There was a Stingray under the Christmas tree; a three speed and then one to replace it after an accident took out the first one; a Schwinn Traveler 10 speed my junior year of high school; and the Rans Rocket I've ridden since 2003.
The latest is a Volae Expedition, produced by the recumbent specialists at the Hostel Shoppe in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.
While my red Rans proved itself over 12 years and several thousand miles, I was ready for a new set of wheels.
When I changed to a recumbent years ago, my adjustment from a "normal" bike to a recumbent took around 30 miles of riding to get used to the new way to balance and the best ways to start and stop.
And as I got used to the new way to ride, I noticed several things - my neck didn't hurt. My wrists didn't hurt. My butt didn't hurt.
That's a pretty important trifecta if you want to take long rides.
The aerodynamics are better on a recumbent. On upright bikes, the rider leans over to hold the handlebars creating a parachute effect instead of feeling the wind to flow up and over you.
Today I'm feeling a little like the little boy with a new bike on Christmas Eve - excited to ride but having to hold on until the weather improves.
I can hardly wait!
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