Growing up, I found the freedom of riding bicycle to be the most enjoyable pastime.
Over the years I have owned a few different road and
mountain bicycles and modified most to suit me and built one for my particular sense of freedom.
Having become unable to ride the "normal" upright bicycle,
I have been searching for something that I could ride to enjoy those freedoms again,
I finally found this:
My original purchase was:
Catrike Trail
CTT264
Purchased in Oct of 2006 as a "Snow Special".
I tend to 'ride' my bike.
I found it needed my special touch to make it more suitable for me.
Before I had put 1 mile on my brand new Catrike Trail
I got a pinch flat from a steel plate in the road around the corner from my house
and decided then that modifications were needed.
First thing I did was change out the 3 stock wheels from the 20" road tires & rims
to 24" mountain tires w/double track rims. Strong, durable & dependable.
I added a 60T to the bottom bracket, air ride suspension to the seat, dual mirrors and a 'Delta Airzounds' air horn.
Increased the front frame tube length to accommodate a standard water bottle and Sunding Speedometer.
Managed 600 miles on that setup in my first full season, and 2 front and 2 rear derailleur changes
as the high performance ones broke and fine tuning this and that.
I also added a splash shield in between the seat strapping's so the puddles didn't make me look like I had wet myself...
I didn't like the fenders Catrike supplied and they also were having trouble with their supplier
at the time so since necessity is the mother of invention, I purchased regular 26" Planet Bike Fenders and modified for the Catrike.
I didn't want the little one getting mudded from my wheel after I modified a trailer hookup to tow him along.
Riding local, groomed trails with my little one in tow...
I spent the winter of 2008 - 2009, moving to a 29" rear wheel, extending the frame to make it fit, etc.
I added dual headlights mounted on the steering posts that turn with my Catrike, a compass and a generic bike rack w/tail light.
Doubled up on the 'Bear Trap' pedals to allow for more power and a second mirror as well.
This is my finished Human Powered Vehicle.
I completed just over 1000 miles (my goal) in the 2009 riding season.
I have achieved 200 plus miles so far this season (2010) with most of that in April when it was unseasonably warm.
The completed Trike weighs in at 50.2lbs but it is strong,
durable and DEPENDABLE.
I Love my RIDE!!!
I also found this
Gary Fisher 'Freeloader" trailer
for my little one to ride with me
so I changed over the trailer modifications to add support to the rear wheel.
