First up, my beautiful brave girl now rides with me! I’m a very proud Dad. We started small, a lap or two of the yard, then up and down our street and before we knew it we were in the city riding in traffic. In one afternoon. Here she is.
Jake and I rode the bikes to Notch Point for a camping trip. My first ride, one-armed, off-road. Probably should have used any other bike than my Royal Enfield, but it is what it is. The ride and the camp was a load of fun, and we have more planned.
I got to meet a few cool people out at Notch Point too, got a few pointers for future off-road rides. The current plan is to ride into the middle of Australia, so any and all positive advice/input is appreciated. The ride on video
The arm had some more tweaks, adjusted a few things for a more natural resting position and some cosmetics additions. I ditched the snap fitting and instead added a folding hook and some threaded holes for future addons. The FOX shock has not returned from its service as yet, but I’ve been lowering the pressure in the DnM shock gradually to find a happy medium. I’ve also had some of the internal parts 3D printed in the carbon fibre as a test. I’m impressed with the strength of this material and is roughly 60% of the cost of having parts machined from 6061 - shorter lead times also. If the trial goes well I believe I could replace a bulk of the arms aluminium components, reducing cost and weight further. There are critical parts that will always remain machined parts though… not sure I’d roll the dice on the connection between the arm and the hand being 3D printed.
Subcontract work is on the go slow. I may have burned myself out over the last six months. I have a habit of saying that, and saying I’ll have fun with all the free time… but, I can’t say no to subcontract work when it comes my way.
No updates on the TRX as I haven’t been near the bike in a month or so now. Family issues around differences of opinion regarding the current state of the world and the “illness” vs’ the “solution”. This in itself is a heated debate for sure, but it appears the division of society is working out well for those who benefit from it.
My new copilot.
Arrived at camp.
Camp deployed.
The view from the tent.
Dinner; beer, meat, potatoes and onions.
Breakfast, despite not looking the best it was pretty good.
Render of the arm - added some cosmetic covers.
The evolution of the motorbike arm.