Hampton's Edge Trailside Bicycles

Strawberry Festival & Catrike Rally

2012-02-06T05:12:00.000-08:00

Get ready for some big happenings in Floral City. Friday March 2 from 6-9pm there will be a kickoff party for the 25th annual Floral City Strawberry Festival in the Town Center located in front of the library. There will be live music, food and even beer. The Shops will be opened for people to stroll through. Saturday the gates will open in Floral Park for the Festival where there will be Farm fresh Strawberries and lots of vendors. Saturday is also the 1st Day of the 8th annual Catrike Rally in Winter Garden, FL. See Catrike.com for details and to sign up. Sunday March 4 is our day to host the Rally. We will open at 9 am and have some coffee and treats (maybe even some strawberries) for our guests. We will start the line-up for the @8mile ride to River Ratz Cafe in Nobleton at 10:30 so we can all take our pictures. The Restaurant is expecting us at 12n so those who would like a leisurely ride should leave at 10:45. The people who have seen it all before can leave a little later.

We are very excited to be going South on the Trail this time. In the past we have always gone North. We are shaking things up this time and hope we have a beautiful day to have lunch on the Withlacoochee River. Everyone who plans to attend the Sunday Ride will need to RSVP to us at trailsidebicycles@gmail.com so we can let the restaurant know how many to expect.

We will post any updates on the blog. Looking forward to seeing old and new faces!

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-03T05:54:00.000-08:00

Another year is gone and in a might hurry I would say. The years seem to go by much faster the older I get or maybe it's because we're busy. We hosted the annual New Year day party for the Withlacoochee Trail riders and had around 60 people or so to the house. The weather could not have been better and it was nice to see everyone out of their riding clothes and in street clothes, although many rode their bikes and were dressed accordingly in cycling attire. Thanks to everyone who attended, and all the good food you brought. There is a new year of cycling ahead so lets go for a ride, well maybe when it warms up. We're not used to temps in the 30s here in sunny Florida. Happy birthday to Chuck Charles and happy New Year to all.

Christmas on the coast

2011-12-28T15:13:00.000-08:00

Took a few much needed days off and headed for the East coast of Florida, to Merritt Island and camped at Manatee Hammock Campground on the Indian River. We heard there were painted buntings at the visitors center and lots of good nature walks through some of the wet lands. Leroy and Diane Jacobsen also went, as Diane is the one who told us about the buntings. We were not disappointed let me tell you. We saw painted buntings right off. Such beautiful birds with blue, purple, red, and green feathers. Because of their colors they are being trapped and sold as cage birds so they are endangered now. In another area we got to see Florida scrub jays which also are endangered. At the Viero wet lands we walked around the ponds and saw all kinds of water fowl, ducks, coots, herons, egrets, spoonbills, ibis, grebes, mergansers, hawks and of course in any Fl. wet land, gators. The best was watching a Great Blue heron catch and eat a fish about a foot long, and also watching a gator sneaking up on a bunch of coots although the coots were keeping their eyes on that gator. Took a short kayak paddle on the Indian River from the campground and saw manatee and dolphin. Had a wonderful time seeing all the wildlife and evenings just sitting around the camp fire talking about the days fun with good friends. What a great way to spend Christmas.

Take me to the river

2011-12-13T16:10:00.000-08:00

Today started out chillier than was expected as we headed out to kayak the Oklawaha River, Northeast of Ocala near Silver Springs. From Ray Wayside Park if you go right you'll end up at the head spring of Silver River, go left as we did you go with the current down river to Gores Landing or further if you want. We shuttled cars to Gores Landing which provided us with a 10 mile easy paddle. Nice color since there were not any hard freezes yet and the river was full of water birds and song birds provided a sound track for the trip. A stop at The Blue Gator for dinner topped off a perfect day. This is the kind of day off we need, something different with good friends, Diane, Mary Ann, Deborah, Lee Ann, Charlie, and our new friend Bill. Looking forward to a camping trip over Christmas to Manatee Hammock near the East coast and Merit Island in search of the elusive Painted Bunting.

Heritage Days

2011-12-01T06:03:00.000-08:00

We hope you will join us on Dec. 2 5:30-8:00 pm for the start of Floral City's Heritage Day's celebration. The town will be all lit up. The store's will all be OPEN. We will be serving libations and the Lions Club will have their famous fish fry! Saturday will have various events going on around town. Floral City is the place to be this weekend. Join in the fun.

Spoonbills at last

2011-11-16T15:38:00.000-08:00

Heard from some friends that there were Rosette Spoonbills on Bennette's Creek off the Northern part of the Withlacoochee river in Yankee Town near where it feeds into the Gulf of Mexico. On Monday our day off from the shop we drove up there with kayaks in the van to go check this out. The last time I was in Yankee Town I stayed at the Isak Walton Lodge which had burnt to the ground and is now rebuilt and opening soon. The one thing I remembered about this area were the no-see-ems or flying teeth. They were there to greet us this time too. After getting directions to Bennettes creek we got on the water and right off the bat we saw a dolphin, then paddled off looking for the 1st left after the last house which we took, and a right at the "no wake " sign which we also took. We paddled all the way to the Gulf and not a Spoonbill to be seen. Planned it right by the current and the tide so we wouldn't have to paddle against either out or back. Saw 2 more houses nearer the Gulf and figured we turned too soon, maybe that wasn't the last house we previously saw, so back we went to where we thought would be the correct turn. Saw lots of birds, little blue herons, great blue herons, ibis, egrets but no spoonbills. The lady at the campground said we didn't want to find bird creek because it was easy to get lost, well, we found it by accident. Paddled all the way to the gulf again this time by a different route then back toward where we started out where I found a guy at the first last house and asked him where Bennette's Creek was. He pionted back the way we just came and said," see the woods about 500 yards up, just look for the floating logs, that's the creek". Back we went and finally, Spoonbills, wood storks, black crowned night herons, oh and on the way bald eagle. What an adventure sore shoulders and all. Can't wait to go back and go all the way up Bennette's creek to the gulf.

Ataxia ride, Clermont

2011-11-08T05:29:00.000-08:00

This past weekend we did the ride for Ataxia and took some Catrikes for some of the riders to use to do the ride. Very inspiring to see some of these people with this disease who had to be lifted from a wheel chair and lowered to the trike to do the ride. Did I mention there were hills and wind. David Henry who wasn't in a wheel chair did 25 miles on the Expedition, (without the ride kick in the pic). Natalie Denny who had to be lifted from her chair and placed in the trike did 16 miles in the hills from Clermont to Killarney Station and back, total 16 miles. This is the ride we did and I give here kudos for here effort on those hills. We saw several people walking up some of the hills which she could not do since she can't stand or walk. I'll think about those people with this disease the next time I have a little physical pain or discomfort. Pictured is Kyle Bryant whom also has to be lifted from a chair, with Mark from Catrike, David trying the ride kick power trailer, Natalie climbing a hill, and her family who rode with her. I tried to put this on facebook but I couldn't get it to post.

Wing Flyers

2011-11-05T09:27:00.000-07:00

Come Wednesday we should be getting our first order of Wing Flyers in. Stop by and take one out for a test ride.
Just one more way to have fun and get fit! See Ya Soon....

Ataxia Ride Sunday Nov. 6

2011-10-24T05:23:00.000-07:00

Join us for a day of scenic cycling, great food , and fun in support of Friedreich's Ataxia research.

Ride Ataxia Orlando will offer 16, 25, and 50 mile routes on scenic country roads.

For more info visit www.rideataxia.org/orlando

Hope to see there!

Fold Rush

2011-10-20T13:54:00.000-07:00

If your ordered a Fold Rush from us, please give us a call. We are bumbling idiots and lost your name and phone number!

Luminary Art Walk

2011-10-18T12:23:00.000-07:00

We hope you will join us on Friday 11/11/11 6-8pm for the Luminary Art Walk. Hosted by the Florida Artists Gallery, Pink House Art Studio, Forgotten Treasures and Gifts and the Floral City Heritage Council. You will take a candlelight stroll through Floral City and view great art and meet the artists. Doesn't that sound fun? And to top it off you can stop by our shop and have a glass of wine! What a great way to spend and evening. Please mark your calendar for this great event.

successful events

2011-10-03T05:01:00.000-07:00

This past weekend there were two events that look to be a success. One was the first annual Floral City "Bikes and BBQ" where many BBQ contestants sold out. The other was the annual Withlacoochee trail bike ride and there were lots of people on the trail and many visiting the shop, which we just had painted last week and had a sidewalk put in from the trail. Here are some before and after on the paint. The art was done by my best bud Terry Klaaren and was done in 2 days. There's more to come.

Vegas baby

2011-09-25T17:55:00.000-07:00

We went to Vegas and are back and the most exciting thing I can think of is it was raining and cooler in Vegas than here. The day we went to the outdoor demo it was raining and down right cold as we could see from the vendors as they were shivering. Thanks to the bus driver who had panchos to sell, he could have gotten more money than a buck each for them.
New stuff in the shop which we found at the show will be arriving soon. One is a light that is an MP-3 player and speaker and a loud warning siren along with an LED flasher and light. Another is a bike and parts washer using microbes to eat oil and grease like used in the gulf oil spill. Also the "Ride Kick" electric trailer to hitch behind any bike will be coming too for those who need a little help. Next is the Nuvinci internal hub, no index , no gears, but like turning up the volume on a radio. And, not to be out done, some super drill bits that were impressive in their demonstration like Ginsu knives, and hope they perform as stated.
Home again and waiting for the heat to break.

Never ending story and some

2011-09-07T17:58:00.000-07:00

I mentioned a dog I thought reminded me of Falcor the luck dragon in the movie "Never Ending story" His pic is in this post, not the best seeing how he wasn't cooperating with the photographer.
The ride from the GA. state line and the Chief Lidiga trail was uneventful with a little rain thrown in from on coming Lee. We did 16 miles in Alabama on the Lidiga mostly slightly down on the way from East to Piedmont and West of course back to GA slightly up on the way back. The trail in Bama is only 10' wide and is asphalt, and goes through woods and rural land. No nice twists or turns or challenging climbs or thrilling down hills. You can hum the theme to Deliverance here if you want. If you're going to do the Ladiga I'd suggest drive to Anniston and ride East toward GA. and have the down on the way back.
So that's all folks as we are home here in Fl and fly out to Las Vegas for Interbike on Monday. I'll blog anything I think would be interesting in Vegas at the bike show, but probably not too many bents there. I'm sure the hotel, Harrah's will have wifi.

Ride and a dog

2011-09-03T13:09:00.000-07:00

First lets get the dog out of the way. The owner of this campground has a mutt that looks as close to Falcor the Luck Dragon in the movie from years ago, The Never Ending Story. I'll try to get a picture of him before we leave.
Now the rest of the story! Today another 40 miles from Rockmart to the Hiram Trailhead/ Homer Leggett Park and back. Points of interest were the 700' long @ 100' high Pumpkinvine Creek trestle, and a 700' long tunnel under Brushy Mt. Also for general info the name Rockmart is named for the slate quarry and dubbed "The rock market to the world". The ride today had little inclines kind of like "dead mans hill" before Floral City on the Withlacoochee, except much looooonger and a nice pedal on the way down. Much easier than what we learned is called "Trash mountain" that we rode up and down yesterday, because it is located beside the land fill. Should be called Stinky Mt.
Tomorrow we'll drive to Cedartown and ride into Alabama and the Chief Ladiga Trail, before it rains I hope. Lee should bring some much needed rain to this part of GA hopefully.

Silver Comet

2011-09-02T14:38:00.000-07:00

Today I rode a trail that I've been wanting to ride since I've heard about it but resisted because it is near traffic nightmare Atlanta. So on our way home and to avoid Labor Day traffic, can you tell I don't tolerate traffic well, we decided to stop at a campground called The Rock, in Rockmart (sounds like a place you'd buy rocks) which is almost right on the trail. Looks like a good place to hole up for tropical storm Lee too. The campground is a 70 acre parcel with lots of open space but also has a antique farm implement museum, a stage for music events and spaces for flea markets, car shows and the like. Very quiet I might add, no trains out the back door like Bass Lake and Mikes driveway. Enough of the CG, how about the trail. It's concrete, 12' wide lots of shade and mostly flat, with the emphasis on MOSTLY. The section we did today from Rockmart to Cedartown had about 3 miles of some killer hills that were in the 96 degree sun. Nice thing about hills is they go up, UHHH, but they go down, FUN. If you know me I don't mind hills much especially on a trike where I can granny grind slowly up or power up which ever I feel the notion to do. And the downs with some tight turns were a absolute blast. Sad to see the small towns in a state of mostly empty disrepair but sprawl rears it's ugly head anywhere you go anymore. We did stop at the hardware store in Rockmart, and what a great selection they had, and I bought something. Also stopped at a cafe in Cedartown for lunch, and a small odds and ends and health food store along the trail for a much needed Gator Ade and a nice chat with the x Marine proprietor. Tomorrow we'll go the opposite way which isn't supposed to be hilly.

Georgia on my mind

2011-08-31T17:27:00.000-07:00

We left Olathe KS, at 10:00 this morning and are parked in a CG in Whittington IL for an over night stay then on to Atlanta for the race and baseball game. Just kidding! We're going to ride the Silver Comet and Chief Ladega trail, and stay throughout the holiday at the Rock Campground, in Forsyth Ga. They have a big stage for music but unfortunately not this weekend. At least we won't be on the road on a busy holiday with a race, ball game and gay pride demonstration. Maybe post some pics of the trail and lets hope it's not too hot. Was 102 in St. Louis today.

X state line

2011-08-29T15:22:00.000-07:00

Rode the Indian Creek from KS to MO and back then Tomahawk Creek to it's end and back to Indian Creek. These trails are especially fun on a trike with all the sharp curves and little ups and downs, like I've said before, like a roller coaster. On the ups the hook grabs the car and chug a chug up to the top then a hurtling down the other side, around a curve and up and over another hill on momentum alone Only difference is you have to pedal up the hill, no hook.
Wednesday we drag up and leave for the start homeward bound. Depends on the weather where we'll stop on the way. Till then, ta, ta.

Katy and beyond.

2011-08-17T14:57:00.000-07:00

Well we finally said a sad goodbye to Ohio and now are sitting in Mike Cooper's driveway in Olathe KS. Cindy's hometown. Nice twisty roller coaster like trails here with the Mill Creek Streamway and the Indian Creek, and others we haven't explored yet. On the way we stopped to do the Rocheport section of the Katy Trail in Missouri. This is an area we must return to in order to give it a thorough going over. Lots of nice cliffs to climb around on and caves to explore and a campground close to one of the top 10 places to live, Columbia MO. With the river right there we may want to bring our kayaks too.There is a 350 year old Burr oak just off the trail which was neat to see, and many barn swallow nests and some petroglyphs high up on the cliff side.
Bill H. I happen to have 2, 1554 Fat Tire ales in the fridge as I type this. For lunch I had a couple of Blvd. brewery pale ales. So many beers so little time and money.

Wheels

2011-08-14T19:05:00.000-07:00

Last I Blogged we were going to hear a band called WHEELS at the Emporium wine tasting, a band that has been opening for other more know bands in the area. As we first drove by the establishment, we saw mobs of mostly young people mixed with all other ages and people we see in town all the time. We went and had a glass of wine at another place before venturing into the throngs at the Emporium. When we got there we were pleasantly surprised by how good these kids were. They are between 14 and 16 years old and play mandolin, guitar, stand up bass, harmonica and harmonize like old souls. I had to buy a CD. If you've ever heard Avett Brothers, these young musicians have been influenced by them, in fact they give Avett bros kudos on the CD I bought. I can see them going places if they can work around school and girls. Always sad to leave the Yellow Springs area especially after a fun night and such good music, but Saturday we drove in to the farmers market and the "ART ON THE LAWN" event before we had to hit the road for KS. Stopped and rode the Rocheport section of the KATY trail which I'll get into once I get the pics off the camera. Now parked and hooked up in Cindy's brother's driveway in Olathe KS. and will be riding the Indian Creek trail from Olathe KS. to over the Missouri state line, a nice twisty trail with a few nice hills and sharp turns thrown in just perfect for trikes.

Great weather

2011-08-10T18:13:00.000-07:00

Finally the heat and humidity has broken and perfect riding weather is upon us. Larry Varney came up with a review bike to ride with us today, a short wheel base folder from a custom builder in PA. called the "butterfly". Supposed to fit into an airline size regulation suitcase. See the pics and a review in bentrider. Not a big long ride today but 38 miles in 79 degree temps was sublime.
Been listening to a local NPR station out of Yellow Springs, WYSO. Lots of folky stuff and live music during the day and now at 9:30 PM a good eclectic mix of rock and live local tunes you won't hear on commercial FM. Much like the old MNF out of Tampa.
Tomorrow who knows what we'll do. Probably do some back roads after our 2nd coffee in the Emporium.

Playing catch up

2011-08-08T16:40:00.000-07:00

Lets play a little catch up shall we! Got the van stabilizer bar bushings replaced and the hitch welded and secured, ready to tow again. Too hot in KS so we decided to stay another week, now it's Mon. Aug. 8, which would have been my dad's birthday if he were still alive. The day we took the van to be repaired we also took laundry to the laundry mat. So I dropped Cindy off with the clothes and drove to drop off the van, then rode a bike back to the laundry mat. On the trip from the laundry to pick up the van I lost or it was stolen my Topeak rack bag from the back of the bike. In the bag was all the emergency gear, pump, tubes,and the like along with a GPS, MP-3 player with a brand new set of BOSE ear buds, a hat, lock, a credit card and copy of my drivers license, and other things, about 300. worth of stuff. Easy come easy go I guess. Some one got them a treasure trove. Yes I've canceled the card. All those times I've found things on the trail including credit cards and wallets and did everything possible to find the rightful owners. You think a little Karma would be deserved.
Last week Maryann came to visit and ride and we had fun in town and hiking in Glen Helen and sitting around the fire BSing. Cindy and I rode to Morrow where we saw Jim Murphy and his friend Mary from Fairfield Cyclery. We also rode to Dayton yesterday and today rode on the Great Miami River trail which was nice and shady. We stopped in Tip City for a good home cooked lunch at a place on the national historic registry called Sam and Etel's Restaurant. If your ever in Tip city you gotta try it. Don't know whats on the agenda tomorrow but Wednesday Larry Varney is supposed to pay us a visit and do some riding with us. He bailed on the ROAM velomobile ride after Misoula MT. He likes to stop and take pictures and sample local flavor as we do so the mad dash across the country wasn't to his liking. You can read all about it on bentrideronline.com. It's supposed to cool down with a high a perfect 79 on Wed. We'll leave for KS on Sat. afternoon after Friday night in Yellow Springs where we'll sample some wines and listen to some good tunes by Wheels a young and very talented band from the Springs at our favorite hang out The Emporium.

Bridges of Greene County

2011-07-27T14:10:00.000-07:00

There were hills, up and down, some steep, some long, but a refreshing difference from flat FL. The sun was hot but thankfully the humidity was down a bit so the ride was enjoyable through Greene Co. to 4 of the 5 covered bridges. Built from 1883 to 1887 using Howe or Smith trusses, and are what distinguishes one covered bridge from another. Just a fun day on our trikes in a new area. We did see a road sign that reminded us our good friends George and Sue Straley.
Looks like we'll be spending a few more days here on order to get some work done on our van. Upon checking the hitch before leaving PA. I noticed the whole thing was loose and one 3/4 inch nut was missing. Also noticed a crack in the box frame where the hitch was bolted on one side. I removed the hitch and saw that the frame seems to be expanding from the weight of the hitch and trailer. So Monday I'm taking it to be jacked back into place and welded, and also to have a noise in the front end looked at. No problems hanging out around Yellow Springs in my book, if you gotta be stuck someplace.

Little Miami

2011-07-25T13:36:00.000-07:00

Felt like home coming back to Bass Lake CG and after a rainy night, Monday turned out beautifully for a nice 40 mile ride to Yellow Springs then on to Xenia and back along the Little Miami River Scenic River Trail. Lots if flora along the way with bee balm, mullein, poke salad, jewel weed, purple cone flowers, black eyed susan,and salvia in bloom. The creeks and river were flowing like there has been ample rain and everything is a lush thick green. Lots of shade along the trail to keep us cool, well maybe not cool but not sooooo hot. A refreshing jump in the lake back at the camp ground was a welcome relief after the sunny climb on Old Mill Rd. over I- 70 on the way back. Planning on doing a covered bridge tour tomorrow, hope it's not too hot.

Bass Lake CG

2011-07-24T13:58:00.000-07:00

After enduring several hotter than normal for summer in PA we headed West to Ohio and now hooked up at our favorite spot #8 at Bass Lake, in Springfield. Just a 6 mile bike ride to the Little Miami Trail and 4 more miles to Yellow Springs. Been cloudy all day and now a bit of drizzle so we will wait till tomorrow to venture from camp. They've had ample rain here it looks like because the lake level is up and everything is green. Battery low so gotta go plug in. Check out Larry Varney's review of the Catbike Musashi on bentrideronline.com.

PA

2011-07-17T05:11:00.000-07:00

Now sitting in my sisters driveway in Canonsburg PA. after a retirement party for a friend of hers last night. To catch up, we have ridden the Creeper both ways, Damascus to Abingdon, Damascus to White Top. Most people take a shuttle the 17 1/2 miles up but we earned our down hill and rode up to White Top. I gotta say it was much more enjoyable with a suspended trike, and for those that say bents don't climb I'm here to tell you I had no trouble passing mt bikes on the way up. But up isn't why a person does White Top. Down is a fast blast with getting all 3 wheels off the ground on small water bars and drifting around some of the turns in the gravel, kinda felt like a kid on a BMX. The trail starts out with kudzu in the lower level which gives way to Rododendron in splendid bloom as you ascend, and follows the creek with several small water falls.
Yesterday we rode a little of the Montour Trail, much smoother than the Creeper also much dustier. As always riding un paved trails makes you really appreciate the paved ones even given suspension. Big family get together today then who knows what tomorrow will bring.

Creeper on ICE

2011-07-12T17:42:00.000-07:00

Crazy Herb died and his campground with him sorry to say so we are camped in Damascus VA at Creek Side RV Park in the over flow space which is the owners driveway. No worries, full hook ups, bath and shower and right in town. Rode a little of the Virginia Creeper today on the ICE Adventure with full suspension. Gotta say this is the way to go on a trail such as the creeper that is not only unpaved but a double track in some places. The suspension takes enough of the edge off the bumps and makes for a much more enjoyable ride than no suspension. Rode the flatter side today Damascus toward Abbingdon.
Tomorrow will do the climb up White Top mtn. and drop back down and give the ICE a real test. Last time I did this trail was on a Catrike Black Cat, the predecessor of the 700. Expedition with Big Apple tires would be a much better choice if going that route. So tomorrow if the 50% rain chance holds off I'll be bombing down White top on the Adventure FS and Cindy on a Sprint FS .

not much

2011-07-11T18:13:00.000-07:00

Not much to say, except drove all day , tried to eat ourselves to death along the way. Francis Bidler didn't happen, too hot and humid and all that crap an' the place to hook up, got us all shook up at the end of bumpy dirt road. So here we are in a KOA, a swim, little wine, sleep and another day, on the road to Crazy Herbs Fireworks and RV Park , to ride our trikes on Creeper till dark. Enough of that.
Found a big red ant nest in the front storage area of the camper while prepping for the trip and sprayed them good. Then tonight a whole bunch came out of the toilet when flushed, so with copious amounts of water and some more spray I either hopefully drowned them or poisoned them, more likely chased them to another location. At least we won't have ants in our pants after using the toilet tonight.

Day 1

2011-07-10T15:02:00.000-07:00

Left Fl. at 10:20 this morning with a van full of bikes and scooters and headed North through intermittent rain arriving 6 hours later with a stop for lunch in Waldo. Now hooked up at McIntosh lake in Townsend GA. typing this exciting blog on a McIntosh laptop. We decided to name our GPS Waldo since we gave it the male voice. Our last GPS was Bianca Biotch since it always seemed like she was yelling at us with," recalculating, recalculating". Tomorrow we'll deliver a bike in Savanah then head to Francis Bidler Audubon Park and a camp ground near by.

Fl update

2011-06-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

Things are looking up in the sunshine state as soon, we'll be able to buy alcohol on Sundays in Citrus County, and if you already have a concealed carry permit you can now display your gun "accidentally" without getting arrested. I honestly didn't know the latter was a problem. As for alcohol on Sunday, that means you'll be more easily able to tolerate those long sermons you're subject to at church sometimes, and you can now stay home on Saturday night and get smashed without the worry of a DUI while driving to the store to get booze for the Sunday fishing trip. Ahh; just another day in paradise!

moonlight ride

2011-06-07T11:24:00.000-07:00

There is going to be a moonlight ride on Sunday June 12, at 7:00 PM, leaving from the bike shop in Floral City and going to "River Ratz Cafe' in Nobleton just 7 1/2 miles down the trail under an almost full moon. Out and back @15 miles total. Lights flashers and helmets please.

The weather is heating up early this year so we try to get out early in the morning for our rides on our days off, but we still get hot and sweaty. Summer afternoon rains should be starting and greening up anything left in a brown winter state. The pair of blue birds has taken up residence in the little bird house in the back yard and are feeding hatchlings at this time. I hope it doesn't get too warm for the baby birds with this early heat wave. We've been leaving meal worms for the parents to help feed the little ones and once in a while we'll see mom or dad carry out a poop sack form the nest. This is a good sign the babies are alive and not baked blue bird. Maybe if we're lucky we'll get to see the youngsters fledge as we did last year.

Shuttle

2011-05-15T07:11:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow morning we hope to get our butts out of bed and go to Moonrise Resort and watch the shuttle Endeavor launch over the lake. Scheduled to go at 8:56, with a 70% chance of favorable weather.

Uncle Al

2011-05-06T12:22:00.000-07:00

This morning on my way up the trail to work I got a message on my phone that my uncle, Albert Marks died after several strokes. If I'm not mistaken he was an architect. He was also the husband of Mary Foster my mother's sister who preceded him in death, and the father of 7 children, all who are productive members of society and the cousins I hung with throughout childhood most ,since they lived within easy walking distance on Ardsley Ave. in Pittsburgh. I kind of thought of him as Uncle Al the kiddies pal since he was the great organizer of games and fun things to do at the family reunions. He loved model railroading, and beer can collecting and gave me a great number of his collection which included from Iron City Beer, Old Frothingslosh, the pale stale ale with the foam on the bottom. On the can there was a picture of a zaftig woman named Fatima Yuckhburg. I'll toast a beer to you uncle Al. Thanks for the fond childhood memories.
Regis

Spring and Cats

2011-03-14T19:30:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung here in sunny Florida, well actually about 2 weeks ago with the blooming of the Red Bud and Chickasaw Plum trees and now the fragrant Wisteria and orange blossoms to make for a pleasurable olfactory ride on the Withlacooche rail. Peacocks and turkey are out fanning their tail feathers to attract a mate, and the bluebirds are hastily nest building in the many boxes along the trail. March is a busy time on the trail and in the shop with so many people enjoying the near perfect weather and getting out and riding their bikes.
March 5 and 6 was the weekend of the annual Catrike Rally with the ride and factory tour on Saturday and our ride on our trail on Sunday with lunch at Frankie's Grill. The weather forecast called for rain on Sunday so we only had about 40 people show up for the ride, which turned out to be spectacular with no rain at all. I hope everyone had a good time. The Monday after the ride we took Larry Varney on a kayaking adventure to the Weeki Wachee river and up Mud Spring. Hope he got some nice photos while he could still hold up his arms. Bike ride to Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters tomorrow then back to the grind for me.
Happy Trails to one and all till the next installment.

Catrike Rally

2011-02-18T06:16:00.000-08:00

The annual Catrike Rally is scheduled for Saturday March 5 & Sunday March 6.
On the 5th you can Tour the Catrike factory and meet the Crew who put together these
wonderful machines! You'll have lots of fun riding the beautiful West Orange Trail. On Sunday come on over and Join us on the Withlacoochee Trail. For the early birds we will have coffee and a few treats starting at 9am. We hope to get the riders together by 11am to ride into Inverness to Frankie's Grill. This is the weekend that Floral City will be having their annual Strawberry Fest. We will give directions to anyone wanting to ride over and check it out.
Don't miss out on the FUN!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-26T05:25:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone has a nice safe Christmas or Holiday season with lots of friends and family around. We are here on New Smyrna Beach visiting with friends and camping in our Airstream. Got 2 days of riding in all around town and to the Canaveral Seashore National Park. Saw a pod of dolphins frolicking in the Indian River off the North bridge. They looked like they were having as good of a time as we were. Today, Sunday Dec. 26 has turned rainy and cold with more cold coming in the next few days. You reading this have a very happy New year.

Heritage Days

2010-11-30T03:36:00.000-08:00

Wow, December already! That means the Holidays are upon us and all the events that go with them. This Friday night kicks off Floral City's Heritage Days with luminaire lining Orange Ave, and tours of many historic homes, live bands, food and fun. We will be open late that night serving libations and snacks so stop by and say hello.

Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T18:47:00.000-08:00

At this time we at Hampton's Edge Bike Shop would like to thank all our customers, many who have become friends, for your patronage over the years. It's been our pleasure to serve and know you and hope to continue in the future.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Happy Trails.
now go eat some turkey!
Regis and Cindy

Thanksgiving Day Ride Gobble, Gobble!

2010-11-21T19:30:00.000-08:00

We will be doing a Gobbler Road loop ride Thanksgiving Day starting at the bike shop at 9:00 am, going south on the trail to Floral Park Rd. making a left then up the hill, then down to Istachatta Rd, to 48 then rt. for @ 800 ft, to left on Trails End, to left on Withlapopka, follow to Gobbler Rd. make a rt. and follow to the Trail again where you go south or north to where ever you want to end up. Happy Thanksgiving.

Finally a moonlight ride

2010-11-16T14:32:00.000-08:00

Finally the moon is going to cooperate for a ride this Saturday starting at 6:30 PM at the bike shop in Floral City and going to Inverness where we will dine at Frankie's Grill behind the K Mart/Sears off 41. Lights and flashers on the bikes and helmets on the heads, yeah even trikes. Gotta play by the rules.LLLLLLLets get ready to ride! Should be a nice night 1 night before full moon, in the high 50 s so dress appropriately.

Floral City Super Saturday

2010-10-19T05:18:00.000-07:00

Floral City Library will be having a "White elephant sale" with proceeds going to the library, so bring your unwanted items priced accordingly to donate. Along with this many of the businesses in town will be offering discounts or services to patrons who enter their stores. We at Hampton's Edge will be offering free safety checks on bicycles, so stop in and make sure everything is functioning properly and get a free change purse so you'll have a place to stash cash and ID on your bike.
Another note: I have 2 kayaks for sale both very stable boats designed for fishing or paddling down Florida's many scenic rivers. Both come with paddles and seats with back rest.
Also, I am offering my house on the trail in Istachatta for seasonal rental. E mail me at bentedge@earthlink.net for inquiry.

home again

2010-09-21T03:41:00.000-07:00

My mother, with whom we visited on our way back is now in full blown Alzheimer's and has a few words like "what day is this" or "look at all the trees" used to be the one with the sayings like, "home again home again, jigity jig", and that is where we are right now. Home again. The Florida state bird came out in numbers to help us carry things from the camper to the house while feasting on our exposed skin. Welcome home. It was a good trip although not always going as planned. The time seemed to speed by this year making us wonder how we got everything we did last year accomplished in the same amount of time. It's good to be home but I still yearn for the road and hope one day to give it a try full time.
That brings me to mentioning that my house on the bike trail is for sale or for rent, seasonal. It's listed with Gottus Realty here in Floral City. I'd even rent it full time to the right person who would keep it up.

50th Escapade 2010

2010-09-15T12:57:00.000-07:00

Finally made it to Goshen, IN. for the 50th Escapee RV Club Escapade, which is a large rv rally or should I say humongous, giant, gargantuan rally which in my guess would be over 1000 RVs of all sizes and types from Airstreams and travel trailers like ours, 5th wheels, class C,B, A to huge Prevost busses and huge 5th wheels pulled by commercial type tractors usually seen pulling semi trailers. There is one person with a box truck converted to an RV which has a big deck built on back, and one lady, Darrel with a very nice restored 66 Airstream 18' that in my opinion is best of show if there were to be given such an award. There also is a Canadian built Award travel trailer here too. All kinds sizes and shapes. Lots to do and be done, with seminars, happy hours, lunches, jam sessions, entertainment, and shopping at the many vendors of all types of RV accessories and gadgets. Escapees were founded by Kay and Joe Peterson back in 1970 when they decided to hit the road full time in their trailer, and now has become a huge club with their own RV parks and even a care center for older RVers that need some help staffed by mostly volunteers and funded by donations from club members. Truly something to behold. These pictures do not do it justice of the enormity or scope of this event. How are we going to get out of here!

Cool down

2010-09-05T07:32:00.000-07:00

Clear blue sky, breezy, and some time to go ride the Indian Creek Trail from Olathe KS. to KC.MO.
Another urban trail that twists, and curves through 25 miles KS. suburbia. Lots of little hills, bridge crossings and roller coaster like thrills. Care to stay on our side around corners and hope other riders do the same. The trail goes under I-35 three times, through lighted tunnels under city streets, and is paved all the way, and they are adding more.
Thought the gopher tortoise in Fl. were big, but then we ran into a real grand daddy of a tortoise who wanted to race this hare. Glad we both had suspension since he didn't want to come out on the pavement and give me a fair shot. This thing looked like something prehistoric.
Check out Larry Varney's review of the ICE B-1 he ride while we were still in Ohio on bentrideronline.com.

left the springs behind

2010-08-22T14:14:00.000-07:00

Had to leave Yellow Springs the day George and Sue Straley arrived as Cindy's mother ended up in the hospital back in Olathe KS. She suffers from copd and is in her later 70s so things are tenuous now. If you pray, say a prayer for Bonnie Cooper. So for a while we will be camped out in Cindy's brother's driveway again, so we'll be getting some riding in on the Mill Creek and Indian Creek trails, between visits to the hospital and helping out Cindy's dad where we can. Understandably he's in a blue funk since he and Bonnie have been married for 56 years.
George and Sue will be staying at Bass Lake and Maryanne and brother will be arriving shortly, so they'll have some Yellow Springs fun. Mosquitoes shouldn't be a problem with the bats hanging around.

Hanging in Ohio

2010-08-18T07:23:00.000-07:00

Still hanging out and riding around in Ohio, mostly on the Little Miami trail. My sister, brother in law and nephew visited and camped with us last weekend and did a few rides in the heat. It has finally cooled off for a few days but heating back up says the weather channel web site although not as oppressive we hope. Yesterday we rode from the campground to Springfield and on the way back stopped at the must see Hartman Rock Garden in a small neighborhood on McCain Ave. What started in 1932 during the depression as a small do it yourself stone fish pond by the unemployed Ben Hartman, became a labor of love extravaganza of buildings, religious figures and forts, of historic significance and whimsy. He quit building in 1939 leaving this legacy taking up most of his yard. Ben has since died in 2007. google Hartman Rock Garden Springfield Oh for more info.
Larry Varney will probably be back at the campground when we return from our daily morning sojourn to The Emporium in Yellow Springs. This morning I did the 10 mile trip on the Street Strider. Most likely do it again with Larry and Walt on a bike or trike this afternoon.

Springs Motel

2010-08-08T19:57:00.000-07:00

Picked up Cindy's long time best friend Rhonda on Friday at the nice little Dayton International Airport, easy in and out and free 30 minute parking while waiting for someone to come out of baggage claim. Now parked in the Yellow Springs Motel parking lot for 4 days while Rhonda is here making it easy to get to the trail and town. Love this funky, artsy town. Today we rode from Xenia Station to Corwin Station only 30 miles round trip on a nice shady part of the trail. Many people on the trail enjoying the nice weather and weekend. Will be going back to Bass Lake Tuesday evening after taking Rhonda back to the airport, then on Thursday my sister Joan and brother in law Bo and nephew Steve will be joining us for a few days. Steve just finished riding the Great Allegheny Passage between Pittsburgh Pa. and Washington DC. Can't wait to hear of his adventures.

Yellow Springs

2010-08-03T06:56:00.000-07:00

The expansion joints in the pavement on Old Mill road on the way to the Little Miami Trail to Yellow Springs, OH all but disappeared under the suspension of the ICE Adventure. Sitting here at The Underdog Cafe' and Wine Emporium with morning coffee and a cinnamon roll hoping the rain holds off for the ride back to Bass Lake camp ground. Forgot to ask if the camp ground had wi fi but we'll be here every day any way since we like this town so well. Still the same vibrant town with it's no sprawl attitude, just the way we like it. The grocery store is busy, as is the hardware store, drug store, and the movie theater is still showing movies, along with many restaurants, art shops, book store, music store, and all locally owned. Bicycles are common transportation for shopping and the like. Saturday is the weekly farmers market and next weekend is art in the park. So you see there is a lot going on. Then there is the 72 mile long Little Miami Trail, paved bliss where the ICE suspension only comes into play at bridge junctions. We'll have plenty of time to ride all of it we want since we'll be here for about a month.

Family Reunion

2010-08-01T17:48:00.000-07:00

Well, I survived the Jones family reunion in Olathe, KS where there were about 150 to 200 people in attendance all related to Cindy in some way or the other. I've got to say she has a very nice, loving, tight knit extended family, one anyone would be proud to be a part of. We had breakfast with her parents, and aunt Irene who came from Pahrump NV. There was a couple Chris and Christy and daughter Brooklyn all the way from Temecula, CA. so you see how far people come to be part of the reverie.
Now we're in Effingham, IL. at a very nice campground, Camp Lakewood, yes overlooking a lake, a Good Sam park and very, very neat and clean. Will head out for Ohio tomorrow and our favorite town. Seems the only person making any comments on the blog is Chinese, but thank you anyway, even though I don't read Chinese and you probably don't write or speak English either. I do like your food and tiny little trees! (Monty Python) "I like Chinese" Sorry I didn't take any pics.

Indian Creek Trail

2010-07-26T13:28:00.000-07:00

For two weeks we'll be camping out in Mike Cooper's, ( Cindy's brother) driveway. He was nice enough to install a 30 amp service to plug our airstream into. It is in Olathe, Kansas which I'd call the train capital of the USA. A train goes by about every 10 minutes or so, sometimes in both directions at one time, of course on different tracks. Been very hot last week and today was only in the high 80 s so we figured we better get in a ride. So this morning we headed for the Indian Creek trail with all intentions of crossing into Missouri which we could not do last year because of road construction. This is an urban trail with ways to get off and go to restaurants, shopping and the like. The trail runs along a flood plain and you can see the results of recent flooding with big logs jammed into bridge rails and detritus 6 to 8 feet up in trees along side the trail. Indian Creek trail is paved and resembles a roller coaster with sharp turns and steep assents and descents, up and over road ways and down to the trail again cornering. I was missing the quick turning ability of the Kettwiesel but loving the suspension of the ICE Adventure on the many bumps and transitions from bridge to trail. Some of the under passes were muddy and slick which made 3 wheels much better than 2 allowing drifting through greasy sharp turns. However, on some of the steep greasy up hill sections the one rear wheel drive tadpole broke traction with the Schwalbe marathon racer tires making for an interesting leg burning climb. Again, wishing for the Hase Kettwiesel with its 2 wheel drive differential. All in all we had a perfect day with a stop at Panera Bread in Missouri for lunch after going to the very end of the trail. This making the second state border crossing on our trikes with last year's Montana/Idaho crossing on the Route of the Hiawatha being the first. There would be pics but I forgot the camera so no shots of my spinning feet.

2010 summer trip

2010-07-18T18:47:00.000-07:00

Finally able to get on line now that we reached KS. and are sitting in Cindy's brother's driveway using his connection. We left home around 8:30 am on the 14th, with heavy hearts as Tanus hadn't come home yet, and drove to Clanton Al. and stayed at Dandy RV park where we found our air conditioner not operating properly and it was hot and humid but not too bad sleeping that night. The next day was hotter yet and we found ourselves in a loooooong traffic jam on I-57 because of a 3 big truck and pick up accident where 3 people died and closed the interstate for around 7 hours. We creeped along until we could get off at an exit, hit some back roads and ended up at Cherokee Lakes campground, on a flood plain because it plain floods and spent another hot night. The next morning we saw an Airstream dealer and decided to stop and get the AC looked at along with the refrigerator which wouldn't stay on gas while not plugged in. I thought the evaporator switch was bad or maybe a start capassator but what they found was a mud dobber nest on the squirrel cage fan keeping it from spinning. They also cleaned out the coils and re directed the air flow for the fridge and now it works fine. All that for 167. and friendly service.
Next we stopped in Hermann MO. a small town settled by Germans in the 1800s, with lots of interesting houses and buildings and many wineries. Lots of short steep hills to ride up and down on our way to the Katy Trail. Street striding up the hills was a real workout especially in the 90 degree heat. We did some wine tasting and took in a 60s and 70s rock n roll concert by the Bufftones Saturday night at the Adam Puchta winery proceeds going to a local food bank.
Now in Olathe KS. in the cold AC thanks to Bill Thomas Camper Sales, where we will be for the remainder of this month camped in Mike Cooper's driveway.

2 days and a wake up

2010-07-11T09:56:00.000-07:00

Two days and a wake up and hopefully we'll be hitting the road. One fly in the ointment though.
While walking Tanus our Lab mix, Friday night, he decided to take a foray into the woods off the side of the trail and hasn't been seen since. I'm hoping he is just interested in a female in heat and will come home before we leave. We've been cruising the neighborhood every day and night and have posted some signs on telephone poles and on the trail but so far to no avail. We'll put and ad in the paper tomorrow and maybe the Floral City veterinary hospital will get a call because that's where I got his license and shots. We are staying two days later in order to receive a shipment of Street Striders as it is, and won't be leaving till Wednesday. I'm ready to amscray! Here is a photo of the dog in case anyone reading this happens to see him. Call me 352-585-6926.

Vacation

2010-06-28T18:38:00.000-07:00

A little over 2 weeks now and we'll be heading west to our first stop in Olathe KS, where just like the Fred Eaglesmith song "I Like Trains" you better. There is a train going through there about every 15 minutes or so. There is also a couple of nice urban trails, the Mill Creek and the Indian Creek that goes through and around the city where access to stores and restaurants is possible by bike or in our case trike.
From there it's on to The Little Miami Trail where we'll base out of the Bass Lake Camp Ground in Springfield, just a short ride on scenic back roads to the trail and the Town of Yellow Springs which is our hang out. After about a month there, we want to see if we tire of it, we head to Goshen IN. for the Escapee RV club Escapade. We'll try to keep those of you who ( Bill & Ruth) reads this blog up to date of our trials and trails.

Summertime

2010-05-29T13:03:00.000-07:00

Seems summer is upon us here in sunny FL. with heat and humidity followed by afternoon thunder showers. Business has been good for the off snowbird season so far with lots of people on the trail stopping in to browse and shop. Sold a Street Strider to a nice couple from Panama Beach today which means more will be on order soon as they get in.
Got to pick blue berries last week and got about 20 lbs in less than 2 hours, so we'll be stocked up for summer. While in the blue vein, the blue birds have returned for the second heat in the raising of another clutch this time with the help of the first youngsters.
The solar panels and solar water heater and attic fan have been installed and are now producing clean, green power which we hope will build up credit with the power company and provide us with low electric bills.
Looking forward to this year's RV trip to the mid west starting mid July with visits to Kansas, Ohio, and Indiana. Will try to keep anyone who reads these blogs updated.

North Carolina

2010-05-03T15:31:00.000-07:00

Looking out over a foggy Atlantic Ocean with a glass of red and a stomach full of spaghetti, after a day on the Street Striders going into town for a few groceries and a coffee. Emarald Isle is a South facing Island near the Marine Base, Camp Lejune were I was stationed back in 1974 before I was discharged. My niece is getting married Friday on the beach. Lots of empty houses here as is in Fl.
Good deals to be had, we got a big one, 5 bed rooms 4 1/2 baths on the ocean. Riding trikes tomorrow.
There will not be a moonlight ride in May since the moon doesn't fall right.

Moonlight Ride

2010-04-16T08:12:00.000-07:00

We will be doing the Full Moon Ride on Sat. April 24th.
Meet at the Bike Shop at 6:30p and we will ride North to
Frankies in Inverness. Hope to see lots of folks out for this
ride. Please call us and let us know if you can join us.

Whats New??

2010-03-27T11:22:00.000-07:00

The new Ice Trikes are finally here. We have also gotten in our first shipment of Trident folding trikes. Come on in and check them out. Test rides are Free! We already sold our first Musashi and are waiting for more to arrive. The good weather is here so it's time to get out and ride.

a few things

2010-03-26T06:47:00.000-07:00

Just a few tidbits while I've got a minute. Guess we'll have to get internet at the house if I am going to try and blog regularly.
There is a moonlight ride this Saturday March 27 at 6:30 starting at the bike shop in Floral City and going to Frankie's Grill in Inverness. Around 16 miles total out and back. There is a small portion of the ride on streets so lights are a must and helmets. Was thinking about the Riverside but will take some more investigation on food they have. We know Frankie's is good. We'll proceed North up the trail to Apopka and wait at the BIG RED CABOOSE. Then I'll lead everyone to the restaurant on the street and behind Publix and K Mart.
The Catrike Rally was a success with nice weather this year and 63 people attending the Withlacoochee portion of the event with a ride to Frankie's Grill, the proprietor being a Expedition owner, who's restaurant did an admiral job with the influx of 63 cats pouncing all at the same time.
With spring comes bird nesting, and we have a pair of blue birds nesting in a non blue bird house in our back yard. There is a blue bird trail up and down the Withlacoochee trail with Peterson style boxes but these two picked our little bird house. Now we must be vigilant in chasing away sparrows and other birds who show interest in the box. The female has been bringing nest material to the box as the male stands guard near by. Hope soon to have chicks to watch.

CLOSED SUNDAY 3-7-10

2010-03-04T07:49:00.000-08:00

We will be closed on Sunday so we can Host the Catrike Rally!
The Cat's will be meeting here at the shop around 11am and leaving around 11:30. Then we will ride to Frankies Grill and have lunch.
After lunch you can ride more or visit the Floral City Strawberry Festival.

Full Moon Ride Feb. 27

2010-02-24T06:16:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder of the full moon ride at 6:30 on Feb. 27 meeting at the shop and either going to Pizza Cafe or Frankie's Grill depending on how many show up, and of coarse this will depend on the weather. As always lights and or flashers please and helmets.

We are waiting anxiously for the arrival of the new ICE trikes and the Catbike Musashi. Hope to be picking up the Musashi this Friday.

Reverse Gear

2010-02-12T11:47:00.000-08:00

Coming soon to Hampton's Edge will be Reverse Gear Recumbent specific clothing.
Finally someone who gets it! This is very high quality clothing that is designed by actual bent riders.
Look at the whole line at www.reversegearinc.com
Judi & Len from Reverse Gear will be here at the bike shop on Sunday March 7th for the Catrike Rally. Come and get a sneak peek of their great line of bent clothing.

Catrike Rally

2010-02-11T12:57:00.000-08:00

The annual Catrike Rally this year is taking place on March 6, in Winter Garden, Fl. for the factory tour and rides on the West Orange Trail and March 7, here at Hampton's Edge in Floral City for a ride on the Withlacoochee Trail to Frankie's Grill. More info can be found on the Catrike site under General Discussion on the message board. Would like to have an approximate head count for lunch at Frankie's. call 352-419-4809 to reserve. Sunday's ride meets at 11:00 am. at the shop in Floral City.

2010-01-27T06:35:00.000-08:00

Nice ride with the withlacoochee group yesterday which I don't get to do very often. Was nice seeing everyone.
Oh by the way I sold the Big Green Egg.

Was doing a bit of thinking the other day about how back in the 30s when the hard depression hit, men of the road or bums, or hobo's traveled the railroad tracks jumping trains to search out work or a warmer place to crash. There was a code of the road that they would not steal from someone who had done a good turn and offered a place to sleep or a meal. By bums marking a tree or house would identify these benevolent folks.
These days I don't know if now called homeless people have any such code, but they still follow the railroads many which have been converted to rail trails, but unlike the 30s they travel on bicycles. Many can be seen on our Withlacoochee Trail.

Jan. WOW cont.

2010-01-17T08:26:00.000-08:00

My lack luster computer skills enabled me to erase the first part of this blog so I'll do it again. Wow, it's mid January already finally warming up a bit from the bitter cold the last few weeks. Saw 16 degrees at our place and the proof is in the poor plants. That kind of cold made me want to stand under the hot water in the shower like a teenager, turning it hotter and hotter till I couldn't stand it anymore, but then I worried that I would be depleting the aquafer with my wasteful behavior so I had to stop. Yes, the cold slowed the business at the shop a bit, people stopping to warm up and browse but not a lot of buying going on.
Warmed up nicely now after some nice rain last night to replenish the water I used standing under the hot water on those cold mornings. AHHH, catholic guilt rearing it's ugly head.
For the backyard grill kings out there, I am selling my Big Green Egg smoker/grill. Since we're not big meat eaters it hasn't been used much so may as well go to someone who will use this fine appliance to it's potential. It with all the stuff and the cart was over 1000. new but I'll let it go for 650. Here is a pic of what it is. Also look on their web site for more info, Big green egg.com. Makes one hell of a Thanksgiving turkey, or Pittsburgh steaks.

January WOW

2010-01-17T07:12:00.001-08:00

We have a very little used shaft drive cruiser bike in now for 250. Very nice maintenance free drive train.

Christmas season

2009-12-23T06:15:00.000-08:00

First, I'd like to wish all who read this blog a very happy Holiday season, and the same for all of you who have remained loyal customers and friends throughout the years.
We will be open Christmas Eve until 3:00 or whenever we decide no one else is coming in, then we head to the Chaz river for 3 days of camping and kayaking, and will reopen on the 30th at 9:00 am. We will also be closed for New Years day. Have a safe joyous Holiday season.

Regis and Cindy

Trident Trikes

2009-12-18T06:29:00.000-08:00

Coming in February we will be a dealer for Trident Trikes, who offers 2 folding, the Stowaway 1, and Stowaway 2, and a Tandem that can be converted to a single called aptly the Chameleon Convertitrike. All trikes come with 3 fenders, front and rear safety lights, mirror and flag.
We can get the tamdem now if needed but earliest date is Feb. for the Stowaways. The tandem retails for 5495.

Regis

wet heritage days

2009-12-04T12:17:00.000-08:00

Floral City picked the wrong weekend to have it's Heritage Days celebration this year, but who can predict the weather. It's raining and hard and looks like it's not going to let up anytime soon. We have an open house of sorts ,with wine and cheese but so far only 2 people stopped in. Joy to the world we need the rain, but not this Friday night! Oh well that is the way it goes, so I won't get out of joint, my nose, replenish the aquifer, replenish the aquifer, re e plenish replenish the aquifer.
That's the story and I'm sticking to it!
Regis

reflections

2009-11-25T07:41:00.000-08:00

On my way to work today I was thinking how lucky I was to be able to walk to work with my dog, and start the day off on the right and left feet instead of on my butt behind the wheel of a car like so many other commuters must do. Even though it's starting out a slow rainy day, life is good. We need the rain, and I get a chance to do some much needed book work. See I'm back sitting on my butt anyway. Maybe if it's not raining at quitting time I'll take a stride on the Street Strider. Don't forget the Thanksgiving ride tomorrow at 8:00 AM meeting here at the shop and doing a Gobbler loop with a side trip to the river, about 20 miles all together.
Happy Thanksgiving to all who take the time to read these blogs, and to all our customers and friends.

Black Friday

2009-11-22T07:36:00.000-08:00

On the day following Thanksgiving other wise known as Black Friday
(don't know why it's called that) We will be having a 15% off accessories Sale.
Hope you can make it.

Don't forget the Moonlight ride on November 28th starting at 6:30. We will leave from the
shop and go to our favorite place the Pizza Cafe!

Then we hope you can make it to our open house on the evening of Dec. 4th
for our Heritage Days Open House. We will have some special treats for you.

Thanksgiving Day Ride

2009-11-22T07:34:00.000-08:00

We will have a ride starting at 8am from the Shop on Turkey Day.
To honor this festive day we will be doing the Gobbler Loop!
Join us for this beautiful back roads ride.

2009-11-13T10:44:00.000-08:00

The Street Strider is HERE!
streetstrider.com This is a machine for a serious workout.

2009-11-06T08:08:00.000-08:00

CATRIKE SALE!!!
Don't miss out on the Big Catrike Sale.
Go To www.catrike.com and check it out.

Hallloween Moon light ride

2009-11-01T10:36:00.000-08:00

Seems like many people haven't made the transition from me sending e mail every time there is a ride to looking on the web site calendar or blog in the "current events and used bikes" section, because there were only 15 people who made this month's moonlight ride to the Pizza Cafe'. The service was handled by Tina and she did a marvelous job taking care of our noisy bunch. Ann and Fred came as a couple of bone heads, see pics, but were the only ones to dress for Halloween. The moon was in perfect position for the ride back and everyone seemed to have a good time. I don't have the old computer with the eudora e mail, so no data base for moon light riders so pass the word to look at hamptonsedge.com, click on current events and used bikes, or check out the calendar.

Street Strider

2009-10-21T13:48:00.000-07:00

Just talked to Garrett from Street Strider, the elliptical you can ride down the trail, and he has just received the first container, so I should have one to demo very soon. Go to streetstrider.com to check out what I'm referring to if I haven't already showed you on the computer. This is going to be a welcome addition to our inventory and a great new way to enjoy our beautiful trail and get a whole body workout without the pounding of running. Look for it soon.

Regis

"Life is Crap"

2009-10-21T09:38:00.001-07:00

Got our first shipment of "Life is Crap" t-shirts and "Crap Caps"
Come in and Check them out.
Look on line at www.themountain.com

full moon ride

2009-10-16T08:08:00.000-07:00

Finally supposed to cool down and just in time for a moonlight ride. The Cooter ride from Inverness is this Saturday so it won't be coinciding with our ride this year. The ride for Oct will be on Halloween night Saturday October 31, booooooo, boogiddy! Starting at the bike shop in Floral City at 7:00 PM and going to the pizza Cafe' in Hernando, helmets and lights or flashers required please. Parking behind veterinarian or the library.

Regis

Hey Kids!

2009-10-02T12:41:00.000-07:00

Hey kids, you gotta see the new Catrike "DASH" made just for you. Hot florescent red paint, Kojak tires ,9 speeds, sharp cornering, racing stripped seat. Looks like it's going 30 mph. just sitting there. Stop in and check this little dude out.

Home At Last

2009-10-02T10:03:00.000-07:00

HI HO HI HO It's off to work we go! The time went so fast.....
After a wonderful trip riding many trails and visiting many other great bicycle shops around the states its finally time for us to get back to work. We hope you'll come and see us.

Olathe KS.

2009-09-19T14:52:00.000-07:00

Been here in Olathe KS. for about a week now visiting Cindy's family and friends and attended her best friends mother's funeral service. We're camped out in Cindy's brother's driveway and have been riding the trails around and through Olathe, Overland Park, and Lenexa. The trail system while not scenic is great that it puts you into contact with shopping, restaurants, and parks, and is in an ongoing process of future construction. Seems that this community realizes the importance of a traffic free or traffic friendly bicycle trail system. Many of the streets have bike lanes if not outright trails right beside them, going by neighbor hoods, schools, and shopping. Gotta be careful on trikes when entering round-a-bouts though, sometimes the cars aren't believing eyes and may forget to yield to you already being in the circle. Heck, most aren't used to round-a-bouts. Will be here for another week for a wedding, then Sunday the 27th we gotta hi ball it to Floral City to open by the 2nd of Oct.

Iowa

2009-09-14T16:06:00.000-07:00

The worm has turned and we must be heading east. A few stops along the way to show the Sigma and ride a trail or two. Decided to pay a visit to Bill and Ruth, some winter friends of ours who summer in Iowa, where corn is king and soy beans are queen. Gotta say the trail system around Des Moines is really something to behold and we only did a small portion of it from Urbandale to Des Moines. There are trails going everywhere off the main spur making it easy to bike to grocery stores, and other needed retail establishments without dealing with a lot of cars, and this includes bars. Yes, bars, with beer and wine and booze and fun people. Bill and Ruth took us to the Des Moines Farmers Market and a HUGE market it was. I bought some frozen elk burgers and Bill suggested we stop off at Orlando's for a beer, no worries put the burgers in their freezer. We got there and there were bicycles all over the place even some trikes and a recumbent tandem, but no lycra clad riders, just a bunch of tattoed Harley lookin' dudes and gals. Figured the motorcycles were parked out front and the cyclist's were inside watching the Iowa, Iowa State game. Wrong supposition Regis, the guys and ladies outside were the cyclist's and there bikes were adorned with bags and coolers and cartoon characters, and I pods with speakers. These people are commonly referred to as "baggers" They ride their bikes where ever they go, carrying everything they need for the ride. Most have done RAGBRI several times. They were the nicest group of people I have met on this trip, calling their selves
Misfits from A Christmas Story, and the misfit toys. Bill and I ended up having 3 beers and some good conversation. Now in Kansas to visit Cindy's family. More on this later, gotta get dinner ready.

Hyalite Creek Trail hike

2009-09-07T19:46:00.000-07:00

Woke up too late to do the full 14 miles to Hyalite Peak but did make Hyalite Lake around 11 miles round trip, and what a beautiful hike it was. Pictures don't do the scenery justice, at least with me as the photographer, but post a few I will. The perfectly U shaped glacier carved canyon trail provides views of 11 water falls, wild flower meadows, kragy cliffs, a glacial lake, and surrounding mountains. This hike is said to be the premier hike in the Bozeman area and even though I've only been on one other, this one would be hard to beat. One of the falls, Apex Falls has a long sinuous scarf-like cascade with a water slide look to it's lower section. If ever in Bozeman this is a must do hike. Even my 10 year old dog can do it, and right now he is crashed on the couch.

Kettwiesel rules

2009-09-05T20:22:00.000-07:00

Today was a run around day, from the campground to town , to farmers market, to Salvation Army all in car traffic. I finally had gotten my mountain bike out because I thought it would be more city traffic friendly and used it for a few days. Today I rode the Kett and found it to be so much more a townie bike than an upright. I could do anything I would do on the mt. bike, but without the possibility of dumping it. Curb hopping, tight turns, drifting around sandy corners, quick acceleration, being one with traffic and being visible was all spot on, all with the ability to carry a large amount of cargo. I do so love this bike and wish there was someone in the US that would build a more affordable quality delta trike. Kudos to HASE.
Tonight we went to a place I saw on the map and checked out on the web called Norris Hot Springs. They had all on site grown veggies, local beef, bison and chicken, beer and wine, and live music. It was okay but I wouldn't drive 38 miles to do it again. They had the entertainer in a dome behind a plastic curtain which made it hard to hear him. The hot spring was 105 degrees but just like a big hot tub without the jets. Any way it was just marginal at best, not the way it looked on the web site, but on the drive back the cliffs on the river were great.

Nice day

2009-09-04T20:44:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just have to pinch your self to make sure you're not in a dream, and today was one of those days. Nothing spectacular happened just a nice day starting with a good whole grain bagel at breakfast that I bought at the local co op in town, and a bowl of cereal, then a great workout hiking up a mountain side and switchbacking down again. On the way back we drove into downtown Bozeman and hit some thrift stores where Cindy got some great bargains on 1/2 off day. Back at the Camper she relaxed and showered while I took a ride on my trike and just got a thrill riding down the road climbing then descending, mountains all around, nice views and ended up doing a loop stopping to help a student here at the collage with a broken spoke on his road bike and getting info on the good hikes. Back to camp, a shower, then a bike ride into town for pizza and some live music, and to top it all off a ride back to camp under the full moon. As the shirts say, "life is good".
Photo by Larry Varney

Heading East

2009-09-02T20:08:00.000-07:00

Started heading East yesterday and stopped at the National Bison Range in Montana. For a $5. charge we took a 2 hour drive up the mountain and got to see a bear, buffalo, pronghorn antelope , mule deer, and elk, along with some pretty incredible scenery. The valley below used to be a glacial lake and when we saw the sign marking the high water mark of Lake Missoula I almost fell of the mountain. Amazing volume of water.
Now in Bozeman, Mt. and going to go on a hike or two, after fixing a tire on the Airstream that has developed a leak.

moose, finally

2009-08-31T18:34:00.000-07:00

This morning George, Sue,Cindy and me got up at 5:00 am to drive to the Eneville trail head to begin riding west in search of moose on the Coeur d' Alenes trail. In total we did about 65 miles and saw 3 moose. George and Sue saw 2 nice bulls one with a deformed antler eating off some trees on the way out. That was about 9:00 am. Then on the way back Cindy spotted one lying down in the brush a cow with a mis-shappen face. (see pic). Wonder if all the mining in the area way back in the 18 and early 1900s when they dumped a lot of lead, cadmium, arsenic, and zinc into the environment had anything to do with the deformed features of these animals. We did see a major wet land reclamation going on beside the trail where they are removing toxic soil. All in all this trail will remain the best and most beautiful we have ever ridden.
Must start heading east now so as not to rush things, and ride a few more trails before heading to Kansas for Cindy's niece's wedding.

The trail to beat

2009-08-29T14:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we completed the Trail of the Coeur d' Alenes with a 60.4 mile ride from our campground in Osburn to the Plummer trail head. George and Sue drove our van to the trail head and are riding back on their bikes as I type this. This is the trail to beat as far as I'm concerned, very smooth, well marked and scenery to die for if you like rivers, lakes, pine forests and small towns. Called the Silver valley, it is still a rich mining area with the town of Kellogg boasting the largest silver strike in the area, and also home of the longest ski gondola in the world. A stop at Josie's Coffee shop and Excelsior Cycle is a must in the historic downtown. The trail itself is 10 ft. wide and was getting a top coat of oil in sections to help it through winter. The town east of us which we've done several times is Wallace, with it's collection of turn-of-the-century buildings, and the entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a do not miss for sure. The actress Lana Turner lived in Wallace as a little girl. The eastern trail head is Mullen, named for Capt. John Mullen who in 1859 built the first road across the Bitterroot Mtns. and were the first non-Indians to explore the area. Another neat town is Harrison with a marina and swimming area, and bike shop. Still haven't seen an elk or moose but on the 3% grade climb to Plummer we did see a large shinny black bear cross the trail in front of us, but too fast to get a picture, so you'll just have to take our word for it. Well going to eat lunch and then maybe ride up the trail to meet George and Sue or into Wallace for a screw. To the hardware store, a screw for the camper. Get your minds out of the gutter.

Hiawatha

2009-08-27T09:27:00.000-07:00

Now in Idaho and riding the Coeur d' Alenes and the Hiawatha. George and Sue Straley met us at the camp ground after we did the Route of the Hiawatha. We like to earn our down hills and boy did we ever, riding up 15 miles then down 15 miles. Most sane people take a shuttle up, and most sane people ride mt. bikes, but ohhhh no, not us. We rode our trikes which are far more comfortable than mtb's but we got jarred around a bit by the loose gravel. Letting air out of the tires helped quite a bit but we were glad when the ride was done after 30 miles of shaken not stirred. A HASE Lepus front and rear suspension would be the ideal trike for this kind of riding, maybe even a Trice T with little air in the front. The scenery was beautiful, the tunnels were cold, the weather devine and all and all a great trail not to be missed if you're out this way. The men who built this railroad were of strong stock and tough as nails and to dig the St. Paul Pass tunnel going only 20 feet per day in the cold wet conditions for 1.7 miles were far hardier than I've ever been.
Today we hike the Pulaski Trail in Wallace, Id. Tanus has been keeping up with computer duties for me.

One great trail after another

2009-08-21T14:01:00.000-07:00

Been a while so lets catch up, ok. From Ohio we meandered to Mn. and decided to do the Root River Trail starting in a delightful little town, Lanesboro. No yellow Springs but darn close. Stayed in Sylvan Park cg a city park with showers since our shower is now housing bar stools. There is a restaurant called the Pedal pushers Cafe' which was good and served local foods when available. I've been eating a lot of buffalo burgers lately. The trail was the best trail either Cindy or me has ever ridden, especially the part to Harmony and back. The area is one of the few areas not affected by glacier formation, so there are big bluffs along the trail by the river. First day was to Rushford and back with a stop in Whalan for pie at The Aroma Pie Shop. They bake over 100 pies a day on the weekend. The trail has some gradual inclines and declines on this end. The next day to Harmony was a lot of climbing on the way out but not bad and 23 miles later we got to come down, 23 more. What a blast.
Then on to Deadwood SD. staying at another city park and doing the Deadwood thing, even gambled a bit. Was going to ride the George S. Mickelson but got rained out, so we drove to Crazy Horse, in Hill City. If you're into the old west the 1880 museum off I-90, and the Days of 76 museum in Deadwood are a must see.
Now sitting here in The Devils Tower Lodge after climbing a route called "Patent Pending" on Devils Tower, about 256 feet up and repelling down. Did this climb with Becca this morning, then Cindy and I hiked a trail through the pines and prairie. Thinking about a bike ride to the KOA down in the valley but the sun is high and it's up on gravel coming back but not that far.
Till the next wi fi, happy trails. In the pic I'm the little green spot on the left center way up there.

Heading West

2009-08-13T04:48:00.000-07:00

Will be leaving Ohio, Westward bound for Deadwood, SD today so a few days on the road with nothing much to say. Rode around out west of Jackson center while our Airstream was being worked on yesterday. Can you say corn, soy beans, sure you can. All hybridized uniform fields of the stuff. Rode to Indian Lake, a scene you should make with your little ones, I digress, had lunch and rode back. Again nothing much to say so, see ya!

riding still

2009-08-11T04:28:00.000-07:00

The heat has finally caught up to us and yesterday rode from Lebanon (local riders call it Mt. Lebanon) to Loveland, and a hilly ride it was. Lots of up and down on the way out with more up on the way back. The little Bicycle on a downward triangle signs were much more numerous on the way out and provided some fast, fun, curvy descents. Kind of funny that my high school I graduated from in PA. was Mt. Lebanon, anyway being a Pittsburgher hills are no big deal, in fact I like them up or down.
Larry Varney stopped by on Saturday and we all rode into Yellow Springs and back where I got to ride the Easy Racer SWB and found it to be a quick little bike and a good climber. Larry got a chance to ride the Sigma and you can read his mini review on bentrideronline.com.
Will have to tear ourselves away from Ohio and head west after a brief stop in Jackson Center and the Airstream factory to have a camper problem looked at.
To those following thank you for reading.
.

2009-08-07T14:06:00.000-07:00

Still in Ohio, Bass Lake Campground just a short shaded ride to the Little Miami Trail and our favorite town Yellow Springs. Tonight going into town for the Friday night wine tasting and some live music. Rode 40 miles yesterday from Xenia Station to South Charleston going North through mostly farm land, corn and soy beans, and sunny. Today was south from Spring Valley to Morrow another 40 mile round trip but nice and shady. Had a good lunch at the Cobblestone Cafe' in Waynesville and ice cream at the Corwin Peddler. Tomorrow hoping to meet Larry Varney and do the Yellow Springs Art in the Park and farmers market. Don't know if anyone reads these things but I'll keep posting any way. Weather is still cool and nice but supposed to get warmer tomorrow and Sunday. Till another day, see ya!

2009-08-03T08:56:00.000-07:00

Been awhile since we had wi fi but since then we've camped at Pymatunning State Park in pa. with my sister and some cousins, got rain one day but got to ride around the park and to the dam then into town for ice cream. Was nice spending time with family.
Made our way to Lisbon, Ohio to see Wayne and Cindy Wallace of Rails to Trails Bike Shop another Catrike dealer. Rode the Little Beaver Creek trail a nice shady paved 12 miles down hill both ways. Don't know how that is but it seemed easy both ways. They have an advertisement for their shop on the weather channel.
Now sitting in The Underdog Cafe' in Yellow Springs, Ohio and find we still love this town. 11 in the morning and a guy sits down at the piano and begins to play a song. A woman joins him on the second song and sings "Summertime". The town is vibrant with activity, a good thing to see since the last time we were here 2 years ago they were going to close the collage a main employer in the town. Will have to quiz the residents as to the outcome. I love this little hippie town, people riding bikes everywhere some loaded with CSA veggies, some with dogs in baskets.
Will be riding the Little Miami Scenic River Trail a lot since we will be here for a week, and hope to hook up with Larry Varney so he can give the Sigma a test review.

2009-07-26T07:22:00.000-07:00

Been a few days since we could get online, but since last post we've ridden some sections of the Greenbriar River trail in WVa, and the Montour in Pa. On the Greenbriar we saw a bear come up from the river and cross the trail to vanish into the underbrush. Seeing lots of geese a few snakes, and many bright yellow gold finches along with cotton tails bounding off the trails. A ruffed grouse posed pretty for us before sauntering off into the brush. Picked thimble berries and black berries, and apples of the tree, which by the way taste better than the store bought ones although not as pretty.
Just a thought to ponder! There are signs on the interstate at construction sites saying "be prepared to stop". I think while driving you should always be prepared to stop don't you.
Now staying at Whispering Pines Campground in Washington Pa. to avoid Tanus getting kennel cough from my sisters dog. Weather is cool and overcast, haven't used the AC since leaving Fl. and have ridden our bikes 4 days in a row.

2009-07-21T16:50:00.000-07:00

Rode the New River trail today from Fries pronounced Freeze to Cliffview and back on the new Cruz Bike Sigma. After letting some air out of the 100 lb. tires the ride got softer on the crushed rock and ballast and was very stable, and found out this is one recumbent that climbs very well. Went down a steep hill to a outfitter store and climbed right back up through the grass and stones. You can really pull back on the bars without wobbling. The Sigma's universal joint steering feels more like an upright than a recumbent. The only problem was pedal to tire interference in sharp turns, kind of like a short wheelbase, and this was only evident in low speed maneuvers which I might add this bike also does well. The Sigma is really designed for speed rather than roughing it and will try this out on some pavement and steep hills in Pa.
Tomorrow back on the Kettwiesel for the Greenbriar River trail in West by God Virginia.

2009-07-20T18:55:00.000-07:00

Well sitting here in the 62 degree temps after riding a portion of the New River Trail in Va. Crushed stone but smooth, running along the river, mostly shady, and pretty level. We rode with Steve Dristas, my nephew who just bought a Cycle Genius Falcon from us and said he could ride like that all day. Tomorrow will do another section on the new Cruz Bike, Sigma and see how this innovative steering design works in the rough.
Meanwhile back on the Withlacoochee.....
What was that? Something fast. Oh its Don on the first Catrike 700 RED, catch him if you can.

2009-07-18T09:18:00.001-07:00

I guess I can only post 1 pic per day, will not let me post the other 2.

Last day

2009-07-18T08:51:00.000-07:00

Today is our last day of work in Fl. for a few months as we will be hitting the road to show the new CRUZ BIKE, Sigma universal joint steered recumbent. See picture or look on Cruz bike's site for full details. Production should start soon. Also see the Catrike 700 Red along with Mark's Goblin adorned 700 speed demon.
And, Have dog, will travel, yes that's the only time he goes 20 mph or more while chasing the Kett. See next pics for Sigma and Red.

2009-07-15T07:26:00.000-07:00

The count down is on! Its almost time to go. The camper is ready.
We hope to have some folks join us tonight for the Ice Cream ride. We will be celebrating Regis's Birthday. It is an opportunity to view the new Catrike 700 Red. It's a beauty.

2009-07-03T07:07:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it's July already! Time is winding down to the 19th when we'll be leaving to head out to Idaho. The shop will be open on the 4th and 5th for your holiday cycling needs or bike rentals. Seeing all the fireworks tents reminds us of when we sold fireworks as workampers a couple years ago. The mantra was " stack em' high watch em' fly". Have a safe and happy 4th.

Regis