In April of 2001 I received my order of an Explorer NT from your business through Calhoun Cycles in Minneapolis, MN. With this delivery, I imagine I was like about every other customer who has ever purchased one of your machines, tickled pinkly. That silly glow has not diminished as of today, and I don't expect it to any time soon either. So, I thought I'd write you and express my appreciation and enthusiasm for your wondrous machine.

Here's a bit of background to illuminate the present. I'm 55 years of age, and a cycle (almost said bicycle) addict. I believe the addiction began at age 8, when I got my first bike. I've been riding multi-gear machines since 1970, mostly in the western United States. I did my first tour in 1979, here in

Colorado; 625 miles in length. I followed the next year with a 1900 mile tour in the central plains states. Since then I've done 12 other tours (10 solo) all in Colorado and Wyoming, ranging from 325 to 590 miles in length. I commute to work by cycle all year long in all kinds of weather, though I admit the climate here is pretty benign which is conducive to yearlong cycling. Then there's recreational cycling during weekends, which also helps me retain a level of physical fitness that enables me to do such tours. The down side to this level of cycle activity has been carpal tunnel in the wrists, shoulder muscle spasms due to an endo, and of course some arthritis in various joints. Although the climate here is benign, it does snow, melt, and refreeze which creates hazards to smite the unwary or drifty cyclist with a fall. I have come to find that the tarmac is hard and unforgiving even when covered by pristine white stuff. Crashing and burning, while exciting in the short term, bites hard in the long run. Though the fun was lessening, I was not about to give up pedaling and go drive on easy street just to avoid discomfort and pain.

Recumbents seemed to offer promise, but I wasn't persuaded yet. I then chanced upon the book, Encycleopedia, which had an article on your line of cycles in it. The light bulb came on - add another wheel, relocate the center of gravity, put the package together with craftsmanship, and voila - the Trice Explorer was the unit for me. Did I say thanks yet? Let it be so, thanks for creating and manufacturing such a wonder. The fun is back, and increasing. That by the way is one comment I hear from kids of all ages, "Boy, that sure looks like fun." Who am I to deny it? From seniors I hear, "Look Martha, that's what I need, so I don't have to buy that high priced gas." Oh yeah, I can still pass by those petrol stations and lift the high brow in disdain at their sordid consumptive business.

Which brings me to the present. I now have ridden my Trice more than 1,800 miles, of which 300+ were on a tour here in Colorado and Wyoming. This tour included 3 passes over 9,000 ft, 2 passes over 10,800 ft, and 1 pass of 12,183 ft, and this was accomplished in the span of 9 days. Here are a couple of comments regarding such a pedal. Uphill is a real grunt any time, and is more difficult on my Trice than on a conventional 2-wheel cycle (a question I often am asked). This is not so much the result of not being able to use one's weight by standing on the pedals; that is overrated especially at altitude. Rather it is from not being able to use one's arms to pull the bars, and utilize this force vector through the pedal stroke. The other comment regards downhills and speed. One of the rewards of sweating on and pedaling uphill, is the thrill ride on the way down. However, when I mention the magnitude of the speed which can occur, I am looked at like I have left my senses. Flying downhill at 50 miles per hour plus is a rip. The one difference between 2 and 3 wheeled machines at speed looms large - that extra wheel. Any movement in the steering on a Trice, and one is instantly on a different heading. Add to this a road with dramatic drop-offs either side and for a little

spice just a few gusts of wind from the side, and one's mortality comes into sharp focus. Oh, did I mention cars and RV's sharing the road? Who woulda thunk that brakes could be so handy? One thing about speed, one doesn't have time to brood too much during the course of action. Since it has been noted by someone more literary than myself, "All's well that ends well", I won't though it really is. Admitted it is far easier to contemplate such notions today than it was then; for one my heart rate is sorta calmed down, and the adrenaline level has sorta diminished, as well as I don't have to be concentrating on the action quite so hard. I would hope you have a bit of the picture by now, but if you don't I am attaching a couple of .jpg pictures to jazz it up.

In summary I will offer the following: Your craftsmanship in my Trice is exquisite and truly appreciated. The machine is certainly inspired in design and construction. I met someone during my work, who was part of a design team at the University of Nevada, that designed, built, and raced a machine of similar construct at the Human Powered Vehicle competition during the late 80's. When he inspected my Trice, he had high praise for your craft. As other testimonials have stated, I still have my bicycles, but they are getting little use and pretty dusty. My Trice was a sound investment, more fun to pedal about than I have words to describe, and a treasure to view and to own. Thank you for your efforts in creating a masterpiece.

One more thing if I may. In this capitalist economy just about every successful enterprise advertises their product on clothing. As an example witness the Salsa line of bicycles, components, and clothing, or any number of micro-breweries and theirs. Do you, or have you considered doing such? The reason I ask this is, I would be pleased to be a walking advertisement when I'm not a rolling one. Since I can't quite erase the grin from my face when riding my Trice, I figure why not wear a reminder of just how much pleasure that experience is.