Fun first: fold(dissemble)/unfold(assemble) & take for a spin a bicycle.**

**(On a side, more real note – during the quite organic manifestation of my ‘first’ experience today, something random caught my eye as I felt a pull towards it.  When I was getting out of my car to head into Odyssey bikes for a fold up bike test ride something pretty far in the distance, in a parking garage in fact, drew my attention.  These small sailboats (a nautical creation of moss and wire) were really all I could focus on in the moment and I found myself taking a sharp 180.  I should have known it was for a reason.  What ensued what a conversation that reinforced my belief that all we need to do is BE PRESENT to the magic that surrounds us.  The magic I speak of tonight is an encounter with another human, (another soul actually) .. One who can relate to much I have swallowed during this journey.   I was pleasantly, and thankfully, reminded that while often this path to ‘enlightenment’ feels so lonely, we are NEVER, EVER alone..  The more awake I become, the more I trust in the bigger perspective.  That which reminds me of my tiny role in the grand, integral orchestra of this beautiful expedition we refer to as ‘life’.  The more I soak it in, the more I value the act of singing and dancing.. just stay open to that background beat and you’ll be fine n’ divine..)

about: Fold up bikes are designed to fold into a compact form, facilitating transport and storage.  When folded, the bikes can be more easily carried into buildings and workplaces or on public transportation (facilitating mixed-mode commuting), and more easily stored in compact living quarters or aboard a car, boat or plane.

History:   *Military interest in bicycles arose in the 1890s, and the French army and others deployed folding bikes for bicycle infantry use.

**The British WWII Airborne BSA folding bicycle was used from 1942-1945 in the Second World War by British & Commonwealth airborne troops, Commandos and some infantry regiments.. A folding bicycle was developed as a small size was needed to enable it to be taken on parachute jumps from aircraft or in small gliders. When parachuted, it was rigged to that the handlebars and seat were the first parts to hit the ground as bent wheels would disable the bike. The bicycle was used by British paratroopers, Commandos and second-wave infantry units on the D-Day landings and battle of Arnhem

SIZE:

Folding bikes generally come with a wider range of adjustments than conventional bikes for accommodating different riders, because the frames are usually only made in one size. Seatposts and handlebar stems on folders extend as much as four times higher than conventional bikes. Advantages of smaller wheels include potential for more speed, quicker acceleration, maneuverability and easier storage

FOLDING METHODS: 

Half or mid fold Many folding frames follow classic frame pattern of the safety bicycle’s diamond frame, but feature a hinge point (with single or double hinges) allowing the bicycle to fold approximately in half. Quick-release clamps enable raising or lowering steering and seat columns. A similar swing hinge may be combined with a folding steering column. Fold designs may use larger wheels, even the same size as in non-folders, for users prioritizing ride over fold compactness.

Vertical Fold: Instead of folding horizontally, this style of bike has one or two hinges along the main tube and/or chain and seat stays that allow the bike to fold vertically. The result leaves the two wheels side by side, but is often more compact than a horizontally hinged design.

Triangle hinge: A hinge in the frame may allow the rear triangle and wheel to be folded down and flipped forward, under the main frame tube.

Break away and other styles: Bikes may partly fold and partly disassemble for packing into a standard or custom sized suitcase for air travel

PORTABILITY: 

The very purpose of folding a bike is to increase its portability. This is so that it may be more easily transported and stored and allows greater flexibility in getting from A to B.

**Many public transportation systems ban or restrict unfolded bicycles, but allow folded bikes all or some of the time.

**Airline baggage regulations often permit folding bikes as ordinary luggage, without extra cost

(this last fact is the only piece of knowledge I swallowed today that had me consider buying one of these pups..)

Continue reading “Day 34”