[python] Finally rideable

So, I finally got the python assembled, painted to prevent out-of-control
rusting, and have the front fender/fairing started but not finished to the
point of mounting it.  I'll also be adding water bottle mounts, a flag
holder and tabs for the tail box BUT all that can wait til I am confident
enough to ride it on the roads.
Without fender:
http://bikes.jkcc.com/python%20complete.jpg
With fender:
http://bikes.jkcc.com/python%20complete%20fairing.jpg

I got a few minutes of practice in about two or three times, but tonight, I
got about 45 minutes of practice in a big department store parking lot that
was deserted.  Lots of room to make mistakes but it was very tiring.  I
think I was holding my breath a lot :)

With the fender, the python weighs 35lbs(~16kg).  The turning circle is
pretty small as I could consistently do a 180 degree turn (fairly fast) in a
little less than 13' (~4m).  I raised the seat about 5"(~13cm) and moved it
forward about 2"(5cm) and it is very much easier to ride.  I find I use my
shoulders a lot and am just learning to "feel" the subtlties of using my
hips as well.  I have it set up right now with a rear V brake for drag and a
good side pull brake just in front of the pivot on the rear wheel.  The seat
was made out of 5/8" (~16mm) galvanized steel electrical tubing (we call it
EMT = Electro mechanical tubing).  I weigh about 220 right now, and the seat
is more than sturdy enough, it seems.  Inexpensive and light.  It has 152mm
cranks with 42/32/22 chainrings and an E-type front derailleur.  I used bar
end clip-ons and attached them to the front of the seat tubes.  I used old
style friction type gear changers and 10 speed brake levers because they
nicely match the curve of the bar ends.  The clip-on bar ends take the hit
every time I have a little wipe-out, and I've only had one that was nasty
enough to tear the seat material.  The bar ends simply twist back into
place, and I try again :)  I'll remeasure all the dimensions and post more
details on the python's page when I get the time.

For the next one, I can shorten the frame by almost 6", I'll raise the main
frame so it is much closer to the bottom of the seat, I'll use 1 1/2" x 1/2"
steel for the front instead of 2" like I used this time, and I'll simplify
the pivot by using 1/2" rod ends, as posted earlier.

It's very exciting to try to learn this bent after having so many years of
taking such things as bike riding for granted.  I look forward to being able
to ride it the 50km round trip to work and back.  I should have no problem
with my legs as I have been riding a recumbent trike for almost 3 years now.
It definitely feels a lot lighter and more nimble than my trike, and I look
forward to racing it at the next velodrome time trials we have.  My friend
has painted his silver and has also built a fiberglass fender for it, so
I'll get some shots of it when it's ready too.  Interestingly, at this
point, neither of us can ride the other's python very well anymore.  Mine is
a little too long for him, so the riding difficulty is understandable.  When
I try to ride his, I still have a hard time "feeling" its balance.  It is a
little bit lower than mine, I think, but likely as we get more accustomed to
them, switching the bents will not be as dramatic :)

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