tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60485404345594978282024-02-19T10:18:51.865-05:00Recumbent bikology in the urban jungle.The blog of New York City Recumbent Supply.Robert Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11706818647792433678noreply@blogger.comBlogger263125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048540434559497828.post-21365872740681280792017-03-08T09:41:00.000-05:002017-03-08T09:41:08.752-05:00HP Velotechnik Body Link and Ergo Mesh seats<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Here's a Rider/Robert Q&A</h3>
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Hi Robert,</div>
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[Regarding HP Velotechnik seats] Can you send me any links regarding the different seat options? I know there is another option that come standard with the bike... I think this is probably a really important component for overall comfort. </div>
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What are your thoughts for the Ergo Mesh seat? Also, does the headrest cradle your neck? Does it get in the way of your helmet? </div>
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B--</div>
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Hi B--,</div>
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There isn't much on the HP site about the Ergo Mesh seat. In my experience, it's more popular on the trikes than on the two wheelers. The Body Link and Ergo Mesh are the same "price" -- you get either one at no difference in cost.</div>
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On the StreetMachine Gte, the Ergo Mesh seat requires the extra-wide underseat handlebars. The seat is 8 oz heavier and softer, so requires more effort on the uphills. It's also a bit higher and that, plus the shape with a straight front, makes it harder to touch the ground while stopped (e.g. at a light).</div>
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On the up-side -- the benefits -- in hot weather it'll feel more breathable and it has a nice 1 liter capacity zipper pocket at the top of the set. It also has good lumbar support for those who require that.</div>
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I sell more Body Link seats than Ergo Mesh, but I always have Ergo Mesh seats on hand for people to try.</div>
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Headrests</h4>
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As for the headrest, it should be positioned at the base of the neck. I wouldn't say it "cradles" the neck, which to me implies support left, center back and right. The headrest only touches the back of the head, which is desirable so you can turn your head for views, watch traffic, etc. You can adjust it fore-aft and up-down. Some people like the headrest touching the helmet, some don't. Some prefer it at the base of their neck (personally, that's where I like it). Also, riders with a shorter torso may have less room for adjustments than a longer-torsoed rider because you can only lower it just so much until it bottoms out at the top of the seat.</div>
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I know of no page on the HP Velotechnik site dedicated to the Ergo Mesh seat but there is one (several, actually) dedicated to the Body Link seat and there are pages with some photos that may help you see the seat:</div>
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http://www.hpvelotechnik.com/images/produkte/ghp/HP_GrassHopperFx_tour_ErgoMeshSitz_rechts.jpg</div>
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http://www.hpvelotechnik.com/produkte/scorpionfx/index_e.html</div>
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http://www.hpvelotechnik.com/produkte/sm/gte/bodylinksitz_e.html</div>
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I hope that helps!</div>
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Robert</div>
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Robert Matson<br />
<a href="http://www.nycrecumbentsupply.com/">New York City Recumbent Supply</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theinnovationworks.com/">The Innovation Works, Inc.</a><br />
copyright 2017 Robert Matson</div>
Robert Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11706818647792433678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048540434559497828.post-85488625852761344052017-02-10T17:24:00.000-05:002017-02-10T17:24:10.314-05:00Amtrak to hold open house at the National Bike Summit<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This just came in from the League of American Cyclists:</div>
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Have questions about Amtrak's bike service? This is your chance to ask it!</h1>
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Amtrak will hold an open house at the National Bike Summit, where Summit registrants can check out train cars with different types of bike accommodations (bring your bike!) and ask questions of Amtrak staff about bike access, specific routes and stations, and how to bring your bike on an Amtrak train.</div>
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If you will be at the Summit you can <a data-mce-href="https://www.votervoice.net/BroadcastLinks/JdJzCS8_z7APk_8QIHjX3w" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.votervoice.net/BroadcastLinks/JdJzCS8_z7APk_8QIHjX3w&source=gmail&ust=1486851557259000&usg=AFQjCNGU4pk9DOlpgm09wbzdJt6RnrnL0A" href="https://www.votervoice.net/BroadcastLinks/JdJzCS8_z7APk_8QIHjX3w" target="_blank">register here</a> to attend the open House (and get a Amtrak Loves Bikes T-shirt) - <a data-mce-href="https://nationalbikesummit2017.sched.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://nationalbikesummit2017.sched.com/&source=gmail&ust=1486851557259000&usg=AFQjCNG5HmZpQnUyBxknDrfy6zf8cLbB1w" href="https://nationalbikesummit2017.sched.com/" target="_blank">https://<wbr></wbr>nationalbikesummit2017.sched.<wbr></wbr>com/</a></div>
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If you aren't coming to the Summit you can submit your questions for Amtrak here- <a data-mce-href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5TP3ZWT" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5TP3ZWT&source=gmail&ust=1486851557260000&usg=AFQjCNH6q_dAgvW6-31u4f9cxoNKbc9g6A" href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5TP3ZWT" target="_blank">https://www.<wbr></wbr>surveymonkey.com/r/5TP3ZWT</a></div>
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Amtrak will give written answers to all questions and the League of American Bicyclists will publish answers on our blog. (for those asking questions, we can also send answers directly to your email if you provide it in the survey)</div>
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So ask your questions!! <a data-mce-href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5TP3ZWT" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5TP3ZWT&source=gmail&ust=1486851557260000&usg=AFQjCNH6q_dAgvW6-31u4f9cxoNKbc9g6A" href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5TP3ZWT" target="_blank">https://www.surveymonkey.com/<wbr></wbr>r/5TP3ZWT</a> </div>
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Have fun and stay healthy,<br />
Robert<br />
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Robert Matson<br />
<a href="http://www.nycrecumbentsupply.com/">New York City Recumbent Supply</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theinnovationworks.com/">The Innovation Works, Inc.</a><br />
copyright 2015 Robert Matson</div>
Robert Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11706818647792433678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048540434559497828.post-56447914074773397002017-01-27T14:55:00.001-05:002017-02-10T17:24:44.099-05:00Act now: improve bike access to George Washington Bridge. Port Authority taking comments<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Port Authority taking comments on 10-yr Capital Plan</h2>
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Our friend Neile Weissman has been working hard to ensure cyclists get improved access on the George Washington Bridge. This is important.</div>
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He writes us:</div>
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* * *</div>
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Fellow Cyclist,</div>
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Between now and <span data-term="goog_1468499539">February 15</span>, the Port Authority is taking public comments on its 10-year Capital Plan. Now is the chance to call on them to include wider paths on the George Washington Bridge.</div>
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Please take a few moments to email the PA and the Governor. Even a one-sentence email will make a difference.</div>
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Thanks!</div>
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<strong>Neile Weissman</strong><br />
<a data-mce-href="https://completegeorge.org/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://completegeorge.org/&source=gmail&ust=1485284818806000&usg=AFQjCNEK2ZECh2tkodoUP2Gc5L6nyH-aBQ" href="https://completegeorge.org/">Complete George</a> | <a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/completegeorge/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.facebook.com/completegeorge/&source=gmail&ust=1485284818806000&usg=AFQjCNFBDNabCwkbjMAKmZfIPXtbWBqV6g" href="https://www.facebook.com/completegeorge/">Facebook</a> | <a data-mce-href="https://twitter.com/NeileWeissman" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://twitter.com/NeileWeissman&source=gmail&ust=1485284818806000&usg=AFQjCNHEYto10A3-W7li8oTt2SdefHi-FQ" href="https://twitter.com/NeileWeissman">Twitter</a></div>
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<em>——————————</em></div>
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<strong>Email!</strong></div>
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<a data-mce-href="mailto:publiccomments@panynj.gov" href="mailto:publiccomments@panynj.gov">The Port Authority</a></div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://tinyurl.com/j5q3xwz" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://tinyurl.com/j5q3xwz&source=gmail&ust=1485284818806000&usg=AFQjCNFWg6xcyjITtT0Ugw8dcdJbdMN6sw" href="http://tinyurl.com/j5q3xwz">NY Governor Andrew Cuomo</a> <strong>*<em>important*</em></strong></div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://tinyurl.com/contactchristie" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://tinyurl.com/contactchristie&source=gmail&ust=1485284818806000&usg=AFQjCNHmq6-cBk2S8_Y9vVyS6KNL7Jd3jQ" href="http://tinyurl.com/contactchristie">NJ Governor Chris Christie</a> <strong>*<em>important*</em></strong></div>
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<strong>Sample Statement</strong></div>
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<em>“I call upon the the Port Authority to include the upgrade of George Washington Bridge paths to national standards </em><em>in its 10 Year Capital Plan</em><em>, both for the safety of all users, as well as to support the growth of bicycling across the region.”</em></div>
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<strong>Speak!</strong></div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://tinyurl.com/jeyyjnq" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://tinyurl.com/jeyyjnq&source=gmail&ust=1485284818806000&usg=AFQjCNGw2M5Z9zB6I8GeY88GSVwI371Shw" href="http://tinyurl.com/jeyyjnq">1/31 from <span data-term="goog_1468499540">5-8PM</span> at 4 World Trade Center</a> (prep 1-2-3 minute versions of remarks)</div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://tinyurl.com/jeyyjnq" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://tinyurl.com/jeyyjnq&source=gmail&ust=1485284818806000&usg=AFQjCNGw2M5Z9zB6I8GeY88GSVwI371Shw" href="http://tinyurl.com/jeyyjnq">2/7 from <span data-term="goog_1468499541">5-8PM</span> at 2 Montgomery Street, Jersey City</a></div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://tinyurl.com/z9ttjhe" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://tinyurl.com/z9ttjhe&source=gmail&ust=1485284818806000&usg=AFQjCNH6x1fFwFZLUR-tptZlw2YzozVYrg" href="http://tinyurl.com/z9ttjhe">2/16 from <span data-term="goog_1468499542">12-2PM</span> at 4 World Trade Center</a></div>
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<strong>Call! </strong></div>
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Your NYC Councilmember to support <a data-mce-href="http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=2735496&GUID=8FFC737A-2A66-4C37-B3FF-86D3828EDB3F" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID%3D2735496%26GUID%3D8FFC737A-2A66-4C37-B3FF-86D3828EDB3F&source=gmail&ust=1485284818806000&usg=AFQjCNGi7t1_fwj5-4rI7Kee8P5kzlTMwA" href="http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=2735496&GUID=8FFC737A-2A66-4C37-B3FF-86D3828EDB3F">Resolution 1072-2016</a></div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://council.nyc.gov/html/members/members.shtml" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://council.nyc.gov/html/members/members.shtml&source=gmail&ust=1485284818806000&usg=AFQjCNFfhTdssCrb2atecTGvGCS__Hy7gA" href="http://council.nyc.gov/html/members/members.shtml">Find your local Councilmember</a></div>
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<strong>Follow Us!</strong></div>
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<a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/completegeorge/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.facebook.com/completegeorge/&source=gmail&ust=1485284818806000&usg=AFQjCNFBDNabCwkbjMAKmZfIPXtbWBqV6g" href="https://www.facebook.com/completegeorge/">Complete George on Facebook</a></div>
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<strong>Background</strong></div>
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Starting in 2017 the Port Authority will undertake a $1.9 billion reconstruction and recabling of the George Washington Bridge. This will include ripping out and replacing the 1931-era 7’ paths.</div>
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With weekend use averaging 3700 cyclists per day and growing at 10% per year, this <em>should</em> be the opportunity for the PA to widen the paths to national standards, instead they plan to restore them as “sidewalks."</div>
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<strong>More Info </strong></div>
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<a data-mce-href="https://completegeorge.org/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://completegeorge.org/&source=gmail&ust=1485284818806000&usg=AFQjCNEK2ZECh2tkodoUP2Gc5L6nyH-aBQ" href="https://completegeorge.org/">Complete the GWB</a></div>
<div data-mce-style="font-style: inherit;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit;">
<em><br /></em></div>
<div data-mce-style="font-style: inherit;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit;">
<em>Image at top. Cyclists’ Proposal for the GWB: (2) 10′ paths for cyclists. (2) 7′ paths for peds-runners on the upper level. 9′ high anti-suicide barrier. Rendering by Joseph Lertola.</em></div>
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* * *<br />
<br />
Have fun and stay healthy,<br />
Robert<br />
------------<br />
Robert Matson<br />
<a href="http://www.nycrecumbentsupply.com/">New York City Recumbent Supply</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theinnovationworks.com/">The Innovation Works, Inc.</a><br />
copyright 2017 Robert Matson</div>
Robert Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11706818647792433678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048540434559497828.post-59783544583426673382017-01-27T14:52:00.000-05:002017-01-27T14:52:02.597-05:00George Washington Bridge: efforts to widen and improve bike access<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
This came in from our friend and recumbent rider Neile Weissman.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br data-mce-bogus="1" /></div>
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* * *</div>
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<br data-mce-bogus="1" /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
Fellow Cyclists,</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div>
<div>
In an 11/17 presentation to PA, I applied the World Health Organization’s HEAT tools to quantify the health benefits resulting from current and expanded bike travel across GWB.</div>
<blockquote>
<div>
<i><span color="#373737" data-mce-style="color: #373737;" style="color: #373737;">• Presuming 14,000 cyclists per weekend access the GWB, that level of physical activity would prevent 21 deaths per year worth $195 million.</span></i></div>
<div>
<i><span color="#373737" data-mce-style="color: #373737;" style="color: #373737;">• Widened paths could save more lives</span></i><i><span color="#373737" data-mce-style="color: #373737;" style="color: #373737;"> than anti-suicide barriers.</span></i></div>
</blockquote>
<b><a data-mce-href="https://completegeorge.org/needs/1116-ph/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://completegeorge.org/needs/1116-ph/&source=gmail&ust=1485570687673000&usg=AFQjCNFst9T0l9-Tmn9wwxCMqz-gR0aKRg" href="https://completegeorge.org/needs/1116-ph/" target="_blank">Public Health</a></b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><span color="#373737" data-mce-style="color: #373737;" style="color: #373737;">HEAT has been employed to assess the cost-benefits of bike-walk infrastructure </span></i></b><b><i><span color="#373737" data-mce-style="color: #373737;" style="color: #373737;">throughout Europe </span></i></b><b><i><span color="#373737" data-mce-style="color: #373737;" style="color: #373737;">and in Boston the impact of public transit service cuts and fare increases. </span></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
Respectfully,</div>
<div>
<br /><div>
<div>
<b>Neile Weissman</b><br /><a data-mce-href="https://completegeorge.org/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://completegeorge.org/&source=gmail&ust=1485570687673000&usg=AFQjCNEAGp_sEk3uKsIVlJxDgEuvmtEBKQ" href="https://completegeorge.org/" target="_blank">Complete George</a> | <a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/completegeorge/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.facebook.com/completegeorge/&source=gmail&ust=1485570687673000&usg=AFQjCNEWcAZtQ9MMYgHNrmq1ON1VasGJUg" href="https://www.facebook.com/completegeorge/" target="_blank">CG Facebook</a> | <a data-mce-href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/neileweissman" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.linkedin.com/in/neileweissman&source=gmail&ust=1485570687673000&usg=AFQjCNEMDwfz8Z5olQ7UU59xQwTakvwhlQ" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/neileweissman" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> | <a data-mce-href="https://twitter.com/NeileWeissman" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://twitter.com/NeileWeissman&source=gmail&ust=1485570687673000&usg=AFQjCNG_hDBVtZgROa1oTj7qLGEqHrcFEw" href="https://twitter.com/NeileWeissman" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>140 organizations, businesses and communities are now calling on the PA to widen the GWB paths, including Edgewater, Fort Lee, Englewood Cliffs and six community boards in Manhattan and the Bronx.</i></div>
<div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
For a current overview of the advocacy to widen the GWB paths: <b><a data-mce-href="https://completegeorge.org/benefits/esd/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://completegeorge.org/benefits/esd/&source=gmail&ust=1485570687673000&usg=AFQjCNEdqG_sJw3laBX6j5UlfyReKb1KTQ" href="https://completegeorge.org/benefits/esd/" target="_blank">Complete the GWB</a></b></div>
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</div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
* * *<br />
<br />
Have fun and stay healthy,<br />
Robert<br />
------------<br />
Robert Matson<br />
<a href="http://www.nycrecumbentsupply.com/">New York City Recumbent Supply</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theinnovationworks.com/">The Innovation Works, Inc.</a><br />
copyright 2017 Robert Matson</div>
Robert Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11706818647792433678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048540434559497828.post-79489955055866529852015-07-30T17:43:00.000-04:002015-07-30T17:52:16.864-04:00Cruzbike Quest: Flag? Seat Padding?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On Thursday, July 30, 2015, F--- M---- wrote:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;">
<div lang="EN-US" link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you have a recommendation for a flag for the Quest? I am feeling more confident and would like to venture out on the road.<u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Also I find the padding of the seat is not the greatest. Any suggestions? I have made a pad out of an old Yoga mat which has helped greatly.</span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
Hi F---,<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Flag: I personally don't ride with a flag, so I can't suggest a solution I believe in. And I rarely sell flags except to trike riders.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Personally, I wear a high-viz lime green helmet (<a href="https://www.bellhelmets.com/" target="_blank">Bell </a>and <a href="http://www.lazersport.com/" target="_blank">Lazer </a>make models) and usually wear high-viz clothing -- a shirt or a highway worker's high-viz safety vest/jacket (avail. on-line) and/or a high-viz "buff" around my neck. For high-viz gear, <a href="http://www.esafetystore.com/ess/hi-visibility/hi-visibility.html" target="_blank">here's a link</a>, though I don't know these guys.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Padding. Again, it seems that different riders have different experiences with the seat padding. For me, the standard padding is fine but I know others have wanted something softer or thicker.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yours is actually one of the better solutions I've heard because it's probably closed-core foam rubber, which should be durable. I'd maybe glue the old yoga mat together permanently and then cut it to shape, or search on-line for closed core foam sleeping pads that I could cut to shape. If I was to do it properly, I'd also buy some <a href="http://www.velcro.com/" target="_blank">velcro </a>and attach it to the seat. I have one customer who likes using computer packing foam under the back of his seat. There's no "official" solution for this one, I'm afraid.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Have fun and stay healthy,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Robert</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">------------</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Robert Matson</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.nycrecumbentsupply.com/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">New York City Recumbent Supply</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.theinnovationworks.com/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Innovation Works, Inc.</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">copyright 2015 Robert Matson</span></div>
</div>
Robert Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11706818647792433678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048540434559497828.post-91671239673835345892015-07-21T10:44:00.002-04:002015-07-21T10:44:28.893-04:00Counterfeit carbon fiber bike frames: NY Times article<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Interesting article in the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/" target="_blank">New York Times</a> about counterfeit carbon fiber bike frames and components.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://nyti.ms/1Kf6HEP">http://nyti.ms/1Kf6HEP</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Keep it real,<br />
Rob<br />
------------<br />
Robert Matson<br />
<a href="http://www.nycrecumbentsupply.com/">New York City Recumbent Supply</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theinnovationworks.com/">The Innovation Works, Inc.</a><br />
copyright 2015 Robert Matson</div>
Robert Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11706818647792433678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048540434559497828.post-53877777883973263652015-07-20T10:55:00.001-04:002015-07-20T10:57:05.560-04:00whales, dolphin and porpoise, oh my<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This morning I got this note from Patricia Sener, Executive Director of CIBBOWS. She's not biking, she's swimming. But that counts.<br />
<div>
<br />
I quote.... <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Did you know there are humpback whales very close to where you swim? The NY Bight, our backyard ocean, has the largest density of marine mammals and sea turtles in the US--twenty-one species of whales, dolphin and porpoise that come into these waters, frolicking just over yonder.</span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
On July 22nd, <span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">I</span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> will be swimming 17 miles across the Western NY Bight to bring attention to the Clean Ocean Zone Initiative, which seeks to create the first-ever federally protected</span><a href="http://www.cleanoceanzone.org/" style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" target="_blank">Clean Ocean Zone</a><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">, or COZ. This COZ would be the nation's first-ever pollution-free ocean area where pollution sources such as raw sewage and oil/gas industries would be prohibited.</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
CIBBOWS is partnering with Clean Ocean Action, the creator of this initiative, in order to bring attention to the importance of keeping our local ocean clean and wild. Funds raised through CIBBOWS will go to two charities—<a href="http://www.cleanoceanaction.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Clean Ocean Action</a> and <a href="http://www.gothamwhale.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Gotham Whal</a>e, a non-profit that tracks the local humpback whale population.<span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
This swim will start in Sandy Hook, NJ--the headquarters of COA--then into the wild blue open ocean, no land in sight--and finish around Atlantic Beach, LI, near the site of a proposed liquified natural gas storage facility that threatens to bring pollution to our waterways.<span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
I’m swimming where no person has swum before to raise awareness of the importance of keeping our backyard clean and swim-able for all.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<b>Please join CIBBOWS and myself in <a href="https://www.crowdrise.com/swimforthecoz/fundraiser/patriciasener" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">supporting our local charities and consider making a donation </a>for this event<a href="http:" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"></a> to help keep our backyard ocean wild, clean and swimmable.</b><b><br /></b><b>Follow along on my adventures on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1452033661769293/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Facebook <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_259765792" style="border: none !important; cursor: inherit !important; position: static !important; top: -2px; z-index: auto !important;"><span class="aQJ" style="border: none !important; cursor: inherit !important; position: static !important; top: 2px; z-index: auto !important;">this Wednesday</span></span></a> for live updates.</b><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
See you at the beach!<br />
-Patricia <span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px; font-weight: bold; white-space: nowrap;">Sener</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Executive Director</span>Coney Island Brighton Beach Open Water Swimmers<br />
<a href="http://www.cibbows.org/" style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" target="_blank">www.cibbows.org</a></blockquote>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<a href="http:" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Eat, sleep, bike, swim,<br />
Rob<br />
------------<br />
Robert Matson<br />
<a href="http://www.nycrecumbentsupply.com/">New York City Recumbent Supply</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theinnovationworks.com/">The Innovation Works, Inc.</a><br />
copyright 2015 Robert Matson</div>
</div>
Robert Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11706818647792433678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048540434559497828.post-56113103038081397842015-07-09T11:54:00.000-04:002015-07-20T10:49:24.331-04:00Vege-Carb Trail Soup<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I recently got back from a 7-day backpack trip in the Adirondacks. He asked for my easy, nutritious, ultra-light and delicious soup recipe. Great for fully loaded bike touring or backpacking. This is it.<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Robert's Vege-Carb Trail Soup</div>
<div>
Serves one.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2 cups (16 fluid oz) water</div>
<div>
1 pinch salt</div>
<div>
1 tablespoon dry vegetable soup mix</div>
<div>
1 bunch angle hair pasta (apx. 3 oz. dry)</div>
<div>
1 tablespoon textured vegetable protein ("TVP")</div>
<div>
1 tablespoon olive oil</div>
<br />
Add salt to water and bring to boil. Add soup mix and boil apx. 3 min. Add pasta and TVP. Then boil another apx. 5-8 min. (until noodles are soft). Do NOT drain off the broth in which the pasta was boiled. Serve with olive oil.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Notes:<br />
<br />
You may replace the TVP and olive oil with a can of sardines packed in olive oil. To preserve the nutritional content of the sardines, I would not them. Stir them in at the end or in your eating bowl.<br />
<br />
TVP comes in various clump sizes. Use the smallest clumps for this recipe.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
If you're cooking for a group, just multiply all the quantities by the number of people (e.g., for 2 people, use 2 tablespoons of vegetable soup mix.).<br />
<br />
To make dish cleaning easier, add the olive oil or sardines to individual serving dishes and not the cooking pot.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This recipe is for a vegetarian soup. For a carne alternative, I'd serve, on the side, sardines, dry sausage or a hard cheese like cheddar. I'd figure 2 oz. of sardines, sausage, or cheese per person if you use TVP or, if you leave out the TVP, figure 4 oz per person.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You can make an excellent variation on this by using fresh kale or other quick-cooking veggies in addition to the dried vegetable soup mix. In my experience, kale lasts a one to three days, depending on the temperature, and can be slightly crushed in a pack without turning to green glop, though I try not to crush it. I've used fresh veggies on the early days of trips or after stopping at a road- or trail-side grocery or vegetable stand.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For best taste, always use high quality, fresh ingredients.</div>
<br />
I've used miso soup mix and ramen noodles with unbelievably satisfying results. Strongly recommended.<br />
<br />
<div>
This link is similar to the vegetable soup mix I buy.</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.iherb.com/Frontier-Natural-Products-Organic-Vegetable-Soup-Blend-16-oz-453-g/31184?gclid=CLvln9CnzsYCFdSQHwodNmMJRQ">http://www.iherb.com/Frontier-Natural-Products-Organic-Vegetable-Soup-Blend-16-oz-453-g/31184?gclid=CLvln9CnzsYCFdSQHwodNmMJRQ</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
For those doing cozy-cooking, this recipe <i>almost</i> works, but you'll need to change a few things. One problem is that big chunks in the soup mix, like peas, must be boiled to rehydrate. Similarly, the pasta is better if it's boiled.<br />
To ensure the soup rehydrates, put the soup mix in a bowl with a quarter cup of boiling water, seal the top, insulate it with your hat and jacket, and give it a few minutes to rehydrate and get a head start. You could also pulverize the soup mix in a food processor before you start your trip. This will help it reconstitute faster. (If you're cooking at elevation, this is even more important.) For the pasta, either "quick" thin ramen noodles or cous cous will rehydrate faster and use less fuel.<br />
<br />
I specify <i>boiling </i>the water several times. The main reason for this is to kill anything in the water, on the dishes, or in the food that could make you sick. Remember that if you're cooking at elevation, water boils at a lower temperature so merely boiling may not sterilize the water and food.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Stay well and eat well,</div>
<div>
Robert</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
------------<br />
Robert Matson<br />
<a href="http://www.nycrecumbentsupply.com/">New York City Recumbent Supply</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theinnovationworks.com/">The Innovation Works, Inc.</a><br />
copyright 2015 Robert Matson</div>
Robert Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11706818647792433678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048540434559497828.post-6056334222065104222015-06-12T20:26:00.004-04:002015-06-12T20:26:49.197-04:00Cruzbike: new jerseys and sale on Quest<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>For the month of June only, take $100-off your new Quest.</b><br />
This is a cool bike. Get one, if just for kicks. I expect these to sell out quickly.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>New Cruzbike Jerseys</b><br />
They're very nice and feature their new logo.<br />
<br />
<br />
See the email announcement here:<br />
http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=d220aa789bdee9b5ed0705623&id=c131a0077d&e=56bc681e79<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Have fun and keep cruisin',<br />
Robert<br />
------------<br />
Robert Matson<br />
<a href="http://www.nycrecumbentsupply.com/">New York City Recumbent Supply</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theinnovationworks.com/">The Innovation Works, Inc.</a><br />
copyright 2015 Robert Matson</div>
Robert Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11706818647792433678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048540434559497828.post-89465785069873331542015-06-10T17:17:00.002-04:002015-06-10T17:17:45.131-04:00News from Cruzbike: more records set by Vendetta riders<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In May, team Cruzbike set three new course records, one UMCA record and took the 12-hour UMCA National Championship titles for both men and women on <a href="http://www.cruzbike.com/vendetta">Cruzbike Vendettas</a>. Join us and the whole Cruzbike community congratulating these awesome racers: Larry Oslund, Maria Parker, Ben Tomblin and Lief Zimmerman.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
The links below may get broken at some point, but for now they're good.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<b>At Calvin's Challenge</b><br />
<br />
<b>Course Record: Overall Female</b><br />
257 miles (in 12 hours)<br />
Rider: Maria Parker<br />
Bike: Cruzbike Vendetta<br />
<a href="https://www.3000milestoacure.com/" target="_blank">Team: 3000 Miles to a Cure</a><br />
Blog entry: <a href="http://cruzbike.com/maria-and-larry-go-calvins">http://cruzbike.com/maria-and-larry-go-calvins</a><br />
<br />
<b>First Place: Men</b><br />
UMCA 12-hour National Champion<br />
264 miles (in 12 hours)<br />
Rider: Larry Oslund<br />
Bike: Cruzbike Vendetta<br />
<a href="https://www.3000milestoacure.com/" target="_blank">Team: 3000 Miles to a Cure</a><br />
Blog entry: <a href="http://cruzbike.com/maria-and-larry-go-calvins">http://cruzbike.com/maria-and-larry-go-calvins</a><br />
<br />
<b>First Place: Women</b><br />
UMCA 12-hour National Champion<br />
257 miles (in 12 hours)<br />
Rider: Maria Parker<br />
Bike: Cruzbike Vendetta<br />
<a href="https://www.3000milestoacure.com/" target="_blank">Team: 3000 Miles to a Cure</a><br />
Blog entry: <a href="http://cruzbike.com/maria-and-larry-go-calvins">http://cruzbike.com/maria-and-larry-go-calvins</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>UMCA Washington State North South</b><br />
<br />
Time: 12:28:00<br />
Rider: Lief Zimmerman<br />
Bike: Cruzbike Vendetta<br />
<a href="https://www.3000milestoacure.com/" target="_blank">Team: 3000 Miles to a Cure</a><br />
Blog entry: <a href="http://blief.zwise.net/?p=2649&fb_ref=Default">http://blief.zwise.net/?p=2649&fb_ref=Default</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Assault on Mt. Mitchell</b><div>
<b><br /></b><div>
Course Record</div>
<div>
Recumbent Male</div>
<div>
6:23:42</div>
<div>
Rider: Ben Tomblin</div>
Bike: Cruzbike Vendetta<br />
<a href="https://www.3000milestoacure.com/" target="_blank">Team: 3000 Miles to a Cure</a><br />
Blog entry: <a href="http://cruzbike.com/ben-tomblin-sets-new-recumbent-record-assault-mt.-mitchell">http://cruzbike.com/ben-tomblin-sets-new-recumbent-record-assault-mt.-mitchell</a><br />
<br />
Course Record<br />
<div>
<div>
Recumbent Female</div>
<div>
6:58:57</div>
<div>
Rider: Maria Parker</div>
Bike: Cruzbike Vendetta<br />
<div>
<a href="https://www.3000milestoacure.com/" target="_blank">Team: 3000 Miles to a Cure</a></div>
<div>
Blog entry: <a href="http://cruzbike.com/ben-tomblin-sets-new-recumbent-record-assault-mt.-mitchell">http://cruzbike.com/ben-tomblin-sets-new-recumbent-record-assault-mt.-mitchell</a><br /><br /><br />
<br />
Have fun and stay healthy,<br />
Robert<br />
------------<br />
Robert Matson<br />
<a href="http://www.nycrecumbentsupply.com/">New York City Recumbent Supply</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theinnovationworks.com/">The Innovation Works, Inc.</a><br />
copyright 2015 Robert Matson</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Robert Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11706818647792433678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048540434559497828.post-1923652628913227492015-06-02T14:38:00.000-04:002015-06-02T14:38:00.106-04:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>
Frequently, people ask me about the limit, in terms of grade of incline, that a Cruzbike recumbent bike can climb up a steep hill. I personally have ridden a CB Silvio up short 25% grade sections and recently, during a New York Cycle Club ride, I climbed a fairly long, steep hill with grades ranging between 20-25%. Skill and finesse are required to prevent the front drive-wheel from slipping, but the technique* can be mastered by most Cruzbike riders. (*Consistent, slow, steady pressure on the pedals while leaning forward over the handlebars.)</div>
<br />
Here in New York City, since few of us carry clinometers, it is useful to refer to a specific hill and incline that many cyclists know in order to explain how steep a Cruzbike can climb. My hill of choice is the incline on the West Side Hudson River Bikepath, north of the George Washington Bridge, at that place where the path S-curves inland, up and away from the river and begins following right next to the highway. It's an ugly stretch. While the hill isn't long, three things make it hard: it's crazily steep, it's very narrow, it curves tightly at the steepest section, and -- four things -- there's a traffic barrier in the middle of the narrow bike path that you have to squeeze past. Cyclists tend to think it's barely climbable on <i>any</i> bike, let alone on a recumbent bike.<br />
<br />
I've climbed this hill on a Cruzbike Quest 20 when the asphalt was slick due to a drizzling rain. And I did not put down a foot. So, I can say with total confidence that this hill is climbable on a Cruzbike. In addition, I point to this example as one of the reasons I like Cruzbikes for extended long rides where you don't have the privilege of choosing your route to avoid the hills.<br />
<br />
Several months ago, I was having a conversation with a customer about how the Cruzbike climbs. This guy now owns a Cruzbike Silvio in addition to a Volae Team rear-wheel-drive recumbent bike he bought from me several years ago. We were talking about this hill so we'd have a common reference point. He went out later and measured the hill with a clinometer app that he has on his smart phone. Here is his note.<br />
<br />
<br />
L___b <l____b o-----e.net=""></l____b><br />
<br />
10/22/14<br />
<br />
Robert,<br />
<br />
Recall that you told me that on your Cruzbike you were able to climb that steep climb on the bike trail by George Washington bridge. I've never been able to climb it on my Volae.<br />
<br />
Last weekend I measured that hill with my phone clinometer.<br />
<br />
The bottom 20 feet or so are at an 18% grade.<br />
The next 20 feet or so are at a 20% grade.<br />
The next 20 feet or so are at a 12% grade.<br />
The top 10 feet or so are at a 21% grade, going around a sharp left hand turn to the flat crest of the hill, and I measured on the outside of the turn where the bike would be.<br />
<br />
Now you know exactly what you climbed.<br />
<br />
Even though I ran the App calibration sequence, which is a 2-step process turning the phone 180 degrees to cancel out the phone being thicker at the camera end, I found that the app still measured 2 degrees different on the hill depending on which end of the phone was uphill. I measured both ways and averaged to get the numbers above.<br />
<br />
This App from plaincode is the only free clinometer App I have found that has an option (still free) to measure in percent grade (after one-time setup in the configuration dialog to switch from degrees to percent) the way cycling people like to do. Plaincode makes their money on paid upgrades for advanced features.<br />
<br />
This app is available on Apple, Android, and Windows phones and tablets. Website with links to each of the three App stores: <a href="http://www.plaincode.com/products/clinometer/">http://www.plaincode.com/products/clinometer/</a><br />
<br />
My ride was a 90-mile round trip from Yorktown Heights to <a href="http://stinkybklyn.com/" target="_blank">Stinky Cheese</a> on 20th street and back. Their Caveman Blue is beyond way out there. Just enough daylight for it at my all-day, 11 mph rate.<br />
<br />
Regards,<br />
J__ L____<br />
<br />
<br />
(By the way, this same customer set up his Cruzbike Silvio with a Rohloff Speedhub. I'll post a note about that sometime in the near future.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Have fun, stay healthy, and go enjoy yourself on some steep hills,<br />
Robert<br />
<br />
------------<br />
<br />
Robert Matson<br />
<a href="http://www.nycrecumbentsupply.com/">New York City Recumbent Supply</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theinnovationworks.com/">The Innovation Works, Inc.</a><br />
copyright 2015 Robert Matson</div>
Robert Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11706818647792433678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048540434559497828.post-53941633223087561542015-05-26T13:56:00.000-04:002015-05-26T13:56:21.130-04:00Extended customer review of a Cruzbike Quest<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
---------- Original Message ----------<br /><br />Subject: on-line review<br />From: "O__ G___<br />To: "Robert Matson"<br />------------------------------------------<br /><br />[Ed. note: <a href="http://artbyodo.net/2014/10/01/get-bent/">this customer wrote an extended review</a> of his experience testing, buying and learning to ride a Cruzbike Quest. I've reprinted only an excerpt here, but it's a useful review for those who want to weed out the real-life experiences of Cruzbike riders from the hype.]<br /><br />"....I made an appointment with Robert (NYC Recumbent Supply, link below) for a lesson. He starts me out on a Cruzbike Quest, one of those MBB bikes. Mind you, I was prepared for a challenge. I’d read about the learning curve, and was ready for some difficulty. An hour and a half later, white knuckled, the beginnings of blisters on my hands from a death grip on the handlebars, and buzzing on adrenaline from 90 minutes of “OMG doesn’t riding a bike since you were six years old count for anything?” and I’m still riding on the edge between control and wipeout. I felt like a beginner. But you can’t really fall on a recumbent. When you lose your balance the leg on the side your falling towards instinctively goes out to catch yourself. I lost my balance many times, only at low speed, never crashed. During the lesson Robert also let me try a conventional rear wheel drive bent...."<br /><br /><br />Have fun and stay healthy,<br />Robert<br /><br />------------<br /><br />Robert Matson<br /><a href="http://www.nycrecumbentsupply.com/">New York City Recumbent Supply</a><br /><a href="http://www.theinnovationworks.com/">The Innovation Works, Inc.</a><br />copyright 2015 Robert Matson</div>
Robert Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11706818647792433678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048540434559497828.post-71298688488411623692015-05-18T13:04:00.001-04:002015-10-14T13:27:15.431-04:00Working with the New York Veterans Affairs Hospital's "Pedals of Honor"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
For the past four years I've had the privilege of working with the New York Veterans Affairs hospitals, helping to put wounded vets on recumbent trikes. For the past three years, in May, New York City Recumbent Supply has volunteered at the "Pedals of Honor" event, which the VA hosts in conjunction with Achilles International. As an event volunteer, I help set up bikes and trikes, provide maintenance and repairs, fit participants onto trikes and bikes, and support the massive group ride around the park. It's a thrill to work with these guys and I look forward to it every year. Neile Weissman, president of the <a href="http://www.nycc.org/" target="_blank">New York Cycle Club</a>, also helps.<br />
<br />
I'm consistently impressed by the staff from the VA, who seem to truly love their work. This year, I was additionally pleased to meet Dick Traum, the founder of the Achilles Track Club, now known as <a href="http://www.achillesinternational.org/" target="_blank">Achilles International</a>. I admire what Mr. Traum has done for disabled athletes. CNN produced a video about Mr. Traum that you can <a href="http://www.achillesinternational.org/news/cnn-heros" target="_blank">watch here</a>.<br />
<br />
Have fun, stay healthy, and look for someone you can help,<br />
Robert<br />
------------<br />
Robert Matson<br />
<a href="http://www.nycrecumbentsupply.com/">New York City Recumbent Supply</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theinnovationworks.com/">The Innovation Works, Inc.</a><br />
copyright 2015 Robert Matson</div>
Robert Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11706818647792433678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048540434559497828.post-87803247134631215212015-05-12T15:50:00.001-04:002015-05-12T15:50:22.978-04:00HP Velotechnik Grasshopper fx on New York regional buses<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Recently, a few customers have written me saying they had absolutely NO hassles putting their Grasshopper fx's on the regional bus between New York and Washington, DC.<br />
<br />
One had taken the <b><a href="https://www.boltbus.com/" target="_blank">Bolt Bus</a></b>, putting his GHfx in the luggage compartment. The other took <b><a href="https://www.greyhound.com/" target="_blank">Greyhound</a> </b>(also known as <b>Peter Pan</b>). Apparently the Mega Bus double-decker buses don't have much luggage space and their website says "no bikes."<br />
<br />
In one case, the cyclist was told he had to put his Grasshopper fx into a box, but when he told the driver that it folded, there were no more issues. He also protected the bike by wrapping it in a padded blanket. I'd presume that the padding is optional as far as the bus company is concerned but that they do want cyclists to put their bike in a bag such as the one HP Velotechnik makes for the GHfx.<br />
<br />
Have fun and stay healthy,<br />
Robert<br />
------------<br />
Robert Matson<br />
<a href="http://www.nycrecumbentsupply.com/">New York City Recumbent Supply</a><br />
copyright 2015 Robert Matson</div>
Robert Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11706818647792433678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048540434559497828.post-85726427409887523992015-04-02T10:30:00.000-04:002015-04-02T10:30:05.291-04:00Advisory for Brooklyn Bridge Walkway - Good Friday, 4/3/15 10:45 a.mAvoid the Brooklyn Bridge walkway on Good Friday (4/3/15) between 10:45 a.m and 12:30 p.m.<br />
<br />
I've been caught in this procession once in the past and, as the gentleman says, it's essentially impossible to get through.<br />
<br />
<br />
Mr. Joe Wiener writes:<br />
I am writing to ask you to notify your members about a large religious procession (between 1,000 and 2,000 people) that will be using the Brooklyn Bridge walkway this Friday morning (4/3/15) from about 10:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. There will be several thousand people walking from Brooklyn to Manhattan, and it will be impossible to even walk a bike through. Please use the Manhattan Bridge as an alternate.<br />
<br />
Cyclists heading from Brooklyn to Manhattan should be okay up to 10:45 a.m. if they arrive at the bridge and the procession has not arrived yet. Cyclists heading from Manhattan to Brooklyn, however, should not enter the bike path unless they are sure they can reach the Brooklyn side stairs by 10:45. Please notify your members and forward this notice to other cycling organizations and message boards you may know of.<br />
<br />
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.<br />
<br />
-- Mr. Joe Wiener<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
Have fun and avoid processions,<br />
Robert<br />
------------<br />
Robert Matson<br />
<a href="http://www.nycrecumbentsupply.com/">New York City Recumbent Supply</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theinnovationworks.com/">The Innovation Works, Inc.</a><br />
copyright 2013 Robert MatsonRobert Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11706818647792433678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048540434559497828.post-15767137744561636432015-04-01T17:41:00.002-04:002015-04-02T10:31:50.186-04:00Spring Sale! Sale ends on tax day: April 15, 2015.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Spring Sale on HP Velotechnik Grasshopper recumbent bikes!</h2>
<b>Sale ends April 15, 2015!</b><br />
<br />
<b>HP Velotechnik Grasshopper fx under-seat steering recumbent bicycles, custom built for performance and light weight. </b><br />
<br />
Sale price: US$ 4,399.00. Was $4,564. Save $165. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<header class="entry-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 20px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81S6SHrL8oG9NCsbx5Elp0NJLzeem4Stl_fTCUKOh965D8mJLgEGtx7MNc4O7XA_pyqZL17ih3T00uoiNQGsM6eQGWZVwqK6cStyzjKaN_UJ9yiF-ZqtyGgmxqixa4CnAj25dre8p8iE/s1600/ghf_2_fahrrad_frankfurt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81S6SHrL8oG9NCsbx5Elp0NJLzeem4Stl_fTCUKOh965D8mJLgEGtx7MNc4O7XA_pyqZL17ih3T00uoiNQGsM6eQGWZVwqK6cStyzjKaN_UJ9yiF-ZqtyGgmxqixa4CnAj25dre8p8iE/s1600/ghf_2_fahrrad_frankfurt.jpg" /></a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</header><br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Configuration:</h4>
<br />
Grasshopper fx (magic green or dark blue, your choice) with under-seat steering, hardshell seat, carbon fiber front boom, Rock Shox Monarch RL rear shock, MEKS SASO Carbon AC suspension fork, Shimano XT drivetrain with Dura-ace bar end shifters, AVID BB7 disc brakes.<br />
<br />
Price includes tariffs and duties. Order and payment must be received by April 15.<br />
Have fun and stay healthy,<br />
Robert<br />
------------<br />
Robert Matson<br />
<a href="http://www.nycrecumbentsupply.com/">New York City Recumbent Supply</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theinnovationworks.com/">The Innovation Works, Inc.</a><br />
copyright 2015 Robert Matson</div>
Robert Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11706818647792433678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048540434559497828.post-84958317494355146742015-03-31T16:48:00.000-04:002015-03-31T16:55:55.572-04:00Cruzbike heavy duty rack modifications<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUVkXr5RQzCwkwkHQ_qs9nQaeE4Elhue1fFaLWNlZfK8GCoBGfZbKwmac2cOr93LDrsS-fuqoRok80tsWerJuWcryRx0rexkyOY8MMjoDdgEMNYt-kCAC8gdXpwd8N5UCEwT9mnEb6Gk/s1600/tor-matson-rack-IMG_2619.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUVkXr5RQzCwkwkHQ_qs9nQaeE4Elhue1fFaLWNlZfK8GCoBGfZbKwmac2cOr93LDrsS-fuqoRok80tsWerJuWcryRx0rexkyOY8MMjoDdgEMNYt-kCAC8gdXpwd8N5UCEwT9mnEb6Gk/s1600/tor-matson-rack-IMG_2619.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Here’s the rack.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
A customer called me the other day about getting some <a href="https://www.radicaldesign.com/recumbent-bags/side-panniers.html">Radical Design panniers</a>. He had made some modifications to the Cruzbike Heavy Duty rack on his Quest 20. Talking to him, I became very curious about the mods because it sounded like he was solving a problem I too had observed: no place to anchor pannier bags on the side of the heavy duty rack and no way to ensure the Rad. Design bags wouldn't touch the rear wheel.<br />
<br />
His name is Tor Matson (no relation to me, as far as I know). Here are his notes and photos. He's happy to make the rack for others if you wish.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUVkXr5RQzCwkwkHQ_qs9nQaeE4Elhue1fFaLWNlZfK8GCoBGfZbKwmac2cOr93LDrsS-fuqoRok80tsWerJuWcryRx0rexkyOY8MMjoDdgEMNYt-kCAC8gdXpwd8N5UCEwT9mnEb6Gk/s1600/tor-matson-rack-IMG_2619.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUVkXr5RQzCwkwkHQ_qs9nQaeE4Elhue1fFaLWNlZfK8GCoBGfZbKwmac2cOr93LDrsS-fuqoRok80tsWerJuWcryRx0rexkyOY8MMjoDdgEMNYt-kCAC8gdXpwd8N5UCEwT9mnEb6Gk/s1600/tor-matson-rack-IMG_2619.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Hey Robert, here you go… Here’s my rack, and a shot of my plush air shock, to boot…</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMS7xfmSImy3mxMY1xKQCahUlw9Bf-Nx6H0sBjF6zQCwt5Wd8EMcJ5wzYWYq9J4jj0XQDm8h9qnmxOquVpywmIvFUFaBO4ziuK-OA1v6HYjK517o1qjcOp5ZLXRic-mXOVmn5KUPdR94/s1600/tor-matson-rack-IMG_2620.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMS7xfmSImy3mxMY1xKQCahUlw9Bf-Nx6H0sBjF6zQCwt5Wd8EMcJ5wzYWYq9J4jj0XQDm8h9qnmxOquVpywmIvFUFaBO4ziuK-OA1v6HYjK517o1qjcOp5ZLXRic-mXOVmn5KUPdR94/s1600/tor-matson-rack-IMG_2620.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRihpkIFEjwKe1h-XVZSqzD7VXBbsVPA717PBFx5nzuMhc4FKtyOOVc79a_Vcf6ACBy6FwKad63KwHF-yTZfdW0kkPnTwDFeWaNBUOvJaOHMEP6FOubBoDcojJSRTMjRE1lIcG_uOtLL8/s1600/tor-matson-rack-IMG_2621.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRihpkIFEjwKe1h-XVZSqzD7VXBbsVPA717PBFx5nzuMhc4FKtyOOVc79a_Vcf6ACBy6FwKad63KwHF-yTZfdW0kkPnTwDFeWaNBUOvJaOHMEP6FOubBoDcojJSRTMjRE1lIcG_uOtLL8/s1600/tor-matson-rack-IMG_2621.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">This little aluminum rod bit is what makes it all happen; it’s relieved to fit the CB HD rack. Does require drilling and tapping of the rack. I could make these bits if there’s interest…</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AB1aWSwBh8RkpievydGm389HYf5NbH9fVA8k09sG-Llt8ClvLIYtNlcAtbGnQNskIgIxqMVg_foGEfUvCmuS1VXzW5MbanGsA4xGaXEhXgqZ01vnXyDQZJBORacT2igM3WdLdV6cFjI/s1600/tor-matson-rack-IMG_2622.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AB1aWSwBh8RkpievydGm389HYf5NbH9fVA8k09sG-Llt8ClvLIYtNlcAtbGnQNskIgIxqMVg_foGEfUvCmuS1VXzW5MbanGsA4xGaXEhXgqZ01vnXyDQZJBORacT2igM3WdLdV6cFjI/s1600/tor-matson-rack-IMG_2622.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Here’s the kludge bit. Having the quick-release option is nice, as you can just slide the rack out of the tube, but the hose clamps aren’t so nice. Could TIG some aluminum tube onto the CB rack for a cleaner look, or fab up a better tube-and-clamp system. This is a beta test mule, function only!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9EyZJ8dTrqdO5g350tEhVd0_EPuuglaJJakvJMluz9zlRZa7gkuQmkBbE3Jj_rsWyQU7Cu3QyLgdOqWD0YaWafBp18TRzSOU_tN-MV3NPmTfg8760ci1dG8-KeEGaGL4EhGOq9b8D7s/s1600/tor-matson-rack-IMG_2623.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9EyZJ8dTrqdO5g350tEhVd0_EPuuglaJJakvJMluz9zlRZa7gkuQmkBbE3Jj_rsWyQU7Cu3QyLgdOqWD0YaWafBp18TRzSOU_tN-MV3NPmTfg8760ci1dG8-KeEGaGL4EhGOq9b8D7s/s1600/tor-matson-rack-IMG_2623.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Slipped some tubing over the pannier rack, and got a really secure mount. Solid and rattle-free!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhXCkVs7TvRhvfa5y_ul1pLfOUJbodt6YAl4lON87NRSUfqRg5HgZLERKjj1O4jqVIqhCk_-i7WQo-mP4cqbgotHzyT_NMew8QtbSmBN80gyS0Rw40fYguRbvFXT68f3cFr60-WxKmIQ/s1600/tor-matson-rack-IMG_2624_2.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhXCkVs7TvRhvfa5y_ul1pLfOUJbodt6YAl4lON87NRSUfqRg5HgZLERKjj1O4jqVIqhCk_-i7WQo-mP4cqbgotHzyT_NMew8QtbSmBN80gyS0Rw40fYguRbvFXT68f3cFr60-WxKmIQ/s1600/tor-matson-rack-IMG_2624_2.jpg" /></a> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I asked him if I could post the photos and his contact info. in case anyone else wants to order one.<br />
Here was his reply:<br />
<br />
Bueno! Post it if you like; I could make those pieces if anybody wants one, but I’m happy to just share the idea; it’s pretty simple to fab and is kind of a custom fit thing anyway, but happy to help if I can… If there’s demand, I could make a batch, not totally sure about the tolerances between racks… Mine took a bit of fitting to be perfect…<br />
Cheers,<br />
Tor Matson<br />
Email him at "maryselapierre [AT] gmail"<br />
You'll need to add the extension, etc. to that e-mail address.<br />
<br />
<br />
Have fun and ride like the wind,<br />
Robert<br />
<br />
------------<br />
<br />
Robert Matson<br />
<a href="http://www.nycrecumbentsupply.com/">New York City Recumbent Supply</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theinnovationworks.com/">The Innovation Works, Inc.</a><br />
copyright 2015 Robert Matson</div>
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David Kroodsma wrote me this afternoon about his slideshow and talk. It sounds worthwhile. I realize this is kind of last minute, but here's the info.<br />
<br />
<b>The Bicycle Diaries — Slideshow and Book Talk</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Manhattan: </b><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_77191786" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Monday, March 30th, 7pm</span></span> -- NYC Velo Hell's Kitchen:<br /><a href="http://www.nycvelo.com/slideshow-and-book-reading-david-kroodsma/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.nycvelo.com/<wbr></wbr>slideshow-and-book-reading-<wbr></wbr>david-kroodsma/</a> [1]<br /><br />
<b>Brooklyn: </b><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_77191787" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Tuesday, March 31st, 7pm</span></span> -- Red Lantern Bicycles:<br /><a href="http://www.redlanternbicycles.com/weekly-events/2015/3/31/a-slide-show-presentation-with-mark-kroodsma" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.redlanternbicycles.<wbr></wbr>com/weekly-events/2015/3/31/a-<wbr></wbr>slide-show-presentation-with-<wbr></wbr>mark-kroodsma</a><br />[2]<br />
<br />
Former Stanford climate change researcher David Kroodsma has bicycled from<br />California to the southern tip of South America, from Turkey to Myanmar, and<br />across the U.S. twice. Along the way he has talked to hundreds of<br />people—both laypeople and experts—about climate change, gathering<br />personal stories about its impacts across three continents.<br />
<br />
Join David for a slideshow of his best photos and videos. In addition to<br />stories of adventure—ranging from fending off a jaguar in Belize to hiding<br />from police in Tibet—David will share how people across the globe are<br />currently experiencing climate change, drawing on interviews with people in<br />28 different countries.<br />
<br />
Copies of his recent book, The Bicycle Diaries, a Shelf Unbound Notable Book<br />of 2014, will be available for purchase.<br />
<br />
Visit <a href="http://rideforclimate.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://rideforclimate.com/</a> [3] for more information.<br />
<em style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; text-indent: 25px;"></em><br />
[1] <a href="http://www.nycvelo.com/slideshow-and-book-reading-david-kroodsma/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.nycvelo.com/<wbr></wbr>slideshow-and-book-reading-<wbr></wbr>david-kroodsma/</a><br />[2] <a href="http://www.redlanternbicycles.com/weekly-events/2015/3/31/a-slide-show-presentation-with-mark-kroodsma" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.redlanternbicycles.<wbr></wbr>com/weekly-events/2015/3/31/a-<wbr></wbr>slide-show-presentation-with-<wbr></wbr>mark-kroodsma</a><br />[3] <a href="http://rideforclimate.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://rideforclimate.com/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Check it out,<br />
Robert<br />
------------<br />
Robert Matson<br />
<a href="http://www.nycrecumbentsupply.com/">New York City Recumbent Supply</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theinnovationworks.com/">The Innovation Works, Inc.</a><br />
copyright 2015 Robert Matson</div>
Robert Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11706818647792433678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048540434559497828.post-7507298098439590962015-03-19T22:42:00.001-04:002015-03-19T22:42:13.433-04:00Riding across the USA: Tom Braunagel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1iBvHSSHcfv_TqodZvXMDNDw35a9ZQcdrngmb0ajo0U04A69dU888WYOfBtyR56Bbi7ODeIx9KaQW-m8t0m6rVuVVHUq6OYuE8O9eGTUJCHUROo1DtbiyFDS4JiuCUUo4QjIIm7UNgY/s1600/IMG_0650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1iBvHSSHcfv_TqodZvXMDNDw35a9ZQcdrngmb0ajo0U04A69dU888WYOfBtyR56Bbi7ODeIx9KaQW-m8t0m6rVuVVHUq6OYuE8O9eGTUJCHUROo1DtbiyFDS4JiuCUUo4QjIIm7UNgY/s1600/IMG_0650.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom and I on a weekend trip in 2013.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
Tom Braunagel, a friend and customer, is in the final stages of planning his USA cross-country trip. He plans to leave on May 1, 2015. <a href="https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=Sh&page_id=406745&v=P" target="_blank">The link to his journal is here</a>, on the <a href="https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/" target="_blank">Crazy Guy on a Bike website</a>. He's riding in part to carry a dream of his father's and also to raise money for the orphan children of a friend. Very cool.<br />
<br />
Tom's a good guy and I wish him beautiful weather and a tail wind.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz6m2_aSD5iU9jd5ts0GNflFvjH0CTJXqx29Nb0Rc5sfVBTpi7HB7gsiapcFxo_45gEnIquj_YjayuXFyfkBLp48feimZyEnxgayq8rDm-RhKVvuEncGmE3T18l0L8tIBy91DGDs-ALPo/s1600/IMG_0588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz6m2_aSD5iU9jd5ts0GNflFvjH0CTJXqx29Nb0Rc5sfVBTpi7HB7gsiapcFxo_45gEnIquj_YjayuXFyfkBLp48feimZyEnxgayq8rDm-RhKVvuEncGmE3T18l0L8tIBy91DGDs-ALPo/s1600/IMG_0588.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">I sold Tom a really neat custom yellow HP Velotechnik Street Machine Gte recumbent bike.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br />Have fun and go for it,<br />
Robert<br />
------------<br />
Robert Matson<br />
<a href="http://www.nycrecumbentsupply.com/">New York City Recumbent Supply</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theinnovationworks.com/">The Innovation Works, Inc.</a><br />
copyright 2015 Robert Matson</div>
Robert Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11706818647792433678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048540434559497828.post-25769401891714794622015-03-04T11:24:00.004-05:002015-03-04T11:24:58.370-05:00Sebring 2015: Maria Parker sets new record on a Cruzbike Vendetta to win the 12-hour race.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Maria Parker</b> set a new female record for the 12-hour race at Sebring, riding a Cruzbike Vendetta. A good number of the Cruzbike crew were present at the race, and I heard from an authoritative source, who was present at the race, but who I will not name, that the diamond frame riders were seriously pissed. The DF peloton refused to ride cooperatively with the recumbent riders during the race, one of them told a recumbent rider <i>during the race</i> that they "don't want [you] here," and, at the award ceremony, the actual trophy was handed to the top-finishing diamond frame female rider, instead of Maria, who was the female rider who rode the greatest number of miles. Wait, what's that? Whoever rides the greatest number of miles wins, right?<br />
<br />
Maria has a nice <a href="http://cruzbike.com/12-hours-sebring" target="_blank">blog entry about the day here</a>. True to her good character, she makes no mention of the unsportsmanlike conduct of the standard frame riders.<br />
<br />
<b>Jim Parker</b> won the 100 mile race in 4 hours, 14 minutes on a CB Vendetta. He wrote an enjoyable <a href="http://cruzbike.com/florida-hpra-results" target="_blank">blog entry about the Florida HPRA race</a>, which occurred in the days before Sebring.<br />
<br />
<b>Charlie Ollinger</b>, riding a Vendetta, broke course records in the 200 meter (36.725 mph) and 1 km (31.129 mph) velodrome events that had previously been set by Mike Mowett on a Morciglio M1 lowracer. Charlie also won the 50-lap velodrome event -- apparently -- "easily."<br /><br />Interesting side note: a Bachetta rider, who lost the race, bought a Vendetta after the race.<br /><br />Other fun little tidbit is that another Cruzbike contender, <b>Daryl Hanger</b>, raced his recently acquired Sofrider in the Stock category and scored 7th overall in points out of 15. I love it. The Sofrider is NOT built for speed, but as someone who rides one for city commuting, I have to say I'm not astonished to hear this. I continue to think it's one of the fastest, low cost recumbents available today.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Daryl Hanger" src="http://cruzbike.com/sites/default/files/ckfinder//images/Daryl%20racing%20400.jpg" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px auto 5px;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Lucida, Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px; text-align: left;">Daryl Hanger shows what a Cruzbike Sofrider can do.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
Have fun and stay healthy,<br />
Robert<br />
------------<br />
Robert Matson<br />
<a href="http://www.nycrecumbentsupply.com/">New York City Recumbent Supply</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theinnovationworks.com/">The Innovation Works, Inc.</a><br />
copyright 2013 Robert Matson</div>
Robert Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11706818647792433678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048540434559497828.post-43822384359365803942015-02-25T16:38:00.002-05:002015-02-25T16:38:57.602-05:00Staying warm when it's cold.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_mv9qjU6Bw0jCUKSWNJuuloRNjF_0n-EyUjfQ0jP_Wuso23oJYI3XlpOfO_w5dFxL-XRUpxHWAgDMmZlaUenKaT1IVpLuhTIuaY6oRXTYyWegz5Sbla-I0N0nvyx2FqagHDq3oRLZSk/s1600/IMG_1783-copyr-2011-Neile_Weissman-sml.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_mv9qjU6Bw0jCUKSWNJuuloRNjF_0n-EyUjfQ0jP_Wuso23oJYI3XlpOfO_w5dFxL-XRUpxHWAgDMmZlaUenKaT1IVpLuhTIuaY6oRXTYyWegz5Sbla-I0N0nvyx2FqagHDq3oRLZSk/s1600/IMG_1783-copyr-2011-Neile_Weissman-sml.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neile Weissman, current President of New York Cycle Club, leads a tropical ride on an incredibly cool Rans Enduro set up for snow.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I wrote several blog entries about staying warm during the winter. They remain as valid today as the days I wrote them.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81wL3JU6S01ccfZl_N3hoEJLwPLH_LRmWj5-pcALvSnq8DJKvyd5WoJ-nswZGU-P0XmOte_mbQZJumcUs_3n_O1PW6l9q95PQvdFW_KEpVhHNH_eIZisa78B6tpWop3_NZv0akNPjGH4/s1600/KEEP_WARM_by_Mike_Clelland-med.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81wL3JU6S01ccfZl_N3hoEJLwPLH_LRmWj5-pcALvSnq8DJKvyd5WoJ-nswZGU-P0XmOte_mbQZJumcUs_3n_O1PW6l9q95PQvdFW_KEpVhHNH_eIZisa78B6tpWop3_NZv0akNPjGH4/s1600/KEEP_WARM_by_Mike_Clelland-med.jpg" height="320" width="294" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artist and outdoorsman Mike Clelland drew this awesome illustration<br />for <span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">New Yorkers after superstorm Sandy came through.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>10 Tips for Getting Warmer When the Heat Is Off</b><br />
<a href="http://blog.nycrecumbentsupply.com/2012/11/10-tips-for-getting-warmer-when-heat-is.html">http://blog.nycrecumbentsupply.com/2012/11/10-tips-for-getting-warmer-when-heat-is.html</a><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgqR7z9bskonQQV3CR1LKCWU53_ay6UzP1dtfFE6VZVwDrkwritx6oZVl_gBJfbC_S4l0HzhOrDUAUaglA5JF99ytfK5RS-caG4QcxH5pRyrcW6G-Y7vngCErLjOG6cwVanNRTm5_CY0/s1600/NOAA-wind-chill-chart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgqR7z9bskonQQV3CR1LKCWU53_ay6UzP1dtfFE6VZVwDrkwritx6oZVl_gBJfbC_S4l0HzhOrDUAUaglA5JF99ytfK5RS-caG4QcxH5pRyrcW6G-Y7vngCErLjOG6cwVanNRTm5_CY0/s1600/NOAA-wind-chill-chart.jpg" height="457" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b>Wind chill, warm hands and telemagenta Speed Machines</b><div>
<a href="http://blog.nycrecumbentsupply.com/2013/01/wind-chill-and-warm-hands.html">http://blog.nycrecumbentsupply.com/2013/01/wind-chill-and-warm-hands.html</a><br /><br />
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<b>Warm Clothes for Winter Biking</b><br />
<a href="http://blog.nycrecumbentsupply.com/2009/11/warm-clothes-for-winter-biking.html">http://blog.nycrecumbentsupply.com/2009/11/warm-clothes-for-winter-biking.html</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>
<b>Warmer feet for recumbent riders</b><br /><a href="http://blog.nycrecumbentsupply.com/2012/01/warmer-feet-for-recumbent-riders.html">http://blog.nycrecumbentsupply.com/2012/01/warmer-feet-for-recumbent-riders.html</a><br /><br /><br /><br />
Have fun and stay warm,<br />
Robert<br />
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Robert Matson<br />
<a href="http://www.nycrecumbentsupply.com/">New York City Recumbent Supply</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theinnovationworks.com/">The Innovation Works, Inc.</a><br />
copyright 2015 Robert Matson</div>
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Robert Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11706818647792433678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048540434559497828.post-70852603120611978472015-01-10T12:18:00.003-05:002015-01-10T12:18:53.300-05:00Hardly winter doldrums...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Happy New Year!<br />
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It's been a while since I've posted, but it's hardly winter doldrums at NYCRS. There are a lot of exciting developments in the bicycle world. And, this is the time of year that I get to take some of my <i>own</i> trips! And build a new website. Also, it seems that winter is a good time for cyclists to do research. I have had more long phone conversations during the winter than I have time for during the bike season.<br />
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Meanwhile, I've been traveling a lot but, aside from the usual city bike-commuting runs, doing a lot more running, hiking and skiing than bicycling. And in a couple days I leave for a NOLS field class for winter outdoor educators. I imagine I'll come back with some new ideas related to winter cycling.<br />
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Look for a new NYCRS website soon.<br />
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Have fun and stay healthy,<br />
Robert<br />
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Robert Matson<br />
<a href="http://www.nycrecumbentsupply.com/">New York City Recumbent Supply</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theinnovationworks.com/">The Innovation Works, Inc.</a><br />
copyright 2013 Robert Matson</div>
Robert Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11706818647792433678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048540434559497828.post-79479153512442071582014-12-29T18:31:00.000-05:002014-12-29T18:31:06.786-05:00Christmas note from Matthew Hopkins<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://theroadoflittlemiracles.ghost.io/0042-the-christmas-special/" target="_blank">"<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 32px;">I’m cycling south on the 15-D AutoPista from Los Mochis trying to get to Mazatlán as rapidly as possible...."</span></a></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew Hopkins in Mexico on his custom blue-green HP Velotechnik Street Machine.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="425" src="http://theroadoflittlemiracles.ghost.io/content/images/2014/12/DSC05586.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Matthew Hopkins</td></tr>
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Our friend Matthew Hopkins is continuing his journey from Alaska to the southern tip of South America. He sent me this nice Christmas note from Mexico.<br />
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Hello.<br />
I just wanted to wish you a very happy holiday season.<br />
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I'm currently in Mazatlán Mexico having ridden almost 18,000 kilometres to date and enjoying a few days off my bike in the company of the family of a cyclist I met a few weeks ago. Hugo, who featured in one of my last blog posts.<br />
He was generous enough to invite me to spend Christmas with his family.<br />
I'll spend the new year in Guadalajara and continue east over to Mexico City and eventually to Cancún.<br />
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This year has been an incredible one for me.<br />
The beginning and continuation of an amazing adventure, which is far from over.<br />
I am lucky that I have gotten this far and equally fortunate enough to have received support and assistance from you.<br />
I'm very grateful for that.<br />
Thank you very much.<br />
Suffice to say I may well have quit by now, were it not for your generosity.<br />
I'd like to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2015.<br />
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With tremendous gratitude amd continued friendship,<br />
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Matthew Hopkins<br />
http://theroadoflittlemiracles.ghost.io/<br />
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Stay healthy and ride and ride,<br />
Robert<br />
------------<br />
Robert Matson<br />
<a href="http://www.nycrecumbentsupply.com/">New York City Recumbent Supply</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theinnovationworks.com/">The Innovation Works, Inc.</a><br />
copyright 2013 Robert Matson</div>
Robert Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11706818647792433678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048540434559497828.post-26583772436108735812014-10-21T16:10:00.000-04:002014-10-21T16:10:00.360-04:00"80 and Still Cycling"<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/74715441" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
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<b>"<a href="http://vimeo.com/74715441">Portrait of my grandfather : 80 and still cycling</a>" by <a href="http://vimeo.com/florentpiovesan">Florent Piovesan</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</b><br />
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This very cool video by Florent Piovesan was sent to me through the Prospect Park Peleton list. It's not about recumbents. It's about bicycling. And that's what it's all about.</div>
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Have fun and stay 20,<br />
Robert<br />
------------<br />
Robert Matson<br />
<a href="http://www.nycrecumbentsupply.com/">New York City Recumbent Supply</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theinnovationworks.com/">The Innovation Works, Inc.</a><br />
copyright 2013 Robert MatsonRobert Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11706818647792433678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6048540434559497828.post-76027259655087225322014-10-13T12:13:00.001-04:002014-10-14T18:14:57.358-04:00Recumbent Cycle Convention: brief notesThe most important note first:<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Creating safe roads for cyclists is as important as building and selling bikes.</span></b></div>
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The town of St. Charles and the surrounding area -- where the show was held -- has <i>wonderful</i> bike trails and paths and I was able to enjoy them with the Cruzbike team on the morning of the second day of the show.</div>
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<b>But I didn't see any bicycle advocacy organizations represented at the show. </b>It is vital that each of us, as cyclists and industry workers, are involved in advocacy. We each play an important role in expanding opportunities to bicycle safely in the USA. We can't simply be bike lane <i>users</i>. We must also be bike lane <i>builders</i>.</div>
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Here's something you can do, starting today. It's fun and you'll meet people who may become lifelong friends. Dedicate just 4 hours per month -- 48 hours in the year -- volunteering for your local bicycle advocacy organization or otherwise engaged in bicycle advocacy. That small amount of time will help save lives -- not to mention the planet. It will help save the life of somebody with a name, and a mom and dad. That "somebody" might be you or someone close to you. Toss this aside and you're tossing aside someone's life.</div>
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If you don't have a local bicycle advocacy organization, then join <a href="http://www.peopleforbikes.org/" target="_blank">Bikes Belong, a.k.a., PeopleForBikes</a> and give them the equivalent of 48 hours/year of your income. Want to do more? Run for your local community board or city council.<br />
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<b>Thank you to Charles Coyne, Coyne Publishing and the RCC Team for producing this show.</b></div>
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Visit them here <a href="http://www.rtrmag.com/">http://www.rtrmag.com/</a></div>
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Charles Coyne and his crew do an amazing job of producing RCC. It's is incredible that they are able to do so much. All the workers were friendly and professional. The show was well-organized and well-attended. He had nearly all the top manufacturers there. Also, on the above note of advocacy, Charles and his group are a great example of people working hard to promote bicycling with no eye -- as far as I can tell -- to personal gain. If anything, it seems to me he's putting himself at significant financial risk to put on this show. Thank you, Charles and team.</div>
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<b>Cruzbike</b><br />
The new Silvio and Vendettas are very impressive on many fronts - performance, adjustability, weight, features, capacity to work with wide range of drivetrains. Both bikes share many of the same qualities. I rode both and put in about 20 mi. on the Vendetta during the Cruzbike morning ride. Both models are better than ever and they've shaved 16 oz. off both frames, in part by making the new seat in full carbon fiber. I initially wondered if I'd like the new front boom and drive-triangle, shared by the V and S, but it's excellent: stiff, highly adjustable, light, clean appearance. The new Vendetta's paint is a metallic red. The white Silvio looks good too. All in all, the new designs are winners.<br />
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There's a very interesting spec effecting drivetrain options, but it's not published so I don't want to spill the beans in case something changes. In short, it's great news and it looks like there'll be more versatility than in the past.</div>
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The Cruzbike booth was popular and, often, nearly all the bikes were out on the test track. I've already sold several Silvios so I anticipate the current run to sell out, maybe by end of winter. Go and get yours now.<br />
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<b>HP Velotechnik</b></div>
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Nothing but top marks for HP Velotechnik. New Gekko fx 26 is perfect. The new Scorpion "Plus," perfect. The new "adaptive" pedals and accessories are easy to use and well-made. The new seats, fine.</div>
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I'm at a loss for words when writing about the brand and the models, because there's nothing more to say. They are the gold standard. There are no surprises. They simply continue to prove they are probably the most professional and reliable recumbent manufacturer in the market.</div>
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HP Velot. was one of the most popular booths at the show. No surprise there either.<br />
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<b>Hase</b></div>
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They're continuing their tradition of being one of the foremost manufacturers of adaptive cycles. They are clearly entirely dedicated to producing the highest quality machines. Again, I don't know what to say: they're great. They too had one of the most popular booths at the show.</div>
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<b>Patterson Transmission (from FSA)</b></div>
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Superb new internal gear system to replace front chain rings and rear wheel 3-speed hub gears. Inexpensive, quiet, works well. Only time will tell how durable it is over thousands of miles, but I liked what I saw and may well install one on one of my own bikes over the winter to use and abuse it.</div>
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http://pattersonbike.com/reviews/<br />
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<b>Bent Rider On-line</b></div>
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Also one of the most popular booths at the show. Bryan Ball seemed to be in high spirits and told me they sold out of their merchandise by the afternoon of the first "public" day of the show.</div>
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Go build a bike lane,<br />
Robert<br />
------------<br />
Robert Matson<br />
<a href="http://www.nycrecumbentsupply.com/">New York City Recumbent Supply</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theinnovationworks.com/">The Innovation Works, Inc.</a><br />
copyright 2014 Robert Matson</div>
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Robert Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11706818647792433678noreply@blogger.com1