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Thanks for replies guys.
It is a killer commute, but it's probably only going to be 3 days a week and evening traffic is 1-hour plus. I need to drop quite a few pounds, so I'm hoping I can ride it in 1.5 hours and that's my workout done for the day.
I figure in a recumbent trike/quad (just ordered), it's going to be a lot easier on the body than a regular upright (I'm a big guy)
Regards
Mark
Duppie said:Sorry if it seems like I'm always picking on you, duppie, but I gotta weigh in on this one too-- I've met several cyclists who have done monster commutes for years on recumbents without problems.I missed where you said you ordered a recumbent. I personally would not ride a recumbent in city traffic. Due to the lower nature of the bike, I am always afraid that a driver will not see me.
But then again, only you can decide what is an acceptable safety risk for you
Duppie
Mark Anderson said:Thanks for replies guys.
It is a killer commute, but it's probably only going to be 3 days a week and evening traffic is 1-hour plus. I need to drop quite a few pounds, so I'm hoping I can ride it in 1.5 hours and that's my workout done for the day.
I figure in a recumbent trike/quad (just ordered), it's going to be a lot easier on the body than a regular upright (I'm a big guy)
Regards
Mark
If not being seen is the main concern, wouldn't a flag or maybe a colorful pinwheel or wind-sock like I've seen on some recumbents solve that problem?
The problem here is a recumbent; have you thought about also investing in an upright bike? You could easily do Metra UP-W reverse commute to Villa Park, work your way to Ardmore, and take it south into Hells Revenge (Oakbrook). At least it's a good option to have in case you don't want to ride the whole way, there or back. And since you're a reverse commuter, you'll be able to use the option.
Other than that, I'd take Diversey west to Sayre. Sayre south into Oak Park. Continue south to Augusta, then Augusta west to Franklin. Franklin south Madison. Madison west to Van Buren (just past the at-grade rail crossing). Turn left (south) and follow Van Buren to the east spur to the IPP.
Stay on the IPP (not the Grand Illinois) to Ardmore, then take it south.
Good luck.
I've ridden even lower recumbents all over the city and countryside and it isn't a problem if you take sensible precautions (good lighting, a flag, rear view mirror(s) and ride as if nobody sees you).
I have several recumbents and they do shine on long rides where conventional bikes can be a pain in the ass, wrists, neck, etc. But that is assuming you have a good fit on the recumbent and you are acclimated to it. If you don't get it adjusted right it can be even worse than an upright as your ability to change positions and pressure points is typically more limited.
Also, realize that your are getting a heavy bike and with four wheels you will experience more rolling friction, especially on bad pavement or gravel. The net result will likely cost you 10+% of the speed you could sustain on a quality road bike. There are recumbents which are faster than conventional bicycles but I'm fairly certain the Terratrike quad isn't one of them.
Another consideration is that you will likely get more road dirt, dust & splash on you than you get on a conventional bike. This due to being low and adjacent to your own wheels. This can be handled through appropriate clothing and perhaps fenders
Your choice could work out very well, but you really should take some time to 'grow' in to a long commute. If you jump right into a long ride such as you have planned, especially when you are under time pressure for arrival you are courting trouble and discomfort. Do as much recreational riding as you can first and gradually build up your distance.
I'm glad you recognize biking for its health benefits, among others. You are taking the first crucial steps that so few people are willing to do. I wish you success in your journey toward better health and many joyful commutes.
You said where the beginning of the commute is, but where in Oakbrook does it end? I can't really help you with great ideas on getting to DuPage, but after that it's no problem. Oakbrook has a good, paved bike path that can be used to get to many areas, and there is a new trail being worked on that would be useful in getting from the Prairie Path south to Oakbrook. Ardmore borders the Villa Park Metra station on the west, but may not be the best route depending on where you're headed. 31st may be further south too, but now I'm guessing. While I can understand the idea of the comfort of a trike, the extra width will have to be concidered when planning the route(s). I would make a couple weekend trips in the next month to test out routes that look good.
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