Over the years I had several periods when I was heavily involved in cycling and in particular Bicycle Touring. This all came to halt in Feb 2000 when while walking back to my camp site about 70km from home I was run over by the only car in sight. To cut things short after seven operations on my left leg in Jan 2004 I was told that I was a good as I would get. My left tibia had been badly fractured and has never healed properly. I have titanium tibia nail inserted from my knee to my ankle literally holding the leg together. I cant run but can walk large distances at a leisurely pace. Any sudden twists or jarring causes pain. As well as this, a cracked hip socket has resulted in restricted side ways movement of the left hip.
My Left Leg
All this means that riding a full size bike is not feasible as I can get my leg over the top bar. My left foot points out at about 15 degrees and I cant use cleats or toe clips and straps. My little folder overcomes these problems by having a low step over height and big flat pedals. It is however a low end cheaply built bicycle with restricted gearing. I needed a better bike if I was to re-commence cycle touring. I had looked at Bike Fridays back in 2004 but Margaret's failing health meant that touring was put on the back burner as I took over Margaret's care. Now there was no reason for me not to look into them again.
I researched their website. Normally they build bicycles to specific order which, as they are based in Oregon, USA and I would have to go through a local agent, could take many months. However they now produce a series of production bikes in small, medium and large size based on their popular models the New World Tourist and Pocket Llama. The former is a specialised touring bike and the later a more rugged cross country bike similar to a mountain bike. The ready built NWT is called the Pocket Companion and the Llama ia called the Pocket Expedition. Like most bike Fridays they have 20 inch wheels and have a simple fold mechanism which enables them to be popped into a car boot or carried in a carry bag. With a bit more disassembly they will fit in a normal airline size case which also converts into a trailer.
There is a local agent in Brisbane, Epic Cycles. Unfortunately they made the news last month by being flooded out to a depth of 4 metres. I gave them a phone call and to my amazement they were back in business. Volunteers had helped them move their stock to safety and then afterwards clean up the mess left behind. They were back in business in 8 days after the flood receded.
They didn't have a Pocket Companion, my first choice in stock, but did have a medium size Pocket Expedition. I arranged to drive down and have a look at the Expedition but expected it would be a bit too large as like my brother and sister I have inherited Duck's Disease from our mother. I measured up my old road bike and my little folder and on Saturday drove 150km to Epic Cycles.
They are set up in a converted petrol station in the inner Brisbane suburb of Paddington. The shop is packed with bikes of all types and a heap of accessories. Normally the space is divided by chip rock clad walls but these were destroyed in the flood. The salesman, Mark, took me to the back of the store where they had several folding bikes. There were some Dahons which my little folder is based on and several Bike Fridays. There was the Expedition all black and shiny. It looked great. We measured it up and we found that I could set it up exactly as my old road bike which I have covered tens of thousand of kilometres on. Mark set it up and loaned me a crash helmet ant I took it for a spin. It was great.
I couldn't wait to get back to the store. I bought it on the spot together with a rear rack for my panniers. It cost just under $AUS 2000 and is the most i have ever spent on a bike. Actually in 1956 my racing bike cost about 100 pounds which is much more in real terms. I put the new bike in the back of the car and drove home.
I put the rack on and went for a short ride. At 74 years of age I experienced real excitement in anticipation of many kilometres on this lovely bike,
I also introduced it to the Bendr which is the little folder's real name.
On Sunday it was very hot, 34C and humid so I only went for a brief ride and sorted out a few minor fit problems. I actually needed to raise the saddle slightly.
The Expedition is set up for front and rear racks, has 24 gears spread over a wide range, wide tyres and a high bottom bracket. This makes it suitable for cross country riding.
I still have to take it for a long ride. I was busy on Monday and today we have had heavy rain - maybe this afternoon or tomorrow.
The plan now is to build up my fitness and go away on short trips staying in local pubs. My older folder will still be used for shopping. I don't fancy leaving an expensive bike outside the supermarket.
Last week saw me doing two MOWs runs. I normally do a third Thursday run to the Riverlands Retirement Village but D phoned and asked me if I could also do my normal first Friday run along Gympie Terrace as they were a driver short.
This week , the fourth week of the month, is normally a week off MOW but I am standing in again for a totally different run on Friday.
I also have started assisting at my computer club once again and give informal introductions to Linux. I am also preparing a formal tutorial on the Sound Recording and Editing Program, Audacity.
I also intend to go out with the Sunshine Coast Bicycle Touring club on Staurday morning. They have nice short beginners' rides.
Life is getting busy.
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