Doug James rides his Elliptigo, a combination of an elliptical climber and a bike on Alki, sometimes reaching speeds of 20 mph (though he normally goes a bit slower).
Riding a bike on Alki isn't unusual in the slightest but riding one that combines an elliptical climber and a bike will get some attention, as it usually does for Doug James who often rides it on Alki. Called an Elliptigo he purchased the device online from Elliptigo.com and while it's not an inexpensive bike at $2500, James said, "It's very much worth it."
"I used to run but I can't right now because of arthritis in my knees so it's like running but without the pounding."
He's been riding it since July of last year and has lost a little weight, since it's workout to ride it. He even commutes to work on it two to three times a week.
"It's kind of a head turner because it's kind of dinky looking but it's fun. You are up so high you have good visibility." It has eight gears which allows you to "climb pretty well," he said.
The best thing about it? "The workout, outside. I get to be outside and do what I like to do."
You might think a bike like this would cause people to ask questions about it, and it does. Has it gotten Doug any dates? "None that I'd admit to," he said laughing.