Remarkable Electric Bike Rides

COULSDON, U.K. - July 3, 2013 - PRLog -- I went with the extended family to Devon in April and took with me 4 electric bikes mounted on the roof of a BMW 3 series Tourer.  I used 4 Mont Blanc mountings and found them to be secure and stable.  The weight of the e bike can be reduced by removing the battery which makes it easier for two people to lift the bike in position.  The advantage of roof mounting is that the bikes can be locked in place and left on the top if needs be and it is possible to access the boot.  Plus the weight is distributed evenly on the car.  Please check the maximum loading specs prior to undertaking this and make sure your load is safe.  Of course it is possible to fit a tow bar and rear mounting specifically designed for electric bikes and we can advise on these if you wish.

Our base was a lovely house in Salcombe which as anyone who has visited the area will recognise it is really hilly - ideal for e bikes.

Through the week we cycled daily ranging from shopping trips in town and back to 13 mile longer trips.  We were able to explore the beautiful area and really put the bikes through their paces.  My cycling partner was my 36 year old son who rode a Scott quality off road conventional bike.  He was able to get a really good work out and the e bike enabled us to cycle together and enjoy the company and hilly terrain despite the age gap.

I rode a Scott 29er all week.  This is a truly remarkable bike.  Its heart is a Bosch direct chain driven motor and a powerful 400Wh battery giving extended range and complete freedom to go where you choose.  On many of the steep hills it is necessary to change down into a low gear and use the maximum turbo setting but at no time did I have to walk or get out of the saddle.  Except.....  We discovered a bridle path leaving North Sands Bay and after congratulating ourselves that we had found a good off road track went round a corner and the climb began to get more a more extreme.  The recent heavy rains had carved a deep trench into the narrow steep path so a half mile later pushing  the bike got us, thankfully,  onto a Devon road again.

On another day my son in law rode an Ave XH3 which also is kitted out with the Bosch system.  This bike has the older handlebar controls which are more fiddly and not as easy to use as the latest Bosch units fitted on the Scott.  He really rated this bike as indeed did my wife who came with me on a ride I will describe as it is a stunner and well worth a try for anyone who wants to explore.

Leave Salcombe and head for Marlborough on a 2 mile dedicated cycle path which tracks the road.  This part crests the top of two valleys which are quintessentially English, rolling fields and woodland with Bantham Bay glistening in the distance back towards Salcombe. In Marlborough follow the signs for Hope Bay and on leaving Marlborough take the right fork to Galmpton.

Travel through Galmpton and descend to Outer Hope and take in the stunning bay with crashing surf or beautiful beach, depending on tide. At Hope Cove stop at the Hope and Anchor. I did this ride twice and on the first occasion we went inside to dry out as it was raining heavily. There was a log fire and warm atmosphere - good beer and food!! The second time was very different - a beautiful sunny day so drinks were outside in a sheltered front area overlooking the bay.

Hug the coast road which turns into a path.  Just a few steps to carry the bikes over then drop down into Inner Hope and take in the views.  Steady climb to Bolberry, Horsey Pool and then at the T junction turn right signposted Rew Cross.  Left to Rew then down a really steep descent on to Coombe which is a chocolate box village with beautiful thatched cottages.  From Combe travel along the valley past a waterfall and a couple of well laid out holiday home sites and then drop into South Sands bay.  Past the deluxe hotel and then up a steep gradient to North Sands bay.  God bless e bikes because this is where they come into their own.  Follow the cliff road into Salcombe  for a well deserved Devon Cream tea. You will have travelled 12 miles and made a gradient of 1200 feet.  

Just a note. Parking is not easy in Salcombe so you could leave the car in the park and ride above the town and right next to the start of the cycle path heading to Malborough. This is a circular ride which does not retrace your route. One of the best ever with countryside, beaches and undulating roads, ideal for putting e bikes through their paces.      

Author Bio

Jonathon Monk is an enthusiastic cyclist and works for Cycling Made Easy (http://www.cyclingmadeeasy.co.uk/). Cycling Made Easy are the regional stockists for SCOTT and can give advice and guidance plus accompanied test rides to make sure that customers feel comfortable and can experience E-Bikes first-hand before looking to buy.