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Obree aiming for pedal-powered land speed record (100mph+?)

(17 posts)
  • Started 12 years ago by kaputnik
  • Latest reply from Arellcat

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  1. kaputnik
    Moderator

    Scottish cyclist Graeme Obree targets new world record

    Scots cyclist Graeme Obree has set his sights on a new world record, aiming to break the human-powered vehicle land speed time by a considerable margin.

    Obree, 46, famed for his unusual bike designs and unorthodox cycling positions, is hoping to break the current 83mph record on a new vehicle.

    "I don't want to curse it, but I would like to do 100mph," said Obree.

    "If everything was perfect, with the power output and aerodynamic drag then 100mph might be possible."

    Posted 12 years ago #

  2. Arellcat
    Moderator

    Wow. Just wow. :-D

    Remember Jason Queally's attempt with the Blueyonder team, ten years ago now I think? You can take a load of carbon fibre and top Formula One designers and a strong rider, but the HPV land speed record often favours the experienced. Sam Whittingham peaked at 'only' about 600W continuous during the flying 200 metres, in the tiny little Varna speed bike, but he's also well used to the recumbent position. A TdF rider probably peaks at 1200-1300W in the right conditions, on an upright bike. Maybe Queally wasn't fully acclimatised to recumbinating, maybe he didn't have the strength of mind, or maybe the vehicle had an aerodynamic flaw. I think Obree might have the determination to pull it off.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  3. crowriver
    Member

    The trial will see Obree gather speed in a rocket-like transporter that contains a flat bike and a protective membrane which he has been working on for 15 years.

    The Scot believes his own determination and refusal to accept limitations has inspired him to seek goals that seem impossible or unattainable.

    "I'm building the bike myself with some help," added Obree. "The whole thing is no more than three feet off the ground - it's basically a human torpedo - you pedal it like fury.

    Sounds like the ultimate recumbent! 15 years in the making. 'Determination' is a bit of an understatement. One can be determined to get up early or cycle to work. Obree is about much more than just determination.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  4. Arellcat
    Moderator

    I was being intentionally modest.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  5. crowriver
    Member

    @Arelicat, I wasn't aiming my comment at you, that was a coincidence. I was commenting on the Beeb report. Please don't take umbrage ;-)

    Posted 12 years ago #

  6. Roibeard
    Member

    Link gremlin fixed

    Pity there's no picture of the bike!

    There can be no other vehicle assistance, so won't have the usual arrangement of drafting a windbreak.

    Robert

    Posted 12 years ago #

  7. LaidBack
    Member

    I'll sponsor him... (!)

    As long as the logo vinyl doesn't add too much weight or drag.

    Reckon that was the reason the Raptobike sponsored one could only do 82mph (!)

    Far too many logos...!
    New European record - 129.62km per hour

    Posted 12 years ago #

  8. crowriver
    Member

    Pity there's no picture of the bike!

    No need to help the competitors before the attempt. Not after 15 years!

    Posted 12 years ago #

  9. alanr
    Member

    I think it's stupendous! and I'd sponsor him too! I'll be watching the news with interest!

    Posted 12 years ago #

  10. PS
    Member

    Interview with Mr Obree on BBC News Channel tonight:
    Click Here

    Posted 12 years ago #

  11. Arellcat
    Moderator

    I see from foreign shores that Arnold from RaptoBike has been circulating the very last part of the Hardtalk interview with Obree, about his speed record plans.

    "an' ahm gona go up that road faast, an' it's gona be fun!"

    [+] Embed the video | Video DownloadGet the Video Widget

    Posted 12 years ago #

  12. kaputnik
    Moderator

    Looks like it's going to be the world's wackiest and fastest recumbent! And prone too!

    Road.cc photoset, interview & video

    Posted 12 years ago #

  13. chdot
    Admin

    Fabulous interview.

    Genuinely unique and a really nice guy.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  14. chdot
    Admin

    "
    Graeme Obree (@GraemeObree)
    4/12/12 5:18 PM
    RT @chasmax: @GraemeObree been busy talks in UK Holland Italy now time to go with the build production latest

    http://yfrog.com/h214cupsj

    "

    Posted 12 years ago #

  15. Wilmington's Cow
    Member

    Only just caught up on the interview linked below. That's just brilliant!

    Posted 12 years ago #

  16. Baldcyclist
    Member

    I really do wish him well, but I suspect it will be a little like Scotland's 1978 World cup adventure....a glorious failure!

    Prove me wrong though Graeme, please prove me wrong....

    Posted 12 years ago #

  17. Arellcat
    Moderator

    "
    Humans Invent ‏@HumansInvent
    10:14 AM - 16 May 12
    Two days filming the genius that is @GraemeObree. Exclusive Video on his bike design next week. Here he is! pic.twitter.com/gTOoJ6Rj
    "

    Stay tuned to http://www.humansinvent.com .

    Posted 11 years ago #

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