“Xtra” happy! (Comments: 3)
Author: Jason Crane
Date: 6 October, 2007
Category: Gear, Xtracycles / Cargo Bikes
Turn that frown upside-down: The Packet Boat (my new Xtracycle) is on the road! The folks at Full Moon Vista treated me extremely well, and I was able to afford the installation fee. Thanks to everyone at FMV for helping put my new bike together so well.
Downtown was barricaded today for the Columbus Day Parade. I took a smallpox-covered blanket and packed it in the big bags on the Packet and rode alongside the parade for a while. Several people stopped me to ask about the bike. Going up Main Street, I came upon RocBike’s own Jack Spula and organic farmer Elizabeth Henderson. Jack hopped on the back and we went for a quick spin down an alley. I was pretty wobbly — I don’t have much practice carrying 170 lbs on the back of a bike. (I hope it’s OK that I revealed that, Jack.) But we made it without injury. I rode with Jack and Elizabeth back to the South Wedge, visited some friends, and then headed home.
Once at home, I grabbed Bernie and his helmet, and we took off on the Packet for Park Ave and Abbot’s ice cream shop. A quick milkshake and cone later, we were off to see RocBike’s own Adam Durand, who will likely be Rochester’s second Xtracycle owner. Adam took some photos, so those will be up on the site later today. Adam also hopped on the back. It was wobbly until we got up past 11 or 12 mph, then it felt more stable. Adam can chime in with his own thoughts on the passenger experience. I’m sure as I get better at managing the weight, the ride will be a lot smoother.
The Packet rides like a dream. It corners extremely well, even with Bernie’s 40+ pounds on the back. Without any excess weight, it feels like a more stable version of a regular bike.
Simply put: I’m in love! Lots, lots, lots, lots (ad nauseum) more to come, I’m sure.
3 comments to ““Xtra” happy!”