Watch a Bicycle-Powered Helicopter Take Flight

The Sikorsky Prize—given for projects achieving human-powered flight for at last 60 seconds—has been awarded for the first time in 30 years to Aero Velo, a Canadian startup for their bicycle-powered helicopter, Atlas. Originally funded on Kickstarter, Atlas consists of a single-wheeled modified bicycle attached to a lightweight frame with four blades. Though an incredible innovation, it isn't all that hardy, and test flights often result in broken pieces that must be repaired before the next flight attempt. But they now have $250,000 for their efforts. So that's pretty cool. [Via Business Insider]

Why Do You Love Your Bike?

Compiled by Sarah Esterman

via Flickr user eelke dekker

It should come as no surprise, but we here at BicyclingHub.com love our bikes. They get us from A to B, whether that means commute rides between home and work, weekend rides for pleasure or training rides for races. They keep us in shape. They save us money we might otherwise have to spend on gas. They give us a wealth of great times. And, frankly, they hold sentimental value. My ride right now, for instance, was a college graduation gift from my parents, and I love it all the more because of that.

Yesterday, we went to our Facebook community and asked why you love your bikes. Here's what you said:

"I bought it with some inheritance from my grandma. She was the most incredible woman. Really like a second mom to me. Its my in remembrance of grandma bike and I ride it with pride. Also, my bike helped me lose 100lbs, and get to my first century ride!" –Ivy S.

"Riding releases stress... Every problem I have goes away. And when I am done, I can relax. Nothing else I do does that for me. I will ride until I can't anymore..." –Chris P.

"My bike will never leave me for another lover." –Enitan O.

"She quietly spends her free time in my garage, dreaming of the places we will go next!" –Jill L.

"I worked hard to buy it. I work hard to stay fit enough to compete. Even at close to 66 I have to fight for the time to suit up and ride. But then, on the road, I have a few hours of joy." –Tom M.

"My lovely white 'Marco Pierre' is an extension of myself and provides me with the balance I need in my life. We will journey together for as long as we can." –Audrey M.

"My good old Bridgestone mountain/road hybrid 'Little Blue' gets me wherever I need to go. She's the first thing I ever bought with a credit card (27 years ago!) and definitely the best bang-for-the-buck purchase I've ever made." –Cynthia H.

"For the wind in my hair and the smile on my face. It also stimulates the brain." –Shane B.


Why do you love your bike? Let us know in the comments.