Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Krysti's Challenge - Midweek of Week #4

Well still no significant change in weight loss, but I am still noticing a small improvement in my stamina and energy. I am noticing that my skin is getting tighter which is awesome. But from past experience, losing weight the healthy way takes time, so I guess I'll just have to be patient! Its starting to get pretty chilly here, it was only 45 degrees this morning, so I decided to skip riding my trike this morning and hit the gym tonight when I get home from work.

The 30 Day Triking Challenge with Sonia Guy Day 25

It rained on me and it was really windy. My cheeks and legs are red and cold still, but it was really fun! I thought about waiting for a break in the weather, but Wednesdays are really busy with piano classes and cub scouts. So, I just did it. I couldn't find my rain jacket or longer pants, so tomorrow I'll be better prepared. Needless to mention, nobody was out walking or jogging. It's quite a storm that's blowing through. At least now I know that I'm tougher than I thought I was. They say that the weather will be better on Friday. At least now I know that it really doesn't matter if I'm determined to do it anyway.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

The 30 Day Triking Challenge with Sonia Guy Day 24

The storm is on its way. It's cloudy this morning and a little breezy. Tomorrow I'll have to watch for a break in the weather, so I can go out. The temperature is going to drop about 30 degrees from today's high to tomorrow's high. It's too bad that I can't control the weather.
Today, the weather is still great. There's no point in worrying about what tomorrow will bring, especially if I can't change the outcome. If you can get out there in between storms you should also do it. I love how I feel after a ride. There's nothing like it. I'm a happier mom and wife because of it.

Monday, September 28, 2009

The 30 Day Triking Challenge with Sonia Guy Day 23

I just got back from my trike ride. I went around my route almost 2 times spinning as fast as I could most of the time. I feel great. I'm still breathing heavily. I drank a lot of water before and after. This is going to be a great day. I hope everyone can get out and enjoy the day as much as possible.
My knee and my hip feel great, the more weight that comes off the better I feel. Before winter hits I plan on getting as much weight off as possible so I can enjoy indoor exercising without hurting myself.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

The 30 Day Triking Challenge with Sonia Guy Day 22

What a gorgeous day it was today! We went for a drive this afternoon to see all the fall colors. It is just breathtaking. After we got home I really wanted to go for a ride. Here in the valley the leaves are just starting to change. I'm glad that I know that I can even go for a short ride on Sundays. It's the consistency that matters.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

The 30 Day Triking Challenge with Sonia Guy Day 21

We're so glad to have Ashley back home. He saw a lot of really neat things on his trip. Today I went out a little later because we stayed up late waiting for Ashley to make it home. It is gorgeous outside. I went around my route 2 times and I feel great. I decided to go as fast as I could on the highest gear so I could get a really good workout. When I started noticing some pedal steering I just shifted to a higher gear. It was awesome. I feel energized. And I've lost another pound! It puts me at almost 7 pounds of weight loss. I feel great and I've been in a better mood. This is what's most important to me. I love to exercise because it makes me a happier, kinder, more mellow person. Everyone get out there on your trike and enjoy the day!

Friday, September 25, 2009

The 30 Day Triking Challenge with Sonia Guy Day 20

I just got back from my second ride today. It is so warm outside, but there are hints that summer is long gone. The corn fields are being harvested and the last of the alfalfa bales are waiting to be collected. This morning felt a little cold since I forgot to put on a sweater. I decided to go out for a second ride because we are having pizza tonight. It's a tradition that the kids and I have. On the evening that their father will be home we celebrate with a pizza party. We've all missed Ashley for the last few days and are glad that he'll be home soon. They can't wait to see their Daddy.
Having my trike rides helps me have consistency in my life. I know that I can go for a trike ride no matter what. Thirty days seemed like a long time and I wondered if the weather would hold up. We have at least a couple months before it really snows. Getting out there on my trike helps me remember that. I hate winter. It's so white and dreary. It feels like I'm in a padded room inside an insane asylum. At first it's quite lovely, but when all you can see for 8 straight weeks is white outside it gets really old. I do love fall and during the winter I have spring to look forward to. This winter I will look forward to riding my trike once again. So, everyone get out there and enjoy the beautiful weather!

Thursday, September 24, 2009

The 30 Day Triking Challenge with Sonia Guy Day 19

I've lost 5.5 pounds. I'm a lot more optimistic about my weight loss and I feel a lot better. I think I will be able to get my weight down enough so that during the winter I can do all the video workouts that I love without totally hurting my body. My knee and hip feel a lot better also. One of my major problems is that I love to cook and bake and I love to eat good food. I need to realize that it's okay to eat less of something that tastes great. It's not like it's the last time that it will ever be made or the last time that I will eat it.
It was a beautiful morning. I got out like 20 minutes later than normal and it was so much warmer than the last couple of days. The sky was blue with not a single cloud in the sky. What a great day for trike riding. The weather should still be good for at least 2 more months. I don't remember it snowing heavily before Thanksgiving. I'll probably have to start riding in the afternoon in a few weeks, but for now it's just perfect in the morning. Everyone have a good day!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

The 30 Day Triking Challenge with Sonia Guy Day 18

It was great to get back on my Catrike Villager today. I went around my usual route 2 times. I had a great time. It was nice to be able to enjoy the scenery and not concentrate on pedaling with my hands. I'm pretty sure that I'll take the Hand Cycle back out pretty soon though. It was quite cold out in the morning, but it warmed up a lot later on.
When I wake up in the morning it is a given that I'm going for a ride. It's good to have some consistency every day. If you haven't got on your trike lately, what are you waiting for? It's beautiful out there. Get out and enjoy the beautiful fall colors!

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Krysti's Challenge - Starting week #3

Well I can't believe I am already on my third week of this challenge. I haven't noticed too much improvement in weight, but I have noticed my stamina is increasing. I think I am going to kick exercising up a notch so I can start noticeably losing weight. If I run I will probably run at least 3 miles instead of 2 in the morning, that is if my asthma allows :). If it does not, I will run at least once a day and then hit the gym after work. It is getting a little bit frustrating not seeing any results, with eating less and exercising at least 4 times a week. Oh well, I will just kick it up a notch! BAM!

The 30 Day Triking Challenge with Sonia Guy Day 17

I went out on the Sun HT-3 Hand Cycle again and once again it was quite a work out. I was able to go further today in the same amount of time as yesterday, but not even half my normal route. I can't really concentrate on anything other than pedaling because it's really difficult for me. I feel stronger in my upper body though. That was my goal. Tomorrow I'll be back on my Catrike, but I can see myself taking the Hand Cycle out at least once a week.

Monday, September 21, 2009

The 30 Day Triking Challenge with Sonia Guy Day 16

I got quite a work out today! My Trike had a flat this morning. I guess I ran over a weed yesterday! I took our Sun HT-3 Hand Cycle out , since I didn't feel like changing a tire so early in the morning . We've taken it out a little before, but I've been hesitant because of my weak arms. My arms got a wonderful work out. I didn't go as far as I normally go, because I have really out of shape arms. This will be great to get my arms toned up. I've always wanted to have good arms and shoulders, so I guess now I can, without having to use our weightlifting equipment. What I love the most about it is that I can work on my arms and still be outside enjoying the fresh air. For people that don't have use of their legs this would be a great trike to have. It's comfortable and sits upright. It's easy to get in and out of it as well. I'll use it again tomorrow to see if one day makes a difference. I'll let you know!

Sunday, September 20, 2009

The 30 Day Triking Challenge with Sonia Guy Day 15

It was so hard to get off the couch from my nap this afternoon, but I did it! I went for a short ride while mostly everybody else was taking their nap still. It was cloudy and windy and a little cool. When I made it home everyone was still resting and nothing had changed except that I got a little bit of exercise in. I feel good about myself for doing it! I guess it's better to just go and do it rather than try to find excuses for not doing it.
I've been getting a good night's sleep lately and I attribute it to riding my trike. I fall asleep quicker and don't wake up in the middle of the night as much. For me that's reason enough for doing it. I hope everyone will have a good safe week. Enjoy the beautiful fall weather while you're out riding your trike!

Saturday, September 19, 2009

The 30 Day Triking Challenge with Sonia Guy Day 14

This is the 14th day of my challenge and I feel great! I've lost 4 pounds also. I still have a lot to lose, but this is reminding me that I have the power to control my body, what goes in to it and how I exercise! I feel great this morning! The day is beautiful and so full of promise! I'll have to find something fun for the children and me to do today! I hope you all will have a great weekend also!

Friday, September 18, 2009

The 30 Day Triking Challenge with Sonia Guy Day 13

Today is day 13 of my Challenge already. I went for a second ride yesterday afternoon and as I was turning a corner I saw that one of my neighbors was being helped into his house by his adult children. He had shoulder surgery yesterday and they had not told anyone. This morning after my ride my little girl wanted to make zucchini bread. We decided to make muffins for my neighbor and his wife. The kids made a card and we took some warm muffins over. I was just so glad that I went on that ride yesterday afternoon. It gave us a chance to do something nice for someone. It really is interesting what you will notice when riding around. The weather is beautiful and it's not so hot anymore in the afternoon. It's perfect weather for going out and getting some exercise, and maybe get a chance to do something nice for a neighbor!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

The 30 Day Triking Challenge with Sonia Guy Day 12

The more I ride my trike, the more I appreciate nature. I think having time in the morning to meditate while riding my trike has helped me to appreciate the horses in the fields and the beautiful trees that are just starting to change colors. It was just so beautiful this morning. The sky was a beautiful baby blue without a cloud in the sky. When I got home I wasn't quite ready to come in so I went to my garden and picked some tomatoes and zucchini. Some of our apples were ready to be picked also. This is the first year that our trees have given fruit and I am so grateful for those fresh apples. There are just a few this year, but next year there should be more. I'm glad that I'm doing this challenge I've been able to fall asleep a lot earlier than before and wake up ready to start the day. I challenge anyone who hasn't taken their trike out for a while to do so and if you've been riding all along, keep it up!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Krysti's Challenge - Day 3, week 2

I got up a little early this morning to go for a quick run to get my lateral quads in shape, since my medial quads are in such good shape from riding my trike all the time. I forgot how painful running is compared to riding my trike. With each pounding stride I took, I realized how much more I love riding my trike rather than running. I'm glad that working out in the morning is starting to become part of my daily routine, because then I don't have the excuse that I'm too tired because of work to exercise at night. I think in a few days I might take a jog in the morning and then ride my trike at night to burn off as many calories as I can.

The 30 Day Triking Challenge with Sonia Guy Day 11

I got out of the house pretty early today! It's Ashley's birthday and I"m making a special dinner tonight. There's a lot to do. The kids need to practice piano a bit more and go to cub scouts, so I'm back at home. It is gorgeous outside. I just saw one school bus, but no one walking around yet. I'm so glad that I went out even though I have a lot to do today. I'm glad I'm doing this challenge! My body feels great and I feel energized! You should go for a ride also even if it's just for a little while you'll feel great afterward.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Breakfast at Brickhenge


We get a lot of pictures from customers showing pictures of their trikes out in the field. I really liked this one. Maybe the black and white? What do you think?

Krysti's Challenge - Day 2, Week 2

As I did yesterday morning, I decided to get up a little earlier to ride. Whew! It was freezing this morning. My cycle computer read 50 degrees. Add that with the wind you create riding and viola! Instant popsicle! I did have a hoodie on thank goodness, but since the weather is cooling down I think I'm going to start keeping a beanie or headband on my trike just in case, because that cool air rushing past my ears and on my forehead gave me a mondo headache! Other than that it was nice to ride in the cooler air, rather than in humid hot death.

The 30 Day Triking Challenge with Sonia Guy Day 10

It was so chilly this morning. It was in the mid to upper 40's. That means that I'll have no excuse to get out there when that's the high temperature. In a couple months it will be that cold or colder. I figure as long as it's not snowing I can still do this. It was actually quite invigorating this morning. It was so hard to get out of my comfy bed this morning, but I had my trike to look forward to. My hip feels great and so does my knee. I'm happier all around because of my trike riding. It's nice to have something to look forward to every day, that I do just for me. You should get aout there also and enjoy the day!

Monday, September 14, 2009

The 30 Day Triking Challenge with Sonia Guy Day 9

I went for a ride early this morning. I'm glad I did because if I would have put it off until the afternoon it wouldn't have happened. I feel great and full of energy during the day and I've been falling asleep quicker lately also since I started my 30 day challenge. It rained most of the afternoon and evening here. It's nice to have some rain to refresh the earth, but it's inconvenient if you want to get out and ride. I guess the best advice I have is to just get out when you can. If you see a break in the weather go for it. If you're commuting it may be trickier. If you really want to do it you could get a rain proof jacket and pants. It's probably not raining everywhere, in fact, I'm sure some of you wish it was raining where you live. Have a good day!

Krysti's Challenge - Starting week #2

I checked the weather last night and it said it was supposed to rain in the afternoon today, so I decided to get up early and ride so I didn't get stuck commuting in the rain. Getting up this morning after getting used to sleeping in from this weekend was insane. I had to be at work by 8:30 so I had to get up at 6:30 to ride. After dragging myself out of bed and finally getting on my trike, I rode for an hour or so. It was nice getting to see the sun rise on my trike. I rode out of the city towards the mountains, and it was a little chilly, but it was beautiful. I am going to add some lights to my trike so cars can see me better at dawn or dusk. Next time I decide to ride early, I am definitely going to go to bed early the night before, I am wiped out!

Sunday, September 13, 2009

The 30 Day Triking Challenge with Sonia Guy Day 8

My boom just needed to be tightened a little. I went out in the afternoon in between the light rain showers that we had. It's amazing what you'll notice when you're on a trike. I've been looking for barn wood for a project that I'm working on and so far I've found 2 huge piles in separate places. Now I just have to get up enough nerve to ask my neighbors if it's for sale.
Oh, and by the way everyone out here in this town is a neighbor even if they don't even live on your street. It's like Mr Rogers' Neighborhood. We all look out for each other and care about each other. It makes us happy to see our neighbors out for some exercise. I didn't see a soul out today, but they were probably having their well deserved Sunday nap.
It'll be nice to have cooler weather in the afternoon this week. Summer is slipping away. Fall is my favorite season, so I'm looking forward to the changing of the leaf colors. It's quite beautiful out here. I'm sure that in some places it's just going to start getting comfortable enough to start triking. So, get out there and have some fun!

Saturday, September 12, 2009

The 30 Day Triking Challenge with Sonia Guy Day 7

I went out this morning quite early. I could tell already that it would be a lovely day. I went to the gym on Thursday, and my hip hurts again a little bit. I did so many things there that I can't pin point what it was. I got a 1 month membership because they have a children's class a couple days a week and I thought that it sounded like fun for the kids. We have our own exercise equipment which is in way better shape than theirs, so I guess that I shouldn't have used theirs. I know better now!
What I love about my trike is that it is so comfortable and adjusted to fit my body. I even have a headrest which I really love. My trike felt a little weird today and yesterday. I'm guessing it needs a tune up after being dragged home the other day. I'll have Ashley check it out tomorrow before my ride. Tomorrow I'm going to go for a nice leisurely ride. It should be fun.

Friday, September 11, 2009

The 30 Day Triking Challenge with Sonia Guy Day 6

I'm still at it! I'm having a great time getting out there! I thought it would be difficult for me to do this every day seeing that I'm quite busy with the children during the day. Getting out in the morning has proven to be the best for me so far. When I got back, I wasn't quite ready to go inside. So, the children and I checked on our garden. We collected many zucchinis and some tomatoes. We made zucchini muffins and an omelet with fresh vegetables for breakfast. Spending more time outside helps me appreciate nature's bounty and I noticed that one of my neighbors isn't eating the plums off his tree. Now I know who to ask for fresh plums. I hope you will all have a fun and safe weekend on your trikes. Feel free to send Utah Trikes pictures of you getting out and enjoying the weather!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

The 30 Day Triking Challenge with Sonia Guy Day 5

So, I got a flat today! I have never had a flat before. It's kind of weird but true. After I was done riding, I decided to go up a couple streets one last time. I saw someone I knew, so I braked and turned a little bit to say hi and seconds later my trike felt lopsided. I had no patch kit on me and wouldn't have known how to use one anyway, so I had to pull my trike home. It took an extra 20 minutes or so. So, I got a bigger workout than I had planned on. I still felt great after doing it! I had never changed a tire, so when I got home I watched the Utah Trikes You Tube Video about how to change a tire and did it myself. Well, I had my little boys help me, so they could learn how to do it also. It wasn't too hard, for it being my first time. From now on I'll make sure to carry a patch kit. I guess you have to learn to be your own mechanic in an emergency no matter what. Oh, did I mention that I've lost 3 pounds over the last 5 days? I feel good and I'm going to look better also. That is so awesome! You can do it too. Just get out there and have some fun and don't forget your patch kit!

Krysti - Day 3 of Weightloss Challenge

Yesterday I did not have time to commute on my trike, but fortunately I have a gym membership and was able to work out for about an hour. This morning I got up a few minutes late and was running late for work. I was rethinking riding my trike for fear that I was going to be late, and considered driving instead. I decided to go ahead and ride my trike. Whew! What a workout. I went 10 miles in only 25 minutes. That was an all-time record for me. My legs were burning like crazy the whole time as I tried to stay at a steady 18 mph. When I got off my trike I was sweating like a pig and my legs were wobbly, but guess what! I made it on time. I think I am going to be super sore tomorrow, so I'm planning on hitting the gym at night to work my upper body. I feel like I accomplished something awesome today. I haven't pushed my body that hard since I ran the hurdles in track my senior year! If pushing myself that hard doesn't make me very sore I am going to push myself that hard all the time! Wedding dress here I come!

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

The 30 Day Triking Challenge with Sonia Guy Day 4

I went out for about an hour this morning. It was early and a little chilly. It felt so good to be out there. It seemed like the whole world was starting to wake up outside. Horses were in their meadows eating their field grass and I saw evidence that some of my neighbors took them out for a ride last night. Maneuvering around their droppings is no big deal around here. I saw one of my neighbors out for a walk, dressed like he was going out to lunch. It really doesn't matter what you look like as long as you're out there. Or so I hope, because I just rolled out of bed and went out this morning.
I felt like singing a gospel song as I rode. The world was beautiful. I love to watch the birds fly in formation overhead or the little birds conserve their energy and fly low to the ground. Birds are amazing. The children and I have been studying zoology for about a year now and we love birds especially. I felt so free when I was out riding, like I was soaring through the fields. It really is a great feeling to be out there on my trike. You should get out there also, while the weather is accommodating!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Krysti's First Day of 60 Day Challenge

Its been a couple weeks since I have ridden my trike, so this morning I didn't know what to expect when I was commuting to work. About 10 minutes into my ride I was starting to wear out. I didn't realize what 2 weeks of not triking did to me! I kept at my usual pace but I had to stop a couple times because I was pretty winded. I've decided to put a headrest on my trike, even though the angle of my Catrike Trail isn't that steep. One of the biggest reasons I think I haven't been riding my trike is because I get really bad headaches after I ride. One, from not drinking enough water, and two, from the muscles in the anterior part of my neck being overworked. So drinking more water and adding a headrest should obviously stop that problem. I forgot how beautiful the scenery was on my daily commute, as I got to watch some falcons flying around enjoying the cool morning breeze. It is getting to be really nice riding weather. My computer said it was 75 degrees, which is perfect for riding! Tomorrow I'm expecting some minor soreness, but we will see...

The 30 day triking Challenge with Sonia Guy Day 3

I went out this morning and it was wonderful. It was nice and cool with a little breeze. As I sped past the corn fields, I had time to let my mind wander it was awesome. Sometimes I scrunch up my toes while riding. I'm not sure why I do that since I have Shimano clip on shoes. My right foot got a little numb. It's kind of annoying.
Riding in the morning is ideal for me because it's cooler and it really is a great way to start the day. It literally sets the tone for the day. I saw some neighbors out for a walk. They are usually out in the morning. They are in their 70's and in great shape. They set a good example for the younger couples to stay active. We live in a community with a lot of senior citizens. For the most part they are healthy and active. The farm work and gardening keep them strong. It's important for all of us to have some form of exercise that is enjoyable because we are more likely to do it. Triking makes me happy especially since I can get out of the house for a little while without the children and have a little me time. This is so important for a mom with young children at home.
Last night I was thinking about how great my body felt and about how important that is. Women bear a lot of stress and I often feel it on my shoulders. We lift children and grand children, heavy grocery bags, stoop over a lot to comfort children an tie shoes, load and unload laundry etc.. Our bodies are not supposed to hurt. We have the power to help ourselves feel better. Riding a trike helps my body relax. I had never really thought too much about the motto that Ashley picked for Utah Trikes Relax, Spin Fast, Ride Trikes, but it's true. Your body relaxes even while you are getting a vigorous workout. I have to go now, but I challenge anyone who hasn't hopped on their trike in a little while to get out there even if it's only for a little while.

Monday, September 7, 2009

The 30 day triking Challenge with Sonia Guy Day 2

Today was Labor Day and we went to the Payson Onion Days Grand Parade this morning. It was impossible to ride my trike in the morning since we had to get up early to go. After a fun day in town we came home. Just before we had to leave again I went on my trike ride. I knew that tonight would be impossible because it's our Family Night. I went out at around 5 in the afternoon and it was quite muggy out. I saw no one else while I was out. We live in the country, so it's normal. There was the smell of manure mixed with the aroma of freshly cut alfalfa mingling in the air. Today I went fast. I worked up quite a sweat. It was fun trying to go as fast as I could. When I was done, I got up from my trike and I felt great. I looked at myself in the mirror and I was glowing. I looked like a strong, healthy woman. This is my goal. I don't need to fit into tiny jeans, but I do need to be healthy, happy, and strong. I want to set a good example for my children and to have the energy that I need to raise them without ever feeling over burdened.
Yesterday, when I got up from my trike I told Ashley that neither my knee nor my hip hurt. Riding a trike is so easy on my body and allows me to get the type of workout that I like without hurting afterward. My body feels relaxed now and I'm sure that I'll get a better night's sleep and be able to be a better wife and mother tomorrow because of riding today. When you read this hopefully you will also have similar experiences with your trike riding.

60 Day Weight Loss Challenge

My name is Krysti Staheli and I'm new to the blogging world. I've been working for Utah Trikes for a few years now and decided I'm going to blog about all my experiences with trikes. I've decided I want to shed a few pounds, and not by doing those crazy diets and exercise fads. I want to do it by eating better and riding the best thing in the world... My trike. I have decided I am going to commute every single day, which will be a 20 mile ride round trip. I'm going to combine riding with eating less meat and more fruit and veggies. The reason I haven't been very diligent in riding my trike every day is because I hate getting up an hour earlier just to ride. But not anymore! I'm going to go to bed a little earlier so getting up earlier won't seem as hard. With fall on its way I'm excited to see the beautiful scenery of fall's changing color, and the temperature will be at a nice 70 degrees. Perfect time for riding! My goal is to fit to my beautiful size 4 wedding dress. I'll be blogging about my experiences a couple times a week, and if anyone wants to join my challenge please leave comments and join my on my ride!

Sunday, September 6, 2009

The 30 day triking Challenge with Sonia Guy Day 1

Hello everyone in the triking world. I'm Sonia Guy, wife of Ashley Guy from Utah Trikes. The reason I started this Challenge for myself and anyone else who would like to join me is because I need to get serious about getting in shape again. I've only been riding sporadically over the Summer. I can list every excuse under the sun from a broken surface well to out of town guests, but what it comes down to is that they are only excuses. Riding a trike makes me feel good about myself and makes my body feel better as well.
I love to do those aerobic workouts on DVD, they are so high energy and exciting with the pumped up hosts, I burn a lot of calories when I do them, but I'm left with a soar hip from all the gyrations and a sore knee from a previous injury. Triking is easy on my body and helps me feel great all over. I'm about to go out for a ride. It's Sunday evening of Labor Day Weekend. That would be an awesome excuse. The truth is that I don't have to go out very long or ride very fast or hard. I have my trike in the garage and it's all set. So, I'm gonna change into my riding clothes and go. Join with me and together we'll feel better and happier that we can have control over our bodies and our time!
So, I'm back, I left at around 6:30 and I promised my baby I would only be out for 30 minutes. I feel great. I'm just a little sweaty and just breathing a little heavier than normal. It wasn't a big deal. The older kids didn't even know I was gone. I saw a few neighbors out for a walk and one neighbor who was watering his lawn told me that he really wants a trike. My hot pink Catrike Villager is super cute! I'm sure anyone would want it, but it's mine and was built especially for me. Now I can go back to hanging out with my family knowing that I did something good for myself.

The Dangers of Cross Chaining

In order to achieve the wide gear range that our customers like, we set up many trikes with a 24 or 27-speed drivetrain. This results in a wonderfully useful band of gearing. The one element that results from this set up is the fact that your trike (any bike actually) does not like to be used in the small front chainring/smaller rear cogs combination - this is called "cross chaining".

We set up your trike in the Large/Large gearing combination to prevent derailleur damage in the large chainring. This means that with the Xseam you give us you can access all of your rear gears while in the large front chainring. This ensures that your derailleur doesn't break when you are shifting to a lower gear while in the large chainring.

Similar to this scenario is the small chainring/small cog combination. Trying to run the chain around these two small circumferences creates slack in the chain that overloads the rear derailleur and has the potential to do harm to your drivetrain. This is bad technique and should be avoided. That same gear ratio can be achieved in the middle chainring.

While getting accustomed to your trike, we encourage you to use the middle chainring from which you can access all the cogs on the rear cassette. When you need to go faster, use that big ring up front with the smaller cogs in the rear. If hills loom on the horizon, drop down into the smallest chainring and use the larger cogs in the rear. You should spend most of your time in the middle chainring.

Cross chaining is not exclusive to your trike. It should be avoided on any bike or trike. Never cross chain your gears!

If you need to adjust your boom length, check your chain before riding to make sure that it allows you to get into the proper gears with harming the rear derailleur.
 
This has been adapted from the TerraTrike FAQ