Here's a cyclist who really does fly!

[Merckx index]

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/8...ght-of-a-pedal-powered-wing-flapping-vehicle/

To power the plane, which is made mostly of carbon fiber, balsa wood, and foam, the pilot sits in a tiny cockpit below the wings, pedaling like a Tour de France racer on speed. The pedals push on a wire and pulley system connected to the wings, which makes them flap. The mechanics are so simple that you can even build your own, unmanned, ornithopter. Reichert trained for four weeks for the flight, losing almost 20 pounds to ease the burden on the aircraft.

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/files/2010/09/ornithopter.jpg

 

[redranger]

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/8...ght-of-a-pedal-powered-wing-flapping-vehicle/


http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/files/2010/09/ornithopter.jpg

i wish I could lose 20 pounds in 4 weeks