Saturday Trail Ride @ Bike Speed

Tall bikes, also known as High Wheelers on the Seminole Wekiva Trail

Saturday – July 9, 2011

The last thing I expected to see on the Seminole Wekiva Trail was two tall bikes, but there they were. The passed us on our southbound ride and approaching us again on the return. In the best spirit of “Bike Speed”, I stopped and snapped a photo with my Blackberry (sad, but true, I don’t own an iPhone). The picture turned out fairly well in spite of the need to access the phone quickly and simply point and shoot. No sooner had I posted this on Facebook, I received a comment from Keri Caffrey stating, “Diane Blake and her daughter, Michelle. Diane builds bikes – http://www.victorybicycles​.com/ .” So feel free to look them up, perhaps you could invest in one, or better yet – get two so you and a friend could ride together in style. I’m still scratching my head trying to figure out how they get on and off those bikes. The vintage bikes are mighty stylish. Congratulations Diane and Michelle for mastering these nostalgic rides.

I usually ride the Seminole Wekeiva Trail by myself. My standard route is from the Peach Valley Cafe / Panera Bread off Lake Mary Blvd. to 434. I’ve gotten that down to about an hour round trip ride. I had extended an invitation to Doug and June Murray to join me on the trail months ago. They have recently returned to cycling. This particular Saturday, our calendars matched up.

Before we started, Doug mentioned that his bike was making a “funny noise.” He spun the rear tire and it looked a bit wobbly. He wasn’t too concerned, saying that it had been that way for a while. As we rode, the wheel gave off quite a bit of noise. I suggested that we stop by a bike shop that is located along the trail for a consultation. No Limit Cycles is located on E. E. Williamson Rd. and is only about 100 yards from the trail. They were glad to look at the wheel and suggested that the bearings were shot. Their recommendation was a new wheel for about $ 35 and $ 15 in labor. They said that it wouldn’t hurt to ride the bike, but to get the work done fairly soon.

By the way, Doug got a second opinion on his wheel at the Spin City bike shop at the Apopka Outpost on the West Orange Trail . It was, in fact, the bearings and that he didn’tneed to replace the entire wheel. The new bearing will only only run about $ 3.50. With labors, adjustments to both wheels, brakes, and an overall inspection, it came out to about $ 65. Probably worked out the same for either bike shop. Certainly more reasonable than car repairs. Glad that Doug will have his bike in tip top shape. That is bound to make his rides safer and more enjoyable.