Transportation of delight?

[timidtom]

J has decided that her balance will be better suited to a trike than a bike. Delightful afternoon in New Mills playing, to the amusement of onlookers, round and round the car park, finally tricking the beast into going in J's chosen direction (some of the time!)
Transported the beast home, on its side, in the back of the Focus. It has occurred to us that there may, perhaps, be a more convenient way of transporting it than having to arm-wrestle it into submission in the back of a car - a combined age of 153 doesn't help ...
So, any ideas? We have a Thule 916 carrier which is perfect for two bikes, but how do we carry a trike and a bike? And camping kit? I've asked Thule for ideas but no response so far, and my searches on the web haven't given gold yet. So, help, please!
Meanwhile, the sun shines and the local pub glows with welcome!
Many thanks,
Tom

PS - thanks too to the Juicybike team!

 

[neptune]

Get a small trailer? You could also possible transport a trike on a roof rack, but it would be hard work loading and unloading.

 

[flecc]

A towbar and don't drive too fast!

 

[timidtom]

A towbar and don't drive too fast!

Thanks, flecc! (I think!). I've found some string - looks strong enough. I'll tie the trike to the rear bumper and if she agrees, J can sit on the trike and report progress. Can't see a problem ...

 

[timidtom]

Get a small trailer? You could also possible transport a trike on a roof rack, but it would be hard work loading and unloading.

Hard work? Don't like the sound of that! Trailer might work but they're a p*g to reverse (or, I never did get the hang of going backwards!)

 

[berkobennie]

Van, or panel van with windows or MPV and remove rear seats?

 

[timidtom]

Van, or panel van with windows or MPV and remove rear seats?

Oh lord: the curse of the transit! Why did I sell the Sherpa Camper van? (Because it was a pig, drank petrol and performed like a slug? Also it was large outside and small inside? Honestly, my dreams of a four-poster bed on wheels fell at the first hurdle ...) Maybe I can carry the trike on the Thule and stack the Dutch bike on top! No? Drat, I'm wasting sunshine here ...
But thanks, anyway!

 

[jackhandy]

Van, or panel van with windows or MPV and remove rear seats?

The Peugeot Expert (and Citroen/Fiat clones) has about 7'6" behind the front seats, does 30-35mpg & nips along.
Possibly the smallest van for carrying several bikes?


I get 2 bikes in with 2 rear seats.

 

[timidtom]

The Peugeot Expert (and Citroen/Fiat clones) has about 7'6" behind the front seats, does 30-35mpg & nips along.
Possibly the smallest van for carrying several bikes?
View attachment 8449

I get 2 bikes in with 2 rear seats.

Yes, a possibility, especially if there's an automatic version.
Tom.

 

[Backin5]

I've had a VW T5 for a couple of years now and wouldn't go back to anything else. It works as our school run bus, camper, works van and general bike carrier.

There's also the vw Caddy or Caddy maxi life if you're into vehicles that look like hearses.

 

[jackhandy]

It just occurred to me that the Expert Tepee, which is the people carrier version, might do you If the seats fold flat. I don't know if they do or not - Something to look at, maybe?

 

[timidtom]

Hi. Thanks for all the suggestions - towing J along behind the car seems to be the cheapest solution so far! I do have an idea ... come back! How do I transfer pictures from Picasa to this (or any other) forum? Is there a secret address? A spell? An enchantment os p*55w0rd? I need to illustrate my solution ...

 

[flecc]

In the reply box, position the cursor where you want your picture, click the mountains icon (next to the smiley icon) above, then paste your other site's URL (address link) into the box that appears, OK that and your picture will appear.

 

[timidtom]

Thule to the rescue again. They have a Thulething going by the name of 'Easy Base' which has other things named 'EasyBikes'. The Easy base clamps onto the tow bar and the EasyBikes bolt on top. You can go mad and add EasyBags and EasyBasket and EasyBackUps ....
We bought a base and 3 EasyBikes. It turned out that we didn't need two of the EasyBikes - the trike's front wheel sits in the central one and the rear wheels settle comfortably into the gaps at the outer edges of the base and strap securely into position. The Thule part numbers are 949 (Base) and 948-1 (EasyBike). There is a set of lights and number-plate holder included with the base. Assembly is easy (trust me, I can ruin an Ikea bookcase. Ask J!)
I tried to include a picture but the resident Gremlin b******d it up.