Shot Notes
The start of 2020 has been very relaxing. For the first time since I can remember, I have no deadlines. Last year I set myself so many targets I often had to drive past photographic opportunities like Uluru because there was no time. This year I have been free to thoroughly explore each location and experiment with subjects under a range of lighting conditions.
My electric mountain bike has been invaluable this year. I finally got an inverter so it can be recharged off grid. Each sunny day I pick a direction and cycle about 10km stopping frequently to shoot. Even if it is rough dirt tracks and steep hills the 10 year old bike battery still has enough juice for a 20km round trip anywhere. By the time I get back to the van its 150watt solar panel has collected just enough sunshine to recharge the bike.
On rainy days I planned to process images but at the moment I am having so much fun flying up and down hills there is almost no power left for the laptop. The upside is in 2020 I have travelled more miles using renewables than with fossil fuels. In 2019 I drove so much the van battery could be topped up with the alternator. Now I am travelling slowly I need the power from the sun more than ever. I plan to add a 350watt solar panel to the van so I will no longer have to ration laptop time to a few hrs per month. Hopefully increasing the output of fossil free photos from photons.
I realised the reason I am getting so much enjoyment from this bike is because it is the first time I have ridden a mountain bike on a real mountain. The tough design is great for going downhill on any terrain and because it is electric it is happy going uphill too.
This image has been accepted by Shutterstock for Stock Photography and is available for download here.
[…] My 2020 resolution is to embrace the spirit of slow travel. […]
Lovely photo but is there still smoke in the air?
Thanks, The smoke has gone here, Most of east coast has had a good dose of rain causing some areas to flood.
The bike looks in its element. What is the kit on the handlebars?
Water bottle, for some reason there are no studs to attach on the frame. Also have light, bell, compass and battery indicator on bars.
[…] I am now on Nganyaywana Land which has a cool forest full of mountain bike trails where I can recreate the Endor speeder chase on my solar powered bike. […]