Would this be viable using a recumbent trike?
Curently I have an electric trike with estimated 500 range using a trailer (would need to recharge), estimated by current (lightly loaded) range of 60 miles per battery at max assist level. Alernatively may get an ICE VT which is same weight as my Kona Sutra (30lbs), might be able to carry it if needed.
My concern is that I have seen somebody do it on a bicycle crossing a bridge which I doubt I would be able to get my trike up solo.
Trike Viable?
Re: Trike Viable?
What's that range, please?
Jonathan
Jonathan
Re: Trike Viable?
I don't know the bridge or route but it's not a fixed route, chose a different route avoiding questionable bridge.jrs665 wrote: 24 Jun 2024, 5:57pm Would this be viable using a recumbent trike?
...
My concern is that I have seen somebody do it on a bicycle crossing a bridge which I doubt I would be able to get my trike up solo.
Ian
Re: Trike Viable?
I’ve replied on your NC500 question. I think you are referring to the bridge between Culrain and Invershin in Sutherland. Yes, it is a bit of a struggle, even on a bicycle.
You can avoid it, with little additional distance. When at Ardgay, you can head a little inland towards Oykel Bridge or Rosehall, then towards Lairg etc. Otherwise, stay on the (very minor) A road between Ardgay and Bonar Bridge then left/west towards Rosehall, for Lairg ( or to meet back up with your planned route).
These other routes are relatively flat, so quite good alternatives.
You can avoid it, with little additional distance. When at Ardgay, you can head a little inland towards Oykel Bridge or Rosehall, then towards Lairg etc. Otherwise, stay on the (very minor) A road between Ardgay and Bonar Bridge then left/west towards Rosehall, for Lairg ( or to meet back up with your planned route).
These other routes are relatively flat, so quite good alternatives.
Re: Trike Viable?
With regards the bridge at Invershin. Since the YH at Culrain, is now closed there’s really no point in going that way.
Re: Trike Viable?
Great, thanks.L+1 wrote: 24 Jun 2024, 7:15pm I’ve replied on your NC500 question. I think you are referring to the bridge between Culrain and Invershin in Sutherland. Yes, it is a bit of a struggle, even on a bicycle.
You can avoid it, with little additional distance. When at Ardgay, you can head a little inland towards Oykel Bridge or Rosehall, then towards Lairg etc. Otherwise, stay on the (very minor) A road between Ardgay and Bonar Bridge then left/west towards Rosehall, for Lairg ( or to meet back up with your planned route).
These other routes are relatively flat, so quite good alternatives.
Re: Trike Viable?
60 miles a battery on max assist level , 8 batteries (2 on trike, 6 in trailer) = 480 miles.
With 2 batteries , at 60 miles on a repeated route of 11 miles with 900ft climbing, the estimated battery charge dips below 20% under load, so test stopped as battery set to cutoff at 10%.
Last edited by jrs665 on 24 Jun 2024, 8:07pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Trike Viable?
I'm not sure I understand the question. Is it about range using battery or about a difficult bridge?
If a range question, daily mileage and stopping at what sort of places overnight eg wild camping, campsites, B&B or hostels, etc. as much might depend on distance between recharge opportunities.
But where does this bridge fit into the battery range question?
Ian
If a range question, daily mileage and stopping at what sort of places overnight eg wild camping, campsites, B&B or hostels, etc. as much might depend on distance between recharge opportunities.
But where does this bridge fit into the battery range question?
Ian
Re: Trike Viable?
Mentioned battery range to say range isnt a problem aslong as I can charge the batteries alongthe route; the bridge though I was primarily concerned about. The bridge, I have been told though, I can avoid.Psamathe wrote: 24 Jun 2024, 8:04pm I'm not sure I understand the question. Is it about range using battery or about a difficult bridge?
If a range question, daily mileage and stopping at what sort of places overnight eg wild camping, campsites, B&B or hostels, etc. as much might depend on distance between recharge opportunities.
But where does this bridge fit into the battery range question?
Ian
Re: Trike Viable?
Overall viability of a trike... the LEJoG cycling record is held by a recumbent trike!
Often seen riding a bike around Dundee...
Re: Trike Viable?
Can't argue with that 
The record for cycling from Land's End to John o' Groats is held by Andy Wilkinson, who completed the journey in 41 hours, 4 minutes and 22 seconds on a Windcheetah recumbent tricycle.[15] A typical cycling time when not attempting shortest time is 10 to 14 days.
The record for cycling from Land's End to John o' Groats is held by Andy Wilkinson, who completed the journey in 41 hours, 4 minutes and 22 seconds on a Windcheetah recumbent tricycle.[15] A typical cycling time when not attempting shortest time is 10 to 14 days.
Re: Trike Viable?
This is the bridge at Invershin!
We had to unload all our luggage at the top of the steps. Carry everything down the steps. Load the bikes up to push them to the other end of the bridge and then unload again, etc, at the steps at the far end.
It is a pointless cycle route and we considered it dangerous - even more so when wet.
If we had known how quiet the A road that runs north from Bonar Bridge was then we’d have stuck to that.
Oh, and the ‘cycle path, which runs parallel to the railway line, approaching the bridge was rather narrow and grassy.
We had to unload all our luggage at the top of the steps. Carry everything down the steps. Load the bikes up to push them to the other end of the bridge and then unload again, etc, at the steps at the far end.
It is a pointless cycle route and we considered it dangerous - even more so when wet.
If we had known how quiet the A road that runs north from Bonar Bridge was then we’d have stuck to that.
Oh, and the ‘cycle path, which runs parallel to the railway line, approaching the bridge was rather narrow and grassy.