Hydrobike gives biker a new perspective

From the meandering Centennial Trail to the breathtaking Route of the Hiawatha, the Inland Northwest features many scenic bike routes for all abilities. But avid cyclist Cory English has recently discovered what she considers the most beautiful place of all to ride — on Twin Lakes, Idaho. That’s on the surface of the lake itself, not around or near it, courtesy of her new Hydrobike, an upright pedal-powered vehicle designed especially for water use. This summer, English purchased the device, which consists of a bicycle frame perched on two floats. It’s powered by a propeller attached to a crank that turns as you pedal. Direction is controlled by the handlebars, which are attached to a rudder. “I try to go out for an hour or so, especially in the early morning when the water is smooth,” she said. English and her husband Dan live near the public boat launch at Twin Lakes. That’s where, earlier this summer, she first saw a man unloading this unusual contraption. Curious, she asked him what it was. The answer was a water bike he’d ordered from a web site called Fun Watercraft. As she watched him pedal off across the lake, English wanted to know more. Long-distance biking is her favorite exercise, but she had also been looking for how to spend more time at the lake. So she went inside, pulled up the web site, learned about the company and the product, and now is the owner of her own Hydrobike. “Because we live on the lake, I often felt I was neglecting it when I’d go out for long bike rides,” English said. At first, she thought water biking looked fun, but was curious how much of a workout she could really get on the water. “I was kind of afraid it wouldn’t be enough, because water is flat — no hills,” she said. But she found out there is great exercise to be had. “There’s so much resistance when you’re turning a propeller,” English says. “You’re always working when you’re on it. It’s a different kind of workout because of the constant, steady resistance, and you can adjust your speed to match your ability.” English says the Hydrobike is so stable you can stand on one side and step on or off the bike and it doesn’t tip. Safety was also important. “Compared to a kayak or pedal boat, you sit up so much higher,” she said. “You feel more visible to boaters.” There are no gears to master or brakes to malfunction. Pedaling in reverse slows the craft. “On occasion I have reached for my handbrakes,” says English. “There’s no stopping on a dime.” Quick stops probably aren’t necessary anyway since the craft’s average speed is only 4-6 miles per hour. If you’re in excellent shape you could probably achieve a top speed of 10 mph. But that’s not the point. During her morning rides, English loves the silence as she watches the sunlight filter through the trees and glint on the water. She admires the great blue herons that flit across the sky, or a family of ducks gliding beside her. “One of my favorite things to do is to ride until I get really hot, and then jump in the lake,” she said. The Hydrobike was designed by Minnesota native Ray Buresch. His background in aeronautical engineering prompted him to create an extremely efficient propeller and propulsion system. The company has sold 11,000 Hydrobikes since 1989. According to the company’s website, the quiet glide and ability to navigate in shallow water has made the craft popular with fishermen. FunWatercraft sells rod holders and other fishing accessories. For couples, there’s even a Hydrobike built for two. Other fans tout the benefits of being able to enjoy the water without leaving a huge carbon footprint. One Seattle-area resident uses his Hydrobike as part of his daily commute from an island in the Puget Sound. If you don’t live on the water, the bike can be transported fully-assembled via roof rack or trailer. The suggested retail price is $1,499. “I’m happy with my investment,” English said. “Biking is kind of my thing. I ride because I love it.”