Difference between revisions of "Donation Pick-up by Bike"
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== General Observations == | == General Observations == | ||
| − | For a pick up consisting of 22 systems, 7 monitors, 4 laser printers, and boxes of misc you would be needing 3 Bikes At Work trailers. | + | For a pick up consisting of 22 systems, 7 monitors, 4 laser printers, and boxes of misc you would be needing 3 Bikes At Work type trailers. |
Always assume there is going to be more at the pick up location than quoted over the phone. | Always assume there is going to be more at the pick up location than quoted over the phone. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Trailer loading is the most time consuming aspect of the pick up. It is a good idea to make a test run before you strap everything down really hard. This is a really good idea when using BOB trailers or home made trailers. | ||
| + | |||
| + | When in an underground parking lot with a up hill ramp exit, you will probably need some to help push the trailer up the ramp. Make sure someone is stopping cars from coming up behind till the trailer has cleared the exit ramp. We had one trailer spill it's load and a VW right behind us. Not fun. | ||
These pick ups make for great PR opportunities. Make sure you have many flyers, and business cards on hand. | These pick ups make for great PR opportunities. Make sure you have many flyers, and business cards on hand. | ||
Revision as of 19:56, 13 May 2007
General Information
Free Geek Vancouver has been experimenting with hardware donation pick ups by bike. These pick ups right now are done by volunteers. We are thinking of using a flat rate hour system that could go towards the adoption program. So far we offer this bike service on a case by case basis.
Types of Trailers
Trailers that WORK.
Bikes at Work trailer. A small family company out of Iowa.
This trailer has been our work horse. You can see photos of loads nearing 250lbs.
Trailers that DO NOT work.
BOB trailers. These trailers become very unstable under heavy loads. We have found that with two monitors(~70lbs) the front wheel become unstable. This is not a desgin flaw as the trailer is only rated for 40lbs(need to verify). Also the desgin of cargo area is limiting as to what you can put in it. Two 17inch monitors is pushing it!
Tips on Loading
Old bicycle tube tires are amazing. Much better than bunjee cords. Make sure you have some come-along straps too.
General Observations
For a pick up consisting of 22 systems, 7 monitors, 4 laser printers, and boxes of misc you would be needing 3 Bikes At Work type trailers.
Always assume there is going to be more at the pick up location than quoted over the phone.
Trailer loading is the most time consuming aspect of the pick up. It is a good idea to make a test run before you strap everything down really hard. This is a really good idea when using BOB trailers or home made trailers.
When in an underground parking lot with a up hill ramp exit, you will probably need some to help push the trailer up the ramp. Make sure someone is stopping cars from coming up behind till the trailer has cleared the exit ramp. We had one trailer spill it's load and a VW right behind us. Not fun.
These pick ups make for great PR opportunities. Make sure you have many flyers, and business cards on hand.
Having someone with "critcal mass" riding skills can help in a downtown, heavy traffic situation.
more info to come