Randy and Kim Zabarsky – A Symphony of Souls on Falco eDrive and Catrike Dumont

Randy and Kim Zabarsky, residents of Parma, Ohio, just outside of Cleveland, are celebrating nearly three decades of marriage this September. Their love story is intertwined with the evolution of their shared passion: cycling. Randy, a dedicated manager of database developers, spent most of his days desk-bound. Yet, a deep-seated love for cycling had always been a part of him.

Yearnings

Forty years of pedaling had filled Randy's life with countless miles and cherished memories. Century rides, charity events, and bike touring adventures had been his constant companions. Yet, a longing persisted—the desire to share this passion with his wife, Kim. Tandems, road, and mountain bikes had all been attempted, but the spark never ignited.

Discovering a Tadpole Trike

Then came a pivotal moment. A gift of a tadpole recumbent trike rekindled Randy's love for cycling. The freedom and comfort it offered were a revelation. The seed was planted; a new recumbent trike was on the horizon. Joined by Kim, they ventured to Rail to Trail in Lisbon, Ohio, a haven for cycling enthusiasts. A test ride on a Catrike Dumont equipped with a Falco eDrive system changed everything.

Kim, once a reluctant cyclist, was captivated by the effortless power and smooth ride. The decision was swift: matching Catrike Dumonts, his in atomic orange and hers in purple, would be their new adventure companions.

Discovering Falco eDrive

With the Falco eDrive, cycling transformed into a shared passion. Miles accumulated at an unprecedented rate, each ride tracked and treasured. The e-assist system was more than just a tool; it was an enabler, leveling the playing field for Randy and Kim. Heart rates soared, but fatigue dwindled. Hills, once daunting obstacles, became exhilarating challenges.

The couple's journey with Falco eDrive was about more than just physical capability. It was a rediscovery of the joy of cycling together. The e-assist system had given them the freedom to explore, share laughter, and create lasting memories. It was a testament to the power of technology to enhance the human experience, transforming a simple hobby into a shared adventure.

As Randy often said,

"The Falco eDrive has given both Kim and me a little peace of mind that no matter what, I can make it back to the start."

It was more than just a statement; it was a declaration of independence, resilience, and the enduring power of love and companionship.

At 59, with a daughter nearing 26, Randy yearned to reconnect with his active lifestyle and share it with Kim. Randy's determination to improve his health and fitness grew stronger through the challenges of health issues and weight fluctuations, captured poignantly in a photo of him at his heaviest, at 305 pounds.

It was then that the Falco eDrive entered their lives. Randy and Kim embarked on a journey to rediscover the joy of cycling. With each pedal stroke, they explored scenic routes and strengthened their bond. The e-assist system became more than just a tool; it catalyzed a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life together.

"I have been cycling as an adult since I was in my early 20s, which means that I have been cycling for almost 40 years,"

Randy recalls.

"I have done everything from bike touring with friends carrying our gear, century rides, and charity rides like Tour De Cure and VeloSano. The thing that I wanted most of all was cycling with my family. Kim and I had road bikes, but it never took off for the two of us together. We bought a Santana Tandem and did some rides, but it eventually fell off. We bought mountain bikes, and the same thing happened. Since 2019, I only cycled VeloSano or trained for it. Doing the ten milers did not require a lot of training. After some health issues in 2021 and 2022, last year, I started cycling a lot. I was gifted a tadpole recumbent trike, which changed how I viewed cycling. I still rode my diamond frame bikes last year, but I told my wife that riding the trike was just fun. Last year, I decided to sell Stormbringer and buy a new recumbent trike."

They went off to Rail to Trail in Lisbon, Ohio. Wayne and Cindy, the owners, were the best. Randy knew what he wanted and asked Kim if she wanted to go to the shop. They talked Kim into going for a test ride. When they got back, they asked Randy what color he wanted, and he chose the Atomic Orange for his Catrike Dumont with the Falco e-assist hub motor. Kim chose purple, the sister of his trike.

Randy and Kim's Catrike Dumonts with Falco eDrive

"I have done more miles this year than in the past ten years put together,"

Randy shares.

"I have been using RideWithGPS to track my rides. The purple lines are rides where I have ridden using this app. I have given away our tandem and the trike I was gifted so someone else can enjoy them. The e-assist is a game changer; Kim can keep up with me, and I can ride farther and have the recumbent trike grin while riding. With my health issues, the Falco e-assist has given both Kim and me a little piece of mind that no matter what, I can make it back to the start. The hub motor has five levels of assist and five levels of regeneration. The five levels of assist can be eco or cruise. I normally have it on eco level 1. I have no fear of doing any ride that I want. Here are some rides that would have been very challenging without the e-assist. I hear people say that I am cheating because of the e-assist. Check out the heart rate."

Randy and Kim's story is a powerful testament to how the Falco eDrive system transformed their lives, making cycling not only possible but a joyous and shared experience. Their journey showcases the profound impact of technology on personal health, relationships and the sheer joy of exploration.

Catrike Dumont with Falco eDrive

Want to learn more about Randy Zabarsky

Follow Randy on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@Razab9394
Follow Randy's Blog - https://www.randyzabarskyblog.com/journal/2024/7/new-lease-oncycling