machine NRE

[baratron]

Oh my God, I am in lust...

The object of my lust has three wheels, two handlebars, and a chain. I sit on it, and it takes me places.

Yes, I have a tricycle. And it's quite possibly the most life-changing machine I've ever used, the breadmaker and ice cream maker not withstanding.

Suddenly I can ride a cycle like a normal person, which after many years of being abnormal and collecting new and exotic diagnoses is rather like coming out of... fog, into bright sunlight. Or something. I've never been very good at analogies.

It goes faster than I have ever been able to move in my life. The fastest I felt comfortable pedaling last night was faster than Richard could run. It can go even faster than that, if I wanted to.

I'm surprised how quickly it stops - how short the stopping distance is, even on a wet road. I only have to use one of the brakes to stop completely, which could be useful in an emergency. I'm surprised how small its turning circle is - for something so wide, it can get through narrow gaps and round obstacles. It's stable enough that I could ride it on two of the three wheels without falling off.

I'm going back out with my new partner. See you later.

Comments

[baratron.livejournal.com]

Hmm, well, it's not the nicest looking cycle in the world. It's a Pashley Picador, which is the design aimed more at elderly people than at young disabled people, and it's a bit old and a bit rusty, but... here's the eBay auction (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7166848355). I'm trying to decide now whether to strip it down and get it repainted (~£50) or just leave it as is. A lot depends on whether this is going to be My Trike forever, or just for a few months - I am interested in the folding frame options, as that makes the trike suitable for carriage on trains (including Eurostar!), but that will mean custom ordering, which also means I can choose my colour.

I want pink or purple :)

[okoshun.livejournal.com]

That's very nifty. I like the basket and I could see not wanting to paint it until you really know for sure. The folding frame options would be very useful for travel for sure.

I guess give it time and you'll know for sure. It sounds like you like it so far. :)