eBike Project – Shakedown Preview
The basics
ebike
full charged battery
Two panniers and maybe the sleep kit on the handlebars
No food, no stove
Sleep clothes only (no additional clothing)
Rain gear only if rain ends up being possible
extra tools – chain breaker, master link breaker, more
The route
Road route from cabin to Hancock’s city park, then onto one of the closer campsites on the C&O
Returning the second day to Hancock for any additional charge ups necessary and then up the hills back
Approx 40 total miles, maybe a bit more if I ride further out on the trail
Why so short?
Need to keep things close in case we have something happen that requires a vehicle rescue
May be a short ride but it has a lot of climbing, long flats where speed is helpful, and more
Trying to gauge how much range this bike and battery has on real terrain
Minimal gear and gas station cuisine
Hancock has plenty of food options close to the city park that has electric
Will bring water purifier for the trail just in case, but likely will have enough water on hand to make things work
Trying to keep the variables to a minimum
Weather
Finally starting to cool down around here!
High projected to be in 70s (24C), lows in the mid 50s (13C)
Rain in the forecast for a couple of days before, but ending that morning so it should be dry but might have wet ground
Down bag, tent, pad… nothing too crazy necessary as we transition into fall
What I’m looking for out of this trip
Ensuring the build is solid and safe – rack, brakes, cables no longer pinched
Testing range on the battery
Getting more experience climbing with the boost
Seeing how “fast” my 3A charger can charge (not a lot)
Getting a feel for a suspension bike
Getting a feel for the tires
Assessing comfort – how long can I be in the saddle?
Assessing need for more add-ons
A chill night on the C&O… haven’t been camping since Oregon this summer!
Pod plans
Single tour journal for the trip (there and back)
Separate takeaways episode to get into assessments, next steps, and potential ideas for 2025