I've enjoyed years of cycling: Around Washington DC, I toured the dead flat, but crowded, Beach Drive, Rock Creek Parkway and Mount Vernon bike path.  I practised for the Elm City triathlon on hilly Routes 101, 123 and 136 and 9 between Manchester and Keene NH. In Altoona PA, I rode with a group for the first time, doing fast rides on the rolling Tour de 'Toona loops.  Now, I mostly commute the four miles to work.

In the face of energy depletion, I began looking into alternative vehicles for getting to work. First I looked at velomobiles, finding the Flevo Versatile beautiful, but expensive. I also test rode some recumbent trikes.

I eventually decided that two wheels were as good as three and bought this folding Xootr Swift.  The NYCEWheels ad that caught my eye (below) showed it configured with the Bionx electric drive, but I decided to ride unassisted and save about $1,000.

In 2001, I bought this 60 cm Serotta Classique with the Shimano Ultegra gruppo, triple front/eight rear, Forma 3T bar and stem, TFI Liberator TI-Race saddle, Thomson seat post, Mavic Open Pro wheels and SPD pedals.  I tried several color variations before settling on Frost White fading to Competition Yellow.

I rode this aluminum Trek 1100  from 1989 to 2005. It was very reliable and I keep it as a backup commuter.