In 2024, Lael Wilcox set a new world record for circumnavigation of the earth by bicycle.
For 108 days, 12 hours and 12 minutes she rode, joined by friends and fans, with her journey documented by Rugile Kaladyte.
This is the film of that ride, filled with highs and lows, incredible roads, friends and fans. Beyond the record, it’s about the experience and the connections made, and how the bicycle makes it possible.
Our first electric bicycle was my Dad’s Pedego Trike. Purchased 2019. Dad was worried his driver’s licence might not be renewed in his late 80s. This was a back-up plan.
It worked well for Dad (VIDEO), though he wasn’t keen to take it out unless weather was great.
And recently I’ve been out on my brother’s electric a lot.
It’s not cycling. Riding an e-Bike is closer to riding an electric motorbike.
Motorbikes are fun. e-Bikes are fun.
They are much quicker than a pedal bike. Ours easily goes up to about 32km / hour.
Great for short trips — but not much fitness benefit.
On the down side, I find them much more dangerous than pedal bikes. Acceleration of electric vehicles is often faster than expected. And our Ebgo bikes sometimes simply take off without being prompted. I have to keep my hands on the brakes at all times, just in case.
This particular e-Bike is great on pavement. Good on hard pack and hard gravel. Poor for loose gravel and technical single track.
Here I am riding gravel to go check out possible hiking trails on Vancouver Island. Reconnaissance.
One day on this gravel trail out of Parksville, I turned back — two small bears made me think MOMMA might be close.
Magnetic smart lights that can be mounted anywhere
Handlebar navigation remote control
Smart phone app
I really like the quick magnetic attachment of 3 alternate visors. Wearing glasses full-time, very few other types of visors or cycling sunglasses fit.
BUT …
The process for pairing all the devices with Bluetooth is confusing. What’s on their various help videos is not what happened when I paired.
In addition, my first remote was faulty. Support was prompt. And they eventually shipped me a replacement.
The biggest complaint online is that the ON / OFF button is difficult. Personally, I like the fact that the helmet will not accidentally be turned on. I’m OK with the stiff button.
Rick McCharles 