Teardrop Camper


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A quick update (06.29.08)

Not much to report this time. A couple of small (but important) jobs done. I finally got the edges of the hatch, where the weatherstripping will contact, complete (well, almost). All of the layers of wood are in, including the interior trim. Also, I have completed the hatch props. 

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Tackling the To-Do list (06.19.08)

The last few days in the garage have been devoted to knocking down some of the jobs on the To-Do list. It is amaizing all of the little things that pile up over time. Of course all of them seem easy, but it still takes a lot longer then I plan on. Good news for the day... The CPES arrived today from the Rot Doctor, so I may able to start the sealing process this weekend! Yeah! 

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Skinning the Hatch (06.08.08)

After yesterday's long day framing the hatch, today went by quite fast. The first layer of skin on the hatch was in place, glued, and stapled by about noon. So while the glue was drying a bit, I took some time to clean the garage. 

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Bicycle Tours

While living in the Washington DC area, I happened upon some information about the C&O canal. After learning more about this 184mile park/path complete with camping spots and running water every 5 miles, a plan began forming in my little pea brain. Why not ride the canal on a SWB recumbent bicycle? In the spring of 2001, I took a week off, packed the camping gear and started on an out and back ride of the Canal. One week and 411 miles later, I have memories that will last me a lifetime. For more about the ride, please visit my C&O Canal Tour page.

My son and I were talking about activities for spring break a few years ago, and we hit on the idea of a bike tour of the Texas Hill country. So, armed with a plan and little common sense, we began building Double Trouble with the goal of finishing it before spring break and the start of our tour. As luck would have it, the bike was “completed” the night before our tour was to start. As you might imagine, two riders on an unfamiliar (and untested) bike made for an interesting tour, to say the least. My Texas Hill Country Tour posts have more about this interesting and unforgettable week.

Homebuilt Recumbent Bikes

First My First attempt was a long wheelbase, above seat steering recumbent with the crank passing through the center of the front wheel (much like a child’s tricycle). During the construction of this bike, I managed to fold the main tube. So, this bike was never completed. I do have a few photos and some construction notes for this project.
Titan The second bike was also a (very) long wheelbase design, this time, with under seat steering. The name Titan is short for “Titanic”, because of its great size. With two 27-inch wheels and a long frame, the bike had an overall length of just over 8 feet! Titan Construction Pages
Double Trouble Is my first attempt at building a tandem. While discussing what we were going to do for my son’s spring break, we hit on the idea of a short bicycle tour, together, on a tandem… that we did not have. Double Trouble was finished the night before our Texas Hill Country Tour was to begin. I have to say that; overall, the bicycle performed better then the tourist.
Low V Looking vaguely like the commercial Rans Velocity-Squared, this bike is my favorite (so far). However, with me as a power plant, the name Low Velocity just seemed more appropriate. This bike is a Compact Long Wheelbase design with 700 rear wheel and 20” front.
Seasick I like the idea of having two full size wheels, but I am “blessed” with short legs, so it can be a real challenge to build a bike with big wheels, that will accommodate short legs and not end up being the length of a midsized sedan. After reading about the “moving bottom bracket” design, I decided to try it. Why “Seasick”? With every pedal stroke providing steering input, I am almost sure that I won’t be riding any straight lines for a while.
R-40 Although not a homebuilt. My Vision R-40 has been a great bike, and my usual choice for spur of the moment rides. Even with the demise of Advanced Transportation Products, the R-40 is still a great bike.