Well, I got my first "long" ride (30 miles) in on my Bacchetta Strada this morning. I rode with some of my upright buddies, and after having to do a little explaining exactly what I was doing on a recumbent, actually showed myself quite well. I was able to climb better than I expected, (I am a fairly good climber on a DF bike) and the Strada was definitely faster on the flats and downhill as I expected it would be. It seems to me that the performance profile of a high racer recumbent is somewhat like that of a tandem with a good team. Somewhat slower on the climbs, but watch out on the downhills and flats. One of the guys I ride with made the comment that it didn't look like I was having too much trouble climbing "on that thing". I can't wait until I get my "bent legs" so I can see what I can really do. It will be interesting.

Jay