Recumbent touring.

Absolutely the best way to tour for me. I didn’t think so at first though, I was seriously thinking of trading it in the first days out of San Diego. First excuse is I had only a few rides on it before we left and secondly I didn’t realise how important weight distribution is for a bike’s steering. I could hardly stay balanced climbing slow and pushed a lot. On a standard bike for touring it is recommended to have 60% of your pannier weight on the front. I had none. Then I realised if I tied my faring on I could load it with water bottles and tools. That helped. This year I put front fork packs and a top tube pack and had 2 years of experience driving it. Way less trouble climbing, still pushed up some hills, but so did Jim and Suzy. When there are so many hours of AIS, it’s definitely the most comfortable! No chafing or sore “sit bones”. No pressure on shoulders, key for me, no carpal tunnel, or Guyon’s . Nice upright sitting position, no neck strain, good view for looking around. It’s a great conversation starter, lots of curiosity about it everywhere we went. Even though I’m low profile I think I’m noticed perhaps even more because drivers all take a second look. To be sure I added bright flashing lights, a day glow slow moving vehicle triangle, and an American flag. Being below fender height can be uncomfortable at stop lights. Another noticeable advantage is less wind drag. Most of what I read puts it about 15-20% less. If following Jim or Suzy downhill I’d have to brake most of the way or go around. Same advantage in a headwind. With the low center of gravity, long wheel base and aerodynamics I can fly down hills. Crawl uphill though. You cannot stand up and get your whole body into the climb but probably quite similar to staying seated and climbing. So what are the downsides? Length makes it less maneuverable but more stable and better shock absorption. Hard to fit in a car or car bike rack. Not an issue on this ride. Few special parts, like an idler, I had to replace and had to find a recumbent store in Austin. Mostly just standard bike parts. 25% more for boxing and maybe shipping, don’t know that price yet but it flew to San Diego at the same price. You do have to look harder for panniers and racks but they are available. Lone Peak panniers work very well for me. Most recumbents weigh more but not a lot and you can go carbon for a price. A mirror is an absolute necessity because though you have a good front and side view it’s hard to turn your body to look behind. Preemptive gear shifting is essential to get started at a stop sign. If stuck in a high gear when you stop it’s really hard to start unless you’re headed down hill. That’s where I think an internal gearbox would be good as they can be shifted when not moving. Overall I highly recommend recumbent touring for the comfort, no pain, only the good tiredness of a day’s ride. For anyone considering recumbent touring ask away, I’m glad to share the bits I’ve learned.