Why a Trike?
Why ever not?
The simple truth is I prefer my
Trike to my bike.
I think one of
the main pleasures of Trike riding is not having to wear a
helmet. I know it makes sense to protect your head, but
part of the enjoyment of riding is the old "wind in the
hair". Coming from someone who is bald, this argument
does not really carry any weight. I object to some faceless
little prat , who has probably never even ridden a bike, telling
me that I have to wear a helmet. If they amend the helmet law to
include Trikes, would I still ride one? Yes. I enjoy riding
my Trike as much as, if not more, than riding my bike.
Bikes have the advantage of being
able to get through traffic whereas Trikes are just as stuck as
cars. Comes the Winter and bikes are somewhat
unstable. How many times have you had some inconsiderate
car driver three feet away from your arse end when riding slowly
on ice? A Trike in the Winter can be fun. Cold, but
fun all the same.
Comes the
Summer part of the pleasure of biking is removed by that bloody
helmet. I hate sitting in traffic with sweat trickling down
the back of my head. No problem when you are on the move,
but a nuisance when you are stopped.
I once owned a
Gold Wing, a beautiful bike, but I just couldn't use it in the
Summer. The fairing was too efficient. Even at speed, there
was just not enough wind to keep me cool, and not even an idiot
such as myself would ride a solo bike wearing just a tee
shirt. This would have been a marvellous bike in the Winter
but who wants to get salt and shit all over a 'Wing?
Besides, have you ever tried picking a Gold Wing up once it has
decided to lie down? Let sleeping 'Wings lie, I say.
Consider the
cost of spares. A full gasket set for a V.W. based Trike
will cost around a fiver. A replacement crankshaft is about
£ 50. Car tyres are cheaper than bike tyres and last
longer. On the down side, fuel consumption can be
alarming. My Trike averages only 27 to the gallon.
Not much fun on a long continental run. There again, I do
tend to have either a trailer or the caravan attached.
Don't get me wrong, I still have those days when it's just got to be a bike. I suppose I'm lucky to have the choice.
p.s. I've never fell off
a Trike but I fell over one once, but that's another story.
Enough of this, please get me back