Phil is very busy right now and we had agreed he would fit the various jobs related to Bike E in around other jobs on the books.
The Schlumpf Mountain Drive has been fitted along with the disc the Controller uses for signals to drive the pedalec system. This involved putting a 45° chamfer on the bottom bracket into which the drive anchors to prevent it turning. Also spacers had to be made to suit the control disc. The rear wheel is in. The various cables plus Controller are yet to be fitted along with the new gear change for the rear derailleur. All are extended cables – look at the distance up the long, long steering head.
We had hoped to mount the battery under the frame but “no-go”. It would conflict with the chain. So it will go on the rear and I will have to re-think a seat bag.
First ride – maybe late this week ? Maybe not.
Paddocks, fields and sheep
I was told recently that lambs are currently fetching $300 each, such is the world demand for protein. Good returns like this may explain why we see paddock improvement all over the place as we cycle around. This includes grubbing out gorse – a hard job which has been on the back-burner for a while. Now though it’s worth bringing into use that corner of the farm previously of little value.
This farmer is busy clearing out old trees that “get in the way”. Wildlife people ask for them to be saved as they provide spots for birds to rest while travelling and nesting hollows for birds and possums. The problem is the trees get in the way of agricultural equipment and irrigation pivots – so out they go.
The above picture shows one part of the field not yet fully cleared.
The above pictures are of the bottom side of the same field – which is now cleared. I suspect the two living trees in the right hand picture won’t be around too much longer.
Great that farming is doing so well and paddocks are filled to busting with young lambs. The demand for poppies goes down and the demand for lambs (and goat kids) fills the gap.
In the above example I hope new trees are planted in places less “in the way”. While cycling around the Plains I have spotted a number of such replanted areas and rejoice.
Trangias
For this touring season I have decided to forgo the gas stove and return to using a Trangia. My Model 25 is a bit big though and it takes a fair bit of room to pack. I found a scarce Model 27 in Launceston. Yes, the 27 is smaller than the 25! Scarce because everyone seems to be out of stock and no replacements are expected until January. Covid and shipping problems combine.
I had checked the main camping shops but then came across one when out looking for a pair jeans.
The 27 has been tested and works OK. It also fits into the panniers easily. A plus is that, while checking Trangias on the ‘net, I came across a user explaining everything one needs to know about the “simmer ring”. This is a device used to regulate the flame and/or to snuff the flame out. In previous years with the 25 all I did was shut the “lid” a little and it regulated the flame – but with no micro adjustment as the thing was hot and didn’t budge easily. The secret is to waggle the moving part about enough to free up the joint. Crude but it works well!
Looking forward to some camp cooking in 2021-22.
Riding
We continue to get out and cycling, selecting the good days between the horrible ones. Currently there is a large cold front bearing down on us bring rain and even snow down to 500 metres. Tomorrow though is forecast to give us a 20°C plus day – so a ride will occur!
Colin had an overnight camp last week. He chose a good rain-free period but the cloud-free skies gave a frosty overnight. With 3 season gear he got quite cool out there. It’s tempting to go for a S24O (sub-24 hour overnighter) but I am not ready to face the cold. I will give it another month!
Touring
I am planning a couple of decent Tasmanian tours as it’s unlikely we will get to cycle on the mainland this coming touring season. Yes, it is probable we could cycle Victoria in Autumn given that the rapidly increasing vaccination rates should open the State borders. The question is though – will covid numbers reduce?
I do fancy cycling to the Edge of The World ! That sounds like the quest for the Bushman in “The Gods Must Be Crazy” but it’s in NW Tasmania and doable.
’til next time ………………
Tony's Tasmanian Cycling Blog 