Wheeling Around the City Like a Racecar Driver

It's hard to catch up with Dominic Morello, on foot. He makes tracks. By car, you still have to over-anticipate how fast you think he's going, if you should want to get in front of him so you can ask him about his recumbent trike.

"I enjoy sitting versus crouching over the handlebars. From a comfort standpoint, it feels more like a sports car," said Morello who, at 67, tries to get in about 10 miles of tricycling every day.

He does it for his health.

"It's part of my attempt at being healthy, keeping my weight down and heart strong," said Morello.

He's completely wired, so that while riding his mileage and speed are automatically logged on his computer.

When he gave up traditional bikes about seven years ago he first tried a two-wheeled seated bike, but felt he lacked stability, so he switched to a three-wheeler. Normally he uses a tall flag attached to the trike to make himself more visible to motorists. He also has flashing lights on the front and back.

"Most people give me a wide berth, but the way this is designed, I can go into the breakdown lane if I have to," said Morello, who particularly enjoys riding around Mine Falls Park.

He expects to log about 3,000 miles this year.

Morello also rides with the Granite State Wheelmen and participated in the Century 2011 in September, a scenic 100-mile ride that spans New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts.

In those settings Morello is more likely to run into fellow recumbent tricyclers. But for the most part, he's one of a kind in Nashua.

"People do stop me sometimes to ask about it," said Morello, shifting over to give a string of motorists some room. "It's something I really enjoy."