To quote Lawrence, “This thing is crazy fast. 40km/h is nothing. 50km/h is mild effort on a flat. I hit 62 with a slight slope. I could have gone faster if it weren’t for the light and stopping a flying bomb is not easy.”
“Some guys in Europe who can sustain 80km/h on closed courses.”

Lawrence’s max gearing is 53/11, but thinks he needs a bigger chainring, perhaps a 57 or 61! Are you trackies jealous???

He went on to talk about handling and comfort, “In headwinds and tailwinds she is like butter. There is a very low coefficient of drag with the enclosed front wheel wells.” “Cross winds can give some sail effect but also make it “a bit dodgy”. I picked up a strip from a racer that disturbs lateral wind effects. I still need to install it.” “I could ride in any temperature. There is a guy in Ottawa that rides year long. It’s an all weather cycle. And it is very warm inside even on cold days.” On a recent ride when it was 4C, he was able to comfortably ride in shorts and had to roll up his long sleeves.

The rider’s perspective is equally exciting. The internal reinforcement work has stiffened up the HPV, making it very responsive. Lawrence simply said “It’s like riding in a rocket.” Of course the HPV does not accelerate and climb as well as a road bike so some planning is required for traffic lights and terrain. Maintaining 50km/h to 60km/h is easy … on a recent ride he managed to beat 80km/h! Lawrence’s comment about the sensation of speed is “There is little sensation of speed below 40. 80 was nuts.” He has had quite a laugh when he looks at the faces of drivers – they can not believe what the machine can do! Better speeds are possible with better tyres, a tail piece and a cockpit cover and of course cyclist fitness!!!

The reaction from cyclists is interesting; they are definitely curious. Their normal inclination is to try and catch on, but keeping them at bay, just for fun, is easy.

The police have followed him, but not stopped him. The machine is fully compliant as a bike under the Highway Traffic Act so they are required to treat it not differently than a bicycle. He also reports that he gets better respect from drivers.

I am looking forward to riding with him in 2017. He thinks it will be a great support vehicle for races and tours as he can carry water, tires and gear on board. My real anticipation – motorpacing behind this beast!!!

2015 Most Outstanding Awards
Martin Wharwood 55 – 59
Peter Hernandes 65 – 69

Well done!