Another Bike Ride
Today, I'm going for 100 km, with 75 km as a backup target if wind causes problems. Hills are enough of a challenge as it is. The bike with electric assist* weighs as much as a speed bike and 35 lbs of luggage, s these rides are good tests for next year's travelling.
*Note: I use the BionX system as a training device, not as a means to slack. I use battery assist when wind or hills get the better of me in first gear usually, and when downhill I continue to pedal against its regenerative mode. The fact that a battery designed for 25 to 70 km lasts me 125 km proves that point.
I left as soon as temperature reached 20 Celsius. Everything was going according to plan, EXCEPT most of the roads I selected (55 km or so) were not paved. Not only did vibrations put a lot of wear on the bike (even cracked the battery casing), but hills in gravel put a serious toll on myself, too.
So, I did 78.8 km afterall, with my battery still at 7/8 when I got back home. Not even in pain, although just cooking dinner was a challenge. I was drained. Here's the map, with my trip highlighted in pink:
Some pictures!
This is the rest stop I found near Windsor. Image is particularly bad, just proof that I was there. As usual, click on any thumbnail to view the full size photo.
On Rang 2 after the big right turn, just before the massive hill down to Windsor. On the left, one of the many corn fields I encountered.
Respectively where I was coming from (uphills in gravel are not fun) and where I was going (gorgeous!) on Rang 4.
Later on Rang 4 just before I found beloved pavement!
So, considering that my battery was barely useful, and that it adds at least 30 lbs to the bike, I'm shopping for a touring bike now. I hesitate between the Marinoni Turismo Disc and one of the three DeVinci's for this purpose: the Destination, Tosca or Caribou. Both companies are right here in Quebec and the bikes are quite affordable for the quality. I won't really be able to do multi-day trips until I have such a bike, but I'll wait until next April to make my move, because there's no point in staring at the bike all winter in the garage.
Update December 30, 2005: I might actually use my Cervélo for long distances, even though it's inadequate for gravel: it's light, and there's no shame in using a backpack. Some high-end expedition backpacks have frames designed to allow some air flow between the bag and our back, anyway.
Update January 8, 2006: As my French readers have already found out, I am selling the Cervélo and will be buying a Marinoni Turismo shortly.
Update May 15, 2007: Don't look for a French version of this site; it's offline.