I've been wanting to try recumbency in a lazy three wheeled way for a while, and kept my eyes open until something that had enough of my wishlist features turned up within a seven day ride's radius of home.
I didn't dare mention it until I'd broken the back of the journey, but four days in and 200 miles closer to home than I started, although rather more than 200 ridden when cycle routes are taken into account, I have three days and 120 miles to go, so beginning to feel I'll make it.
The machine is a 2015 HP Velotechnik Scorpion fs20, originally supplied as an electric rear hub version, but now with a Hope Pro 4 distinctly not electric hub!
I am at least the third owner, but it could have rolled out of the factory yesterday, utterly pristine bar a few tiny scrapes on the outside edges of the front mudguards and hubs.
It is a folder, but not a shoe in for train carriage, so riding home unassisted is my first recumbent experience, and my first unassisted riding for over 10,000 miles!
First impressions are that unassisted I am the slowest thing on the roads by far. I'm carrying 'minimal' bike packing gear, but still about 15kg, and the trike with streamer screen, rack and mudguards will be a touch under 20, so it is only the tourers that pass that badly show me up! Bring on the assistance!
I may try out three versions: my much delayed TSDZ2, my spare Shimano e5000, and of course a rear hub motor too.
I wanted full suspension, mudguards, the Streamer screen, the moulded seat and a 26" rear wheel. The only one missing is the big wheel, which I'll learn to manage without.
Handy label.
First camp at Masham after a hard day following Sustrans routes to avoid main roads on my first day.
On a big climb out of Reeth
Tea at the Tan Hill Inn. Not a climb I will repeat without assistance!
Camp 2, just short of Appleby in Westmoreland.
Familiar ground 1: the best pasties and cheese.
Familiar ground 2: it is always sunny in Cavendish Gardens!
Early morning shopping, day 4, Lockerbie. No camp 3 pics, phone too low.
Have I changed my mind? No, just having breakfast next door!
And camp 4.
I didn't dare mention it until I'd broken the back of the journey, but four days in and 200 miles closer to home than I started, although rather more than 200 ridden when cycle routes are taken into account, I have three days and 120 miles to go, so beginning to feel I'll make it.
The machine is a 2015 HP Velotechnik Scorpion fs20, originally supplied as an electric rear hub version, but now with a Hope Pro 4 distinctly not electric hub!
I am at least the third owner, but it could have rolled out of the factory yesterday, utterly pristine bar a few tiny scrapes on the outside edges of the front mudguards and hubs.
It is a folder, but not a shoe in for train carriage, so riding home unassisted is my first recumbent experience, and my first unassisted riding for over 10,000 miles!
First impressions are that unassisted I am the slowest thing on the roads by far. I'm carrying 'minimal' bike packing gear, but still about 15kg, and the trike with streamer screen, rack and mudguards will be a touch under 20, so it is only the tourers that pass that badly show me up! Bring on the assistance!
I may try out three versions: my much delayed TSDZ2, my spare Shimano e5000, and of course a rear hub motor too.
I wanted full suspension, mudguards, the Streamer screen, the moulded seat and a 26" rear wheel. The only one missing is the big wheel, which I'll learn to manage without.
Handy label.
First camp at Masham after a hard day following Sustrans routes to avoid main roads on my first day.
On a big climb out of Reeth
Tea at the Tan Hill Inn. Not a climb I will repeat without assistance!
Camp 2, just short of Appleby in Westmoreland.
Familiar ground 1: the best pasties and cheese.
Familiar ground 2: it is always sunny in Cavendish Gardens!
Early morning shopping, day 4, Lockerbie. No camp 3 pics, phone too low.
Have I changed my mind? No, just having breakfast next door!
And camp 4.
