World's First Electric Bike Rally: Open To All
by Sami Grover, Carrboro, NC, USA on 03.31.07
Last time this author wrote about electric bicycles, he got in trouble for inadvertently suggesting they were mainly for people with health problems and/or the more mature cyclist. This video, which came to us via Powered Bicycles UK, shows how wrong this assumption was. It apparently shows the worlds first electric bike rally, held in the UK village of Presteigne on 7th May 2006, and contestants of all ages, shapes and sizes can be seen competing in this battery assisted endurance race on both commercially sold and home made e-bikes. This is yet one more example of how electric bikes can help get more people cycling. Whether it's for health, convenience, fun, or avoiding a sweaty arrival at work - electric bikes have a huge potential for advancing the cause of greener mobility. For those wishing to join the fun, the next event will apparently be held on 13th May 2007, though we couldn't find enrollment details.
:: Via Powered Bicycles UK
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Hi, I posted that video on youtube. Our bikes came 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th in the electric bike rally. I didn't ride on the day, preferring to stay in the pit lane (outside a local pub) and cheer. Yes, the next event will be held in the same town on 13th May. Here is the full information we have on the event:
"The bike part of it will consist of stalls showing electric bikes, with the opportunity to try them (50Cycles will be there) . On Saturday evening there will be a musical event at the Legion, Presteigne featuring John Louis at the amazing French macadam Electric Powered Piano.
On Sunday morning there will be a short hill climb just half a mile out of town, followed by a leisurely 12 mile ride around the picturesque small roads and bridleways of the area. (For those that don't know the area, there really are plenty of small, pretty, uncongested roads in this part of the world) .
At 3pm there will be a discussion followed by a question and answer session with some of the movers and shakers of the industry .
At 5.30pm the one hour rally will begin around the new course that links the Business park and the Industrial estate.
Organizer Pete Mustill is urging anyone of any age or fitness who owns an electric bike or especially anyone has built one, to sign up straight away. Tricycles, shopper bikes and general eccentricity are welcomed -it is a fun event and not just for speed freaks.
Entrance fee for competitors is £10, £30 for stall holders, which includes a stall , chairs and a power point.
Contact Pete Mustill on 01544 267163 or email: broadsheep@aol.com""