Yes it is; we showed that last year, but it does require extra batteries. The rough figures are that current e-bike batteries are about 100 Whrs per kg. So a bike can carry about 1500 Whrs and still keep under the 40 kg max weight limit. That allows for an energy use of 15 Whr/mile which is more than sufficient to propel an e-bike.
With an economical riding style, battery use can be got down below 10 Whr/mile, which cuts the batteries requirement further.
This works out as 3 or 4 batteries on a typical e-bike. This is not as difficult as it sounds. Many riders have more than one bike and spare batteries that can be borrowed. In addition both eZee and Wisper have offered discounts on batteries for participants.
Can't a fit cyclist do it without batteries?
Well, a top athlete could, witness the Tour de France and Tour of Britain, but this event is not about them, its about showing that e-bikes can do it with non-athletes. Also the nature of the route favours e-bikes over lycras. On the uphill sections a good e-bike will outclimb the lycra, and on the downhill sections the e-bike should still win.
Anyone with an e-bike, off the shelf or homebuilt. You will need to carry some extra batteries, either wired in or ready to swap over.
Is it best to be a Hare or a Tortoise?
Charging facilities will be provided at the half way point for those who want them. This opens up an interesting choice of strategy. Is it better to take the whole route at a steady pace, or is it better to go faster but spend time recharging? You decide.
Last year, all the participants used hub motors. But a crank motor with drive through gears should have the advantage on hill climbing. Some people have suggested the crank motor bikes couldn't finish the course. Let's find out - bring them on.
Its all very well for the youngsters, but....
Most of the participants last year were over 50.
What if I can't do 100 miles?
Don't worry about it. Either declare a shorter route option from the outset or set out to do what you can. Recovery will be provided.
Its basically an ad hoc committee of the group who did it last year. But the main person to blame and the point of contact is me, Nick Long. I'm also intending to be one of the riders on the say.
How is it funded? What are the fees? Is it profit making?
We can dream. The actual running costs are small. The main ones are maps and fuel for the recovery and support vehicles. There will be a participation fee to cover these.
Does it have industry support?
Yes. EZee Bikes and Wisper Bikes, two manufacturers, are supporting it with battery discounts. On Bike will be there. A to B Magazine has put up an award.
Yes. But don't expect to get rich; they will be certificates or trophies rather than big cash prizes. there. A to B Magazine has put up one for best performance on a production bike and we expect to announce others soon.
How will you check bikes are legal?
We're not stepping into that minefield. Its the responsibility of the bike rider. All we will do is check the weight of the bike with the batteries. It has to be 40 kg or less.
What's to stop someone using an electric motorcycle, like they did in the Isle of Man TT?
Very simply, the 40 kg limit. That's what we see as the dividing line between an e-bike and an e-motorcycle. Its much easier than trying to measure power or speed.
Can I bring my hydrogen fuel celled rocket ship?
If its zero emissions, street legal and less than 40 kg, yes.
Yes, please. We'd like to see you participate as a rider, but help with marshalling, etc, on the day would be useful too.
What's the point of it all?
Fun. Promoting electric vehicles. Fun. The challenge of 100 miles on an e-bike. Fun. A day out in dramatic surroundings. Fun.
