Cycling Experiences…

In my February 7th post, I said:

I like the Extrawheel Classic flag position [centered on the nylon wheel cover ~ photo to the right]. Well, I’ve fashioned a bracket that will allow me to place my flag centered in the fender and accommodate a single DiNotte 200L Taillight. I’ll post pictures later–paint’s currently drying.

Well, the paint is dry [actually, I took time today to take pictures]. Here they are:

The prototype above shows how I intend to place a DiNotte taillight and flag on the fender of the Voyager versus the left side as shown in the Voyager photographs below. The fender bracket will be screwed into the fender to lock it into position. I’ll also use a switch to control this light. In the photo above I use my pirate flag. My trailer flag will be different. I do not know if it will be the Extrawheel flag or a different one. I’ll also us a cotter pin to lock in the flag.

Additional Pictures [click on the "Read the rest of this entry" link below]:

Read the rest of this entry »

All I want is the ability to know the ambient temperature when I ride. In searching the Internet, I find this device [available from Amazon.com for $23]. So, I get temperature, plus a UV monitor. How cool is that?

Personal UV Monitor with Exposure Timer (UV888A) Protect yourself and your family from harmful rays. Monitors the current UV index and temperature, and calculates your recommended exposure time based on UV, SPF and your personal skin type.

• Exposure timer uses UV, SPF and skin type to calculate recommended exposure time
• Exposure time automatically updates with changes in UV intensity
• Monitors current temperature
• Countdown timer
• Digital clock
• Velcro® strap for easy portability
• Includes 1 CR2032 coin battery
• Dimensions: 3.125 × 1.75 × .75 in
• Weight: 4 oz.

Personal UV Monitor with Exposure Timer 2.19 Mb Manual for UV888A/BLRB PORTABLE UV MONITOR

Stay tuned. We will see…

Below, I show my prototype for using MTB bar-end extenders on my trike. Today, I placed my Garmin Edge on it. If the angle and proximity are okay, this may be a keeper.

Tim Walton [BROL Member] was having an issue with his mirror on his Catrike 700 and I have been trying to determine the best place to put my mirrors and my DiNotte Amber Daytime Lights. Dana, Bent Up Cycles, recommended to Tim that he use a MTB handlebar extension. Tim shared his dilemma and Dana’s recommendation.

Here is my implementation of Dana’s recommendation. As best I can tell, this solution will work for me. It places the amber light wide and high on the trike. The mirror are also wide & high. I expect to have very good rear visibility. In addition, it relieves the trike’s steering handles of mirror & lights, and it gives additional mounting space for other accessories.

I noticed the alarm case was getting marred and I haven’t begun to ride yet. I decided to cover it with heat shrink tubing [matches cover its mounted on; additional water protection, etc.]. In shrinking the tubing, a small part of the blue cover deformed–off to Lowes. I bought a cover that should work. I installed it in a way that sound get out and it looks neat. Plus, better water protection. I like the finished result.

There’s no problem using the key pad. I probably have added an additional level of protection by covering the alarm and its keys.

I have to say thanks to Doncl [BROL member] for his series of pictures [2 posted below] of his Catrike 700 with the Angletech Techwind Panniers mounted. From his pictures, I see how high the panniers ride. Further I have no doubt that my lighting will provide maximum visibility for the trike’s height. I decided to add a front reflector which will be visible just above my helmet. Thanks again Don!

You may note the RAM connector in the two photos above. At this point, I’m not sure how I’ll connect front of the rack to the trike frame. The RAM mount gives me a lot of flexibility without looking for a special bar with the correct angles to to marry up with the rack. Again, this is information, I gleaned by studying Don’s photographs.

How about a CatGage to hold my boom water [actually sports drink] bottle? Yes–ordered 01/25/08 from Terracycle [formally sold by Fastback Systems--now owned by Terracycle].

This is an update to my control tube post of Wed., 01/23/08–added a few items.

I do not know if these are permanent, but likely. I added my cell phone and 2 jacks (1 strobe & 1 speaker switch) [so this tube can be removed without removing the wiring harness]. On the other end, I placed my GPS, with a cycling medallion at the base. To finish, I have spackling & painting to do.

To increase the cable length for the daytime lights.

Catrike has a tool called Calibro (Italian for caliper) to set toe-in. It looks cool, but has some cost. If I recall, from Dana, Bent Up Cycles, of $65. I thought I could mimic their tool using items from my junk box. I did. Picture to be posted when day comes. Dana advise that toe does not require frequent setting.