Sweet #Boston #Bike story PLUS 🚲 for sale!
In May '19, my then-93yo FIL asked to borrow my Fuji hybrid to get out on some bike trails, something he hadn't done in 20+ yrs. Given his vulnerability to falls (bc of blood thinners, balance, etc), we felt awkward abt this.
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But we wanted to support & celebrate his request, so we counter-proposed gifting him a @[email protected] trike, which would allow the same explorations w a bit more added stability. He was tickled & we ended up ordering a red "Traditional 24 7 speed" through local @[email protected]
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The current model can be found at https://sun.bike/collections/all-adult-trikes/products/traditional-24-7-speed-unisex-17747
He adored it & christened it Ryder! I got him a helmet & an AOOOGAH circus type horn. Friends at @[email protected] found him a storage facility near the trail, and he went on a half dozen joyful rides the first year.
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In not too long, he was feeling restless and wanted to go to other trails, explore different greenways. After exhaustive research, we figured out that there was EXACTLY ONE bike rack that could be attached to a custom hitch receiver on his ~2004 Prius to carry the trike ...
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The only thing that would work was a Hollywood Sportrider SE (HR1450Z-R) w a "Trike 3" adapter. Mass Motors on Boston St got the hitch receiver installed & @[email protected] again handled the rest (incl a lot of the research!).
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Over summers of '20, '21 & '22, he got out on a trail w Ryder *maybe* 6 times each. At every point, no matter the total number of rides, it was clear this brought him 🚲 joy during some very challenging times. He has no regrets. Off season, the trike lived on our back porch.
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Sunday, over Family Dinner, he called attention for an announcement. Aft much wrestling, my FIL has decided he "no longer has the gumption" to enjoy Ryder in the way he has the last several yrs. With tears on his face, he said he wants to let go now, rather than
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feeling bad about it every year he has remaining. Naturally, being the man he is, he would like me to "get top dollar for it," and perhaps use the proceeds for something for his grandchildren. 💛
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But mostly, he wants Ryder (& the cargo rack) to bring someone else the joy he's felt riding over these last 4 seasons.
Do let me know if that person is you?
I'll put up a serious FB Marketplace ad sometime soon, but figured I'd share the story w #Boston #biketwitter 1st.
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Sun Traditional 24 7 speed 4 sale for 50% of retail ($400) or best offer. Incl all weather cover & horn.
Separately, Hollywood Sport Rider SE Recumbent Hitch Bike Rack HR1450Z-R w Trike 3 adaptor for $300 or best offer.
I see no rust or damage. Just patina of great fun.
/end
Jenn
