Does anyone have any suggestions on how to carry a fiddle on bike? I like to take my instrument to work so that I can play at lunchtime, but right now I can only take it when I drive. Hate to drive. I live out in the sticks, with about a mile of dirt road, then a couple of miles of pavement between me and the office. I have panniers that I use to haul all my junk around, but I'm a little concerned about the bumping around factor.
What about putting it in a larger backpack (the kind you use for hiking and/or camping)? It would stick out, but I think it might stay in there. I've seen people carry fiddles on their backs in a backpack manner while riding here in Vermont. Good luck. I wish I could bike to work
There's a guy named Luke who's kind of a modern day O'Carolan -- he straps his lap-harp onto his back and rides his bike to our session. Good thing he's not blind.
I saw a bloke in Amsterdam last week carrying a double bass on his bike. No kidding. I kept clear of him. Don't want to be hit by one of them.
Brian Cromarty from Saltfishforty http://www.saltfishforty.co.uk/ can be seen on these fine nights cycling round Aberdeen with a mandola strapped to his back. I suppose it helps when the wind's behind him but is not so good when cycling into the wind.
I hate a back pack (I can't turn around quicky in traffic to see in back of me and I don't want a rear view mirror either) when riding my bike so I opt for a set of panniers to carry stuff. Or a large fold over english style saddle bag and carry it sideways. I wouldn't however, carry my pipes on a bike, even though stuff of legends have.
Of course a 42 mile commute(one way) to my session is a bit much....
I always ride my bike to a diddle with my double violin/viola case. Two straps are vital incase one breaks. Edinburgh is pretty hilly, but, from where I stay, it's up hill all the way, and a leasurly free wheel all the way home.
Michael, do you mean you just put it over your shoulder-crosswise with both straps going the same way? It doesn't get in the way? I'll have to try it and see...
I was thinking about this just last night Batlady, because a co-worker of mine road her bike through Ireland, and now I'm inspired to do that too, but I wondered how I'd be able to do it with the fiddle. I'd really need to get in shape though first...
The shoulder straps are good for the fiddle but I carry the mandolin in the paniers. Edinburgh *is* a bit hilly and there's also the wind factor. However, like Michael, I usually find it easier on the way home.
I thought I'd come out of lurkerdom to post on this. I cycle to lessons and sessions with my fiddle on my back, rucksack-wise. I've never had any problems, although the top of the case sometimes gets in the way when you're looking over your shoulder. Top tip: make sure the case is zipped. I have cycled 8 hilly miles before realising that the only thing holding the case shut was the dodgy clasp...
I cycle everywhere with my fiddle on my back in a smallish (35 litre) Berghaus sack. The fiddle doesn't fit completely into the sack at all, but with the rucksack straps fastened around it and the top drawstring tight, it can't fall out. The case itself does have straps, so it can go directly on my back if I want, but I prefer having the sack so when I get to the session I can put bike lights, coat, etc in it and out of the way.
I_Fel - I don't have any problem looking behind me in traffic; perhaps it's 'cos it's a small sack?
Kate_d - several times recently I've put the case on my back without the zip done up, and it's come open! Luckily there's a little velcro strap that goes over the neck of the fiddle so it doesn't fall out (a lifesaver!). I think one time I'd been walking around for about 5 minutes with the lid hanging open!
Thanks--as always, a veritable fountain of knowledge. I went home and looked at my case, and noticed a D-ring on the back that allows me to rearrange the carry straps into a backpack version. Annoying to have something on my back, but very do-able. Leaves the panniers free to carry jugs of wine, watermelons, and the odd bodhran I sometimes find in the weeds alongside the road.
my back pack is a small daypack when I carry stuff on my bike. Mayge its because I'm on the hoods or drops most of the time and not on the tops. Old habits are hard to break at times
hands resting on the brake"hoods", in the "drops or hooks" part of a racing handle bar ( not flat mtn bikes nor police type) and tops, the flat part of the bar ajacent to the stem.
sorry for the terms- after 35+ years of riding, i can't describe them any other way -old habits are indeed hard to break
Ah yes, actually i can see how on a racing bike a larger pack might feel more in the way. Myself I usually ride an upright-style bike (one of those natty Brompton fold-up jobbies, which I love), so I hardly notice the pack. I think if I was crouched over drop-handlebars I'd be worried the fiddle might fall out.
back when I had hair and fewer road-rash scars, I'd pedal three miles to a friend's house with an uncased guitar slung over my back. neck/head down gave the best over-the-shoulder visibility ... crashing was not an option the late at night summer rides home were a chance to practice riding and playing.
In retrospect, as with cell-phone use and driving, as a no-hands riding guitar-playing being, neither of the tasks was done well
just hang up and drive.
thanks for making the pedal/fiddle transportation choice and avoiding the pedal/petrol/pollution option ....
please post back and let "us" know how
your pedal/fiddle solution works out
Aw, come on, I_Fel-you could carry pipes with one of those nifty little BOB trailers! Anyway, you're braver than I, riding a road bike in SoCal. I hung mine up a few years back after watching a friend being bolted back together following a nasty encounter with a nice old lady driving a big sedan. I stay in the mountain bike realm these days.
Mike-I pedal so that I can eat nice things like Guinness Ice Cream and keep my girlish figure. ;-]
I've got one of those BOB trailers (from the days when I was trying to manage without a car), and I'm not sure I'd carry a delicate musical instrument in it - it can give its contents quite a jolt at times. Mind you, pipes would probably be fine. I still use the BOB - it's ideal when going on a journey that starts at the station, 'cos I can pack loads of stuff in the excellent bag that came with it, fiddle on me back, lock it up at the station and away yonder I go. Saves on taxi fares, and lets me bypass unpredictable traffic jams (god I hate being stuck in a taxi in a traffic jam while the train departure time ticks by...)
Hadn't thought of the BOB trailer; actually that's not a bad thought for carrying pipes. ( but not mine)
Batlady- yup; ride to cook, cook to eat, food coma. HMMM,an almost haiku kinda thing. I've crashed in three disciplines, road, track and mtn bike and I just don't heal as well or as fast as I used to. And, yes, we've all got friends that have been "bolted" back together after spacial encounters with cars
hey I_Fel, luckily I never crashed on the track (note to readers: on the track, fall up the banking, not down the banking )
Batlady, way back when, at the end of the race season, the just-spinning-along century became a Sunday ritual ... one day, I did the math and discovered I could eat two-pints of premium ice-cream and still be in calorie-debt for the day ... wonder if the lycra still fits LOL
Throughout my school years I had a smallish plastic fiddle-case. With a leather strap that was fastened to the grip and round the case in the middle I could carry it on my back. Like that I cycled to violin lessions and orchestra rehearsals.
I couldn't do that now with my new rectangular case. The rucksack idea sounds the best to me.
Cycling fiddles
Cycling fiddles
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to carry a fiddle on bike? I like to take my instrument to work so that I can play at lunchtime, but right now I can only take it when I drive. Hate to drive. I live out in the sticks, with about a mile of dirt road, then a couple of miles of pavement between me and the office. I have panniers that I use to haul all my junk around, but I'm a little concerned about the bumping around factor.
# Posted on June 30th 2004 by Michele Sims
Re: Cycling fiddles
Get one of those cases with shoulder straps. Then you can carry it on your back.
# Posted on June 30th 2004 by Max Becher
Re: Cycling fiddles
What about putting it in a larger backpack (the kind you use for hiking and/or camping)? It would stick out, but I think it might stay in there. I've seen people carry fiddles on their backs in a backpack manner while riding here in Vermont. Good luck. I wish I could bike to work
Joyce
# Posted on June 30th 2004 by JMH
Re: Cycling fiddles
Shoulder straps! Yes, I have a friend who has a case like that and he sometimes bikes to the session.
# Posted on June 30th 2004 by JMH
Re: Cycling fiddles
There's a guy named Luke who's kind of a modern day O'Carolan -- he straps his lap-harp onto his back and rides his bike to our session. Good thing he's not blind.
# Posted on June 30th 2004 by Phantom Button
Re: Cycling fiddles
I saw a bloke in Amsterdam last week carrying a double bass on his bike. No kidding. I kept clear of him. Don't want to be hit by one of them.
Brian Cromarty from Saltfishforty http://www.saltfishforty.co.uk/ can be seen on these fine nights cycling round Aberdeen with a mandola strapped to his back. I suppose it helps when the wind's behind him but is not so good when cycling into the wind.
# Posted on June 30th 2004 by Bren
Re: Cycling fiddles
I hate a back pack (I can't turn around quicky in traffic to see in back of me and I don't want a rear view mirror either) when riding my bike so I opt for a set of panniers to carry stuff. Or a large fold over english style saddle bag and carry it sideways. I wouldn't however, carry my pipes on a bike, even though stuff of legends have.
Of course a 42 mile commute(one way) to my session is a bit much....
# Posted on June 30th 2004 by I_Fel
Re: Cycling fiddles
I always ride my bike to a diddle with my double violin/viola case. Two straps are vital incase one breaks. Edinburgh is pretty hilly, but, from where I stay, it's up hill all the way, and a leasurly free wheel all the way home.
# Posted on June 30th 2004 by ...
Re: Cycling fiddles
I'm just the opposite Michael so I walk to the pub and take the bus home! Fine nights for cycling though.
# Posted on June 30th 2004 by Bren
Re: Cycling fiddles
Michael, do you mean you just put it over your shoulder-crosswise with both straps going the same way? It doesn't get in the way? I'll have to try it and see...
I was thinking about this just last night Batlady, because a co-worker of mine road her bike through Ireland, and now I'm inspired to do that too, but I wondered how I'd be able to do it with the fiddle. I'd really need to get in shape though first...
# Posted on June 30th 2004 by Andee
Re: Cycling fiddles
The shoulder straps are good for the fiddle but I carry the mandolin in the paniers. Edinburgh *is* a bit hilly and there's also the wind factor. However, like Michael, I usually find it easier on the way home.
# Posted on June 30th 2004 by Johnny Jay
Re: Cycling fiddles
I thought I'd come out of lurkerdom to post on this. I cycle to lessons and sessions with my fiddle on my back, rucksack-wise. I've never had any problems, although the top of the case sometimes gets in the way when you're looking over your shoulder. Top tip: make sure the case is zipped. I have cycled 8 hilly miles before realising that the only thing holding the case shut was the dodgy clasp...
# Posted on June 30th 2004 by kate_d
Re: Cycling fiddles
Then there's the falling off . . .
# Posted on June 30th 2004 by showaddydadito
Re: Cycling fiddles
Yep, both straps going the same way
# Posted on June 30th 2004 by ...
Re: Cycling fiddles
I cycle everywhere with my fiddle on my back in a smallish (35 litre) Berghaus sack. The fiddle doesn't fit completely into the sack at all, but with the rucksack straps fastened around it and the top drawstring tight, it can't fall out. The case itself does have straps, so it can go directly on my back if I want, but I prefer having the sack so when I get to the session I can put bike lights, coat, etc in it and out of the way.
I_Fel - I don't have any problem looking behind me in traffic; perhaps it's 'cos it's a small sack?
Kate_d - several times recently I've put the case on my back without the zip done up, and it's come open! Luckily there's a little velcro strap that goes over the neck of the fiddle so it doesn't fall out (a lifesaver!). I think one time I'd been walking around for about 5 minutes with the lid hanging open!
# Posted on July 1st 2004 by rog
Re: Cycling fiddles
Thanks--as always, a veritable fountain of knowledge. I went home and looked at my case, and noticed a D-ring on the back that allows me to rearrange the carry straps into a backpack version. Annoying to have something on my back, but very do-able. Leaves the panniers free to carry jugs of wine, watermelons, and the odd bodhran I sometimes find in the weeds alongside the road.
# Posted on July 1st 2004 by Michele Sims
Re: Cycling fiddles
my back pack is a small daypack when I carry stuff on my bike. Mayge its because I'm on the hoods or drops most of the time and not on the tops. Old habits are hard to break at times
# Posted on July 1st 2004 by I_Fel
Re: Cycling fiddles
"the hoods or drops"... you've lost me there! perhaps (neighbour)hoods (?), but "drops" and "tops" have me totally puzzled...
# Posted on July 1st 2004 by rog
Re: Cycling fiddles
hands resting on the brake"hoods", in the "drops or hooks" part of a racing handle bar ( not flat mtn bikes nor police type) and tops, the flat part of the bar ajacent to the stem.
sorry for the terms- after 35+ years of riding, i can't describe them any other way -old habits are indeed hard to break
# Posted on July 1st 2004 by I_Fel
Re: Cycling fiddles
Ah yes, actually i can see how on a racing bike a larger pack might feel more in the way. Myself I usually ride an upright-style bike (one of those natty Brompton fold-up jobbies, which I love), so I hardly notice the pack. I think if I was crouched over drop-handlebars I'd be worried the fiddle might fall out.
# Posted on July 1st 2004 by rog
Re: Cycling fiddles
back when I had hair and fewer road-rash scars, I'd pedal three miles to a friend's house with an uncased guitar slung over my back. neck/head down gave the best over-the-shoulder visibility ... crashing was not an option
the late at night summer rides home were a chance to practice riding and playing.
In retrospect, as with cell-phone use and driving, as a no-hands riding guitar-playing being, neither of the tasks was done well
just hang up and drive.
thanks for making the pedal/fiddle transportation choice and avoiding the pedal/petrol/pollution option ....
please post back and let "us" know how
your pedal/fiddle solution works out
# Posted on July 1st 2004 by mike henry
Re: Cycling fiddles
Aw, come on, I_Fel-you could carry pipes with one of those nifty little BOB trailers! Anyway, you're braver than I, riding a road bike in SoCal. I hung mine up a few years back after watching a friend being bolted back together following a nasty encounter with a nice old lady driving a big sedan. I stay in the mountain bike realm these days.
Mike-I pedal so that I can eat nice things like Guinness Ice Cream and keep my girlish figure. ;-]
# Posted on July 2nd 2004 by Michele Sims
Re: Cycling fiddles
I've got one of those BOB trailers (from the days when I was trying to manage without a car), and I'm not sure I'd carry a delicate musical instrument in it - it can give its contents quite a jolt at times. Mind you, pipes would probably be fine. I still use the BOB - it's ideal when going on a journey that starts at the station, 'cos I can pack loads of stuff in the excellent bag that came with it, fiddle on me back, lock it up at the station and away yonder I go. Saves on taxi fares, and lets me bypass unpredictable traffic jams (god I hate being stuck in a taxi in a traffic jam while the train departure time ticks by...)
# Posted on July 2nd 2004 by rog
Re: Cycling fiddles
Hadn't thought of the BOB trailer; actually that's not a bad thought for carrying pipes. ( but not mine
)
Batlady- yup; ride to cook, cook to eat, food coma. HMMM,an almost haiku kinda thing. I've crashed in three disciplines, road, track and mtn bike and I just don't heal as well or as fast as I used to. And, yes, we've all got friends that have been "bolted" back together after spacial encounters with cars
# Posted on July 2nd 2004 by I_Fel
Re: Cycling fiddles
hey I_Fel, luckily I never crashed on the track (note to readers: on the track, fall up the banking, not down the banking
)
Batlady, way back when, at the end of the race season, the just-spinning-along century became a Sunday ritual ... one day, I did the math and discovered I could eat two-pints of premium ice-cream and still be in calorie-debt for the day ... wonder if the lycra still fits LOL
# Posted on July 2nd 2004 by mike henry
Re: Cycling fiddles
Throughout my school years I had a smallish plastic fiddle-case. With a leather strap that was fastened to the grip and round the case in the middle I could carry it on my back. Like that I cycled to violin lessions and orchestra rehearsals.
I couldn't do that now with my new rectangular case. The rucksack idea sounds the best to me.
# Posted on July 3rd 2004 by kuec
Re: Cycling fiddles
I cured the problem by getting an office fiddle that stays at the office and is always there when I need to play at the office.
-dogma
# Posted on July 4th 2004 by dogmageek