(Site last updated December 13, 2024)
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IMPORTANT NOTICE:
This website’s creator and administrator, Ray Hoffeld, died in June 2024. His obituary can be found on Legacy.com here: Ray’s Obit . This website will remain static but live for the immediate future. Feel free to explore its thorough and informative content. Ray would be very pleased you are here and interested!
UPDATE — Shortly before he died, Ray had restored one Avatar with the intent of offering it to the Smithsonian for posterity but never got the chance. So I submitted the paperwork for him. Unfortunately the Smithsonian is so severely understaffed it is unable to accept new acquisitions at this time, so they declined the bike — even though they wanted it. How sad is that! Luckily I found a very capable and appreciative owner who will ride and enjoy it.
Ray’s two primary riding Avatars have been sold. A fourth, the one Ray called the “orphan,” is available but incomplete. (See the For Sale page on this site. for details.) A machinist/ cycling friend of Ray’s with his own Avatar has graciously offered to assist with the sale of the remaining items, since he knows what everything is and I don’t. Interested buyers can email the ratavabike2 address and I will forward to him.
Sincerely, Adrienne — Ray’s widow
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Ray’s last updates to the site, through June 2024:
- I have finally consolidated my notes from the papers donated by Eric Maciejewski (Harald’s son) Harald Maciejewski Papers
- Reformatted list of the original purchasers back in the early ’80’s. (From Harald Maciejewski Papers)
- Yes, it is possible to crash an Avatar! …..read more
- Updated and more readable Avatar 2000 Trans-America Log – Len Vreeland’s cross-country record attempt plus added maps of each state on his route.
- Thinking about a new seat for your Avatar? More info & detail here
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Overview and Purpose of this Website
The Avatar 2000 is considered by many to be the “Grandfather of the Modern Recumbent Bicycle.” (Conceived and produced long before Hollywood and the geeks got hold of the word ‘Avatar’)
With the receipt of the remaining documents from Harald’s son Eric, this site is the major repository of information about the Fomac Avatar2000.
With only approximately 140 units originally produced 40 years ago, it is not realistic to think that very many bikes remain “out there” in roadworthy condition. There are relatively few active riders, and only a handful of original owners.
But, there are a few. Their knowledge and experience can be added to my own, so this remarkably designed and constructed bicycle is not destined to the dustbin of history.
