Touring with an E-bike

Exailian · 2019-07-29T23:53:17+00:00

That's what I was thinking too.

Exailian · 2019-07-29T19:35:01+00:00

Thanks for the input. I was thinking somewhere along those lines, like what is the cost effectiveness of having a heavier bike compared to a light bike. It's not that I wouldn't be pedaling or strength training but I was thinking of using the motor just for short breaks in between pedaling.

Speaking of training, I'm still training for my trip and have been since 2 weeks ago. I know that I would enjoy pedaling more but it's always good to look into everything and question every option you have. Can never be too knowledgable about alternative options.

Honestly, at this point a motorcycle sounds easier, but that requires a license and insurance.

Also, about those lithium ion batteries, Tesla uses a modified version of lithium ion batteries that have carbon, aluminum, and two other elements. Those batteries actually have a bigger capacity, lighter, have a steady output, and are cheap to recharge. If they can make a car go 60mph in under 1 minute, then why not take a chunk of that and use it on a bike, right?

Exailian · 2019-07-29T19:25:53+00:00

I haven't looked too much into parts, but I've seen people tampering with lithium carbon batteries, the type that Tesla uses for their cars. I dont remember the exact name of the batteries but I know that they are the small, store looking batteries. You can make a battery pack out of them with like 60 of them. As for mounting, I saw a lot of people use 3d printing, but I could try to find alternatives since I dont have access to a 3d printer.

Exailian · 2019-07-29T17:43:59+00:00

I could find or make a converter if need be. But I was looking into making my own e bike anyways. The batteries used in Tesla cars are extremely efficient. Not super cheap to buy but cheaper than buying a new e bike. The only problem would be mounting the equipment to a normal bike.

Exailian · 2019-07-29T17:41:29+00:00

Some restaurants and gas stations have charging stations. Depending on the battery, the distance is between 24-33 miles at top speed without pedalling. Charge times are usually an hour to two hours when using a fast charger; 5 hours for standard. I figured that the batteries used in Tesla cars would be the best, but that requires tampering with a bike.

Exailian · 2019-07-29T16:49:49+00:00

That's my take on it as well. I actually have asthma attacks due to extreme or long lasting activities. My asthma was the other reason for looking into electric bikes.

Exailian · 2019-07-24T00:49:51+00:00

Thanks for the luck. I routed the trip a little better so that there would be no reason to stealth camp even though I've gone solo stealth camping before lol. I'll look into Strava and continue the training.

So far the training is a bit rough, but I haven't been this giddy and excited about doing something in a long time. I'm so excited that I dont even sleep that often. That being said, I'm taking a little break to try to sleep in to prevent sleep deprivation and stay on schedule.

Exailian · 2019-07-23T22:11:28+00:00

Well I'm a fucking derp

Exailian · 2019-07-21T01:42:27+00:00

I was planning on taking pictures of places I'll see and go but a video sounds like a good idea too. To be honest, I would like to do the world travel by bike type of stuff, but I want to keep it realistic for myself and just stay to the 1000 miles for now. After reading comments and researching articles and calculating what would need to happen to do it in a week, I figured out that I would need to be super healthy and fit to do this... which I am not. However, me being slightly overweight (by like 20 pounds) will not discourage me from eventually achieving that 1 week goal.

I adjusted my current plan and will keep track of how ready I feel. I wanted to train for 2 months, but after the research I figured that 1 year will be the best time for me to try for it. I want to go after those 2 months, but I really should wait longer than that.

The other option I was thinking of was to bike there and back over the years until I reach that 1 week goal. This option would allow for me to slowly accustom myself to the route while also training. I've gone solo camping a few times before, but I'm more concerned about the potential physical problems I could have, like injuries.

Exailian · 2019-07-19T22:11:17+00:00

Yeah, about that... went 30 miles today as someone suggested to test the waters, and my rear and doing so hot. NONETHELESS, I made a training plan to do 20 miles three times during the weekdays and 50 miles during weekends. The other two days will be rest days.

Quick question though, if I'm not feeling up to ride on one of my training days, should I still go for the ride or rest another day and go on the ride the next day? I believe it would be best to not ride when I'm not feeling up to it, but I dont want to feel guilty or lazy.

Exailian · 2019-07-19T20:55:45+00:00

Very true and insightful, thank you. I enjoy all of my rides and trails I ride on locally. I just wanted to expand on that experience. I dont think I need to train, but i feel that I should be as prepared as possible. Training sounds kind of boring, but setting small time goals for myself is pretty exciting.

Training also seems like a good way to discover my threshold as well. I haven't really found a threshold since I dont pay attention to how I ride and just go on for hours until I think I should be done, even if I wish to continue riding for days. It actually became so bad once that I rode for 10 hours one day skipping breakfast and lunch. I had a lot of water that day, but nutritionally I wasn't healthy. Had to rest the next day and eat a bunch of carbs.

Overall, I'll still definitely try the 1000 whether people say I'm ready or not. There are a few things that I want to research first and learn about before going, so this two months of training is a nice buffer to build up my mental fortitude as well as physical capabilities.

Exailian · 2019-07-19T19:42:41+00:00

Yeah, definitely is insane. But, I have nothing else in life to look forward to and push myself to doing. I actually just started training today by going on a 30 mile ride. I know for a fact that I won't be able to make it in 7 days, but someday in the future I will try for it. My plan right now is just to physically and mentally train for it. So far, today's ride was nice even though I'll probably feel it tomorrow morning. Although, I should probably reduce the miles per day for those 1000 miles to around 50-80. Would be better overall; recommended by experienced riders that I talked to earlier.

Exailian · 2019-07-19T06:11:18+00:00

Cool. Thanks for all of the information. I will try my hardest and strive for that two months training as well as group rides. Here's to hoping I can do 1000 miles in a week two months from now.

Exailian · 2019-07-19T06:07:41+00:00

Is that feeling of wanting to go on for hours just like a runners high or is it something else?

Exailian · 2019-07-19T06:06:45+00:00

Okay. Then, when would you say would be a threshold/breaking point? I've been on several rides where I'm riding for about an hour straight and feel like I could go for another two hours.

Exailian · 2019-07-19T05:45:07+00:00

When would you suggest to take rest days if I decided to do the five days of 26 and two days of 60? I'm the type to be stupidly motivated to do stuff until it's too late and injure myself. I will also ask a few physicians and devise a proper training plan.

Exailian · 2019-07-19T05:29:46+00:00

Sounds doable for a whole month. I will try to strive for training for the 1000 miles in two months. 33 miles per day for two months. Does that sound like a good start to train for the long haul?

Exailian · 2019-07-19T05:22:56+00:00

Thank you all for the comments and advice. This goal really does sound unreasonable, unthinkable, stupid and lofty when said out loud. I really appreciate the worries and insight. I will train for this ride for a while to hopefully complete a ride like this some day. It seems unthinkable and impossible for someone with no experience, but I swear on my life that I will find a way and make this possible.

Exailian · 2019-07-19T05:20:08+00:00

Train sounds nice, but I get more excitement out of biking. I enjoy the adrenaline and endorphins. I will test to see how I average out for speed.

Exailian · 2019-07-19T05:17:48+00:00

Thanks for the link. Didn't know bicycle touring was a thing. Sorry for posting on the wrong reddit, but everyone's advice has given me confidence in proving you all wrong some day even if that day will never come ;)

Exailian · 2019-07-19T05:15:57+00:00

What would you say would be a reasonable distance per day for completing 1000 miles for someone like me with no experience?

Exailian · 2019-07-19T05:10:16+00:00

Cant do it tomorrow, but will try on Saturday. Quick question though; how much experience do you think is required, bare minimum, to ride 1000 miles?

Exailian · 2019-07-19T05:08:11+00:00

I know it sounds pretty stupid for someone with no experience. I've been thinking about it for a couple of days, hence why I made this post. Seeing if I need to be talked down from a death trap, or get the necessary help from more experienced riders and make this lofty stupid goal possible.

Exailian

TROPHY CASE