Jan 12, 2017
Hello old friend, I've missed you! #ElephantBikes is back in action. Thanks @elephantbikes & @cyclingspokane ! by Andrew_Squirrel
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Hello old friend, I've missed you! #ElephantBikes is back in action. Thanks @elephantbikes & @cyclingspokane ! by Andrew_Squirrel
Better by Elephant Bike
Elephant Bike has paid for itself in fuel savings (even with £modifications) and continues to give in terms of cycle training, health and saving the planet.
Previously I was spending £100 a month on petrol for daily local trips but since starting to ride Ele at the end of June, I’ve spent only £100 in total, and a good part of that was on a 100 mile round day-trip to Exeter. Although heavy, and very heavy when fully loaded, the bike is a joy to ride. In spite of its weight and size, it is manoeuvrable and goes (almost) anywhere. I’ve taken it on the small Weymouth to Bristol train a couple of times and cycled along canal paths. The weight merely serves as good training for other recreational cycling.
With its prominent, large wicker basket, the bike is a head turner and invites comment and discussion - all friendly. Yesterday, I was Oakley Wind Jacket window shopping outside an opticians when the eye-man himself popped out and asked of me my Elephant story. He said he had come very close himself to buying one. Maybe the chat will re-enthuse him; I’ll try to catch him again to close a sale (and get my commission!).
As for rideability, the Sturmey Archer 3 speed gearing is just about sufficient for most local paths and roads. Occasionally I reach the limit of cadence on downhill sections. The Schwalbe Marathon tyres are bulletproof and I love the kick stand which allows me to park up the bike at anytime, anywhere. What I lose in aerodynamics I gain in fun.
The team members at Elephant Bikes are fantastic and the social enterprise work they are able to do in Malawi as a result of UK Bike sales is even more so. Elephant Bike has been a great addition to my small bike family.
Saving the Elephant Bike, and Much More
In progressing Cycle 365 Project and through reading Peter Walker’s Bike Nation - How Cycling Can Save The World - book, I have become increasingly enthused about helping ‘the save The World’ cause in some small way and at the same time enhancing my own wellbeing and financial health by cycling for most local trips.
Formerly a Royal Mail posties’ bike, built to last and to carry lots of stuff, refurbished by the Elephant Bike Project, I regarded this revived and recycled bicycle as being the ideal vehicle to get me on the road to that destination of prolonging me, while saving The World.
Through sales of Elephant Bikes to individuals and organisations, this charitable project is able to send ex Royal Mail and other recycled bikes to Malawi where they do their own refurbishment and then sell them to the community at affordable prices to help with other social enterprise projects.
Elephant Bikes is a trading enterprise, raising funds for the Krizevac Project in Malawi. Rather than simply passing on donations, Krizevac creates self-sustaining businesses, providing enduring income to help the community’s poor. The Project provides skilled volunteers and essential equipment, such as JCB diggers to extract earth for making bricks which build quality buildings. By providing an over supply of JCBs, diggers can be rented out to other construction projects to generate income, between £1000 and £4000 a day depending on demand, income which is invested back into the projects.
The in-country hub of all the social enterprise projects is The Beehive. Other projects run by Beehive include tailoring, IT training, computer rental, data management, and possibly the most significant of all projects - the Childrens’ Centre. The Beehive and its social enterprise projects employ between 450 and 500 people each day, all funded by these various projects and not requiring a UK donor base.
If all that wasn’t enough reason to buy an Elephant Bike, the bike itself is a model of strength, durability, versatility and classic looks. It carries my swim and gym bags, camera bag and daily shopping. It demands attention, always receives a smile and tries hard to do what it says on the …. frame. Loving The Elephant!
For more information about this enterprising work in Africa visit www.krizevac.org To buy a bike and give one to Africa www.elephantbike.co.uk See Elephant Bike Facebook page to find out about this new UK social enterprise www.facebook.com/ElephantBikes
Commute. Parramatta river.
Could have done with a bit less skidding, but this came out OK. #elephantnfe #elephantbikes #randuro