Planning an Epic Trike ride

Ditto what Jon said, however, are you going to be running the wiring along the frame or inside somehow?

 

Once upon a time not so long ago there was a plan that included adding those #$%^#*^&$%%% sleepy driver wake up rumble strips along some of the Trace's shoulders. I think the idea was squashed. But if you're going there it might be worth checking out.

 

So, up to 85 miles last Saturday and 145 miles for the week. It took 7 hours Saturday but there were kots of short steep climbs. On 10/10 the plan is for just over 100 miles. This route is flatter and the hills less taxing. I'm more optimistic now knowing I could have completed 120 miles in less than 12 hours. Now just to get strong enough to do that repeatedly.

For the lighting, I went with two different Lezyne taillights. A 300 lumen and a 95 lumen. I chose them for ease of charging and battery life. On the front I found a headlight with a super sticky base and just attach the light as needed. Its small, lightweight and has a good run time. I'm only expecting to need it for short stints early in the AM or late evening. This seems a better and easier solution than mutilation of the fairing.

It looks like making a sock to fit between the fairings won't work. The fairings are narrow, basically the width of my shoulders which aren't very wide. That plus the 27 inch track would have the fabric impinging my arm movement and/or rubbing the tires on even the slightest turns. I am planning on some type of disc wheel covers for the front wheels.

The rumble strips are a HUGE potential problem. Anyone who has ever piloted a Cheetah will be quick to tell you.....the rear end gets real funky on that ****!

 

Hi all. Good luck on that ride Ward. I would love to do that ride and it once was on my todo list as was the Blue Ridge Parkway. I've done that 3 times with motorhome but would have loved to do it on a bike. Sadly it appears those days are gone.

 

Dennis, any places in particular that stood out that I might want to look out for?

 

Yes, the entire distance is awesome. The best os Shennadoah NP on the north end and then NC on the south which then leads you right into the Smokies.

 

Hey Dennis, that sounds like the Blue Ridge Parkway. I rode parts ofcthat years ago when I rode Bike VA.

 

That had to be a wonderful ride Ward.

 

Yep, it was the middle of the week century ride. Close to the halfway point we stopped at a local vinyard where there was a fantastic lunch setup and of course wine tasting followed by riders pulling out credit cards.

I remember how cool it was, almost zero traffic...and of coyrse picturesque.

 

So, it looks like the Cheetah is out and the Zockra is in. The Cheetah has developed some play in the steering. I'm afraid its the Universal joint. I might be able to find someone to machine one for me.

On the plus side, I took the Zockra out for an inaugural spin. It took a few miles for me to get comfortable but she is fast!

 

Go for it Ward!

 

Here is the view from the seat.