Saturday Trail Ride @ Bike Speed

Tall Bikes also known as High Wheelers on Seminole Wekiva Trail

Saturday – July 9, 2011

The last thing I expected to see on the Seminole Wekiva Trail was two tall bikes, but there they were.  The passed us on our southbound ride and approaching us again on the return.  In the best spirit of “Bike Speed”, I stopped and snapped a photo with my Blackberry (sad, but true, I don’t own an iPhone).  The picture turned out fairly well in spite of the need to access the phone quickly and simply point and shoot.  No sooner had I posted this on Facebook, I received a comment from Keri Caffrey stating, “Diane Blake and her daughter, Michelle.  Diane builds bikes – http://www.victorybicycles​.com/ .”  So feel free to look them up, perhaps you could invest in one, or better yet – get two so you and a friend could ride together in style.  I’m still scratching my head trying to figure out how they get on and off those bikes.  The vintage bikes are mighty stylish. Congratulations Diane and Michelle for mastering these nostalgic rides.

I usually ride the Seminole Wekeiva Trail by myself.  My standard route is from the Peach Valley Cafe / Panera Bread off Lake Mary Blvd. to 434.  I’ve gotten that down to about an hour round trip ride.  I had extended an invitation to Doug and June Murray to join me on the trail months ago.  They have recently returned to cycling.  This particular Saturday, our calendars matched up.

Before we started, Doug mentioned that his bike was making a “funny noise.”  He spun the rear tire and it looked a bit wobbly.  He wasn’t too concerned, saying that it had been that way for a while.  As we rode, the wheel gave off quite a bit of noise. I suggested that we stop by a bike shop that is located along the trail for a consultation.  No Limit Cycles is located on E. E. Williamson Rd. and is only about 100 yards from the trail.  They were glad to look at the wheel and suggested that the bearings were shot.  Their recommendation was a new wheel for about $ 35 and $ 15 in labor. They said that it wouldn’t hurt to ride the bike, but to get the work done fairly soon.

Doug and June Murray on the Seminole Wekiva Trail

Doug and June have been riding in their neighborhood lately and doing about five miles at one time.  We rode down to SR 434 and through the tunnel under that road.  Altogether, the round trip worked out to 11 miles.  Other than breaking a bit of a sweat – more due to the heat and humidity than the riding, they both felt great about doubling their distance.  There’s a very good chance that they will begin stretching out their regular rides.  I have encouraged them to consider taking the Cycling Savvy course to improve their skills and confidence.  Once they do that, they can start taking part in the First Friday and Ice Cream Social Rides.

It’s great to see people rediscovering cycling.  Doug and June did very well on this ride.  While the route is fairly flat, there are a few hills – fun to coast down, but they do require some effort on the return.  Doug rides a 21 speed and felt quite comfortable.  June has a cute beach cruiser bike with just one speed and coaster brakes.  I led the ride and kept expecting to see her drift behind, but every time I took a glance back – and especially on the hills – June was staying right in line.  Congratulations to both of them – hope to see them out on the trail often.

Doug Murray and John Alexander

By the way, Doug got a second opinion on his wheel at the Spin City bike shop at the Apopka Outpost on the West Orange Trail .  It was, in fact, the bearings and that he didn’tneed to replace the entire wheel.  The new bearing will only only run about $ 3.50.  With labors, adjustments to both wheels, brakes, and an overall inspection, it came out to about $ 65.  Probably worked out the same for either bike shop.  Certainly more reasonable than car repairs. Glad that Doug will have his bike in tip top shape.  That is bound to make his rides safer and more enjoyable.