Sep 22 2012

ICE Recumbent Trike Review

Trailsnet’s First Recumbent Trike Review

I’m not sure what took Trailsnet so long to review recumbent trikes. They’ve been on our radar from day one. In fact recumbents were one of the first personal transportation vehicles to catch our attention and help us decide to make PTVs a focus area for Trailsnet, and we’ve always had a dedicated category for recumbent trails on Trailsnet.com.  Although the following review is specifically for ICE Trikes, it can also serve as an introduction to recumbent trikes in general.

ICE Recumbent Trike Introduction

recumbent trike manufactured by ICE

ICE Sprint Trike

ICE stands for Inspired Cycle Engineering. ICE Recumbent Trikes is one of the leading brands for recumbent trikes. Among trike recumbent fans, ICE has a sort of cult following. ICE Trikes are not usually the first recumbent trike that recumbent followers own, but they are often the last. Recumbent riders tend to be a loyal bunch of folks, and once they find a brand they like, they often stick to that brand for life.

ICE Recumbent Trike Highlights

So what’s to love about an ICE Recumbent Trike? Let me count the features:

  1. Precisely engineered – ICE Trikes are built to last. They are sturdy and stable.
  2. Compact – Whether you need to transport your recumbent trike or store it at your house, the foldable frame of an ICE Trike comes in handy when you have space limitations.
  3. Selection – ICE carries three lines of recumbent trikes. They are the Adventure, the Sprint and the Vortex.
  4. Customizable – Within each of the three trike models listed above, there are numerous variations such as the Adventure, Adventure RS, Adventure FS, Adventure FS+, Adventure HD, Adventure RS HD, etc. Then, on each of the specific models, you can add such options as a neck rest, a rack, side pods, front light mount, chainring guard and more.
recumbent trike on Trailsnet.com

author on recumbent trike

ICE Recumbent Trike Dealers

ICE distributors may not be the most visible PTV (personal transportation vehicle) sales staff on the planet; but they are quite knowledgeable about their product. I was fortunate enough to interview Chip Stern, owner of Colorado’s Recumbent Trike Store. Chip definitely knows his recumbents and is one of ICE’s leading distributors. He has long been a fan of recumbent trikes and distributes them both nationally and internationally. His enthusiasm for trikes becomes evident from the start and his knowledge of the industry is voluminous. Like most ICE representatives, he is glad to accompany customers on a test drive and offers a steady stream of tips, tricks and trike tales. Even though I was mainly interested in learning about recumbent Trikes in general and ICE Recumbent Trikes particularly, I found myself wishing I had more garage space for “just one more personal transportation vehicle.” My PTV bucket list just expanded by at least one more toy. It’s not a matter of if I’m going to get a recumbent trike someday soon but whether it will be the Adventure, the Spring or the Vortex.

Why I Like Recumbent Trikes

Above all else, recumbent trikes are incredibly comfortable. It’s as if my body was telling me, “Now this is the way to ride trails.” Two particular trike qualities contribute to the aforementioned comfort:

  1. position – I’m not the first to notice that riding a recumbent bike is like viewing the world from the vantage point of your favorite reclining chair. My weight was evenly distributed throughout my entire back rather than just being centered over my buttocks. That weight distribution makes a huge difference over the course of a typical ride. Having ridden recumbent bikes on both the Withlacoochee Trail in Florida and the Silver Comet Trail in Georgia, I can vouch for the added comfort of the reclining position whilst navigating a long-distance trail.
  2. freedom – Those of you who follow Trailsnet realize that I’m all about relaxation, scenery and fitness when it comes to riding the trails. Recumbents allow all three of those qualities plus freedom. The increased stability of recumbent trikes afford the freedom to enjoy the scenery without worrying about every bump & rut in the trail. The freestanding frame allows for the freedom to stop and rest or take pictures at will without worrying about balancing a bike. And the added (potential) cargo space allows for the freedom of long, comfortable trail journeys; and everyone knows that Trailsnet is all about long, comfortable trail journeys.
The recumbent community is a growing one and an increasingly diverse group of riders. If you’re under the impression that recumbents are for seniors or any other one particular group, you need to take another look at who’s riding recumbents. As both Chip Stern and I agree, if we’d have known about recumbents back when we were in our twenties, we’d have drooled over them then, too. Oh sure, recumbents offer new-found adventures and exploration to retirees and even folks with certain handicapping situations. But in reality, recumbents and recumbent trikes are for everyone.
For more information about recumbents, take a look at the BentRider blog and the Recumbent & Tandem Rider Magazine. Then I’ll see you on the trail with a smile on your face, the wind at your back and a  recumbent trike directly underneath you.

 

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2012/09/22/ice-recumbent-trikes/

Sep 20 2012

Road Bikes Okay, But…

Road Bike Video

If a picture paints a thousand words, then this video paints a million. This video was taken, last weekend, just a few miles from where I live. This is why I much prefer to ride my bike on the trails:

Comments about bikes on roads

Spend a little time reading the comments that accompany the video. This wasn’t posted very long ago and it’s amazing the reaction it’s gotten. The road biking issue is obviously a hot topic.

I always enjoy reading the comments from both sides of the argument for and against bikes on the roads.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2012/09/20/road-bikes-okay-but/

Sep 18 2012

Pedego Electric Bike Review

Pedego electric bicycle

Pedego electric bike

Ped-e-Go Electric Bicycle

What’s better than riding a premium electric bicycle? How about riding one that you designed from the tires on up? Pedego definitely fits into the category of premium electric bikes. And now, the folks at Pedego electric cycles are offering you the chance to build the electric bike of your dreams; and if that isn’t good enough, they’re also giving you the opportunity to win the bike that you designed. Just visit the Pedego Facebook page and enter to win!!

What Makes Pedego eBikes different?

Pedego electric bikes “combine style and function to open up cycling to anyone who might otherwise not be getting the benefits from bike riding.” Some of the features of Pedego that are either unique or noteworthy include:

  • They are built for comfort with ergonomically designed seats and handlebars.
    Pedego electric bike

    easy to use controls

  • They include many step-through models so riders don’t have to straddle a crossbar.
  • They come with two battery sizes: 37 volt or 48 volt
  • They have an internal hub motor that is quiet and powerful
  • They can be operated with or without pedaling.
  • They have numerous dealer locations.
  • They allow you to customize your bike with various colors, styles, tires, motor size and accessories.
  • They come with a limited warranty.
  • And most important, they are a lot of fun!!!

Pedego Electric Bike Test Ride

Pedego requires all their dealers to offer test drives to interested consumers. I had the opportunity to test ride a Pedego electric vehicle provided by Colorado’s SmallPlanet eVehicles out of Longmont. I started out by maneuvering it through the parking lot of City of Cuernevaca Park near downtown Denver. Then I had the opportunity for a fairly long ride on the Platte River Trailall the way from Denver to Thornton. I was impressed by numerous Pedego qualities

electric bicycle by Pedego

Pedego

including:

  • The ride was incredibly quiet and smooth.
  • The battery seemed to last forever. After riding for over 12 miles, the power indicator was still near the full mark.
  • I liked the option of using a combination of pedal and electric power or throttle powered propulsion. This gave me full control of how much exercise I was getting as opposed to how much electrical boost the bike was giving me.
  • The controls on the bike were easy to find and use after only a short amount of time.

I have been pleased by the quality and selection of electric bikes out there. Pedego is a great example of how electric bikes are continually improving to meet the needs of both bicyclists and electric vehicle enthusiasts. Such electric bikes are making it possible for people of all ages and abilities to join the cycling revolution. In the long run, that will be good for the environment, for fitness and for recreation.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2012/09/18/pedego-electric-bike-review/

Sep 10 2012

Lighten Your Load: Smart Tips for Backpackers

Backpacking Light

Backpacking is an activity that is an adventurous way of life for some people. Professional backpackers have learned, through experience, all the tips and tricks of packing smart for their journeys. Packing light is essential – bring too much with you, and you’ll suffer throughout your trip with a sore back and depleted energy. If you’re new to backpacking, here are some important tips on how to lighten you load.
Readjust Your Strategy

A common mistake that newbie backpackers make is bringing along as much as they think they can carry. Do not try to pack as much as you can handle or fit into your bag. Instead, try to pack as little as you can manage with. Don’t try to come up with creative ways to bring more stuff or cram it all into your pack. Instead, try to be as minimalist as possible and leave behind things that you can do without.

Don’t Bring “Just in Case” Items

Anyone who’s ever over-packed for a vacation knows that more often than not, the things you pack “just in case” are never needed. Think carefully about your “just in case” items; in cases, it’s better not to bring them at all. For example, you may be tempted to bring along a fishing pole “just in case” there’s a good fishing hole. Instead, just bring along some fishing line, one sinker & a hook. If that fishing hole materializes & you have time, you can always find a grub, worm or grasshopper to pop on the hook.

Bring Multi-Purpose Gear

Multi-purpose gear will help you lighten your load by reducing the total number of items you need to pack. Look for items that have multiple functions whenever possible. Bring a cooking pot that can double as a food bowl, for example. You can use socks as hand warmers if necessary. Your clothing can be used to stuff your pillow at night. And a Swiss army knife is always recommended.

Reduce Clothing Items

Never bring more than one full week’s worth of clothing, and you should usually bring less than that. Three or four of each clothing items (shirts, pants, underwear, socks) should be enough. Wear items more than once, and wash your clothes when you need to. Bring clothing that can be worn in different situations, and bring outfits that can be mixed-and-matched to wear in different weather. As for shoes, choose a pair that is very durable, and comfortable. Don’t bring more than one extra, lightweight shoe.

Reduce Toiletries

Absolutely never bring full-size toiletry items; it’s highly unnecessary and will increase the weight of your backpack significantly. Bring only small or travel size toiletries with you. Try to measure out appropriate amounts for the length of your trip, and leave behind items you can do without (do you really NEED mouthwash when you have toothpaste?). Bringing a little more sunscreen or bug spray than you think you need isn’t a bad idea, but things like shampoo and soap can easily be purchased if you run out. 
L. Evans is an adventure seeker based out of Kenya. She uses Glovico to learn Swahili.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2012/09/10/lighten-your-load-smart-tips-for-backpackers/

Sep 05 2012

Tips to Getting Fit for Even the Most Experienced Couch Potatoes

Trailsnet is always encouraging you to get out on the trails for a bike ride, run, Trikke ride, inline skate or hike. But what if you don’t feel as if you are physically fit enough to hit the trail. Here are some tips from our guest blogger Lori.

Tips to Getting Fit for Even the Most Experienced Couch Potatoes

If you’re a couch potato, chances are you’re tired of hearing all the weight loss gurus telling you what you’re doing wrong. How are you supposed to gain inspiration from an overly tanned, energetic ball of muscle? Those people obviously don’t understand what it feels like to be you. The bad part about going from an overweight, lethargic state to getting in shape is that, at your current state, you have close to no energy or motivation to do anything about it. However, here are some tips to help even the most seasoned couch potatoes to get up off their butts and get fit and fab!

Start Slow

Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither was a six pack of abs. If you’re most recent physical activity involved reaching for the remote, don’t attempt to overdo it in an effort to get fit. The only thing this will accomplish is a sore body and an “I’m never doing that again” attitude. Start really slow and small. Rather than going for a mile-long bone jarring jog, try going for a leisurely walk.

Change Your Routine

Even the most seasoned couch potatoes have to do things like grocery shop and go to work. If you do these things, there are little changes you can make to your routine that will add some physical activity to your day without you even noticing. Park far away from the building, so that you will walk farther to get to where you’re going. Choose the stairs instead of the elevator. If you’re going to the fifteenth floor, maybe take the stairs for three or four flights and the elevator the rest of the way. After a week or two, try taking the stairs for five or six flights.

Ditch the Dread

If you dread your exercise and think of it as a chore, you will find any excuse you can to avoid doing it. Make your exercise routine fun and appropriate for your current physical state. If you do this, you will find yourself looking forward to exercising, rather than dreading it altogether.

Don’t Fool Yourself

Often times, people convince themselves that it’s too late to make a change in their life. If you’ve been overweight and out of shape for a decade, there’s no better time than now to fix that. It’s never too late to change the state of your health. In fact, there’s no better time than the present. Think about it. In a year, you’ll wish you had started today.

There is a Routine for You

Don’t be fooled by exercise fanatics. It is perfectly possible to get into shape and stay that way without spending every waking moment at the gym and spending thousands of dollars on protein shakes and weight loss supplements.

Good, old fashioned physical activity and a healthy mindset is all you need. Make small changes to your diet and incorporate some healthy foods. Make minimal changes to your everyday routine and take some time out to get physical. That’s all it takes. Before you know it, the pounds will drop off and you’ll feel better than ever!

Lori Alfreds enjoys writing about fitness, exercise, and health insurance quotes.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2012/09/05/tips-to-getting-fit-for-even-the-most-experienced-couch-potatoes/

Sep 01 2012

Help Trailsnet Keep Trail Information Up-to-date

Reader Updates Huckleberry Trail

Thanks to Trailsnet reader John for trail mileage updates on Virginia’s Huckleberry Trail. Trailsnet relies on readers like you and John to keep us updated about trails. This is especially true of trails entered by users. Although they usually do a great job, sometimes their facts don’t always figure and their figures aren’t always factual.

Thanks for the Trail Comments!!

It would appear that numerous comments to Trailsnet were ignored over the past few months. WordPress normally does an excellent job of notifying me when new comments are posted, but for some reason, I wasn’t notified about a dozen comments. So for all of you who I failed to acknowledge… Sorry ’bout that!!

Trail Wiki Needed?

One of the comments that went unacknowledged was also from John, and it made a great trail suggestion. John noted, “I just feel that until there is a wiki type trail site , like Wikipedia, we will never have a up to date forum for trails.. too many things happen Like last week we had a wind storm and most trails in area are impassable because of tree’s down. with a wiki and thousands , and local riders there would be good up to date information , like a detour route. Even trail link which continues to improve; is slow and not current.. and they have funding, and many many years behind them.. where Wikipedia in just a few years out performed hundred year old encyclopedia companies.”

These are excellent points, John, and thanks for sharing them. I would love to have Trailsnet turn into just such a wiki where trail enthusiasts can share trail updates, suggestions and information. Maybe someday, that is exactly how Trailsnet will evolve. Until then, trail fans are encouraged to continue sharing comments and trail information on Trailsnet.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2012/09/01/help-trailsnet-keep-trail-information-up-to-date/