CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Events, rides etc.

The Great Edinburgh Cycling Washing Machine Challenge

(59 posts)
  • Started 12 years ago by Wilmington's Cow
  • Latest reply from LaidBack

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  1. Or TGECWMC for short, catchy I think you'll agree.

    Kaputnik and I were chatting about this last month, and I'm planning something for citycycling on this in the summer. All comes about form that argument of 'well you can't pick up a washing machine on a bike'. Plan on having 2-3 teams with different bikes (cargo bike; bike with trailer; erm... different cargo bike) and a washing machine each to transport from a city centre location (Meadows) to Seafield tip (get the washing machines sourced from people throwing them out).

    Teams of three - one on the bike transporting the washing machine; a helper; and a photographer/filmer (citycycling tv, or cctv, should be in full flow by then). All taking three pre-determined different routes which are equalised as much as possible taking into account terrain, distance and so on.

    Watch this space - we will need bikes and people. And washing machines.

    Posted 12 years ago #
  2. crowriver
    Member

    Bear in mind that due to the block of concrete in their bases to stop them taking off while on spin cycle, washing machines often weigh nearly 70kg. Trailers or cargo bikes will need to be rated to handle that load.

    Reckon my DIY trailer will handle 70kg or more. A Y-Frame Large should manage it too. Presumably a Bullitt would handle it, probably a Bakfiets too, also a Yuba Mundo cargo bike (probably be a bit unbalanced though). I wouldn't want it on the back of my Ute though, would be too high. Couldn't lash it to the side, or I'd need another 70kg on the other side to balance it: frame might survive but I doubt the rider would!

    Posted 12 years ago #
  3. I tested the Bullitt with a washing machine around Arthur Seat in June, so I'll take on anyone who says it can't be done!

    Would be more than happy to get involved!

    Posted 12 years ago #
  4. The Bullitt's rated to carry even one of those old Beko monstrosities so bring it on...

    Posted 12 years ago #
  5. Roibeard
    Member

    Hmm, they weigh as much as a decent sized guy, without being able to either climb on to, or propel, the Pino.

    Might be amusing to attempt it though, but I'd need help loading the Pino and possibly starting off, and I'd also want a "you've got to be kidding card" if it proved too difficult or potentially damaging to me or the bike!

    We could always do the TopGear thing of having a vehicle of shame hovering behind in case one of the contestants bails out. I can currently provide the old Volvo estate to do this, and I'd hope it lasts out to the summer!

    Robert

    Posted 12 years ago #
  6. Roibeard
    Member

    @ ProntoPedalPower

    * Takes off hat with a flourish *

    In today's parlance, I believe that you, sir, are epic!

    Robert

    Posted 12 years ago #
  7. @Robert

    Why thank you, I'm getting a faint tan basking in this warm glow of smugness.

    :-)

    Posted 12 years ago #
  8. wingpig
    Member

    Borrow a rickshaw from the rickshaw taxi people? Even the smallest tourist must weigh over 70kg...

    Posted 12 years ago #
  9. I've got rickshaw style cargo trikes too, should the need arise...

    Posted 12 years ago #
  10. ruggtomcat
    Member

    I know where I can get my hands on a genuine christiania trike too!

    Posted 12 years ago #
  11. DaveC
    Member

    I've got a mk I Halfords childrens trailer. I wonder what the weight rating is??

    Posted 12 years ago #
  12. crowriver
    Member

    @ruggtomcat, is that the one that ended up at Out Of The Blue?

    @DaveC, if it's for a single child, probably 40-50kg, like a Y-Frame Small.

    Posted 12 years ago #
  13. ruggtomcat
    Member

    @crowriver yup! It turned up to the protest but you might have missed it as he didn't arrive till after the speeches.

    Posted 12 years ago #
  14. kaputnik
    Moderator

    Borrow a rickshaw

    My friend Lawman is a pedicabist by night, he might be able to help on that?

    Posted 12 years ago #
  15. Uberuce
    Member

    If you've problems sourcing washing machines, perhaps do the journey in reverse, starting at Sighthill tip and finishing centrally? I know it has a bajillionty of them lying around.

    That still leaves a washing machine needing taken back, but since the Sighthill-centre route is pretty flat, it's simply a matter of Team 2 returning it. To make the point that hills aren't a dealbreaker, you could detour the route over some.

    More ambitiously, and with three teams, the washing machine could make a grand tour of Sighthill/Craigmillar/Seafield.

    Posted 12 years ago #
  16. kaputnik
    Moderator

    Get in touch with Council beforehand and ask 3 machines to be made available to transport from Sighthill to Seafield (or is that too far?)

    Posted 12 years ago #
  17. DaveC
    Member

    @crowriver Its a rectangular metal frame with a pivoting/folding arm. The sides of the 'cabin' fold in flat, and the wheels are detatchable for easy storage. I'd leave the cabin folded flat and just rest the machine over the rectangular frame. I might have to go for a 'Tumbly Wumbly' as they are lighter?

    Posted 12 years ago #
  18. DaveC
    Member

    We could use Freecycle to source washing machines?

    Posted 12 years ago #
  19. crowriver
    Member

    @DaveC, the 2009 single model, according to Halfords web site, has a 50lb weight limit. That's 22kg: the same capacity as many rear child seats. The twin model is rated at double that, 44kg, a bit less than a Y-Frame Small trailer.

    So you ain't gonna get a washing machine on a child trailer, methinks!

    Posted 12 years ago #
  20. Tulyar
    Member

    If I get trailer hitch back on Brompton, a variety of options. Have towed well over 80Kg - Green box 80Kg Bike rack for a bus 30Kg, bag of stuff <10Kg box on front 20Kg rider 110Kg bike 12Kg....

    Should I use the bike carrying rig and take 2 of them?

    Posted 12 years ago #
  21. Nelly
    Member

    Anth, Kaputnik - You could give it a 'sportive' type name - how about The Spin Cycle........

    Unless you go canal, sighthill to meadows still has a few wee hills.

    meadows to seafield, on the other hand is pretty easy.

    Happy to volunteer services on the day.

    Posted 12 years ago #
  22. Tulyar
    Member

    To some extent the impact would mainly be made by volume rather than weight - so the masochists in the company might relish the idea of using a washing machine but it would be even more impressive to be bowling along at 15-20mph (or more) with a fridge or fridge/freezer on board, possibly safer - and perhaps following suite with the Danes we might consider running a short race circuit - looping St Andrews Square and Charlotte Square and running up & down George Street - making it a heat for a UK challenger in the Copenhagen freight bike race.

    The race might substitute the fridges for a couple of alloy beer barrels and we can seek sponsorship from a local brewery. S&N did this for a rag week stunt at my old Uni Bradford-London with a full barrel but the fastest legal method bar to bar. It was won by the team with a motorbike.

    Posted 12 years ago #
  23. crowriver
    Member

    Tulyar, that's a grand suggestion. Maybe an unofficial off-site event for the Cycle Messenger Championships in June?

    Posted 12 years ago #
  24. Dave
    Member

    Funnily enough - I had around a washing machine's worth on my trailer tonight (by complete coincidence!)

    Cracking idea, the actual washing machine I mean :)

    Posted 12 years ago #
  25. kaputnik
    Moderator

    Tumble drier = same size, looks the same, but lighter (but not "too" light, and no compressed gasses in it like a fridge / freezer in case of accidental spills)

    Posted 12 years ago #
  26. crowriver
    Member

    Hey we could haul logs instead. My Ute can definitely handle that. Easy to source at the moment, I understand. Literally lying about the cycle paths.

    Posted 12 years ago #
  27. Darkerside
    Member

    Lacking a device for transporting heavy goods until I get round to diy-ing a trailer, I could instead offer to recumbent in front of one of the teams flying a banner with a suitably uplifting slogan.

    "make way for the mobile laundrette" perhaps...

    The alternative would be to form a recumbent-only team, stick castors on the washing machine and then form some kind of Ben hur chariot.

    Posted 12 years ago #
  28. Dave
    Member

    I was thinking a recumbent trike pulling a y-frame might make up the core of a team. No issues winching up even the steepest hills then!

    Posted 12 years ago #
  29. Darkerside
    Member

    Laidback, I take it the proud owners of that recumbent tandem trike are unlikely to fancy a spell as a tractor unit? Twice the power...

    Posted 12 years ago #
  30. "I was thinking a recumbent trike pulling a y-frame might make up the core of a team. No issues winching up even the steepest hills then!"

    Ah yes, but what if every route involves some steps or narrowings (on actual designated cyclepaths of course...)? ;)

    Posted 12 years ago #

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