The Bear Went over the Mountain...

[JennyB]

... to see what he could see.

We used to sing that a lot on trips when we were small. Last Tuesday I decided to go over Cuilcagh mountain to see how far my 540 watt hour battery would take me. Fifty-six miles in all and over 600 metres of climbing, so I didn't expect it to last the distance. The plan was either to cycle the last part under my own power, or phone for a lift if the worst came to the worst.



Most of the climbing was in one long Category 4 ascent. I climbed it at a steady 12 mph (power off, I could not manage more than four). As I climbed the headwind began to strengthen and there was a sharp shower.



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Well worth seeing too. The headwind on the descent kept my speed in the 20's, but I was in no hurry.



Then the weather brightened and the wind dropped, and I was able to take a narrower road. There are maybe more miles of paved road in this part of Ireland (North and South) per head than anywhere else in the world.

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Thanks to the property boom of recent memory, you don't see many thatched cottages any more - even on roads like this.



My kind of road, grass growing in the middle. A good spot of a lunch stop, two hours in.



Heading back to the North. At this point I felt as if I could easily ride another 40 miles, but at 42 miles the battery finally gave up. With most of the climbing done, a good tailwind, plenty of time and Shadowfax working well, I decided to cycle the remaining 14 miles under my own power. I'd forgotten just how unfit I'd become (can't jog more than a few minutes at a time) as my speed slowed to a crawl on any hint of an incline. It took over two hours!

 

[neptronix]

Your part of the country is pretty breathtaking. Keep up with the pics!

I can't wait to do this kind of riding. it has been overcast and rainy solid for a while now..

 

[kfong]

Great pictures Jenny, keep them coming. One of the reasons I like e-biking is because getting in shape is a side benifit. It never gets dull or repetitive, and it's great that you are pushing your trips farther so you can see more.

Last fall was the first time in years that my waist was down to 31" since I was riding so much, and not once did I think I should ride for the exercise of it. We ride longer and farther than we would without an e-bike, and I contribute as much as I can to extend the fun. Then I can do it the next day because it it didn't over tax my body. No way would I find my rides fun on a regular bike. Be sure to carry a tire patch kit, small bike tool and even a small first aid kit. I needed one on my last ride when I went off the road, stupidly distracted while messing with the bike computer and riding one handed. Forgot that 17mph can still get you into trouble, went over the handle bars and scraped both knees. Left knee was bleeding but I didn't have a bandaid. That was the first time it occurred to me that I should plan a little more on these long rides.

 

[dnmun]

JB, did you consider asking at any of the residences along what is obviously a rural route if you could charge up at their location? you seem like an engaging person and i bet that most would be glad to let you stop and charge, take a break and even offer a cup of tea. then they would have something to talk about for months, of how they met someone riding an electric bike, it gets the idea out to a different group of people who might otherwise have absolutely no exposure.

that was a really long ride, really scenic too, bucolic might be pejorative.

way cool.

 

[JennyB]

JB, did you consider asking at any of the residences along what is obviously a rural route if you could charge up at their location? you seem like an engaging person and i bet that most would be glad to let you stop and charge, take a break and even offer a cup of tea. then they would have something to talk about for months, of how they met someone riding an electric bike, it gets the idea out to a different group of people who might otherwise have absolutely no exposure.

That's why I'm looking for a faster charger. :lol: With the 2.5 amp one I have, it would take the best part of two hours to put in enough juice to assist on the last 14 miles.

I have often been dependant upon the kindness of strangers. in fact, shortly after my battery ran out on that trip, one of my cranks worked its way loose. But out in the country there's always a good chance that the first house you call at will have someone if an 8mm allen key and a torque wrench.

 

[knoxie]

hey Jenny nice photos...thanks for sharing, I always love seeing this type of thing on the forum, I also like to go out on my bike on long runs and use it as exercise, I can easily do 30 miles using the motor only on the hills and when I get tired, i can usually do this on just 5AH I do about 100 miles a week in the spring and summer, I dont like to stay out too long in the winter its too cold.

Looking forward to seeing more pictures and ride data from you, I wish more people did this myself included!! he he