🚴♂️Phoenix to Las Vegas on Solar Electric Bike | Arizona Solar Tour 2023
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- Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
- Hey there, I’m Eric, and today I’m embarking on an electrifying journey from Phoenix all the way to the dazzling lights of Las Vegas. With my self-built solar trailer in tow, I’ll be cruising towards the mighty Colorado River, just a stone’s throw west from here, before heading north along its banks.
This isn’t just any trip; it’s a voyage of discovery, innovation, and endurance. I’ll be crossing historic dams, navigating through bustling avenues, and feeling the rush of semis as they zoom past. But don’t worry, my trailer’s got the weight to keep steady against the desert winds.
Join me as I make pit stops in the noisiest of sections to ensure everything’s charging correctly, with the sun beaming down and my solar panels soaking up every ray. It’s a challenge of efficiency, adapting to the elements, and pushing the limits of solar-powered travel.
So come along for the ride, witness the transformation of historic sites, and share in the adventure as I test the boundaries of what’s possible. Subscribe and join me on this epic journey, where almost every mile is powered by the sun and every moment is an adventure waiting to unfold.
Arizona Solar Tour 2023. Let’s roll out and chase the horizon together!
Below is a gear list of all the gear I took on this tour.
[E-Bike]
🛒48v 20ah battery amzn.to/3SV0Iko
🛒Bike Trailer amzn.to/3EycKI0
🛒Electric Bike Motor Kit (Bafang)
------ AliExpress s.click.aliexp...
------ Amazon amzn.to/3FhVmsF
[SOLAR]
🛒Charge Controller amzn.to/3BHoR21
🛒Meter amzn.to/44RuuJN
🛒200 watt Solar panel
------ AllPowers (Coupon ET10) iallpowers.com...
------ Amazon amzn.to/3LkQ1CM
🛒Foldable solar panels
------ AllPowers (Coupon ET10) iallpowers.com...
------ Amazon amzn.to/3DHxCeg
[Bike Camping Gear]
🛒QPAU Sleeping Pad amzn.to/3qgeb6T
🛒Down Sleeping Bag amzn.to/3wBYLyb
🛒1 Person Tent amzn.to/3N8fi2n
🛒Camping Stove Fuel: amzn.to/3umWfHT
🛒Cookware Set: amzn.to/3eO3GBq
🛒Mini Camping Stove: amzn.to/3tf7wsl
[BAGS]
🛒Bike Frame bag amzn.to/46rPVAY
🛒Tool bag used as battery bag amzn.to/3GcmM2g
[WATER]
🛒Insulated Water Bottle Stainless Steel amzn.to/3uz1A45
🛒Blackburn Outpost Cargo Water Bottle Cage amzn.to/47vkoQe
🛒Voile Straps amzn.to/47sBE8H
[TOOLS]
🛒48 volt Air Compressor: amzn.to/2Xqwkn9
🛒Chain Repair Tool amzn.to/3J9Pd0q
🛒Tubeless Flat Tire Repair Kit amzn.to/3CFpieB
[CAMERAS]
🛒DJI Mini 2: amzn.to/3fLKTJ8
🛒GoPro 9: amzn.to/3kIvVoP
🛒GoPro Media Mod amzn.to/3SNJlSp
🛒ULANZI Mini Extendable Selfie Stick: amzn.to/3il8bFL
🛒ULANZI 57in Selfie Stick Tripod amzn.to/49L2drh
🛒Camera Hot Shoe Extension amzn.to/40RGFFf
🛒Wireless mic amzn.to/47BhQj8
[MISCELLANEOUS]
🛒Cyansky HS3R Headlamp amzn.to/3Gcjz2x
🛒25g CO2 Cartridges amzn.to/3J9Gf3w
🛒Mountain Bike tube Carrier Strap amzn.to/35X44No
🛒Wireless Earbuds amzn.to/3qlw58m
🛒Lock amzn.to/3CTova6
🛒Cable for lock amzn.to/3uetcHE
HELP SUPPORT THE CHANNEL
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🛒Buy Stuff
amzn.to/3GFLR4L
Disclaimers and Statements:
► I receive a commission on purchases made using my affiliated links shared in the video description and comments section. The views and opinions expressed here are my own, unbiased, and not influenced by this commission in any way.
► My videos are in no way intended to be instructional "how-to" lessons. I am simply documenting my project for informational purposes. Property damage, personal injury, or death may result, even when following manufacturer's instructions. I cannot be held liable for such damage or injury. It is your obligation to ensure that you are complying with any local and federal laws as well as code and permit requirements.
E-Bike]
🛒48v 20ah battery amzn.to/3SV0Iko
🛒Bike Trailer amzn.to/3EycKI0
🛒E Bike Motor Kit
------ AliExpress s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEk1rZN
------ Amazon amzn.to/3FhVmsF
[SOLAR]
🛒Charge Controller amzn.to/3BHoR21
🛒Meter amzn.to/44RuuJN
🛒200 watt Solar panel
------ AllPowers (Coupon ET10) iallpowers.com/products/allpowers-sf200-flexible-solar-panel-200w?ref=Eric_Tennant
------ Amazon amzn.to/3LkQ1CM
🛒Foldable solar panels
------ AllPowers (Coupon ET10) iallpowers.com/products/100w-portable-solar-panel-charger?ref=Eric_Tennant
------ Amazon amzn.to/3DHxCeg
[Bike Camping Gear]
🛒QPAU Sleeping Pad amzn.to/3qgeb6T
🛒Down Sleeping Bag amzn.to/3wBYLyb
🛒1 Person Tent amzn.to/3N8fi2n
🛒Camping Stove Fuel: amzn.to/3umWfHT
🛒Cookware Set: amzn.to/3eO3GBq
🛒Mini Camping Stove: amzn.to/3tf7wsl
[BAGS]
🛒Bike Frame bag amzn.to/46rPVAY
🛒Tool bag used as battery bag amzn.to/3GcmM2g
[WATER]
🛒Insulated Water Bottle Stainless Steel amzn.to/3uz1A45
🛒Blackburn Outpost Cargo Water Bottle Cage amzn.to/47vkoQe
🛒Voile Straps amzn.to/47sBE8H
[TOOLS]
🛒48 volt Air Compressor: amzn.to/2Xqwkn9
🛒Chain Repair Tool amzn.to/3J9Pd0q
🛒Tubeless Flat Tire Repair Kit amzn.to/3CFpieB
[CAMERAS]
🛒DJI Mini 2: amzn.to/3fLKTJ8
🛒GoPro 9: amzn.to/3kIvVoP
🛒GoPro Media Mod amzn.to/3SNJlSp
🛒ULANZI Mini Extendable Selfie Stick: amzn.to/3il8bFL
🛒ULANZI 57in Selfie Stick Tripod amzn.to/49L2drh
🛒Camera Hot Shoe Extension amzn.to/40RGFFf
🛒Wireless mic amzn.to/47BhQj8
[MISCELLANEOUS]
🛒Cyansky HS3R Headlamp amzn.to/3Gcjz2x
🛒25g CO2 Cartridges amzn.to/3J9Gf3w
🛒Mountain Bike tube Carrier Strap amzn.to/35X44No
🛒Wireless Earbuds amzn.to/3qlw58m
🛒Lock amzn.to/3CTova6
🛒Cable for lock amzn.to/3uetcHE
From Denmark: Thx for sharing this wonderful trip. I am 80 years old and an avid long haul Triker (ICE Sprint FS + Ziflex Mono-wheel Trailer for carrying 65 Kg of camping gear). No EL Assist until now. Last year I completed a 2.886 Km Trip, which took me from Denmark cross over Sweden (Gothenburg-Stockholm) to Finland (Turku to Helsinki), Ferry back to Stockholm and following the East Coast of Sweden to Ystad with a ferry hop to the Island of Gotland (East Coast of Sweden) and further triking to Ystad (South of Sweden. Ferry to the Danish Island of Bornholm and after 2 weeks there ferry to Køge (East Coast of DK, 38 Km south of Copenhagen). Then Triking Ferrying through the Dabisk Islands of Falster-Loland-Langeland to the wonderful Island of Ærø (26 Km N-E of the German town of Lübeck). Then Triking back to Ebeltoft in Denmark.
I was seeking info about EL Conversion Tips & Tricks and fell over your Video. Well done and very well filmed. All the best and safe biking journeys in the future. Consider visiting Scandinavia...🙏
Like these long form videos. It's like we're riding along. Onward and Forth!
More to come!
@@Eric_Tennant Love to see a video on your electrical and how much batteries you have and the estimated time to change from 50 to 100 percent with all your pannels.
as a european watching this, i appreciate that u ve edited what that means in km as well. thanks.
Anytime!
I've been in Phoenix for 45 years (my whole life) and I think you are brave for doing this, best of luck. 👍
funny how states discriminate against Solar Cyclist.. they give tax credits to home oners with solar power... why don't they give tax credits to solar ebikes riders..?
To make up for this I added 16kw system to my house.
yup f america
That was dope man, thanks for the video. New sub
Thanks for the sub!
That ride took some testicular fortitude. Thanks for sharing it. It took me a while to figure out what the green breaks were 😊
That road wire, as you call it, is the bane of my existence. I ride to the Post Office, about a 1 1/2 miles one way, and I’m always picking the wires and glass slivers out of my tires. Sometimes I get them out before they puncture the tube.
4:25 2x$5 egg mcmuffin + water isn't bad for breakfast. Soda is where they get ya.
Bummer on the wreck. I'm building out a cargo bike with a mid-drive and solar. Heading out soon. My question is using a single wheel trailer vs a 2 wheel trailer. Could hit a couple of pros and cons, I have both at my disposal. Safety is my concern. Thanks
One wheel is better for handling.
I plan to do something similar and head off too Zion from Vegas and back this fall on my bike. Seeing a video like this definitely gives me more confidence, awesome video!! Glad you made it safe too, thanks for posting your adventures
Such a good video. I watched the entire ride, just envious as all hell. Looks like so much fun. I am trying to extend my ebike travels as well. Phoenix to Vegas, what a trip. Congrats.
Any bikepacking that involves green breaks and jamming tracks from Bleach is alright with me.
Of course I come across your video right as I am moving from Scottsdale to Orlando... Actually had thoughts of doing a cross country PEV trip there.... I sense that we'd had a blast riding around these parts!
Trick with keeping thorns, etc, out of your tires is 1) using a tire that’s resistant to flats, e.g. Schwalbe Pickup or Big Ben (using both here); fit tire liners, E.G. Mr. Tuffy; and 3) use an Old tube as a “tube liner.” This last helps keep the tire liner’s rough edges from cutting into the tube.
Green break? I was a bit slow to understand what that was. But i got it now in this video. 😂 Just subscribed.
gotta have them green breaks
We lived in phoenix for years but had family in idaho and we made that trip from az through nv to id all the time. The road used to go right past the dam and if there was a wreck, God help you. It once took me 5 hours to go 5 miles on that road because of road construction. It was backed up for miles. I could have walked it faster. So it was huge when they built the road that bypassed the dam altogether. I want to say it was 2010 ish. Now we live in oregon but we still travel to arizona because our children are there. That new road has cut an hour out of our travel time. So worth it.
Good Video & audio quality, like the narrative, well done. 👍🏻
who starts their bike tour in their flat?!
the rest of the video is still reasonably authentic, but the beginning is completely bonkers.
Nice work, not just the trip but the video itself. You’ve done a good job with the edit, the pacing was perfect.
Thanks for sharing your cool little journey with us! It was fun to watch. I'd like to see another journey from you. 👍🏻🤙🏻
Glad you enjoyed it! Here day 1 of my latest solar tour.
$8.00 for pure shit food. Get healthy!
Love videos like this. Great job man and enjoyed watching.
Thanks
52:41 - That song playing while you entered Jack in the Box had me thinking you were going cut-scene to you exiting an abandoned Jack in the Box. 😂
“Wake me up!…………………..”
I enjoyed watching your trip. I try to avoid major roads with little or no shoulder with my trike and to use less-travelled streets but that does make it challenging to find the best route.
Awesome video and super cool set up ,I love solar and use it whenever I can. Thanks for sharing the adventure
Thanks for watching!
I can't believe I watched the whole thing. Fantastic video, looking forward to more long-distance ebike riding content!
Glad you enjoyed it!
@3:53 2 breakfast sandwiches for $5. Later, complains about a breakfast sandwich and soda for $8. Lesson: buy the specials when they're available to save money.
As someone who grew up in California City it was very surprising to here someone mention Ridgecrest! I'm pretty sure our high school had to play Ridgecrest (Mojave High School) when I was growing up at least. Very interesting video and adventure!
Great ride very relaxing stream, green breaks what a nice way to cross desert 🏜 & river🏝. I put pipe insulation as a noodle tire barrier then (tire out) haven't had tire problems since.
19:25 store aile 34 also had lightweight mechanix gloves for sale. NEVER get Hormel chili. Stagg or Marie Calanders is edible.
That's the kind of trip worthy of a tire company sponsoring. If they're confident theirs won't be bothered by what stopped you several times. Those wires probably came from car or truck tires as they blew out.
I don’t know if I would have subscribed prior to hearing solar optimizer but nevertheless I’m here 😂
I really enjoyed your video, I have never known anyone get so many punctures as you, where does all those bits of wire come from, we don't have that problem here in the UK.
Come off the tires when they blow out.
So at one point you were down 17% while eating at Mc Donald's so the ebike with the solar panel would not effectively keep you going forever. At some point you would have to stop and charge via solar, or plug in like you did at the establishment.
I think I'll try that but go to Grand canyon instead from PHX, great video.
try the solar panel snake trailer train, just attach small wheels on the solar panels and attach as a snake, yep 4x wheels
Love your videos it gives me inspiration. I drove truck for few years, but now I have to take ebike to work and errands currenty doing security. If u ever read this man try cambells chili. It's like as close to real chili and hundred times better than that dog food stuff lol. Take care
50:43 thats what she said
People laugh now, but you did it before it became everywhere.
That was such an amazing adventure! I felt like I was living vicariously through you lol.
Traveling through closed roads, camping in super fun places and even passing that scary sign before the Hoover Dam!
Needless to say, easy sub! 15 outa 10.
You have inspired me to get out there and experience life. Onward and forth! ^^
Glad you enjoyed it!
You are my hero omg this is epic....and I love mcdonalds!!!
Wow my friend terrific experience congratulations and good luck you the Iron Men God Bless you
Thank you kindly
I really enjoyed this video ❤
I really enjoy your videos, just wondering how many batteries do you pack with you?
(20ah+20Ah+15ah)@48v
Such a rich voice.
everyhard worker in az gets their vocal chords choppes up by the heat
Unfortunately the tires; even with infinite patches would have never made it.
Cute vid tho
Cool adventure! 🚲
Excellent video and great solar adventure, thanks!
@1:10:00 the exact point i was abused by some random, when riding back from the dam to boulder city. * i think it was some homeless guy up on the edge of the road.
Sorry to hear that happened to you. I was lucky and everyone I came across on this trip was very nice.
American food looks awful. American scenery is spectacular .
I only eat like crap on long tours. My short ones I eat like a king.
Use hookworm tires they resist most flats
I heard some old nirvana playing
Its Solar Chigur!)
You probably got 8 dollars electricity from Mcdonalds:)
$0.10 Maybe
love watching you videos I'm from Philippines a bike enthusiast too i like touring here in our place.
Glad you enjoy it!
Quite the adventure.
The perfect getaway lol. Great video eric thanks for taking us along
Glad you enjoyed it
Awesome dude! I watched it from start to finish!!!!
Hope you enjoyed it!
Great video, thanks for sharing, you will make it back home in less than a day too ha,ha !
Well Eric what a trip thank you that was awesome take care Don't forget to take us on your next trip 🤩🤩🤩🤩
I always thought about going from Phoenix to Tucson taking the old highway.
Done that 2 times now. Best in winter.
Tire inserts, fix a flat etc etc etc.
Wonderful journey, Eric. Solar optimizer is really fun!
Ты не из России? Нарушил все правила и законы😊 Приезжай путешествовать по России, тут можно отдыхать бесплатно где тебе захочется.
Может быть, когда-нибудь мне понадобится финансирование, чтобы начать больше путешествовать за пределы моего района (Arizona).
Great video and content, Eric! Thank you for also writing in kilometers!:-)
My pleasure!
i love my ebike, it's changed teh way i look at riding. great video!! how sketchy did it feel riding on the side of the highways?
Not to bad on the highways. The worst part is the sounds of the road, it does get to you a bit after a while.
i want to do this so bad
I don't know how an e-bike can do that in the heat, do you got cooling on the bike controller?
Moving forward cools the motor. The controller is built into this model.
I’m a longtime truck driver 30+ years and 3,000,000 miles under my belt and I also do cycle touring when I take time off. I have an electric bike and I’ve been trying to figure out how I can keep it charged up with two 100 W panels and a unit from Jackery
Jackery is not the best way to do it; because from solar to Jackery is a DC/AC conversion with a 9% loss. Then Jackery to bike charger is a AC/DC conversion with 9% loss. I have a few video that show a better way of doing it. ua-cam.com/video/Q8mwX7DDNgs/v-deo.html
Not that it matters, but looking at the tread pattern on the rear-most trailer wheel, it looks to be installed in reverse.
I LOVED IT! I WATCHED THE WHOLE THING! How many total miles dod you do? Was it 7 days?
5 days, and about 420 miles
@@Eric_Tennant This is superb superb. Would love to see a video all on electrical and a video that would show you relaxing to recharge from 50 percent to 100 with all your gear. Love to get an idea how long it takes to charge with panels only.
I love the semis! How they give you a little boost! There was lots of them on Route 66 when I rode it end to end!! And the truck stops are awesome!! I love the solar setup Eric!! Might make one myself!!
Phoenix and Medford got it 3
The semi drivers are the best on the road!! 👍
Yes they are!
fun video! thanks for sharing your journey.
Thanks for watching!
That look like the mcdonalds in wickenburg. We've been down that road so many times
Yep
Can't understand all the tire patches. You obviously know what you're doing but....tire liners?....solid tubes?
Yeah, I live in Wyoming, and sometimes I have to ride on either I-80 or I-25, and the truck drivers are so very careful, but they are professional drivers. Its motor homes I worry about. But I do have flags on my recumbent Ebike, and trailer that I pull.
really good video dude. recognized/been on about every mile. gotta review your stuff figure out your solar build :)\
Thanks. Here the build vid ua-cam.com/video/Gr-8B8ytKEs/v-deo.html for the trailer. Long live the solar tour.
La Paz has tons of no hook up tent camping and showers. The host was just being a lazy prick - like they always are!
And what exactly is a "Green Break"?
Brad Williams height support fund.
Absolutely 💯 true, no point in getting mad
Awesome trip man! Im building a bikepacking rig right now. Have a decent bike (quietKat jeep), a couple spare batteries and a foldable 150w solar charging station. Been doing "dry runs" on the bike. Started with a 20 mile ride, then 30 mile.. Doing 60 this week. Trying to gauge power consumption... and the ability of my hind end to handle miles lol. Now just need a trailer and lighter camping/ sleeping arrangements.
Anyway, I was getting flats on my fat tire bike. They pick up debris. I installed Tannus Armor and man, it helped a lot! Not getting flats. Look into it if you haven't already.
11/10
No room for a tent camper on a bike...LoL. Yeah, BS. I'm headed out on my third bike packing trip and have no intent of paying for a tent site. I'll camp where I like.
Your a legend Brother Great Video
I appreciate that
@Eric_Tennant 😎 ill be down to go next time brother 🫡 I just use gas
this was awesome
Interestin project chargin on the go great idea
Thanks 👍
I made the whole trip with you. Great video
Glad you enjoyed it!
That was pretty incredible!
I know your understanding of solar is good, but there is a certain irony in your observations of the man’s questions while you juice up with an electrical outlet rather than the solar panels.
200w(80%) vs 500w(100%).
Next time upgrade ur bikes with tubeless tires.
Have yet to find 29 inch tubeless road tires for a mtb. Even harder to find is a 16 inch wheel and tire in tubeless. I have a set of off road tubeless 29 inch tires.
try these tires on your bike - best roll and grip and comfort of any tire I ever used
Tioga City Slickers 195 x26 - they make thinner tire but this size works best
What is a green break?
Smoke a joint?
Right on brother 64 and I like your green breaks.
nice adventure .why did you choose to wear dark colors and minimal warning lights .
I have to admit my winter riding gear is way to dark for road riding. I just need to shop for a lighter colored riding jacket.
maybe get an ugly neon yellow vest .
atrocious looking but it will alert the lunatic drivers .
anyway great video ! 👍
i plugged into a dead 120 outlet plug and it killed my battery...early board so maybe there is a fix now
That's odd.
@Eric_Tennant I thought so. I was just beginning a trip when I spied the outlet outside the floatplane office. It was dead after that. I'm pretty sure it had been working the night before
Great video that shows how difficult and dangerous the roads in AZ are for cycling and how Google Map routes take you on roads with heavy traffic! We have driven this route from Phoenix to Vegas with e-bikes on the bike rack of our SUV and have limited our riding to bike paths or low traffic streets with a bike lane so it was very interesting to see your experience! Appreciate the demonstration to show the idea of charging with solar.
For comparison without a solar charging method to ride from Phx to Vegas I would carry two external extender batteries that plug into my Trek Dual Sport E-bike for an added cost of $1000 and additional 10 pounds of weight (5 lbs for each extender battery) and recharge at outlets in coffee shops/hotels etc. That would eliminate the need for a bike trailer. I weigh 100 lbs and my ebike weighs 40 lbs and with one extender battery plugged into my bike I can get 40-80 miles of range carrying 22 lbs of gear depending on surface (gravel vs pavement), incline (uphill vs flat) and assist level (sport-mode vs eco-mode).