Caliban and Hilda's excellent Arran adventure

[salty]

What an odd sign! Note the graffiti on the sign.

 

[Rolfe]

I know I’m late to this, but this reminded me of a picture I took in Alberta, Canada last year.

I can’t work out what is forbidden in the 3rd picture. Nobody is going toilet fishing surely?

View attachment 46438

Baffled. Maybe something about not fishing things out of the loo? Why not?

 

[Rolfe]

I wondered if it was a trade in situation but interested to hear that Hilda stays in your collection for services rendered.

Lots of people have two or even three bikes, for different applications. If I was divesting myself of any of my mounts it would be the 27-year-old Giant, which has done absolutely sterling service but which is heavier than Hilda, has poorer gear ratios than Hilda, and no electrical assist. But realistically that would be a "free to good home" job. I have room in the garage, and I might want to take a purely mechanical bike out from time to time. I've just had it serviced.

Hilda is far more suitable as a general runaround than a bigger, heavier bike with far more power than is needed around the village or in town. She was almost up to Arran, I only had to rest a few times and push for very short distances. She's almost certainly better for general fitness than a more powerful bike, as she makes me work more. I can't see me making the effort to get a bike that's over 20 kg into the car simply to drive into the outskirts of Edinburgh and then not have to take the bus. I'm really, really glad I have her.

In 2024 I wasn't ready to spend £5,000 on a bike, the very idea made me laugh. I was also absolutely fixated on ease of getting it into the car. I got exactly what I wanted. But when I came up against her limits, I wanted more. Then I discovered that more was in fact available. Two and a half times as much power, tyres that don't give me conniptions on rough tracks, a bit of suspension, and more bells and whistles than you can shake a stick at. And by this time the wholly positive experience of Hilda had persuaded me to loosen the purse-strings.

Horses for courses.

 

[Archev]

Lots of people have two or even three bikes, for different applications. If I was divesting myself of any of my mounts it would be the 27-year-old Giant, which has done absolutely sterling service but which is heavier than Hilda, has poorer gear ratios than Hilda, and no electrical assist. But realistically that would be a "free to good home" job. I have room in the garage, and I might want to take a purely mechanical bike out from time to time. I've just had it serviced.

Hilda is far more suitable as a general runaround than a bigger, heavier bike with far more power than is needed around the village or in town. She was almost up to Arran, I only had to rest a few times and push for very short distances. She's almost certainly better for general fitness than a more powerful bike, as she makes me work more. I can't see me making the effort to get a bike that's over 20 kg into the car simply to drive into the outskirts of Edinburgh and then not have to take the bus. I'm really, really glad I have her.

In 2024 I wasn't ready to spend £5,000 on a bike, the very idea made me laugh. I was also absolutely fixated on ease of getting it into the car. I got exactly what I wanted. But when I came up against her limits, I wanted more. Then I discovered that more was in fact available. Two and a half times as much power, tyres that don't give me conniptions on rough tracks, a bit of suspension, and more bells and whistles than you can shake a stick at. And by this time the wholly positive experience of Hilda had persuaded me to loosen the purse-strings.

Horses for courses.

Great stuff, looking forward to the launch day pictures

 

[Rolfe]

Well, I found the hole.

(Weird picture. The airbed is dark blue.)

It's on the top of the bed, the bit you lie on, so it's definitely not a case of a sharp object in the car. It seems to be a seam that has failed. It's probably about the part of the bed where I might lean my elbow if I was reaching over for a book or the light. Not an excuse.

I think it failed on the 27th night I used it, which isn't very encouraging. I've ordered a replacement, only £10 as I don't need a new pump, picking it up from Argos tomorrow. Although seeing as they have a new model (£30 including a pump) which has a description suggesting it might be more durable, perhaps I'm making a mistake. I might think about changing my order.

The hole looks repairable, now that I've found it, but would I ever trust it again? Might mend it and keep it as a spare. On the other hand, using the lilo as a spare may be more attractive. It's smaller to squirrel away somewhere, and it can be inflated by blowing into it, which makes it an insurance policy against the pump failing as well.

 

[Archev]

Well, I found the hole.

View attachment 46451

(Weird picture. The airbed is dark blue.)

It's on the top of the bed, the bit you lie on, so it's definitely not a case of a sharp object in the car. It seems to be a seam that has failed. It's probably about the part of the bed where I might lean my elbow if I was reaching over for a book or the light. Not an excuse.

I think it failed on the 27th night I used it, which isn't very encouraging. I've ordered a replacement, only £10 as I don't need a new pump, picking it up from Argos tomorrow. Although seeing as they have a new model (£30 including a pump) which has a description suggesting it might be more durable, perhaps I'm making a mistake. I might think about changing my order.

The hole looks repairable, now that I've found it, but would I ever trust it again? Might mend it and keep it as a spare. On the other hand, using the lilo as a spare may be more attractive. It's smaller to squirrel away somewhere, and it can be inflated by blowing into it, which makes it an insurance policy against the pump failing as well.

I’ve not had to repair one for years but I never found it to be very effective. The main problem is getting the surface clean. Perhaps clean it with isopropyl alcohol a couple of times first. I could have offered you my airbed now that I have my camp bed. The only problem is that I’m not 100% certain that this bed doesn’t have a leak.

 

[Rolfe]

I think there was a repair kit with it when I bought it, but goodness knows where it is now. It's not in the bag where the repair kit for the 30-year-old one I threw away still is! (I could have given it a shot with Hilda's puncture repair kit which I was carrying, but finding the hole wasn't that easy and I don't think I would have trusted the repair anyway.) What concerns me is that the hole is on the flock surface, and how reliable would anything be that tried to bond to that? Anyway, a like for like replacement is only £10 and the apparently slightly better new model is only £30 including a new pump. not worth stressing over.

 

[EvTek23]

It looks like much the same failure as I had. They have an internal structure rather like the pockets in a pocket sprung mattress, and they are heat welded to the outer skin, which when inflated gives it the contoured pocket look. They are included for stability when using them, but also create stress points.
When I repaired mine the patch used was at least 5cm X 5cm, I marked round the patch with a biro so that I could see the tear was in the middle then applied a good quantity of glue as recommended to both the patch and the airbed within the marked out area. I waited for them to become tacky and applied the patch with the airbed which was fully deflated. Once pressed on, I put a hardback book on the top and a 5 L bottle of water and left it all day before re-inflating.
After the repair we used it for the rest of the camping holiday before replacing it after we were home.

 

[Rolfe]

I think that last is the important part. I'm home now and the best thing to do is chuck it out and replace it. I'm just slightly unsure whether just to get the £10 like-for-like replacement or go for the one marked "new".

Here's the crux of the difference. Same thing as I have at the moment.

Compared to the "new" product.

I don't really know what difference "viscose" (or vinyl in the first sentence) makes compared to PVC, but the way it's worded ("premium" and "durable" and "long term use" being absent from the first description) suggests it's maybe a tougher construction, less likely to stage a repeat performance.

 

[siteguru]

PVC is Poly Vinyl Chloride .. just saying.

AI says:

Viscose is a semi-synthetic fabric made from wood pulp cellulose, known for its softness and breathability, while PVC is a synthetic plastic material used in various products, including clothing, known for its durability and water resistance. Viscose is biodegradable and often considered more eco-friendly, whereas PVC is not biodegradable and can release harmful chemicals during production and disposal.

 

[Rolfe]

I know what PVC is! That comparison doesn't really tell me how durable the viscose is. The PVC wasn't impressive.

 

[Rolfe]

Since today looked like the only decent day for a fortnight I decided to forget the shopping and go for a bonus bike ride instead. The "Tweed railway path" that connects Peebles to the National Cycle Route 1 towards Galashiels. I can't see a reasonable circular route so it's an out and back.

I had intended to start late morning but realised I forgot to top up Hilda's charge. Oh well, I left it at over 50% shouldn't take long. Huh. The battery had drained to empty. This happened once before and I have never figured out why. So I had to have lunch at home and didn't even get to Peebles till three.

Lovely ride, here are a few pictures.

That's where I turned back. The other side of the signpost said "Peebles 14 miles" so I guess I did 28 miles altogether.

And since I found myself back in Peebles some time after six I decided to treat myself to dinner at the Tontine.

 

[Archev]

Since today looked like the only decent day for a fortnight I decided to forget the shopping and go for a bonus bike ride instead. The "Tweed railway path" that connects Peebles to the National Cycle Route 1 towards Galashiels. I can't see a reasonable circular route so it's an out and back.

I had intended to start late morning but realised I forgot to top up Hilda's charge. Oh well, I left it at over 50% shouldn't take long. Huh. The battery had drained to empty. This happened once before and I have never figured out why. So I had to have lunch at home and didn't even get to Peebles till three.

Lovely ride, here are a few pictures.

View attachment 46500

View attachment 46501

View attachment 46502

That's where I turned back. The other side of the signpost said "Peebles 14 miles" so I guess I did 28 miles altogether.

View attachment 46504

View attachment 46506

And since I found myself back in Peebles some time after six I decided to treat myself to dinner at the Tontine.

View attachment 46507

Absolutely beautiful and such a “shame” you had to stop at the Tontine

 

[Rolfe]

That ride was perfect for Hilda - mostly tarmac, and although there were hills, there was nothing steep enough to worry either of us at all. I don't think I was in bottom gear once. There was quite a stiff headwind on the way back but I just threw charge at it. Why bring the electricity if you're not going to use it?

One thing I keep noticing is something I think I remember being the topic of a sermon many years ago. Hills are perceived as steeper than they actually are until you actually get to the bottom of them. From a distance, particularly from the height of the previous crest, a hill can look really daunting. Ditto going down - you whizz down thinking, how am I ever going to get back up this? But from the perspective of the bottom, as you're about to start the climb, somehow it all levels off a bit and becomes doable.*

* disclaimer - this does not apply to anywhere on the Sleat peninsula, or that bloody 14% gradient on the Loch Mòrar road. Or the approach to Foyers from the south.

 

[Archev]

That ride was perfect for Hilda - mostly tarmac, and although there were hills, there was nothing steep enough to worry either of us at all. I don't think I was in bottom gear once. There was quite a stiff headwind on the way back but I just threw charge at it. Why bring the electricity if you're not going to use it?

One thing I keep noticing is something I think I remember being the topic of a sermon many years ago. Hills are perceived as steeper than they actually are until you actually get to the bottom of them. From a distance, particularly from the height of the previous crest, a hill can look really daunting. Ditto going down - you whizz down thinking, how am I ever going to get back up this? But from the perspective of the bottom, as you're about to start the climb, somehow it all levels off a bit and becomes doable.*

* disclaimer - this does not apply to anywhere on the Sleat peninsula, or that bloody 14% gradient on the Loch Mòrar road. Or the approach to Foyers from the south.

I made the wee gradient up from Applecross village to the turn off for the campsite the first time I tried it. The next day I cycled to the walled garden and back. The bike (or me) kinda stalled and I just had to push most of the way up until the gradient eased off a bit near the top.

 

[Rolfe]

Do you know what torque rating your bike has? And what the gear ratios are? These seem to be the main determining factors of what sort of gradient you can get up.

Do you have a walk assist? The new one I'm getting does, and hopefully that will be a big help when it does become necessary to push it. The lad in the shop demonstrated, and the bike seemed to take off across the shop floor. I just hope the speed is controllable - I don't want to have to walk up a 20% gradient at 3 mph just because that's the speed the bike is set to go at.

I also think (hope) the walk assist can be used to help get going on a steep incline. If you can't get the first pedal turned enough so that your other foot can find the second pedal and continue the rotation, you're screwed. (On the other hand I think if the bike has a cadence sensor rather than a torque sensor this is better - I think Hilda has a torque sensor. Or very likely I have no idea what I'm talking about.)

I have just watched a 15-minute programme on BBC Alba where a couple of lads (brothers) did the first leg of something called (I think) the Badger Trail, down the middle of Scotland from Inverness to Glasgow. They went down the north-west side of Loch Ness, but not on the road, on a much higher track (possibly the Great Glen Way?) until they got to Kilchuimen. It was obviously extremely hard work - they were carrying tents and camping equipment on their bikes, and there wasn't an electric motor in sight. They sat by the locks and said, we haven't even started the Corrieyairack yet, and that goes up to well over 700 metres. Well, we have five hours of daylight left. Can we do it? Easy-peasy. They were starting from the hard side, the way I went just to try it. I took three hours just to get to Blackburn.

I got a good look at the higher parts of the pass, and the zig-zags, anyway. They're not too tight to cause an issue if the gradient isn't too tough - but it hits almost 20% at one point, according to Veloviewer! I can see me having to walk parts, and that's fine, but that's where getting going again on a fairly steep gradient becomes an issue.

Anyway, the lads got to Melgarve and it was still (sort of) daylight, and they decided to go on to Kinloch Laggan - to shorten the next day. One of them "hit the wall" (muscle glycogen completely depleted) before he got there. He'd been talking about the need to eat a lot, and even nicked some sugar lumps from the cafe at Kilchuimen, but obviously he didn't eat enough.

I hope the next episode will be on next week. They're going to meet a rider who is much better than they are, and she's a woman ("boys tend to be over-confident" says she, in the trailer). But what they did on that one day, well over 60 miles I think, including rough stuff north-west of Loch Ness and then right over the Corrieyairack the hard way, was just insane.

That's the thing about e-bikes I suppose. It lets people who couldn't look near that sort of performance do far more than they'd otherwise be able to dream about.

 

[Archev]

Do you know what torque rating your bike has? And what the gear ratios are? These seem to be the main determining factors of what sort of gradient you can get up.

Do you have a walk assist? The new one I'm getting does, and hopefully that will be a big help when it does become necessary to push it. The lad in the shop demonstrated, and the bike seemed to take off across the shop floor. I just hope the speed is controllable - I don't want to have to walk up a 20% gradient at 3 mph just because that's the speed the bike is set to go at.

I also think (hope) the walk assist can be used to help get going on a steep incline. If you can't get the first pedal turned enough so that your other foot can find the second pedal and continue the rotation, you're screwed. (On the other hand I think if the bike has a cadence sensor rather than a torque sensor this is better - I think Hilda has a torque sensor. Or very likely I have no idea what I'm talking about.)

I have just watched a 15-minute programme on BBC Alba where a couple of lads (brothers) did the first leg of something called (I think) the Badger Trail, down the middle of Scotland from Inverness to Glasgow. They went down the north side of Loch Ness, but not on the road, on much higher track (possibly the Great Glen Way?) until they got to Kilchuimen. It was obviously extremely hard work - they were carrying tents and camping equipment on their bikes, and there wasn't an electric motor in sight. They sat by the locks and said, we haven't even started the Corrieyairack yet, and that goes up to well over 700 metres. Well, we have five hours of daylight left. Can we do it? Easy-peasy. They were starting from the hard side, the way I went just to try it. I took three hours just to get to Blackburn.

I got a good look at the higher parts of the pass, and the zig-zags, anyway. They're not too tight to cause an issue if the gradient isn't too tough - but it hits almost 20% at one point, according to Veloviewer! I can see me having to walk parts, and that's fine, but that's where getting going again on a fairly steep gradient becomes an issue.

Anyway, the lads got to Melgarve and it was still (sort of) daylight, and they decided to go on to Kinloch Laggan - to shorten the next day. One of them "hit the wall" (muscle glycogen completely depleted) before he got there. He'd been talking about the need to eat a lot, and even nicked some sugar lumps from the cafe at Kilchuimen, but obviously he didn't eat enough.

I hope the next episode will be on next week. They're going to meet a rider who is much better than they are, and she's a woman ("boys tend to be over-confident" says she, in the trailer). But what they did on that one day, well over 60 miles I think, including rough stuff north-west of Loch Ness and then right over the Corrieyairack the hard way, was just insane.

That's the thing about e-bikes I suppose. It lets people who couldn't look near that sort of performance do far more than they'd otherwise be able to dream about.

I’m not too sure of the figures for these two identical bikes I have. They are just town bikes really and don’t have the walk assist at all. The little folding bike I have has an actual throttle which of course is illegal on the roads. It is progressive from zero right up to maximum (15mph restricted speed) and is wonderful either as a comfortable walk assist or to use just like a motorcycle/ scooter without the need to pedal.
I’m considering trading the pair of bikes for another more powerful one and apparently if a bike has walk assist then it’s possible to add the throttle feature via the electronics. That certainly greatly helps starting off on a gradient. Even just starting away with the first pedal is made very easy with the throttle.
One machine I’ve looked at is made by Haibike. That’s the maker of the infamous “Aviemore “ machine that I hired. I’d like that sort of performance but of course with more sophistication comes increased wallet wrenching. So I’m wrestling between my financial and physical fitness. My brain dreams of all the possibilities as always but the body is increasingly retaliating.

On a side note I was driving through the Camelon area of Falkirk this afternoon. I was proceeding in an easterly direction at the regulation 30 hem p hach officer …. When I was overtaken on the inside - nay - on the pavement, by a young kid on an electric scooter ( no helmet, no gloves and wearing shorts. The mind boggles at the mess if he came off. )
But what worried me even beyond that was that there on the machine with him were two other kids goading him on.
I’ll tell you what, that was one very impressive scooter.

 

[Rolfe]

You only live once. Go for something with 100 Nm of torque or close to it, and whatever other bells and whistles you fancy. It is actually legal to have a throttle that works only up to something like 3.5 mph, to help get you started on a hill, so it's perfectly possible that any bike with a walk assist will have that anyway. I'm hoping mine does.

Look at Trek and Cube and Mondraker and Orbea, don't just home in on Haibike because you liked the Aviemore bike.

I saw a video where a bloke cycled up Snowdon, all the way to the top, in 26 minutes on the new Amflow.

 

[EvTek23]

I came across this...for a Tesla, but thought what a solution to in car camping if this was available for other models too.

Tesla Starts Selling Single-Person Model Y Air Mattress - Not a Tesla App

While Tesla previously released a two-person Model Y air mattress, this new variant is tailored for those who want to activate "Camp Mode" alone

www.notateslaapp.com

 

[Rolfe]

99 dollars? That's £73 as of this morning. The one I'm going to pick up is £10.

Presumably the Tesla one is more durable, but that's a huge price difference. Tesla branded products have always been extremely expensive though. It's possible that fancy shape might fit other cars too, it might fit the MG4 not too badly, but it looks a bit clunky.

I see they show it with the other rear seat back not folded down. That would be a royal pain in practice, with this big seat back in the way of using all the space to the side of the bed. However, I think they are relying on that seat back to keep the bed in place. What I do is fold both rear seats down. The front passenger seat is pushed as far forward as possible both to allow the maximum length to lay out the airbed (six feet), and to allow the storage box to be placed under the head of the airbed. This both give necessary storage space, and supports the head of the bed. The driver's seat is not pushed (so far) forward, so that the back of the driver's seat holds the head end of the airbed in place. My flight bag is just the right size to hold the foot end in place. It works, perfectly (until the bloody airbed springs a leak).

I need to take another photograph of my set-up. The only one I took was the first night, before I had perfected the arrangement. It works at least as well as the arrangement shown, indeed I don't see anything preventing the foot end of that bed moving to the right. Again you'd probably need to put something there to prevent that.

Also, Teslas don't have VtL, so I suppose you're stuck with a feeble pump that plugs into the cigarette lighter socket, same way you're stuck with a kettle that plugs into the cigarette lighter socket and takes about ten minutes to heat enough water for a cup of tea.

I like the camp-fire burning on the infotainment screen though!