After Thompson retired from Ford Motor Company in 1984, he found it difficult to stop working. He quickly took an interest in human powered vehicles (HPV). Using bicycle technology he designed several solutions. He developed 2, 3 and 4-wheeled solutions built low to the ground. He constructed molds for an outer shell used to reduce wind resistance. Fiberglass, streamlined body shells were constructed with the help of renowned custom car builder, Lennis Huguley. Pedals were positioned in the front and the cyclist was seated in a recumbent position. Thompson's human powered vehicles have made appearances in several rallies and were displayed at Expo '86 in Vancouver, BC. Some of his HPVs have been clocked at speeds exceeding 50 miles per hour.