David Parman
New Member
I got my new Quest 2.0 Wednesday, but due to a couple minor parts problems didn't have a go at riding until Thursday evening. After finding a substitute bolt for the 2nd handlebar quick release clamp I took the bike to a nearby parking lot. It was already getting dark, so I didn't have a lot of time. I would have to say that first attempt was ... interesting. If I hadn't watched a load of Cruzbike videos on YouTube, I might have thought it would be impossible. I don't think I made 10 feet without having to stop myself. There was no such thing as moving in a straight line.
The next afternoon I got back to the same parking lot, and after a couple of false starts found myself actually pedalling. Within 15 minutes or so, I was able to ride 50-100 feet before losing it.
So today was a Saturday, and I got out on the bike early - before the parking lots filled up with soccer mom cars. Within minutes I could ride round and round the parking lot without too much trouble. A few hair raising unintended turns here and there, but generally getting much better. I headed over to a nearby school playground and was able to do figure 8's around the basketball hoops, and for the most part found I was able to stay within a 3 ft wide lane for quite a distance. I did this for probably 20 minutes or so, then decided it was time to give the Iron Horse Trail a try.
The IHT is a paved bike/walk trail built on what was originally meant to be a light rail right of way, so it's nicely graded and quite straight (at least in this area). The trail wasn't crowded, but there were a fair number of walkers and joggers to avoid. I rode a bit over 2 miles, then turned around and rode back through the playground, then home. All told, about 6 miles of riding this morning. Someone else posted on the blogs here that your brain figures things out overnight after each ride. I have to say, I believe that must be true. I think my progress has exceeded my expectations.
I'm training for a 150 mile ride - the BP MS 150, from Houston to Austin in April (if anyone would like to support me I'll gladly post the link to my MS 150 page). After a lot of years of not riding very much, I started my training on my MTB, debating whether or not to fix up my 30 year old road bike or get a new one. After the first few weeks of sore butt, back, neck, etc. on the MTB, I started thinking recumbent. When I stumbled on to Cruzbike, I was intrigued. After my first 3 days of riding my Quest, I'm feeling pretty happy with the purchase. I'll try to give a few updates on my progress as I put some more miles behind me.
The next afternoon I got back to the same parking lot, and after a couple of false starts found myself actually pedalling. Within 15 minutes or so, I was able to ride 50-100 feet before losing it.
So today was a Saturday, and I got out on the bike early - before the parking lots filled up with soccer mom cars. Within minutes I could ride round and round the parking lot without too much trouble. A few hair raising unintended turns here and there, but generally getting much better. I headed over to a nearby school playground and was able to do figure 8's around the basketball hoops, and for the most part found I was able to stay within a 3 ft wide lane for quite a distance. I did this for probably 20 minutes or so, then decided it was time to give the Iron Horse Trail a try.
The IHT is a paved bike/walk trail built on what was originally meant to be a light rail right of way, so it's nicely graded and quite straight (at least in this area). The trail wasn't crowded, but there were a fair number of walkers and joggers to avoid. I rode a bit over 2 miles, then turned around and rode back through the playground, then home. All told, about 6 miles of riding this morning. Someone else posted on the blogs here that your brain figures things out overnight after each ride. I have to say, I believe that must be true. I think my progress has exceeded my expectations.
I'm training for a 150 mile ride - the BP MS 150, from Houston to Austin in April (if anyone would like to support me I'll gladly post the link to my MS 150 page). After a lot of years of not riding very much, I started my training on my MTB, debating whether or not to fix up my 30 year old road bike or get a new one. After the first few weeks of sore butt, back, neck, etc. on the MTB, I started thinking recumbent. When I stumbled on to Cruzbike, I was intrigued. After my first 3 days of riding my Quest, I'm feeling pretty happy with the purchase. I'll try to give a few updates on my progress as I put some more miles behind me.
