11 June 2002

Neil,

Mary and I took the Expedition on a ride called TOMRV (Tour Of the Mississippi
River Valley). The total route is 107 miles on Saturday and 86 miles on
Sunday, most of which are hills in and out of the Mississippi River Valley.
Mary and I did the short route which was 70 and 45 with all the major
hills. I was very pleased! We were able to hold our own on the climbs.
Being only a couple mph slower than the road bikes on the 1 to 4 miles
climbs. We caught and passed most of the roadies who passed us on the
downhills and flats. There's nothing like climbing on 5% to 15% grades at 4
to 10 mph then accelerating to 19 to 22 mph on the flats and 40 to 50 mph
on the downhills, while everyone else is catching their breath. I know I
made the right choice on my first recumbent. I am saving for an XL, I know
I will be pleased. I am hoping to order this fall or next spring.

I know ICE is reducing production of tandems and there are now on a made to
order basis. I do have one suggestion for our tandem line. Instead of
using the single walled rims, use double walled rims. We developed a flat
spot on the right front rim and we had 4 flats in last 40 miles of TOMRV on
the rear wheel after we blew a spoke. I replaced the rim strip, but it did
not help. The double walled rim would have provided better spoke
penetration protection. I ran out of tubes 10 miles from completing the
ride, but I wasn't disappointed. We climbed better than I expected and had
a better view of the ride on the Expedition. I am having new wheels built.
I am hoping this will resolve our issues. We have around 1100 miles on it
and we are simply in love with our Trice.

Later,
Casey Calmes

ICE note : All Trice now have Alex DV15 double wall rims.