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. Darkerside
    Member

    That's surely where the recumbent outriders would sweep in to assist our champion over any obstacles which impede their progress?

    Posted 12 years ago #
  2. That's the point of a two man team (recorded by the third camera toting member y'see). ;)

    Think 'Top Gear Challenges' but with bikes. Essentially. More than a 'race'.

    Posted 12 years ago #
  3. wingpig
    Member

    Physically propelling the weight is one thing, but I assume the quoted carriage capabilities of trailers partially reflect the manner in which they attach to the cycle as well as their ability to support weight? I'd be mildly nervous about ripping off a chainstay or suddenly finding I was pulling a hitch with a hitchless trailer sitting nose-down a few metres back.
    I have a trailer thing which I've yet to use, but after I've looked up the model/brand to find fitting instructions I'll see what the capacity is.

    Posted 12 years ago #
  4. cb
    Member

    The only time I ever moved a washing machine was from a 2nd floor flat into a trailer (behind my car!)

    I was able to take the concrete blocks out which made the operation quite easy: blocks were heavy but easy to carry; machine was bulky but reasonably light.

    Surely most washing machines let you take the blocks out? If so I'd be inclined to carry them on the bike in panniers and trailer the rest.

    My Google skills haven't clued me up on the typical weight of a WM concrete block, but they have told me that some machines can weigh close to 100kg in total.

    Posted 12 years ago #
  5. steveo
    Member

    Last washing machine I moved had no concrete blocks and it still took me and my dad to move it, not sure how it was so heavy.

    Posted 12 years ago #
  6. crowriver
    Member

    @steveo, did you remember to take the wet washing out first? :-)

    Posted 12 years ago #
  7. AKen
    Member

    I've got a washing machine in the garage that needs to be got rid of. Don't live near the Meadows though but in Currie. Currie-Seafield is downhill all the way though - and can you do a sofa as well, thanks?

    Posted 12 years ago #
  8. LaidBack
    Member

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

    Er... no. Not sure how they'd take to that. They live in Cumbria so it will be away after weekend.
    Having yet to test ride it I'm not sure how it feels as it is heavier than many things pre trailer. But very comfy.

    Posted 12 years ago #
  9. steveo
    Member

    @steveo, did you remember to take the wet washing out first? :-)

    Problem was probably caused by using it to mix cement...

    Posted 12 years ago #
  10. crowriver
    Member

    Oh here's that Eland chap looking smug with his dreadnought of a trailer:

    As for sofas, where's the problem?

    Posted 12 years ago #
  11. Darkerside
    Member

    That thing is spectacular. DIY I presume...?

    Posted 12 years ago #
  12. crowriver
    Member

    Click on the image and you will see on his web page he has built several, this is Mk. III.

    Posted 12 years ago #
  13. cb
    Member

    Two seater sofa (albeit quite a small one) on the back of an 8 Frieght here:

    http://www.personal.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/pictures.htm#cycling

    Posted 12 years ago #
  14. ruggtomcat
    Member

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

    I forget that upwrongs are great stair climbers...

    Posted 12 years ago #
  15. Dave
    Member

    Irrespective of the bike, nobody will be riding up or down stairs with 80kg on a trailer... I was worried enough that I'd lose the axles dropping off a low kerb!

    Posted 12 years ago #
  16. anth- "Ah yes, but what if every route involves some steps or narrowings (on actual designated cyclepaths of course...)? ;)"

    "I forget that upwrongs are great stair climbers..."

    The comment wasn't a 'comparative' one, at no point was it suggested that uprights were great at going up steps, it was purely based on a comment from Dave that a certain bike could ride up the hills very quickly. I could/would have made the same comment on the basis of that being suggested for any type of bike...

    And Dave, I'm not suggesting that that anyone would be riding upstairs.

    Let's take this right back... Top. Gear. Style. Challenge. Having to get off the bikes and lift the washing machine up steps or through narrow sections, or whatever like that, will create 'entertainment' for the viewing public.

    Posted 12 years ago #
  17. Darkerside
    Member

    So, for example, extrapolating Dave's raptobike experiments and making a 'Big Wheel' recumbent in order to allow it to roll up steps would be well within the spirit of the game? There's always a section in the Top Gear challenges where they stick impractical big wheels on...

    Posted 12 years ago #
  18. Darkerside
    Member

    Giving the other teams helpful and heartfelt presents to carry along as well would also fit in with Top Gear. Perhaps a stack of spare wire bead tyres, just in case...

    Posted 12 years ago #
  19. Ooh, Top Gear crossed with Scrapheap Challenge!

    Posted 12 years ago #
  20. Darkerside
    Member

    There's definite mileage in the recumbent penny farthing idea for getting up steps. They'd be some minor stability issues I'm sure, but when did technological advancement ever come within risk?

    Posted 12 years ago #
  21. Hmmm. I'm thinking that's a separate 'show' altogether, but one I can mull over for a future cctv edition... Cheers!

    Posted 12 years ago #
  22. splitshift
    Member

    I like ! how "organised " would this be ? Reason i ask is, if its suitable then perhaps our kids (air cadets ) could get a team organised, but risk assesments and all that jazz would be needed ! OR just a bunch of friends who just happen to all attend the air cadets might enter !
    Weve presently got 6 kids on a bike maintenance course, run by recykeabike (sp ? ) in falkirk and another 67 when there done ! could be a great project !
    scott

    Posted 12 years ago #
  23. splitshift
    Member

    ANOTHER 6 !

    Posted 12 years ago #
  24. ruggtomcat
    Member

    @anth keep yer hair on old son! I seen yer point, just pokin fun.. And personally I'm not too happy about emulating the editorial style of those knobheads.

    Posted 12 years ago #
  25. Darkerside
    Member

    With all the talk of CCE's search, I tried the google site: trick on washing machines and look what emerged...

    Did this die a death after an initial wave of enthusiasm, did it happen when I wasn't watching, or is everyone just quietly using the time to build up legs of steel in preparation for the inevitable Big Day?

    Posted 11 years ago #
  26. cb
    Member

    Guardian article on cargo bikes:

    http://www.theguardian.com/environment/bike-blog/2015/jun/10/why-cargo-bike-deliveries-are-taking-over-the-uks-cities

    Contains the, surely controversial, line: "Cargo bikes would struggle to take a washing machines [sic]"

    Posted 8 years ago #
  27. Roibeard
    Member

    Lazy journo indeed. Payload of 200kg, yet it "struggle" to take a 70-80kg box? Even allowing for the 200kg to include the rider, that's still plenty for a washing machine!

    Of course the cargo bike can take it, it's the rider who will struggle!

    ;-)

    Robert

    Posted 8 years ago #
  28. Snowy
    Member

    And of course, cargo bikes are nearly emission-free

    Buhahaha

    Posted 8 years ago #
  29. LaidBack
    Member

    Interesting to see Re-Charge in Cambridge have got an Urban Arrow. We now have one in Edinburgh for hire via Kim at Edinburgh Festival of Cycling. Set up here to carry kids rather than a washing machine though!

    Posted 8 years ago #

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