How to assemble a Hydrobike!
I thought we’d drag this clip out again to show just how simple is it to assemble a hydrobike. (Even if it was only for a test in the backyard pool!)
Add comment September 19th, 2011
Rehab with Hydrobikes
A great video from the US featuring a hydrobike and it’s value in the rehabilitation of Matt Thomas after and disabling accident.
Matt is an avid HydroBiker who is hemiplegic as a result of a severe head trauma which occurred during a car accident two decades ago. Hemiplegia is a condition in which the limbs on one side of the body have severe weakness. In Matt’s case, it is the left side of his body.
Over the years Matt has used HydroBikes despite this condition and credits the bikes for helping him with strengthening, memory, endurance, balance, navigation/sense of directional skills, independence, his general well-being and more.
Add comment May 20th, 2011
Biking at Aspendale
We went down to Aspendale today with two of the bikes in tow, both carried comfortably on the roof-rack of my bomb.
This was achieved by attaching all four pontoons to two of the cross bars and then sitting the bikeframes on top. You certaily get a lot of strange looks as you drive aong with the bikes mounted, unless people have seen then before it’s hard to work out exactly what they are.
We’re hoping to get them back on Albert Park Lake in a couple of weeks (the lake around which the Australian Grand Prix is run.)
Add comment February 15th, 2009
First bikes on Dora Creek
Pat and Russ have wasted no time in testing out the Hydrobikes once back in Dora Creek !
Add comment October 18th, 2008
Hydrobikes on the way to Lake Macquarie
Today Pat and Russ (pictured) took delivery of their two new hydrobikes and headed straight on up the Hume Highway to Dora Creek which runs into Lake Macquarie just south of Newcastle.
The two bikes fitted into the back of their Pajero quite nicely and the accompanying four pontoons slotted straight onto the roof rack. Pat and Russ have previously paddled up and down Dora Creek on a couple of very cleverly designed paddlebikes of Russ’s making and they decided it was time to upgrade to the hydrobikes.
We look forward to receiving some photos of their new bikes in action on the creek and lake and wish them all the best and many relaxing times on the new bikes, and both we might add were a pleasure to deal with!
Add comment October 14th, 2008
On the water again
I took one of the bikes out over the weekend for a ride down the beach. The weather wasn’t as warm as I’d prefer but after riding a few minutes it didn’t worry me at all.
It was my first ride since damaging a disk in my lower back so was somewhat tentative but survived the 30 minute ride with no ill effects. I wanted to ride longer but did not want to tempt fate with my back.
Again, the bike attracted all sorts of attention from onlookers – so much for a peaceful ride to road-test the back. A canoeist also thought he’d test out the bike in a race about 100 metres off the beach but was most surprised when I easily kept pace with him pedaling at half pace.
Add comment September 19th, 2008
Riding at St Kilda Beach
Today was the last day in Autumn in Melbourne and we took advantage of the great weather to duck down to St Kilda beach with one of the hydrobikes.
Parking is a joke down there and do you think the local traders are helpful when asked to change a five dollar note for coins when the change machines are not working ? I don’t think so. (I’m constantly amazed at how many traders in the retail business have so little idea about customer service.) Anyway, after finally parking we got down to business.
St Kilda Beach Ride
The sea was not angry this day my friends as we slid the hydrobike into the waves of the mighty bay. In fact the water was very flat which made for high visiblity down to a depth of about 4 metres.
As I had not ridden one of the bikes since the 90’s I’d forgotten how quickly they motor along. Sometimes it is difficult to get a sense of this when you are on the water as you would when on land. While trying to film Glen on the bike I could not keep up with him as I walked down the pier.
Although we’ve never tested here in Australia, the popular literature says the bikes move at 7.5kph when simply cruising and up to 12kph when flat out.
Judging from the number and variety of fish that were swimming beneath the pontoons I’ll consider taking the fishing rod and rod holder down next time we go.
Add comment May 31st, 2008
Inflateboat Assembly and Trial
Last month we went down to the beach and tried out one of the new inflateboats. The best way to describe these craft is that they are inflatable craft similar in form to jet-skis. Unfortunately it was not the tropical Maldives as pictured, but the not so warm and very windy Port Melbourne foreshore.
The difference between these and jet skis is that they are quiet, battery powered, do not go too fast and do not leave the environmental footprint a jet ski does. Therefore it’s ideal for families who want a cost effective and family friendly option for having great fun on the water.
We’ve filmed our first assembly and trial straight out of the box on the beach and given it was our first go at doing so, you’ll find the backing music quite apt.
Inflateboat assembly & trial
Add comment May 25th, 2008