The “Bent Bunch”...........and the LVBC

They’ve passed you on the flats, pulled away on downhills, and, perhaps with luck, you’ve caught them on hills. They’re recumbents, the low-slung aerodynamic machines that some believe are the future of road cycling.

Over 20% of the LVBC members own recumbents, for either regular or backup use. The reasons vary, but a common thread of comfort and speed emerge as the primary rationale. In Tim Brummer’s case, it’s speed that rules. Brummer, recognized as a “Recumbert Genius,” has developed machines noted for agility and velocity. His four man team, using Brummer P-38 Lightnings, set a cross-America record in 1989 that still stands! Tim now rides an enclosed carbon frame F-40 about 5,000 miles yearly. He does have an upright “backup:” it’s a mountain bike for use with his daughter.

Several Club riders own Easy Racer models. Dr. Dana Manchester and wife, Barbara, both ride “Tour Easy” ‘bents. Additionally, they pair on a Tour Easy Tandem periodically. Dana will finish a cross-America event this month on his “Easy.” Ed Edman also drives a Tour Easy that he bought in 1999, and he uses it exclusively for local events and tours. Dr. Gene Pritchett owns three Easy Racers. He’s using his Gold Rush on the cross-country tour with Dana, The others are Tour Easy models available for his wife, Barbara, and their teen-agers, as well as a tandem Rans Screamer. A chiropractor, Dr. Pritchett notes recumbent riders avoid many of the neck and wrist problems experienced by cyclists on standard bikes.

Such medical reasons put Club Lifetime Member, Jay Getchel, on a P-38 Lightning in 1998. He crashed on a Lighthouse Century ride and was unable to grip a standard bike handlebar. The P-38 was his primary ride for nearly 10,000 miles. He now uses an upright, however, to compensate for a recent leg injury that slows his recumbent climbing. 2005 President Lieven Piersegaele, never slow on anything, also keeps a P-38 primarily for long, solo rides. Four time Club President and local bike “guru,” Bob Grant, owns two “38s.” They are his only road machines. Besides “saving the body,” Grant believes the low profile allows for “wind cheating.” He notes, however, recumbents do require rider attention for stability and control.

Ray Harris, another LVBC veteran, has owned several recumbents including a P-38, a TREK, a Lightning Phantom, and, presently, a Vision R-40. He’s found bents to be excellent cruisers and uses his several times monthly on solo rides. For Club events, Harris uses a lightweight upright for speed and climbing ability. Dan Petkunas finds “bents” top all other machines for flat cross-country rides. He used his Rotator for seven years and will, someday, ride it exclusively. Dan finds recumbents require different muscle use, however, and with limited training time he is now on an upright. With his aero bars, though, Dan considers himself still “bent” during road work.

It remains to be seen if recumbents are the future of cycling. Apparently, some members of the LVBC agree with that premise.

HISTORIAN NOTE: This is the 10th in a monthly series to be published in 2006 dealing with the heritage, activities, and members of the Lompoc Valley Bicycle Club. Data for the articles comes from personal interviews and, when existing, club record documentation.