Author Topic: Building a BBQ on a bike trailer (Read 35773 times)

Valiant · « **on:** 08 May, 2008, 12:52:52 am »

Well ladies and gents, it's getting close to that time of the year when hundreds of crazy mofo's decide to cycle 120 miles overnight to a cold and wet beach in Dunwich. So to liven up the mood and be crowned the sillyest person ever, I is building a BBQ onto a bike trailer and towing it init.

Now, first off, the spit roast idea was sublime but sadly the weight involved in a whole pig would mean I probably wouldn't make it to Dunwich and well a BBQ is so much nicer and we can have a veggie and meat sides.

I'm imaging me taking the BBQ and some charcoal and everyone else helping out by taking some charcoal and whatever they want, sound fair?

So how do I build this bastard then?

I have a CarryFreedom Large Y trailer, the bed on which max load area is 64cm X 90cm.

Share ideas people... obviously weight is a major factor!

Valiant · « **Reply #1 on:** 08 May, 2008, 02:14:05 am »

Surely if it's on a sturdy set of legs with air cooling it as I ride the bottom of the legs shouldn't get too hot? And considering the past few Dun Runs weather might be trying to keep me cool lol

rogerzilla · « **Reply #2 on:** 08 May, 2008, 08:07:21 am »

The biggest problem I see is this: it's going to take you so long to reach Dunwich with a trailer that everyone will have already eaten by the time you arrive.

TimO · « **Reply #3 on:** 08 May, 2008, 08:26:32 am »

Quote from: rogerzilla on 08 May, 2008, 08:07:21 am

The biggest problem I see is this: it's going to take you so long to reach Dunwich with a trailer that everyone will have already eaten by the time you arrive.

I think he's thought of that, and will be eating as the ride progresses!

Quote from: Valiant on 08 May, 2008, 02:14:05 am

...with air cooling it as I ride...

Can I just say, you're mad Sam. I'll just be glad to complete the ride with a small pannier on my bike!

Charlotte · « **Reply #4 on:** 08 May, 2008, 08:28:54 am »

Sam - it's a laudable aim but I strongly suggest that you reconsider. I've not towed a trailer more than about 50 miles in a day but I know how tough it can be. If you're serious about this, you need get to grips with just how much harder this would make the ride for you.

Why not just ride the Dun Run this year? Think about daftness once you've got the measure of the beast?

Frenchie · « **Reply #5 on:** 08 May, 2008, 08:34:05 am »

Quote from: Valiant on 08 May, 2008, 02:14:05 am

Surely if it's on a sturdy set of legs with air cooling it as I ride the bottom of the legs shouldn't get too hot? And considering the past few Dun Runs weather might be trying to keep me cool lol

Radiating heat?!

ScumOfTheRoad · « **Reply #6 on:** 08 May, 2008, 08:48:48 am »

I saw a bucker barbecue in John Lewis the other day.
It looked dead simple to me - just get a galvanized metal bucket. Drill some holes in the sides to let air in. The grill was a metal grid which fitted into the top of the bucket.

Someone has thrown away a barbecue in our bin store. Its a bit manky though - but I could salvage some parts from it if you want.

ScumOfTheRoad · « **Reply #7 on:** 08 May, 2008, 09:03:34 am »

Not as impressive as the whole hog turning on a spit that you are thinking of, but heres a couple of bucket barbecues:

http://www.johnlewis.com/230451016/Product.aspx

http://www.gardenandleisure.com/products/tcl7512.html

woollypigs · « **Reply #8 on:** 08 May, 2008, 09:17:54 am »

I carried around 8-10kg of stuff/gear/water + trailer of 8kgs for 3 days in a row over 45-55miles a day (sunny and a side/tail wind). It was very easy and the hills are around the same as on the DunRun. But I wouldn't carry more and wouldn't ride for longer in a day, as I could feel it at the end of the day.

andygates · « **Reply #9 on:** 08 May, 2008, 09:32:44 am »

Half an oildrum and some shopping trolley grate welded onto angle iron legs.

I need someone as slow as me.

rogerzilla · « **Reply #10 on:** 08 May, 2008, 12:34:45 pm »

Quote from: andygates on 08 May, 2008, 09:32:44 am

Half an oildrum and some shopping trolley grate welded onto angle iron legs.

I need someone as slow as me.

Keep the shopping trolley castors. Cornering could be interesting.

Valiant · « **Reply #11 on:** 08 May, 2008, 04:58:14 pm »

I've towed Beatrix for 50 miles before, that was very very hard work but a BBQ shouldn't weigh no where near half as much as her, especially if everyone chips in and carry a handful or two of charcoal and what they want eat?

And yes the plan is to cook en route lol

Not worried about times and when I'll get to Dunwich, it's more the sillyness and a memory to last a life time.

Valiant · « **Reply #12 on:** 08 May, 2008, 05:12:56 pm »

Quote from: andygates on 08 May, 2008, 09:32:44 am

Half an oildrum and some shopping trolley grate welded onto angle iron legs.

I need someone as slow as me.

Sounds like a good'un, where do we get clean/safe oil drum from?

Polar Bear · « **Reply #13 on:** 08 May, 2008, 05:20:20 pm »

I love the idea.

Weight will be an issue but maybe you could arrange for a meeting some point about half way, stop for a barbie, then leave the trailer somewhere secure to be swept up later?

Maybe you need a tandem crew to tow it?

Valiant · « **Reply #14 on:** 08 May, 2008, 05:32:14 pm »

How much does a gas canister weigh?

Another idea though is shopping trolley, rip off the wheels and the child seat and bolt it to the trailer, stick a half oil drum in it which fits exactly.

Séamas M. · « **Reply #15 on:** 08 May, 2008, 05:35:59 pm »

If the issue is the hard work involved in getting through the ride what about a relay, swopping bikes with ~~unsuspecting victims~~ willing volunteers every 20 miles or so?

The whole idea is so mad it's brilliant.

Charlotte · « **Reply #16 on:** 08 May, 2008, 05:40:30 pm »

Quote from: Polar Bear on 08 May, 2008, 05:20:20 pm

Maybe you need a tandem crew to tow it?

Let's not go there, shall we?

Phil · « **Reply #17 on:** 08 May, 2008, 05:48:23 pm »

I wouldn't take a trailer - I'd buy a cheap butchers' bike and weld a barbecue on the front where the basket goes.

*looks on ebay*

*ponders*

Valiant · « **Reply #18 on:** 08 May, 2008, 06:17:25 pm »

Wos wrong with a trailer?

Polar Bear · « **Reply #19 on:** 08 May, 2008, 06:23:57 pm »

Trailer. Tandem. Crew rotation. Sounds like a plan is coming together

Phil · « **Reply #20 on:** 08 May, 2008, 06:34:37 pm »

Quote from: Valiant on 08 May, 2008, 06:17:25 pm

Wos wrong with a trailer?

You can't flip burgers as you ride like you could with my setup

woollypigs · « **Reply #21 on:** 08 May, 2008, 07:09:30 pm »

Well I could take Bender with a bag of charcoal plus a big lump of pasta salad and some drinks. Bender would only get lighter the further we go

The only problem I can see is to get back to London again. As if I pull that up there I know I will not be able to do the extra 20-40miles to a train station or all the way back to London.

Is there a way to get a wan/bus up there the night before and then drive it back. (I know of the Southwark bus option)

Valiant · « **Reply #22 on:** 08 May, 2008, 07:28:01 pm »

We could hire a van for £30 and leave it there the day before?

Phil with your set up the smoke would be blowing in your eyes as you rode.

Torslanda · « **Reply #23 on:** 08 May, 2008, 07:37:10 pm »

Quote from: Valiant on 08 May, 2008, 07:28:01 pm

We could hire a van for £30 and leave it there the day before?

Phil with your set up the smoke would be blowing in your eyes as you rode.

And with your setup you would be setting fire to everything flammable that you passed . . .

as long as it isn't raining, of course

luv'n'stuff

J

Valiant · « **Reply #24 on:** 08 May, 2008, 07:42:49 pm »

Nah, I'm sure deep walls etc and we should be ok. Might need to make a roof tough.