ICE Blog

Blow away that jaded office feeling – commuting by trike freshens the spirits and invigorates the body after a day slumped behind a desk. Here are some pointers to get you started.

Get your trike ready - As standard most trikes are commute-ready, but a few well-chosen accessories will make all the difference:

• Tyres should have a good amount of tread, thick sidewalls and great puncture resistance.
• Mudguards will not only keep you and your clothing clean, they’ll also keep your trike cleaner too, which will help avoid mechanical problems in the long run.
• You’ll need some way of carrying your office kit to and fro, and trikes are ideal for taking the strain. Invest in a purpose-designed rack paired with panniers, or bags that sling behind the seat.
• As the evenings draw in it becomes increasingly important to illuminate yourself and let other road users know you are there. Pop up a flag, don bright clothing and ride your trike like it’s a Christmas tree!
• Be prepared with the tools, spares and knowledge to deal with roadside repairs. If this really isn’t your thing, take a phone and taxi money – fold your poorly trike, pop it in the boot and enjoy the experience of being chauffeured!

Prep the office – A little preparation in the office goes a long way

• Take a clean-up kit to store at work – shampoo and soap if you’re lucky enough to have showers at work, antibacterial body wipes if you don’t.
• Don’t subject your colleagues to stinky cycling clothes. Synthetic fabrics can be rinsed, wrung and hung to dry. Otherwise a quick spray of Febreze or similar will ward off nasty pongs.
• Have a set of clothes, spare shoes, underwear and other essentials in the office. There’s nothing worse than getting halfway through your journey when you realise you forgot something essential  
• Make sure there’s somewhere to keep your trike safe. Utilise that folding frame!

Plan your route

• Plan your route carefully to avoid heavy traffic and daunting hills. Use online tools like Google Maps and MapMyRide to check for cycle paths, gradients and traffic density.
• Once you’ve found a route that suits you, stick to it. At first other road users will find your recumbent a novelty, but pretty soon they’ll start looking out for you.
• If you live a long way from the office, or want to build up your stamina, consider driving half way and cycling the remainder.

Ride safe

• Did I mention visibility already?
• You wouldn’t swerve a car all over the road, around parked vehicles or against the traffic, so don’t do it on your trike! Pick a line and stick to it. Signal clearly giving plenty of notice when you want to turn. Keep steady and be predictable!
• Keep your wits about you, eyes peeled and ears open. Accidents most commonly occur at junctions, when other drivers haven’t seen you or have cut through a light. 

We are delighted to welcome Renu Cycle in Leduc, Alberta, as a new dealer of ICE trikes. Renu Cycle is owned and managed by Larry Hager, an avid rider and enthusiast of recumbents for over 10 years.

Back then Larry started cycling for fun and fitness, and later established a cycling club. Members from this group have taken tours all over western Canada and several exotic locations including Italy and Thailand.

When the only bicycle shop in his small town of Leduc, Alberta shut down he started to do basic bicycle repairs and business quickly flourished into Renu Cycle, where Larry’s passion for ‘bents shines through.

Larry extends a warm welcome to everyone wanting to find a fun and simple way to get fit and stay healthy.

Click here to read more about Larry’s cycle touring and the Godspoke Cyclists group.