Bentrider Online Recumbent Rally

Submitted by Bob Stan

Just returned from the Bentrider Online Recumbent Rally, which was held
in Bath New York,August 24 and 25, 2002.  There were about 100 bent
riders involved, but only 3 BikeE's, including my 2000 CT.  There were
lots of Rans models, a few T-Bones, quite a few low riders of various
models, Linears, Haluzaks,Street Machines, Speed Machines, and a few
Bacchetta's and Stradas. There were also quite a few trikes.

Day one of the event involved a 13 mile ride from the campground down
to Cannisteo New York.  The ride was described as a mainly downhill
coast.  Actually it was more rolling hills, with a final three mile
descent.  Although the weather was threating, about forty of us decided
to do it anyway and were caught in an absolute downpour which made the
30 mph descent (for me) down the final hill a real experience.  The
rest of the day was spent test riding bikes from a bunch of
manufacturers.  It was great to get to ride a lot of different models.

At the end of the day, the plan was for everyone to ride back to the
campground.  But by that time, most people had drifted off so there
were only three of us for the "end of day ride,"  one guy riding a
faired Stratus with a tailbox, another on a Haluzak (I think) and me.
We all struggled up the three mile 5% grade on the way out of town and
the old BikeE climbed as well as anyone!  However, once we reached the
top of the hill and a downhill stretch, I was left far behind.  Oh
well.

Day two was a ride of 44 miles from Hammondsport around Keuka Lake.
Seeing the ride start out with over 90 bents ( a small group of 10
taking a hillier route) was a real treat.  You can imagine the surprise
of onlookers as this great procession went by.  The day was perfect,
about 70 degrees, white puffy clouds, and a light breeze.  There were
slight grades up and down around the lake.   As the ride progressed,
the group spread out.  I started at the back of the pack and worked my
way up till I found a Rans Screamer Tandem that was going at about my
speed.  I drafted them for the rest of the ride.  It was great.

I have a new appreciation for my BikeE.  There are definitely a lot
faster bents (and riders) out there, but I don't think that any of the
other models would have made my ride any more enjoyable.

This is going to be an annual event and I highly recommend it.