In the summer of 2003, a coworker requested that I research a three-wheel bicycle for a client of the durable medical equipment we worked for. I already owned a limited edition (about eleven) trike from Co-Motion Cycles of Eugene and being disabled, he assumed I would know. I don’t recall if I found anything for him but when I saw the Windcheetah, well I became obsessed. I don’t recall how many e-mails I peppered Bob with but it was a lot. The proximity of the top of the seat (11 inches) to the ground was my major concern. And sight unseen, spending that amount of money was big though Bob assured me the resale was easy. I haven’t needed to find out because with some creative planning and some effort, I’ve accomplished effective dismounts.

When I worked, I rode to work as much as possible in the summer. I take a lot of pride and joy that my trips to gas stations with my vehicles have been limited to one tank lasting all summer. I’m still working out details for wet weather riding. I lose 10-15 pounds every summer and gain it all back in the winter. After I lost my job, I moved to Corvallis and now use it for grocery forays and haircuts, etc. Hopefully, I’ll get to use it for a job too. The previous town, Medford, was not as bike friendly and the grocery stores (the ones I could get to safely and were affordable) didn’t have bike racks. (I was fortunate that my apartment and my work were just a couple blocks from the bike path.) I use bike racks not only for tying my trike up to but also as a means of assisting my dismount.

In the beginning (before the Clubsport) besides simply enjoying riding so much, I hoped to be an example of “if I can do it….” but alas, I know of no one who rode to work or increased their functional riding. I never really preach because that’s not my style but I’ll smile and extol the virtues. Now I’m new in town and the only people I know already ride to work sometimes and no one else knows me or my story.

I’m not so much of an expert on the fittings. I got the least expensive model with stock fittings. You can read them on the web site: http://www.windcheetah.co.uk/technical.htm. The sad part is that it’s not up to date. They discuss a parking brake but it’s no longer offered because it simply didn’t work well or at all and was a real bother to constantly adjust as it loosened after a couple uses. They merely suggest using velcro on the brake lever. Unfortunately for me, the velcro requires two hands and I only have the use of one.  Which, by the way, is a major benefit of having a joystick that has gear shifters, steering, and braking. —Duane