378: E-Bike Project - Shakedown Preview

On this edition, we preview a short but momentous little overnight adventure on my brand new ebike… we’ll discuss goals and strategies, plus recharge options and… hey, we’re getting back on the C&O again! 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