Some asphalt has an open structure and on small rural roads the quality can be, 'just over acceptable'.

So I wanted to do my own testing. Now, we don't have any hills followed by a nice long flat piece of road around here. That means that I have no idea how to do a roll out test. You'd need a 300 metre stretch of road for that. We do have small tunnels. My idea was to roll down and measure how many seconds it takes to cover a certain distance. I used tar lines in the road surface as a mark. Problem is that my tests weren't any longer than 25 or so seconds. But the results did say something. Especially because I tested on smooth and rough asphalt.

First tyre tested was the Durano, at the pressure I use them on, not the highest possible (9.5 bar). There's not much weight on Jenease's wheels and I prefer to have grip. And the higher the pressure, the less grip you have.

Second tyre was a set of rubbed in Marathon plus. They came of David H.'s Mango and he was curious how they'd do in a test. I'd never use such heavy and difficult to mount tyres. But since he is a fellow velonaut, I included them in the test. I used the pressure he rides them on, 6 bar.

Third tyre was my desired Kojak, at 6.5 bar.

The table below explains most of the results. Kojaks will, according to my test, make Jenease roll 0,7% slower on smooth asphalt. During the tests I didn't go much faster than 13kph or so. The total weight of Jenease and I was about 91kg.

Interesting to see is that on rough roads, the racy Durano increases it's lead over the other two tyres. In the end, I did stick with the Kojaks. Simply because they ride better. I did 90km on them last Sunday, and they do indeed feel a little bit slower.

Was this a very good test? No. It needed longer rolling. That would make the times less of an error factor. But the result, especially the difference the road surface makes, is interesting.

Jagwire for Jenease

2010-08-05T21:40:00.000+02:00

I'd read about this upgrade on Wim Schermer's blog. Than he wrote an article in the 'Ligfiets&' together with Wilfred Quemo Quest. Today I received my set of cables.

It's like going from plastic to metal brake levers. More stopping power, more 'bite', less flex. Jagwire brake cables, highly recommended for every drum braking velonaut. At a price of €14,-, shipping within the Netherlands included, this a must have without downsides. I got mine from Velomobiel.nl

A normal brake cable is built up like a curling telephone wire. A shift cable is stiff, but could split open when used as a brake cable. I just was lucky when I used index cable on the brakes of my Alleweder. Jagwire combines the curly wire that doesn't split with the straight cables that don't flex. The result could be that your stopping distance at 35kph goes down from 8 to 7 metres. I don't know what my brakes performed like before the upgrade, but it sure feels a lot better now. From 36-0 costs less than 7 metres, possibly even just over 6. A fast velomobile needs stopping power too.

22km Time trial Nijeveen

2010-08-04T11:40:00.000+02:00

Saturday was the fourth time I participated in the time trial of Nijeveen. The recumbents are given a go at the track after the df's had their chance of setting a time. But that's not how the day started. It all begun when David H. and I left hometown Assen in our Mango's.

We didn't leave exactly on time, so we only spend a few minutes at the small meeting behind Nazca Recumbents. I did take time to adjust the cadence sensor. That had become mis-aligned after I'd moved the bottom bracket a bit closer to the seat.

Under a drizzling sky we rode to the event. It would be dry when it was our turn to race. We signed in at the canteen of the cycling club and picked up our starting numbers. There was quite a turn up. Thirty participants, accompanied by a couple of supporters. A mixed grid with ten or so velomobiles, including three Mangos.

I started without feeling warmed up. Probably because I didn't do a warm up. But I was up to temperature after five minutes. I kept a steady pace of 45kph. It took a while to find out why I was two to three kph slower on a long straight. I discovered I had some serious headwind. Main while, the cadence was a good 95-100rpm. Some corners where a bit slippery. That, combined with my little experience at velomobile racing, did affect my average. But not by much.

After the first lap I had to yell at some just finished and 'sleeping' df-ers. They where on the racing line and not paying attention to what was going on behind them. It did hurt my voice, but I got by them without slowing down. Some didn't appreciate me overtaking them on the right. All I can say to them is to 'get of the bloody racing line'.

Apart from this slightly exciting moment, the rest of the 22 kilometre went without any real drama. I was overtaken by three Quests and overtook numerous unfaired riders. You'll see most of that in my video. In the end I'd managed 43.3kph. Which is right in the middle, or just over that, of my expectation of 41-45kph average.

Afterwards there was the usual chit chat and socializing. That's when I made some photos. David and I rode home the same way we'd gotten there, calm and steady, cruising at 36kph.

At first, it did feel odd to not race the Fuego in this event. But with this weather, and this result, everything turned out fine. Last year, the conditions where perfect and I achieved an average of 41.3. This year, with the strong wind and the wet track, I was 5 percent faster.

And yes, my camera was mounted too low.

Saturday, a 22 kilometre time trial

2010-07-29T21:19:00.000+02:00

It'll be the 4th time that I take part in the time trial of Nijeveen. This small place, about 40 kilometre south-west of Assen, is the hometown Nazca Recumbents. This time, I'm breaking with the habit of using my Fuego to do the race. I've got a brand new and very fast Mango Sport that should be good far an impressive average. By the way, there's also a chance of having a moist or even wet race!

The time trial is organized by the local df-club. The event ends with the recumbent time trial. We get to do two individual laps on the 11 kilometre track. It's all done on public roads. Intersections are kept clear of traffic when participants approach.

Last year, Ymte set a record by averaging 54.1kph in his Quest velomobile. I won't even get close to that. Actually, I have no idea how fast I'll be. Let's say between 41 and 45kph. The thing is that I don't have much experience with velomobile racing. But this one should be a fun to start with.

I hope I can keep the foam cover on. That's good for the aerodynamics, but the slightly asthmatic engine like a lot of air...

The controls of my Mango Sport, Jenease

2010-07-26T14:11:00.002+02:00

My Mango Sport Red Edition is sporty and light wight, but does carry quite some gear. You can spend a lot of hours inside a velomobile, so everything has to be just right.

One of my personal additions is the stainless steel cable that keeps the steering column under a certain angle. That takes work away from my arms so I consume less energy. Energy that's better used to go far and fast. Other people just let the handle bars rest on their 'earo' belly, which I haven't got ;-) That low fat percentage is the same reason there's padding on the seat.

Well then, I'll guide you through all the switches, levers and buttons.

On the left is a little red dash light, there's another one on the right side of the cockpit. I find red light to be pleasant to my eyes when it's dark.
On top of the dash is the main power switch. With that on, also the mini daytime lights go on.
The computer is a Sigma BC1609. My own choice. Has the optional cadence meter installed.
Under the Sigma is a switch that turns on all four indicators. Beside it are lights that flash along with the indicators. There's also a buzzer to make sure you don't forget to turn the indicator off again.
On the side of the dash is the switch for the IQ-speed head light.
Above the Mp3 player are three switches, USB-outlet (special option!), rear fog light and dash lights.

The steering column has a bar-end shifter on each side. A friction shifter controls the front dérailleur.
The indexed one on the right controls the 10 speed rear dérailleur. It's all Ultegra stuff.
In the middle is the brake lever, with build in parking brake. Its has a sensor to activate the brake light.
The little red button allows me to switch between the high and low power option of the Busch und Muller IQ-speed head light, 50 or 10 lux. Explanation is difficult, just remember that 50 lux is a lot.
Next to the light mode switch is the indicator switch.
In the middle is the mount for my Garmin Dakota GPS.

There's no electric horn or bell in my Mango. I've mounted a pump that powers a horn. The same pump can be used for pumping up tyres.

More photos can be found here.
My velomobile was built by Sinner.

My new Mango Sport velomobile

2010-07-21T21:52:00.001+02:00

I'd been looking at the Sport for a while. A velomobile that would do what my normal Mango does, but than faster, lighter, prettier, better finished and with more fun to ride. In March I did a test ride. You can read about that here. At some point I decided to get my own Sport, a special one. Yes I know options add weight, but I like a bit of luxury. So I came up with a package David Hembrow called 'Red Edition'. Arjen came up with the writing on the tail, a nice detail.

Drum brakes, reliable
IQ-speed headlight, bright and efficient
Indicator lights, save and practical
Brake/tail light combination, great for grouprides
twin red interior light, cozy atmosphere
3x10 Ultegra gearing, wide range with small steps

Now one of interesting things of being part of the big recumbent family is getting the chance to do some work on the assembly of your own 'bent. So I spent several days at 'de ligfietsgarage' building my very own 'best Mango ever'. Carefully figuring out how I wanted things to be. Learning a lot and having a laugh with my temporary colleagues. At the end of the 2nd day, we went back to Assen with 3 Mangoteers. The Sinner velomobile factory is only 30km away from my house. Harry was riding with a camera on his light weight stripped down 26.3kg Sport. He has no build in electronics, but has drum brakes and suspensions on all wheels. A basic, yet true velomobile. The video he made can be seen here.

Back to my Mango. She, here name is Jenease, weighs 29kg when she's ready to race. And racing is where she'll be good at. The ride is so different, in a good way. It's more than just losing 5kg, it's a great combination of fine components. Faster than old Yavixa. The steering is spot on and the gearing is brilliant. I never have the feeling of being in between gears. Inside the finishing is outstanding. The dashboard is pretty and wires are hardly visible. I also had the wiring for my cadence meter installed with the other wiring. That's a bit of extra work, but all worth it. The glass fibre-epoxy body is very well made. Lovely attention to detail. No lose fibres, no rough edges.

I'll first do some more rides with her and than write a more detailed write up about several details. I'll leave you with a link to more photos.

Hair

2010-07-13T22:00:00.000+02:00

I'd grown tired of my hair the last weeks. it wasn't in good shape anymore and I didn't like the look of it anymore too. So yesterday evening I decided to have something done with it. This morning I got on my Pioneer (to keep it on-topic) and went to a hairdresser.

I was lucky to see an familiar person working there. A girl who followed the same education as I did back in 2001-2004 or so, retailing. Me and my classmate referred as: 'Double B'. Much later I heard her real name. My idea was to ditch about 3/4 of the length, and she had an idea about the styling. This time I could follow the entire process because I could keep my glasses on. Nice to actually see what was happening with my head.

You know how it goes. A bit of 'chit chat' and 20 minutes or so later the job was done. I like the 2010 version of my head in the mirror. Having a blond beauty in the same mirror also was a welcome addition to my reflection. In the meantime I'd learned a few necessary things about hairstyling, and I left the hairdresser with two small jars of 'Blend'. Great stuff, worked fine today.

More technical things: I bought a 40mm hose clamp to mount a new, own design, chain tensioner in my Mango.

Better photo headrest Fuego

2010-07-11T18:44:00.000+02:00

Yesterday's photo didn't show how neat the headrest looks. That's why I made a new photo.

Other thing, I had a nice ride with the Huneliggers today. Just below 60 kilometre, with 6 participants, 1 newbie and 4 Nazca recumbents. I was riding that Pioneer today and I really liked that when we started riding trough a forest.

Just before I was back home I spotted a flooded parking place, caused by a clogged drain. The inner 10 year old couldn't resist and headed straight for the water, twice. A fun way to get the dust of you 'bent.

Head support on Yivalté

2010-07-10T11:46:00.002+02:00

Until not so long ago, I didn't see the point on having a neck or head support on a 'bent. You either used if you where old, or if you have a racer with a very reclined seat. The change began when Thomas told me about how a neck support would make you go faster. You'd be using less energy to stabilize you head, and a slightly reclined head would have fewer air resistance. So I made a minimalistic neck support that sort of worked. I made a better version just before Cycle Vision this year. It contributed to my 4th place in the un-faired category. My average during the six hour race was 38.8kph, much higher than I could have imagined.

It was also just before CV that I changed the seat angle of my Fuego to something around 20 degrees or so. That meant that, even in the medium low touring set-up, I started using my rack pack as a head support. Far from ideal as it's not that stable at all. I couldn't find that perfect comfortable position anymore.

Yesterday morning, on my way to work, was when I decided to mount a proper support on my Fuego. I had the chance to 'practice' mounting such a thing on a customers bike. So, right after working hours, I mounted a nice carbon neck support from Novosport. It works brilliantly, even on the rough roads around the little int. hq. Now I can tilt my head back in total relaxation. That's more comfortable and faster.

I proved the fast thing right after work on my way home. My previous record on this 41.7km commute was 1:12:20, set in my Mango. My new record is 1:09:28, with an average of 36.02kph. A speed that seemed unreachable a few months ago. Training, attitude, seat angle and neck support where the main ingredients. And yes, there was a little tailwind. With 31 degrees C, it wasn't cold either. A cruising speed around 38kph gave a nice cooling airflow.

Another change, made 2 months ago, was a new rear fork for Yivalté. I swapped the standard fork with mounts for disc brake and kickstand for the version you get on a Gaucho highracer. Officially, this isn't possible. But that doesn't matter when you work at a manufacturer ;-) Besides, it was my boss' idea to mount this rear swingarm. It's looks spare and elegant! (Sorry, not available for costumers. It requires quite some 'hacking' to make it fit for a Fuego. Fuego's always have two disc brakes, except mine)

Click here to visit the Novosport website

25,000 kilometre in my Mango

2010-07-07T17:03:00.002+02:00

My recent night ride gave me several nice things. One of them was that the odometer of Yavixa went past the 25k mark. I got her on the 24th of November 2007, so it took me about 31 months reach that point. That means over 800km per month. Quite a number if you know that Yavixa isn't my only 'bent. During all those kilometres she had to withstand a lot of things. Three winters, temperatures from minus 15 up to 33 degrees Celcius, snow, salt gritted roads, rain, dust, sand, rough roads, speed bumps, fierce cornering, moped beating acceleration, high speeds and me.

I didn't do a lot of maintenance, just lubed the chain and front suspension struts regularly and the pivoting points of the brakes twice a year. The wheels where aligned a couple of times after I'd hit a curbstone. The brake and shift cables where replaced once, as well as the joints of the front suspension after 16k. The rear freewheel didn't freewheel anymore last winter and I wore out several sets of tyres. My current front tyres, Racers, are my favourite thus far. I think both chains are about half way their lifespan.

So I thought this was going to be quite a write up, but actually, there's not much to say. Everything just works fine. The combination of a well protected chain and rider, wrapped up in a comfortable, fast, stable, practical and self supporting structure has proven to be a winner for me. 'We' look after each other. I get a fun ride, she gets a good washing every now and then.

I wrote about my Sinner Mango before:

About the idler in particular.
About tyres.
The freewheel.

Lots of photo's can be found here.

And I also did a bit of explaining in this video I made.

Tilburg, It could have been worse...

2010-07-05T13:35:00.002+02:00

Yesterday I went to another race that's part of the Dutch recumbent competition. (DRC) I arrived at the track around half past twelve. Getting there had taken me over four hours, and that probably didn't do any good to my overall condition. It started with a minor headache. No real problem, at first, those things tend to go away within a few minutes after the start. So I made Yivalté ready to race and found a comfortable spot in the shade. More and more competitors arrived. With a field like this and my legs feeling strong, this could become a fun day at the races. If it wasn't for that headache.

Right on time, the grid fills with riders. I do an excellent start, but am smart enough not to go flat out in the first lap. Head still hurts. Even as I'm typing this, it stills feels strange in my grey mass. But after a lap or so, things feel better. I speed up, corner like I should and start to overtake people. Doin' 43kph is pretty easy, heart rate is around 180, but my head still aches. Luckily, that one tight corner is fun. You'll see it in the video how nice it is to take it at 38kph.

But the headache remains, and start to feel weird. I decide to call it quits. With a little luck, riding the second, shorter, criterium is possible. Problem is, my condition goes from bad to worse. Why? Heat doesn't feel like a problem and I've drinking enough. A lack of sleep? Don't think so. Maybe I ate something wrong, but what? Miserable and sick, my afternoon continuous. Yivalté does get to have some fun when Jos H. takes her out for a ride. The front tyre of his M5 low racer is flat, and the valve is too short. The pumps cant get a grip on it.

The one lap time trial goes one without me, just like the second crit. I do yell: '3, 2, 1, start'. That was my entire contribution to this event. Thankfully, I'm not alone and people look after me. That really helps when you're sick and far from home. There's no need to worry when you have such good people around. David H. offers me his spot in the Sinner van. He'll take the train home instead of me. I even win a price. The price for the unluckiest rider...

I get to ride home with H@rry and Marjon. Yes, I'm sad because I feel miserable and missed the race, but I'll get home, so everything will be fine. My revenge on the 'sick' will be sweet when I set a personal record on my personal long training route of 58km Tuesday evening. That'll be a perfect time to do such a thing, because that's when the national soccer team plays the semi final for the world championships. Streets will be deserted :-)

Just before we leave Tilburg, David hands me a painkiller, or should I say, a piece of magic. Because within an hour the pain and misery is gone. Only a weak, dizzy and sleepy feeling remains. I did feel quite a live when was back home, around half past ten.

David's Mango was in the back of the van and I rode it back to his house. I didn't go any faster than 38kph when I did that. We had a cup of tea and talk a bit about this and that.

It's close to midnight when I have dinner. Something with rice, and apple sauce and sweet yoghurt for dessert. Yawn!

Interesting links (soon to follow, I think)

From dusk 'till dawn and more

2010-06-23T21:04:00.001+02:00

The first time I tried to ride 300+km in one ride, something went wrong. Wrong food, horrible weather and a lack of fresh air made me feel sick and miserable during the last 75km. I made it, simply because that's the only way to get home but the final 75km took over 7 hours, including 2 hours sleep in Yavixa. Not really a success, to put it mildly, and that's why I wanted to do a 2nd attempt. This time I wouldn't have a goal to ride to like to social ride attended back in September. The weather should be good, the route easy and I should get enough fresh air. Riding on 2 wheels or without foam cover should be ideal. Just me and Yavixa, on our own. No hurries, just enjoying the ride.

Monday morning the idea came up to go for it. I felt alright and following RAAM and seeing Barbara Buatois win probably was a good inspiration too. The nights are at their shortest this time of year, but you do need lights. Fuego's headlight had some problems, so I'd be riding in the Mango. With a temperature below 10 degrees C, that wasn't such a bad situation anyway. I oiled her chains, I set the tyres to the right pressure. 6 bar in the Racers up front, just over 4 in the PM at the back. The original route I'd came up with was a little short, so I added a few loops to cross the 300km mark.

I started my ride at a quarter past 6, Tuesday evening. The first 123km to Almere was a route I'd done many times before. Fuel was a mixture of bananas, cookies, sirup waffles, sport drinks, some coffee, and a Snickers. Its was just past 11 when I approached the most Southern part of my ride. That's where Yavixa's odometer exceeded 25,000 kilometre. From there one I went East to the, in the Dutch recumbent community well known, 'Vogelweg' (Bird road). A few longs stretches of proper cycle paths in a totally deserted landscape. No along running does to see like I saw between Lelystad and Almere. Only windmills and continuously working irrigation systems. The sky was clear and I felt like owning the road. Legs felt smooth. Velomobile was in her element.

Harderwijk was the point where I entered the more populated parts of this country again. Although everything is densly populated compared to the 'polder'. Hard work was being done on the complete infrastructure. Most of all very nice wide and smooth cycle paths. But since they weren't done yet, some signs where missing. My Garmin Dakota 20 guided me towards the next part of the route, the N302 road. I saw a fox on this on this stretch of road, and I'd never seen one of those before.

Near Apeldoorn I climbed a hill, quite a big one for Dutch standards, 98 metres above sea level. Than I raced downhill into Hoog Soeren and took a left turn to get back to Apeldoorn. It was on that fun, elevated and twisty stretch of cyclepath that I saw 2 wild boars. They saw something approaching at 40kph with a lot of light on it and ran into the forrest. Most of the time my speed was around 27kph. I averaged 25.1

Apeldoorn was followed by Zwolle. I successfully found my way around some roadwork. Two is the number of cars I saw on this 25km long road. By 4 in the morning, it wasn't that dark anymore. Zwolle was quickly crossed and I headed for Meppel. After more than 10 hours of riding, I was getting a little bored. That feeling went away quite fast. Low hanging fog drifting over from water to land gave a mysterious sight.

With just over an hour left to go I eventually did put the foam cover on. The legs where getting cold, and the power output started to suffer from that. I had my nose sticking out above the foam like a dog nose sticking out of a car window. Raising the temperature made the legs happy again. More revs, more power, more speed. Close to 30kph again with over 270km done felt very satisfying.

Sleepy and satisfied I was back home at 7:23am. I had reached my goal, there was 306 kilometre on the Cat-eye. A shower, a baguette, a pancake, some yoghurt. It was a welcome variation on 13 hours of cycling food. I slept 2 or so to day. Typing costs more energy than usual. There's a concert down town I want to attempt around 10 this evening. So the next night will be one with long, and deep sleep. Thursday brings some post to deliver and a visit to my local velomobile dealer, Ligfietsgarage Groningen. That's another 60km round trip :-)

The Cruiser is ready

2010-06-20T21:28:00.000+02:00

It took a while, but the result is worth it. Today I made the first serious ride on my "99 Cruiser, and she rides very good. Between this first ride and buying the bike lays a lot of work. It all started 3 weeks ago. This post reports on that.

A day after I got the yellow 'bent it was completely dis-assembled. Everything that was worn down was thrown away. That included the chain, sprockets, pedals and rear shock. Than I started cleaning all re-usable parts. The front fork was taken apart and given a clean and lube job. The frame had some rust and scratches and needed quite some work. The grinding, sanding and paint preparation took a couple of days. In between that work I also did some extra work on the seat. The seat was put on drilling machine diet, reducing the weight with 400 grams or so.

Last October I did a full re-built on the Pioneer, and I used a brush the paint that bike. The Cruiser was done in a very different way, with spray gun connected to my compressor. That gives a way better result and goes about six times as fast.

The actual re-building itself took about a day. That might look long, but you're also busy adjusting and polishing old parts. Working with old and used parts takes a lot of time. The first test ride did made clear that I needed a new rear dérailleur. The old Alivio's shift spring wasn't strong enough anymore to reach the higher gears. I thought I had a replacement, but I quickly found out that a road bike Tiagra can't handle a 11-30 cassette, you something mtb-ish for that. The top of the cage simply gets stuck behind the larger sprockets when you use a road bike shifting device.

So I got myself a replacement the next day at the little int. hq. A cheap (free actually) and second hand Alivio again. Doesn't last long in the more serious conditions, but that doesn't matter for this bike. The dérailleur originally was black, and I wanted something with a shiny metal look. A little sanding wheel and a mini grinder took care of that. I built it up as a quick, basic 8-speed fast simple tourer. I mounted the seat a bit more reclined and left out several accessories like fenders and rear rack. Originally, Cruisers didn't have a chain idler. Since 2010 they do have one and mine also got a little wheel to improve pedalling efficiency. And that really makes a difference. Pedalling feels direct and I couldn't trace any effect in the suspension under serious hammering. The exact position of such an idler is critical. A wrong placed idler has no effect, or increases the hopping.

Like most of my other bikes, also this one got a name. During my work as a mailmen, a name came up in my mind, spontaneously. A few minutes later I did realize that it looks like a mixture of the names of two persons, pure coincidence. One being the name of the hottest girl at school in the years 1999-2001. The other one the name of a fellow recumbent rider, a good guy. The name that popped up into my, sometimes confused, brain is Yoska.

Photos of Yoska's re-built can be found here. Todays ride showed a head wind cruising speed of close to 30 and a close to 40 when I had a tailwind. Top speed was just over 50kph, not bad for a first attempt. So for a basic humble 8-speed tourer, it's pretty fast. She handles fine and is comfortable too. Narrowed handlebars and fast tyres clearly contribute to this character. A good engine probably also contributes ;-) Mission accomplished.

CV2010, the 6 hour race

2010-06-13T21:18:00.000+02:00

Two velodrome races, a good meal, and 2 aspirins made for over 9 hours of deep sleep. The 2 little pills where needed to kill a small headache. So I woke up all fresh and happy, ready for the big race. I ate 5 slices of bread and drunk a big cup of fruity yoghurt. Yivalté only needed a the external fuel tank strapped on to the back of the seat. Only thing left to do, when it comes to preparing, was to pack all my stuff back into the Cyclone trailer.

Just after ten, the grid is loaded with all kind of machines. From 'naked' to fully faired, just over 50 people will give it a go at riding as far as possible in 6 hours. My goal was 200km, my dream was to average 35km/h. Should be possible, with a good drafts throughout the race.

Right after start I form a duo with Corinne. A 'low' heart rate suggests that I'm taking it easy, but I'm already doing 35-36. Corinne finds a good spot right behind me and I'm fine with that. Our group grows as we team up with 2 Thijs rowing bikes. My average starts to rise, the group grows. The long back straight is so relaxing in the group, that I feel like taking a little nap. The viaduct right after start/finish keeps me sharp.

Than, after about fifty minutes I'm lapped by a small fast group of three. That group now is a quartet. Riding with 38 on the speedo is that difficult. This group still was small, so a the loss of only one could make it quite fragile. Luckily, the M5 boys ride by. The group grows to six and speeds up. I find time to eat a banana. During this race I consumed 2 bananas, 3 powergels, 2 biscuits, and just over 2 litres of fluid with added powders.

The average rises even further. It was 40.5 tops. Each lap, for a continuing three hours, we'd reach more than 50km/h racing down the little viaduct. I'd be doing 30 on top of it, most of the time, than do 5-6 up-shifts within a few seconds, and plummet down, trying to keep up with the big guys. At one moment, I lost my concentration, and tipped the fender of the guy in front of me. We lose some time on the others, but I manage to quickly close to gap to the others. Quite an exciting experience to tip a fender whilst being in top gear.

My heart rate never really got very high. Every time to guys speed up, I could keep up. An amazing feeling. Feeling that the power is there when you need it. Good fuel helps! I'd see 160 on my heart monitor for the first part of the lap. That number most of the time went down to 150 on the back straight.

An important moment was my 'riding re-fuel'. I threw my empty water bottle into the small crowd whilst yelling: 'Jos! Fill it!' And on lap later, on top of the viaduct, the slowest part of the track, Jos handed it back to me, filled with fresh water. Great thing was that I quickly made it back to my group, because this had only cost me two seconds or so.

But, after 4 hours, I made a precautionary stop. A stop just before the engine would give problems. A moment to cool down, refill the bottle, stretch the legs. I got back on the Fuego within two minutes. I had a slow pace, 30 or so. I saw my fast group appearing in my mirror, and was back in the game. Yes, I lost a lap on them, but my average still was amazingly high. This than went on for another 35 minutes. Speeds were high, but not as high as they used to be. Still, I did overtake my fellow Huneliggers one more time.

Between 4.5 and 5 hours, I took a big break. Slowing down to give the legs the rest they needed. I adjusted the seat angle and ate the biscuits to relax my stomach. The last hour was spent with the group I had started the race with. With one important addition, one of the M5 guys. He had totally had it. This 'slow' group was the fastest he could ride with. With about 15 minutes left to go, everybody is tired. We even had some rain, and that had made everything dirty. I was riding on auto-pilot. The legs were doing the work, the body just followed.

With on lap to go, one rider left the group, and I wasn't going to let that happen, so I did one final fast lap. I finished with a dream average of 38.7km/h. My distance covered was 232.5 kilometre. There was a garden hose that I used to spray myself clean with. I put on some fresh clothes, had some coffee.

A friendly fellow racer who lives close by me, offered me a ride home with him and his family. A true blessing that saved me dragging my tired body to the train station. The Magnum ice cream was delicious.

A graphic representing my race.
Some photos I shot during the weekend.
Race results.

Cycle Vision 2010, Saturday, day 1

2010-06-10T12:40:00.001+02:00

I was woken up by the sun after a very good night. A light breakfast is all I need now. There's no need to hurry, my first start this day isn't until 10:21am. Nazca has just arrived when I come by to pick up the Gaucho. Pedals are swapped, water bladder is mounted and just before the start, I lengthen the boom 5 millimetre or so.

It still is quite early for this engine, so my heart rate doesn't go that high and so does my power output. Nevertheless, I do a steady, reasonably fast 1 hour individual. I manage to do 39.1km, which is .1 km higher that I'd thought I would do. It does become clear to me that at this higher speeds, the aerodynamics start have effect, meaning that my Fuego is faster at speeds like this. Still, up to 35km/h, the Gaucho 28" is a quick bike. And the way it handles rough roads is impressive. So for daily use, it's faster. For higher speeds, the seat angle should be more reclined. But naturally, that has known side effects.

I use to 2 hours between the 1 hour and the velodrome race to eat a little and to relax. Yivalté get's her pedals back, and I also mount my start number, transponder and water bladder. The semi final I'm about to race already looked challenging on paper. The first 8 out of 14 riders will make it through to the finale. The video will explain most of the story. What you don't hear is the support I got from the infield. And that really helps when you start to see little flashing brightly coloured dots after 25 minutes of going round and round. I finish 9th in very strong field.

There was an up-side to the rather disappointing result, I had quiet a change at winning the loser, or turtle, final. And that's exactly what I did. I lead the entire race, without any serious thread from the competition. It was nice to 'own' the track like that. I could ride around in a fairly relaxed manner. Although I did speed up in the end, just to make sure that number 2 wouldn't un-lap himself. I won a t-shirt and got to stand on the podium :-)

The big finale, the one I'd liked to do, is an impressive sight. I mounted my camera to Robert's bike. He the man you see looking over his shoulder during the semi-final, to see if I could keep up. But, as you saw, I ran out of gears and steam. He rides a strong race, with a fabulous final lap.

I spend the rest of the day relaxing, eating, and chatting. The 2 velodrome races really took the best of me today. It was before half past 10 that I switched of the lights.

Cycle Vision, Friday, day 0

2010-06-09T21:15:00.002+02:00

Friday morning, just after 7. I'm pulling a fully loaded trailer behind my Fuego. She's in race set-up. As low as I could get her, with a little 'hack'. Seat angle just over 20 degrees, no rack, a neck rest and the chain cleaned and oiled. With all that racing coming up, my legs have a day off. So my average is below 24km/h

Work goes well. Mr. Nazca is adding the final details to the bike I'll be doing the 1 hour on, a 28" Gaucho. I do the usual thing, quality controls on bikes. This is a short day, Pjotr leaves the int. hq. at 2:20pm. That turned out to be just in time, because the train was spot on time, and I just made it. That's very much not like me.

I get out of the train station of Schiphol airport, close to Amsterdam. Finding your way out of Schiphol as a cyclist took a lot of my own creativity. In some sort of way, I found a road, quickly followed by a cycle path. The route included half a car park. Most of the airport is surrounded by buss lanes.

My GPS knows the way to the event, so that goes pretty smooth. The atmosphere at the campsite typically 'recumbent event'. I see a lot of people I know. My first Cycle Vision wish comes out as I find a spot in the shade to pitch my tent. The rest of the evening is spent socializing and chatting. And eating of course! Thanks to my mp6 player I could watch the 8 o'clock news, just like I was at home. Just before dark, the sleeping bag is zipped. Time for a good night of sleep. Saturday won't exactly be a relaxing first half of the weekend.