The weather warmed up just enough to make a ride bearable. So we went for it.  Note the figure 8’s we did in a parking lot.

Since we had the bike outdoors sans rain, I took some photos of it that more clearly show the various components. A few people have said, “I can’t tell how it works.” Perhaps these will help.

Gareth had a lot of energy today and was able to get the bike rocking side to side when the kickstand was down. I think this means we’re going to have to purchase the heavy duty stand offered by Hase. I’ll be visiting RBR this week to see about ordering that.

One of the gifts I’ve purchased for Gareth is a Trails & Ride Journal. The second half of the book contains individual pages for recording one’s rides along with weather and trail conditions. Using those pages, I built a small vocabulary of words for Gareth to use (since he is non-verbal) as we talk about whatever ride we went on for the day. They might be useful for others, so I have included them here.

I used to worry that I was pushing Gareth into this bike, that I was projecting too much of my own desire for us to ride together onto him. Let me just say that I no longer harbor such reservations.

Gareth loved his bike. Absolutely adored it. While fitting him for the pedals, we put his feet on both and held them in place while he turned the crank all on his own. It was just too perfect.

Jorene was on hand to provide a pedal restraint solution and to look at what we could do regarding torso restraints. Everything looks doable.

We also took the rack home tonight. Oh man, that thing is a beast. Getting it up and down the basement steps is going to be nightmarish but oh so worth it.

The bike will be finished up by late next week. After that, they’ll get my fitting done (seat and handle adjustments). Then it’s ours.

Gareth is scheduled for his pedal fitting tomorrow at RBR. He has been feeling really sick lately, so I won’t be surprised if we have to cancel. I’m obviously hoping we don’t.

One of Gareth’s therapists is coming along to make suggestions regarding harnesses and pedal adaptations. The harness that Gareth has on his wheelchair would be perfect, so I started searching one out. Adaptive Mall has one for a mere $80 (a steal in the world of adapted equipment). That harness would still require a lap belt, but the lap belt can be easily improvised. I’m going to hold off until tomorrow before placing any orders, though, just in case the therapist has some better ideas.

Look for some photos tomorrow. I’ll try to remember to take my good camera along this time.

While doing some research on recumbent trikes, I came across ilovebent.com.  If you take a look at the bottom of their page, you’ll see a semi-recumbent tandem bike similar in design to the Pino but at a significantly lower cost - $1,500 as compared to Hase’s $4,300.  If you have some skill with bicycle mechanics (or know someone who does), it’s very possible that this bike could serve as a good base for building up something that would suit a disabled stoker.

I am not a skilled bike mechanic, so I’m still happy that we went with the Pino with its existing catalog of adapted accessories.  The other plus for us was having local support from RBR.  If you go with a Taiwanese import, you’re pretty much on your own.

Still, $1,500 puts a bike like that well within range for a lot more people.

I have no experience with ilovebent.com, so I am in no way endorsing them.  As always, it is wise to do some research before making a purchase.