So finally got myself the BC Wheel I've wanted for ages, and the question had to be answered is it possible to ride one being pulled by a kite? Note,
I didn't say for me to, as I barely have a sense of balance... For those who don't know a BC Wheel is pretty much a bike wheel with foot plates
attached to the axle, see mine below (my 26" one I'm waiting on a part to finish the build):
So I managed about 100-200 feet with it, a couple times, including a down wind tack and turning to go back the other way, before a gust toppled me.
Given today was 25mph with 40mph gusts, and that it's about my 4th ride on a BC wheel I'd say this is definitely doable, and way easier than the
failed unicycle kiting experiment.
Hopefully I'll get someone out there next time to get pictures of it in action. If only I had steady beach winds to play with, I'm sure I could break
a bone trying this in no time! Always nice when you can combine your insane hobbies
rofer - 8-4-2015 at 05:40 PM
Just what I was looking to hear!
As soon as I have an idea of what my financial situation will be next year I'll get one.volock - 8-4-2015 at 05:48 PM
Should be able to grab some video this weekend with my wife out with me, of riding it with and without a kite pulling. The hardest part for the kite
is I can't decide on how to get on it yet. I tried seated on the ground, but had some issues (should figure out foot straps for that to work better).
Next went seated from a plastic rolling jobsite box (about 2' high) and feet on the platforms and got my best run that way. Not tried one of the
"normal" BC Wheel mounts for with the kite yet. I'm thinking if I can get to doing the skate mount on it, that'll be the way to go with the kite.
Right now for without the kite I roll it and run/jump on.PHREERIDER - 8-4-2015 at 05:49 PM
if you can find your balance, its certainty can be zippy , guy at jibe had one with electric assist/charge as well! by kite drive.
so definitely seen it done . he was nimble and smooth maybe 4m FB . parking lot Nasa Star! i'm seeing that!
over charging was an issue but freewheel setting covers it. cool runabout device.
had a little go with it in parking lot on tilt drive mode. with good balance and hip control/head control smooth cool ride. at decent speed kinda of
a ski skate feel
sounds you are doing well with it ! keep going ! keep rolling volock - 8-4-2015 at 06:01 PM
Thanks PhreeRider... Not sure my balance is very good, more just practice from unicycling. Electric would make the initial mounting/going easier for
sure. It'll be interesting/fun to see how harnessing into a depower goes. I think the leaning on it for some weight, may improve the upwind ability by
far, if it doesn't make the balance too hard. For now I'm just going to wait for a better wind day for my FB and try again.ssayre - 8-4-2015 at 06:51 PM
That is way cool volock. One word - asphalt. That will solve a lot of problems if you can find a spot.Demoknight - 9-4-2015 at 07:17 AM
Is one of your problems too much skin?abkayak - 9-4-2015 at 07:30 AM
i love this ...so glad you have a wife to share your bumps and bruises with...its gotta help a relationship
cant wait for the film please hurry!ssayre - 9-4-2015 at 01:08 PM
Quote:
Is one of your problems too much skin?
I said it solves most of his current problems. I didn't mention that it could potentially create some new ones. :saint:volock - 9-4-2015 at 01:16 PM
I've been practicing sans kite on the pavement ssayre. Solves a lot of problems indeed... However I like my skin too much to try on pavement with the
kite. Going to get more practice sans kite today and hopefully a kite session Saturday afternoon, with people to take pictures of my falling with
style.
Wife is just starting but it's definitely more fun with her doing it. Plus it means she'll need to buy kites I can borrow, right?
