It may not yet be a full scale revolution, but recumbents are on the rise, and if you don't believe it look at the numbers of Feet First, the group that meets on a semi-regular basis for relaxed low-key rides.
Bruce Bush, who also came up with the name, helped organize the initial ride on the Hawthorne Trail in the early summer of 1998. That day a total of four riders did the 30-mile out and back route and got used to the fact that their odd looking two-wheeled lawn-chairs would draw curious looks and lots of questions.
In September of 1998, Feet First hit the Withlacoochee State Trail for a 40-mile outing with seven riders. Doing a ride like that more than once makes it a tradition, and this September the Feet Firsters were joined by riders from Orlando, Sanford and Keystone Heights, and the odd looks and questions were multiplied by the ten recumbents rolling down the trail. And what made the ride truly different from most is that in the first 10 to 20 miles the riders encountered nearly as many recumbent bikes as they did those of a more traditional design.
While recumbents have been around for years, the group hitting the Withlacoochee State Trail showed just how diverse the feet first designs go. There were tall bikes and low riders, long wheel base, short and something in between, some with steering above the seat, some with steering below, and tires in a wide assortment of sizes.
The most common reason given for switching from an upright bike was comfort, not just for the seat, but the hands, arms, shoulders and back. And while they can tackle the same hills as any standard bike, there would be little argument from the group that climbing while reclining is more challenging. A granny gear is a recumbent rider's best friend. And if you are the least bit bashful, or feel a real need to blend in, recumbents can be a drawback since they are rolling conversation starters. Most of the converts go on to be apostles for the recumbent cause.
The Feet First group has one rule — there are no rules. Anyone can join, even head-first riders who may be just curious. They've even been known to offer test rides. Typically rides are rolling social events at a pace of 12 to 14 mph over 20 to 40 miles. Anyone thinking of buying a recumbent can learn a lot from some on-road research before hitting the bike shops or catalogs. For more information check out the group's Feet First web site (under Rides on the GCC web site). It includes pictures of riders, past rides, lots of different kinds of bikes and e-mail links, plus a cool logo done by Brian Walsh.