Editor's note: When this article was posted, I was expecting that three of the four HPVs profiled here would be at the Michigan rally; the only person very likely not coming was Ron Thompson, who lives in Maryland, and his latest G4 recumbent.
But in addition to Ron, Rob Lloyd and Thom Ollinger were no shows. Charles Brown did bring his new bike to the rally to show it, but raced last year's bike.
So my apologies. Nevertheless, all four bike are interesting, so much so that they even attracted favorable attention from a recumbent enthusiast in Brazil. (Read his comment and then look at his blog.) Mike E.
The 37th annual Michigan Human Powered Vehicle Rally (May 21-22, 2022) is getting close and those attending will see some new homebuilt vehicles, raced by their builders.
Here's a look at the new vehicles your blog editor is aware of.
Here's a look at the new vehicles your blog editor is aware of.
Rob Lloyd of Whitmore Lake has been detailing design and construction of his lowest-ever low racer on bentrideronline.com. (On "Message board," go to "Specialty discussions," then "Homebuilders," then "Low racer build." Here he is making its debut at the 13.2-mile time trial April 23 at Willow Metropark in New Boston. Unfortunately, mechanical problems forced him to drop out after three of the six 2.2-mile laps, but with enough time to get everything fixed, plus a paint job, prior to the rally at Waterford Hills. (Paul Cyr photo)
Here's a side view of Rob's new bike, prior to the Willow Metropark time trial and painting. (Rob Lloyd photo)
Thom Ollinger of West Milton, Ohio, is a long-time HPV builder and competitor who has often competed at the Michigan rally. Here he is on his latest creation, at the Willow Metropark time trial, which drew about 120 competitors (presumably most on upright bikes). (Scott Kroske photo)
Charles Brown of Southfield has built many recumbents over the years, the goal of this one making it as light as possible. Here's his brief description: In top view (not shown), the frame is off center, placed pretty close to the chain line. This reduces the sideways forces on the frame, so a smaller diameter tube can handle the lateral and torsional loads. To manage the vertical loads, some light compression struts and thin rod are added to make a truss. The resulting frame is quite strong and stiff, and weighs only 2/3 as much as the usual single large diameter tube frame.
At the 2021 Michigan rally, Ron and Peggy Thompson of Bel Air, Md., attracted a lot of favorable attention with Ron's innovative G4 front-wheel-drive, front-wheel-steering recumbents. (See article below dated July 1, 2021 and report on the 2021 rally.)
Since then, Ron completed a racing version. Ron competed on the new bike and Peggy on her "old" G4 at a 100-mile race in Sebring, Fla., in February. Here's Ron's description in an email to the editor, sent May 1 (edited by Mike E.):
The new bike (above left) though has come together nicely. Well over a thousand miles on it. Did a nice 100k this morning. It is designed as a pure racer and is much faster than my "all purpose" concentric crank version of last year.
Peggy and I both did the 100 mile race at Sebring, Fla. in February; finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively in class. And since winter riding in Maryland is limited, we were both badly undertrained! My 4:36 total time though was a personal record – the new bike is fast.
As with my red bikes, the new racer is designed to allow supplemental hand power input through pedal-steering interaction – analagous to standing to pedal an upright and tilting the bike against the descending pedal stroke. The mechanism is optimized on the blue bike.
Notice that the crankset location pictured at Sebring is in the fork crown itself and is located on the steering axis. That fork is painted blue. (below)
This photo shows a new, unpainted fork, with the crankset located 7 inches forward of the steering axis. This solved several problems. The bike has now become a real joy to ride!
I am continuing to work on small fairings for the bike. The bike seems to be responding well. Will see how it goes.
Unfortunately, as of this report (May 8), it's uncertain whether Ron and Peggy will make it to this year's rally, high fuel prices being one factor. (It's more than 500 miles from Bel Air to Clarkston.)
If they don't make it, they will be with us in spirit.
Also, for the first time since 2018, the University of Toronto student HPV team will be at the Michigan rally. If they can get everything done in time, according to faculty adviser Jun Nogami, more than 10 students will be coming with three streamliners, a low racer and two manufactured recumbents.
