390: eBike Range Test Preview

390: eBike Range Test Preview

Author: Tim Mooney January 16, 2025 Duration: 15:26

On this episode we turn the page back to last fall when I did a secret mini tour with a big purpose… to test the range of my eBike battery on the C&O trail! Can I stretch one full charge enough to get a full day's ride in with all of the pedal assist I want? Let's find out the hard way!

 eBike Range Test Preview

The ride

Cabin to Cumberland, road and trail

1 day, 1 charge*

eBike!

The idea

Can I stretch the battery enough to get me 75.1 miles from cabin to Cumberland?

Learning about range

Learning about methods to conserve power

Can I pedal this bike comfortably without pedal assist? Will I have to?

The weather

We haven't had rain in the region for a month, so of course we are forecast for rain the night before the ride

BUT it should be dry day of, with a cold start and low 60s as a high

The gear

No camping this trip… doing a hotel in Cumberland and taking the train back

No camping? A lot less gear!

Bringing two emptyish panniers

Charger

Clothes for next day

May bring my sleeping bag for emergency's sake

Extra chain and tools

The plan

A chilly start after sunrise

Ride to Hancock

Hour break to get a few more miles of charge

Pedal assist level 1 or maybe level 2 on the C&O to keep pace up but conserve battery

Assessing battery in Paw Paw (may have an opportunity to top up)

Will turn off pedal assist as necessary… or keep it up to improve pace

What is success?

2x speed 1/2 effort!

Knowing the range in real world conditions

Giving the bike its longest test yet

Feeling out the comfort situation - do I need to do more?

Next week… the ride!


There’s a particular kind of freedom that comes from traveling by bicycle, where the journey itself becomes the destination. The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures, hosted by Tim Mooney, delves into that experience through a mix of personal stories, practical advice, and wide-ranging conversations. Rather than just a how-to guide, this podcast feels like sitting down with a knowledgeable friend after a long day on the road. You’ll hear firsthand accounts from fellow bike tourists, each with their own unique tales from the pavement and gravel, alongside Tim’s own reflections and experiments in bicycle touring. The discussions naturally cover the logistical tips and tricks that make trips smoother, but they also explore the cultural and educational aspects of moving through the world at a human pace. It’s about more than gear and routes; it’s about the connections made and the perspectives gained when you embrace a slower, more engaged form of travel. This audio companion to Pedalshift.net aims to demystify bicycle adventure, making it feel accessible and deeply rewarding. By sharing these stories and ideas, the hope is to inspire your own two-wheeled explorations, proving that a bicycle can indeed shrink the world in the most wonderful way. Tune in for a thoughtful, grounded take on seeing the world from the saddle.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 101

The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures
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