Today is all about the practicalities of towing your kayak with a bicycle. The obvious approach was to look on the web (JFGI) for a possible method (you don't always want to reinvent the wheel), and see what could be created from scrap lying around .
Google had plenty of hits, and most solutions looked something like this:
picture courtesy of Tony's Trailers in BC, Canada
Two things come to mind when you look at the picture - do you need a bar running down the length of the kayak? and maybe the hitch is too high on the bike for stability/flexibility? - think motorbike and sidecar.
I already had a trolley with road wheels that could be fixed fairly securely to the kayak with standard tape 'roofrack' straps - surely all I needed was something simple at one end of the kayak to connect it to the bike?
The tow is surprisingly positive, and the bungee allows enough movement for cornering though you have to remember how long the bike/kayak combination is, and not cut corners.
Other road users seem to keep well clear (occasional applause), and as far as I can find out, there is no restriction on bicycles towing trailers.
Does anyone think the bracket would be a viable commercial product?
Would you buy one?
Likely price range?
I bet you need a reflector at the rear of the kayak. Great idea though - although perhaps not for the more crowded parts of the UK.
ReplyDeleteLove the idea that you got applause!! I fancy trying this some time, maybe next time I'm over your way? Think we can do two at once? Perhaps best to take the plastics, not sure I'd like to risk the precious strip cedar double on the road next to bullying cars!
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