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How about a nice Cohiba? If you're new to stogies, I could set you up with a Baccarat. They're easy on the palate with a sugared tip.

Jeff

Hipster,

I've got it down at Ajo Bikes where they are puttin' her together for me. They'll be installing a set o' RotorCranks as well. I've never used those, but it seems like an effective weapon. This kitty's gonna have some claws.

I'm only a social smoker at Poker events with the fellas... and an occaisional BBQ. Fred Ronstadt (cousin of the famous singer Linda and a former Tucson Councilman) is the one that taught me the ways o' the stogie. I've been to a class presented by a cigar manufacturer that detailed how to properly light one and how to select for the kind of taste desired. I learned enough to come across all snobby about it. =)

I picked up the 700 yesterday from the fine fellows at Ajo Bikes...

and took it to Goblin Motors' factory for some adjustments. 'First thing I did was remove the reflectors from the wheels! Then I adjusted the neck rest. I called my buddy, Justin, for advice on it because he already has his 700 set up and running. I couldn't get the neck rest to be fully stable (I had to remove electrical tape that had been installed between the braces and the frame - Ajo). I found that the best way to set up the neck rest was to have thin rubber (stole some from my new Air Zound horn) under the mounts... awesome! Nice and stable for the neck with no slippage and it even offers a minor springiness over big bumps.

The new seat is awesome. It has the zippered pouches and extra padding. On my first ride in the afternoon I easily brought along wallet, keys, cell phone, pump, tire patch kit, and allen wrenches to make adjustments along the ride.

This is the first time that I have used RotorCranks. They're cool. I had an old set sitting in the garage for the last 2 years that I got used from Garrie Hill. It's about time that I put them to use!

First ride: awesome. This kitty has some legs, but its motor needs a tune-up! I have been so busy working for the last few years that I got in almost no ride time. Yesterday was a different day... a new beginning. I ride again tomorrow morning and Sunday morning. Last night's ride had me burning through cramps and blowing out the old lungs. I easily cruised along at 16 mph with the cranky engine. More than that caused muscle rebellion... so I cruised at 22 mph a few times to start the muscle rebuilding.

I snap back into riding shape (muscle-wise) fairly quickly. It might take a little longer now that I'm getting older, but I suspect that in about 4 weeks I'll be sprinting this thing to 32-33 mph along the flat Rillito River bike path here in Tucson. I used to sprint my low racer to 31 mph just a year ago and this 700 is capable of more.

I start development of the Cricket tail fairing for the 700 today. It will be followed by a front fairing, and possibly an aero sunroof and wheel pants.

With the front and rear fairing I may be able to sprint to 43 mph or so in a velodrome after I get back into better shape. In '96 I sprinted to 41 mph on an old Turner SWB with coroplast fairings. It will be fun to see what the 700 is capable of as I get stronger. I'd also like to see how fast it can go (with its fairings) ridden by a stronger rider than me. Time will tell. This is going to be fun!

It would be fun to get some rides in with Hipster as well. The Rillito River bike path runs along the northern end of Tucson and Hipster will find other nice rides in Oro Valley.

Ah, its a good day.

You are correct, sir.

I will be making them fairly light. I won't be using vacuum bagging (even though I have the equipment) because I want to keep the labor cost down. To make the parts, I will be using isophthalic tooling resin which is quite tough and flexible. I'll roll out the fiberglass on a separate surface, then place it into the mold to roll out air bubbles. That will reduce the amount of resin going into the mold. I will also use paper towels to soak up any excess resin and remove it from the mold. You make a good point about the fairing parts not needing to be crash worthy. As long as they don't deform and wobble at speed, the light parts should be just fine.

My goal is to keep the cost down so that more folks can have a chance to get one. I will also offer units unpainted at a cheaper price so that handy folks can save even more.

'Time to go work on that fairing some more. =)

The tail fairing development is underway.