Hi Pete. Reading of your recent illness with concern for you, as your previous bout with Covid was so drawn out and severe. Speaking just for myself here: I don't bouce well anymore, let alone bounce back. I consider my recent Covid a relativly mild annoyance, all considered, yet several weeks later I still feel the effects. Take care of yourself first of course, projects will wait for you.
Your property was such a beautiful place to live. You were very blessed to share it with your lovely wife.
I too am excited to get back to this postponed task. I always smile when I encounter a side rig and have always thought them extremely cool. I like your suggestion for using aluminum stiffeners and rivets of which I have copper, aluminum and steel. When combined with a proper adhesive they perform beautifully. I really don't want creaking or popping sounds eminating from my hack, bike or me!
As I age the prospect of transition from bike to mobility chair, scooter or trike are all quite distasteful options of transport in my considered opinion. It's an ego thing to a degree, but also a way to enjoy getting around and putting a smile on others faces as I pass.
Having a reverse e motor controller makes this so much more practical for public parking and storage. Plus not having any concern for staight line road speed is freeing for side hack alignment purposes. Handling at under 20mph isn't as critical as it is for highway speeds.
Your correct Pete this should progress pretty quickly as projects go. It's another no paint wanted, but patina required build. Character not perfection preferred. To be ridden and not for display only concoction of metals and attitude!
Still just having fun...
Rick C.
