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The Inventive Cyclist

By John Andersen

Cyclists are always running up against new problems calling for new solutions.  These are often solved in imaginative ways.  Often these solutions are not destined to be commercial products, other times they may be the start of something big.  You just never know.  

On this page we feature ideas from cyclists that have actually been implemented, if not commercially, at least for personal use.  Submissions for innovative bike inventions are welcome.  But it's got to be original and imaginative.  Yet another bike trinket is not the focus of this page.


Bike Hiker

If you like outings that entail some walking and some riding you are often faced with the limitation of having to return to your chained-up bike, which limits you to out-and-back-again routes.  But some mountain trails or unrideable rock formations are best experienced via circle routes, or may have rideable sections embedded in sections that are simply foot trails only.

That's where Jeff Larson came up with the Bike Hiker Pack.  This pack allows Jeff to carry the bike over rough terrain while having both hands free for climbing and balance. 

Depending on the bike you may need only a single tool to put it on the pack, or none at all.  


PeddleGolf

John Galman writes: 

I have been playing golf almost as long as I have been riding a bicycle so when the thought to combine the two came to me it seemed natural and logical, not to mention environmentally-friendly. After all, if one scans the landscape of the modern golf course, he will most likely observe the endless cart path lining each hole. I call this the "proliferation of path." Literally and figuratively, golf course managers have paved the way for my concept, a concept I call PeddleGolf.

I have designed a front-wheel, bicycle-mounted caddie (carrier) capable of carrying a lightweight golf bag and clubs. I call it my BikeCaddie. It attaches to the handlebar stem and to both sides of the front axle. While I am sure the design could ably hold 14 clubs in a lightweight golf bag, I would recommend peddling with not more than 10 total. It actually should be less. Most golfers cannot hit 7 clubs well, let alone 14.

Unfortunately, the thrill is gone or should I say severely restricted. My golfATV and I have been denied access to golf courses more times than I would like to admit. Course management has treated me with a certain disdain that bewilders me. I offer to pay the appropriate greens fee and commit to keeping my bike on the cart paths. Their biggest issue seems to be my liability to get hurt. I have countered these concerns by offering to sign a waiver. Besides, I tell them, I am only riding a bike to play golf, not coming to race in a 10K endurance. Regardless of the number of rejections, I will continue to seek access at other golf courses.

It has become frustrating that such a simple act, riding a bicycle while playing golf, should be so hard to accept. But such change traditionally comes slow in the world of golf. Nevertheless, I firmly believe the "stars are aligned" for today's golfers to add another transportation option for their rounds of golf. Accordingly, I have launched a grassroots campaign to find acceptance of my concept. My rallying cry is "Share the Path." The details of my story and campaign can be found at my website, www.golfATV.com. I would be interested in your comments, and most especially, in your support.

 

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08/16/11
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