People often say, safest routes for cyclists are where cyclists are physically separated from motor traffic. With my Snoek, a velomobile, this is a whole different story. To give an example, on one of my latest rides it almost came to a head-on collision three times because a cyclist was not concentrated at all. Three times in 1 ride!
My new "playground" is the main track/road. At first glance, I realise all too well that the Snoek is vulnerable, and that I am moving myself into a potentially even more dangerous environment. That is just a theory, in practice it soon becomes clear that you are riding among people who are a bit more focused anyway (and most have a drivers license!!)
. Moreover, you drive in a certain direction where the lane is separated with markings, making it very clear to traffic from the opposite lane that they should not drive in my lane. On the bike path where I often train with the Snoek, every few minutes I come across suckers taking up the whole lane. I don't enjoy it anymore either, proving that my Snoek is faster than a (professional) rr cyclist, it's getting a bit boring. And my biggest fear appears to be that one of those unconcentrated suckers crashes head-on into my Snoek and people blame my speed. Nah, we'll just try something else then.
Riding the Snoek on the main road between cars doesn't seem like a good idea in itself either, but I'm lucky enough to ride on a lane where there isn't too much traffic. Only I have to take into account 2 traffic lights, for the rest I can ride 6-7 kilometres delightfully faster between each traffic light. The only drawback is accelerating after the traffic lights with cars in front and behind you. Fortunately, nobody honked and most cars kept enough distance. Unlike the ride with Timo Eden where we often drove in the middle of the track, I now often drove on the far right, this because of big trucks crossing me and causing big gusts of wind where my Snoek regularly pulled all the way to the left.
Apart from that, I rode a good hundred kilometres (101,52) at 50.8 km/h on average. Average heart rate was 157, power according to Vector 3 186, although despite 2 calibrations the measurements don't seem quite right to me. Regarding my measurement data, I deliberately paused my cycling computer as soon as my speed dropped below 47 km/h, to prevent my average speed from dropping too quickly. After red lights I restarted above 45 km/h. I have actually easily driven 5-10 km more, often because of slower traffic (tractors, ..).
All in all, it was a great experience, and soon I might be training there again. I was even thinking of buying the pro one SR, I might reach averages of 70 km/h on certain stretches (maybe 80+ in a sprint?), that would be insane. Before I forget, during 1 roundabout I rode the Snoek on 2 wheels, probably went around the corner too fast. That was a bit of a shock, fortunately I was able to correct in time. Next time I'd better slow down a bit more. Oh yes, my leg injury is also going much better. My physical condition is still top notch due to my gym subscription.
