Laid back President in the USA
Being a research microbiologist I am occasionally fortunate enough to get the opportunity to travel with my work. I had spotted a conference in Washington and having to travel on the Saturday knew that I would have the Sunday free (13th February). Through the wonders of the www I managed to track down a hire bike shop – I mean what else was I supposed to do with a whole day to occupy? Lo and behold this particular bike shop, Bikes at Vienna www.bikesatvienna.com run by John Brunow also hired out recumbents, which are not so readily available round Salisbury.
Having only cycled recumbents round car parks I was keen to try one for a whole days ride. A colleague from Glasgow, Andy, was going to the same conference and was keen to join me for a days ride. John was kind enough to pick us up from our hotel on a cold (~40°F) frosty morning and as we sorted out our winter kit John sorted some bikes. Andy opted for a standard racing style frame whilst I was given a short wheel base Bachetta recumbent. John’s bike shop is only one block away from the Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail (www.bikewashington.org) and so it seemed an obvious route to follow. Although the route also went direct to Washington Centre we were more keen to experience some rural cycling. And so kitted out with our water bottles, helmets and lock we set off at about 10.00am from mile point 12. John had reminded us that he shut the store at 5pm and that we should be back shortly before.
Being an old railway route that was completely tarmac we were quickly enjoying the smooth surface and lack of hills. The W&OD Trail is obviously a popular route as there were quite a number walkers, joggers, skaters, horse riders alongside and of course quite a few cyclists. As I normally do at home I kept waving at cyclists as we passed each other, and the reaction back was well – absolutely nothing! Sociable acknowledgement is obviously not part of their morning ride.
We made the mistake of having elevenses at a Wendy’s - this had to be the slowest service in the USA, I mean what happened to fast food and courteous service? Fortunately lunch made up for it at a restaurant in Purceville where we feasted on a delicious meal of excellent burgers at mile point 45 and the end of the trail. As it was now getting on for 3pm and remembering John’s ultimatum to return by 5pm I gave him a call out of courtesy and to say the least he was a little surprised that we were still at Purceville and he suggested that we would have to, well, haul ass all the way back to the shop! We did as suggested and cranked our way back as the sun was setting, the temperature was dropping and the sweat dripping down our backs – fortunately it was all slightly downhill all the way back. Without stopping we tried to keep a steady pace but could not help but try to get behind some of the racers that overtook us and take advantage of their jet stream.
The recumbent? Well when we got back to John’s I just got off and after recovering to a normal heart beat felt fine whilst Andy was like a crooked old man for a while with a numb bumb to suit. Something I had not anticipated was a numb left leg whilst cycling – possibly something to do with the seat. Going up hills was no problem as the gearing was a traditional triplet with a large cog on the rear. Did I mention cornering? Nice wide corners to lean into were fine but on tight corners I tended to run off into the grass and never did get the hang of it! Would I do it again – you bet! Back home like everyone else we have had to put up with some very cold morning commutes recently, but with the correct layers of clothing, double layers of socks and gloves it is just about manageable. Thankfully just this week (7th March) the temperature has began to increase back to a more normal temperature that makes the commute more bearable – roll on the spring.
Jimmy Walker Wessex DA CTC President