I believe, about a year ago, Bike Friday started the production of their first foldable e-bike, in partnership with Bosch, named All-Day.
I am not the youngest anymore but I thought there is one more new bike in me! So, early February this year I made contact with Bike Friday’s Peter Berra and three weeks later we had all the details worked out for my new toy. I chose the Shimano Alfine 8 speed hub, belt drive model and with the larger 545 Wh battery since I want to use it for touring as well. Its colour is orange and named it “Tangerine Dream “, some of you older readers might remember the band with the same name!
At the end of July I travelled from Australia to Eugene to pick up my new bike. Added front rack, handle bar bag and a few other bits to make it more suitable for touring.
Here we are, ready to go!
I had about 3 1/2 weeks to do a loop the south west of Oregon and where I could followed Adventure Cycling Association Routes. From Eugene I cycled through the coastal range to Florence, down the stunning pacific coast, but most of the time on the very busy, noisy 101 hwy highway which wasn’t much fun, as far as Gold Beach. Followed the wild Rogue River inland and my first major climb into the Cascade Range to Ashland.
Here she is, resting! (It, the bike turned into a she).
Turned north after Ashland thought the beautiful Cascades Lakes district to Sisters. From there west over the volcanic McKenzie pass and afterwards followed the fast flowing McKenzie river all the way to Springfield/Eugene.
Managed to cycle just over 800 miles and the tour was a pleasant experience.
She, (Tangerine Dream) performed very well, glad l chose the 545Wh battery and, one puncture, luckily it was the front tyre!
Stayed in State Parks (Hiker/Biker), forestry, county and private campgrounds, with Warm Showers hosts and one wild camp
Hopefully no bears or cougars visiting during the night!!
Arrived back at the Bike Friday factory in the morning, dismantled the bike and with the assistance of staff members, even the boss, Hanna Scholz helped, managed to get her ( the poor thing) into the travel case. Then me, back pack and travel case by bus to the Eugene railway station.
On to Portland, flight to Vancouver-Sydney-Adelaide and then by bus/ferry to Kangaroo Island, a journey you don’t do every day, not even on an All-Day!!
Next tour?, Perhaps around the island, might take me ten easy days on Tangerine Dream.
Manfred, (Tangerine Dream Fred)
