by Larry Lagarde

Upon our arrival in Cozumel, we waited for the mad rush ashore to subside. As a recreational diver, I've visited Cozumel several times but not my wife. She wanted to shop so we walked the gauntlet of shops and shop keepers along the waterfront. From the Punta Langosta mall to the Ron Jon Surf Shop, we were enticed with offers of discount diamonds, silver jewelry, tanzanite, Rolex watches, car rentals, jeep tours, Cuban cigars and "typico" Mexican clothing, etc.

As nice as all those sales people were, we needed a break and the Museo de la Isla de Cozumel was just the place. Long ago, I discovered that an open air restaurant offered breakfast and lunch on the second floor balcony of the museum and wanted to share this gem with her.

We had a leisurely brunch with pan sucre, huevos rancheros including beans and fried bananas, fresh squeezed orange juice and strong coffee. As we ate, jet boats and catamarans ferried passengers to & from Playa del Carmen and Cancun. Dive boats made for the reefs, para sailers hung in the air and large white cruise ships floated slowly across the horizon.

After our meal, we shopped a bit more then headed back to the boat. My wife opted to take a nap but I was destined for a bike ride. I pushed the Strida out the cabin and through the ships passageways.

Designed with mono forks as well as handlebars and pedals that fold, the Strida folding bike is extremely narrow when folded. All 3 frame tubes are designed to snap together to fold; a magnet helps to keep the axles of each wheel together in parallel so the bike rolls easily when folded too.

Immediately upon exiting the ship, I unfolded the Strida. The tube that makes up the lower part of the frame triangle snaps into the front tube in about 3 seconds. Unfolding and the pedals and handlebars takes just a few seconds more.

I pedaled down the pier between the Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Ecstasy cruise ships, shooting a brief video in the process. I passed one of the courtesy trikes used by porters to deliver passengers to the end of the pier. When I stopped for a moment, I was surrounded by curious bike porters and other locals hawking tours. They had never seen such a bike.

I pedaled south along the waterfront. My destination was Paradise Beach, a beautiful, groomed, palm lined beach on Cozumel's protected, western side. I had two and a half hours to cover 18 miles round trip including shooting photos, video and stopping to enjoy the view.

Next: Strida Folding Bike Ride & Review

Labels: Cozumel-Mexico, Strida-5-folding-bike

by Larry Lagarde

No matter what words people use to describe New Orleans - sensual, dirty, charming, dangerous, magical, tragic, multi-cultural, humid..., there is one that nails the Big Easy - port. Vessels from around the world call on the Crescent City. Most carry grain, steel and other bulk cargo but paddlewheelers, push boats and ocean going cruise ships visit too.

Recently, I sailed from New Orleans aboard the Carnival Fantasy for an extended weekend type getaway of 4 days. My destination was Cozumel, Mexico, an island famed for it's azure Carribbean waters, lush reefs, friendly people, Mayan ruins and shopping. I took a bright yellow Strida 5.0 along to ride on Cozumel. Following is that story.



The Strida folding bike was packed in a soft sided, collapsible, rolling travel bag designed for golf clubs. In order for the Strida to fit in the bag, I unbolted the seatpost mount and plastic carry rack from the Strida's frame. I stuffed plastic bags filled with clothing for the trip around the frame members to protect them from damage.

Although Carnival allows guests to bring folding bikes aboard their cruise ships, the x-ray tech was dumb founded when my bag went through. A bike in a golf bag was a first for him.

Rather than risk damage by a seacap, I wheeled the Strida aboard myself. The process was simple, painless and gave me access to my clothes long before most other passengers.

One passenger commented "you must really like golf." I said "golf's okay but the sticks in this bag are for cycling." I then explained that the bag contained a bike composed of 3 metal sticks that unfolds into a triangularly shaped bike. He was amazed.

Using the multi tool that comes with the Strida, I bolted the seat post and carry rack back onto the folding bike and put the bike away for the voyage. It fit easily under the bed or in the closet.

It takes a day to sail from New Orleans to Cozumel. While there are many activities aboard the ship, I sought peace and quiet time with my wife. My only diversions were walks on deck, a John LeCarre spy novel from the ship's library and fine dining.

Next: Arriving In Cozumel, Shopping & Bicycling South

Labels: Cozumel-Mexico, Strida-5-folding-bike