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Ridin' along ... singin' a song... Two-woo-sDay... fab photo by David Garden
Gary Pluim and I would like to report on the successful completion of our City to Source trip. This summer, we rode our Bike Friday Tandem Two'sDay from Calgary to the source of the Bow River. We towed behind us an aluminum canoe packed with all our gear for the return trip on the water.
Our Bike Friday tandem was the only bicycle suited to this unique trip. No other folding bicycle - let alone tandem - can be folded to fit between the thwarts of a canoe AND also offer the level of performance of a Bike Friday.
While the cycling portion of our trip went flawlessly, we were not so fortunate with the canoeing portion. Our Bike Friday was completely submerged when our canoe capsized on a set of rapids. Amazingly, the bike has continued to function smoothly without overhauling either of the hubs, bottom brackets or headset.
Despite our mishap, we completed our trip and look forward to future opportunities to blend these two modes of travel. Overall, a great way to explore the world. Thanks Bike Friday for making this all possible.
Read the full story including stunning photos and movies.
The Tandem Two'sDay now resides in the rental collection at: www.bikeforest.com
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Multi-Bike Friday owner Geoff Gruttz offered this summary on the YAK! - thanks Geoff:
If you're a Bike Friday owner who enjoys setting-up mixed-transportation modal trips then you'll appreciate this story.
The flexibility of our travel bikes lends themselves to self-supported trip innovations. Many of us have biked one-way, downwind or upwind depending on personal training preferences, and utilized public transportation for the return leg. Perhaps you're reading this in the N hemisphere, it's a near-winter cold evening and are beginning to assimilate bicycling plans for next summer. Summer? Right. Rivers aren't frozen all the time. "Hey... why not? Pedal one way and paddle via canoe or kayak with the folded bike in the boat's hull for the return leg?"
Here's such a trip by two intrepid cyclists / canoeists from my home town, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. I've never met these folks. All the usual character, product and website hosting website disclaimers apply. Don't try this one at home without parental consent. Certified insanity would be an asset.
A few details:
- Bike - Tandem Two'sDay
- Boat - 100 lb. aluminum
- Pedaling distance - 220 km / 135 mi. including some sections with no road shoulders or shoulders with 110 km/ hr traffic
- Elevation gain - 800 m / 2625 ft.
- Paddling distance - > 220 km including 4 portages around substantial dams plus various portages around some rapids
- Hauling weight - 27 lbs. trailer, 44 lbs. bike and 130 lbs. gear and food. I think (hope) this includes the canoe. (Total 201 lbs. / 91 kg.)