Search found 3 matches

by anm
29 Jan 2013, 2:12am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Charging two AA batteries everyday whilst touring
Replies: 40
Views: 8343

Re: Charging two AA batteries everyday whilst touring

It's not fair to totally dismiss solar power. A small charger (like not much bigger than the batteries) will be useless, but it does not need to be huge. This one was sized for my laptop, not AAs, so smaller would do you. Here is mine.

http://mm0hai.net/blog/2012/12/14/First ... arger.html

The panel cost 33GBP. You then need to work out how to charge the batteries though.

If what you want is power, simplicity, and low weight, and you are moving most days, it is probably best to use mains. If you want an electronics project, like the idea of being self sufficient, or intend to live in mid nowhere for a while, solar is good. Especially for living somewhere, when you are not peddling. That is why I did this.
by anm
9 Dec 2012, 11:15pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Flying Manchester -> Mexico: Bike box logistics
Replies: 18
Views: 1946

Re: Flying Manchester -> Mexico: Bike box logistics

Thanks everyone for the advice and interesting comments on football history. gordy very kindly offered to help me out with a box and a lift to the airport, so I'm sorted. :D

I will avoid Mexico city - others have said it's pretty horrible too. I think I'll probably just head south from Yucatan anyway.

It is a Thomas Cook charter. Particularly cheap too - about 250 GBP (one way) including bike, luggage and food. There are others at similar prices until January at least if anyone wants to join me. Hint - book late. Thomas cook prices seem to decrease near flight time, presumably because they prefer to get something than nothing for empty seats.

Advanced train was 35 pounds, but I didn't book in time for that. The full rate was going to be 80, but by splitting the ticket at Preston I got it for 56.

As for flying being greatest worry, I suspect when I get there things will generally be negotiable - airport security and arbitrary rules here are something that could cancel the trip without me having any control over it. At least if everything gets stolen or something it would be a good adventure, rather than I got to Manchester and had to come home.
by anm
25 Nov 2012, 3:33pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Flying Manchester -> Mexico: Bike box logistics
Replies: 18
Views: 1946

Flying Manchester -> Mexico: Bike box logistics

Hi,

I am flying from Manchester at 0900 on 11 December to begin a cycle tour in the Americas. I will start in Mexico and then head south, aiming for Patagonia.

The most difficult part of this trip so far is trying to get the bike on the plane. It's Thomas Cook, and they say they require the bike to be in a box. It's not very easy to cycle a bike when it's in a box, nor to carry one while cycling to the airport. It will also take quite a lot of work to pack, because the bike is fitted with a solar panel and other electronics. I'm in Edinburgh now.

I was thinking I might get a train to Manchester the day before, try to procure a cardboard box from a bike shop, stay in a hostel and put the box in a taxi to the airport (if it would fit).

Does anyone have any ideas about how to get this sorted or offers of a box and / or lift ?

Thank you for any help or advice.