Spring and Cats

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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??

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

Christmas season

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Hallloween Moon light ride

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

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"

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

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!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.
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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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Last day

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.

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.

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

Happy 4th

Happy Independence day to all.