Updated ride report - my freewheeler

[balloo]

This is a follow up to my original posting:

Had no rain Friday and Saturday, and nice temp. (for us) in mid 50's so perfect to ridding.

Friday I did 142-miles, and discovered a few things. I cannot seem to relax, so will work on this. Probably caused by the fact that I am not confident in my trike skills, thus I am not comfortable. I am tending to "pull" when making turns, rather that push and pull at the same time -- or maybe I should be just pushing, anyway more testing to do here.

I rode a route I have taken for years, as one of my favorite day rides (around Hood Canal, here in Western Washington With lots of curves, and beautiful water views of the Canal.

One section of the road which I did not know was bumpy, shook me to the point that my right foot came off the floorboard. Maybe I was just not paying attention, but sure got my attention. I am at about 30/35 mph, in a 45 zone.

And my upper chest muscles were a bit sore that evening.

Saturday: Had a talk with my self, and decided I needed PMA -positive mental attitude. I did 128-miles, mostly all on major highway and some freeway. Much more comfortable, but I still lack confidence. Same issue with "pull" when making turns, so gotta work on that. Still rough ride when there are sections in pavement that have had minor repairs.

I'm determined to get confidence as I want to make a rode trip this summer if corona virus confinement lifted

At least when weather permitting, I can do lots of day rides.

But, rain forecast for next 5-7-days.

Comments and suggestions appreciated.

Cheers,.

 

[Jack Klarich]

It is good to see you have not given up

Riding a Trike IMO will take more miles of practice on several different roads to hone your skills and give you more confidence. I say stick with it, relax your death grip on the handle bars and see how it goes. Remember push and pull to steer

 

[ol' school]

I totally agree with Jack. It take putting some mile on on different type of roads to get comfortable and increase your confidence. Relaxing your grip is definitely good advice. Keep at it and pretty soon you will feel like you are riding a three wheeled sports car and will be scooting around corner faster than you did on two wheels!

 

[1dn5up]

Keep working on the push pull theory Larry. Soon it will be a natural response.

As far as the upper chest soreness goes , do your own upper exercise, to build up those old unused muscles . Fortunately I have the use of arm compression machines at my firehouse. Plus I pick things up and put them down .

Tire pressures , and low shock pressures also make a big difference.

 

[ShapeShifter]

Larry, you may want to consider taking a 3-Wheel Riders Course. CAN-AM has locations in most states and are currently offering their two-day courses for only $99. Took the course a couple of years ago and it was the best money I've spent as a 3-wheel rider. Was also nice that my location allowed us Harley Owners to ride our own trikes.

Pretty short notice, but there's a course starting tomorrow at their Silverdale, WA location. You can see other locations and dates in your state on the CAN-AM Registration Page.

Enjoy your ride!

 

[balloo]

Larry, you may want to consider taking a 3-Wheel Riders Course. CAN-AM has locations in most states and are currently offering their two-day courses for only $99. Took the course a couple of years ago and it was the best money I've spent as a 3-wheel rider. Was also nice that my location allowed us Harley Owners to ride our own trikes.

Pretty short notice, but there's a course starting tomorrow at their Silverdale, WA location. You can see other locations and dates in your state on the CAN-AM Registration Page.

Enjoy your ride!

Thank for the note - - I took the class last November after I bought the Freewheeler --- needed the certification on my license, as Washington state requires a separate endorsement. Then, had bad weather so could not ride.

Excellent class with good instructors at the Silverdale location. I had to use a converted old Sportster which offered a few challenges - - did not want to use the provided CAN-AM machines, as they ride differently.

Cheers,

 

[Fearless]

Stay with it.

You are in a much better place than you were, practice find a large empty parking lot and ride figure 8's etc. practice hard braking and evasive manuvers. You may need to look at changing Handlebars if your not comfortable.:good: good luck Fred

 

[Mykneesbehurtin]

It took me over 2000 miles to get comfy on the trike,push and pull is THE key.What i do is lock my elbow of the pushing arm and use my upper body to push plus pushing down on the floor board with your leg that is on the pushing arm will give you more stability in the curves.Just stay at it and try to avoid bumps with your back tires when possible.

 

[Zammy]

Larry, if I remember from your other thread which I can't find right now you are running 26# in the rear tires per the dealership recommendation. Please do yourself a favor and drop down to 22# in the rears. The reason for the dealer recommend is that tire manufacturers only test their tires from max stated pressure down to 26 pounds. At one time they tested them much lower, liability comes into play for HD.

Here's a good read in pdf form:

http://www.lehmantrikes.com/assets/docs/uploads/Manuals/techbook-master.pdf

 

[TonkaDriver]

Bars and Posture

First research I would have done if I had known at the time is the comfort triangle. DK Custom Products website has a good article about the subject. My memory of the stock bars is that the put me in an uncomfortable and awkward position. I am a little over 6' tall and the bars had me leaned over. I put some 12" KST bars that as well as being taller are also wider which give leverage. Sitting up straight allows you to balance over your core. Leverage makes steering easier. Previous suggestions about locking your push-side elbow and pressure on the outside foot are dead-on. I also pull my inside knee into the tank.

As suggested earlier, find a parking lot and practice. The one thing I would practice the most is staying loose. Tensing up will only amplify discomfort. I would put a top priority on getting your riding position corrected first and then start practicing in order to not develop bad habits.

Confidence will come.

Hope this helps,

Kurt