Electric bike helps avalanche forecaster
FREEZING weather conditions this winter have presented challenges for those tasked with forecasting avalanches.
But with the help of an innovative new mountain bike, gathering information has been made that bit easier for Scottish Avalanche Information Service (SAIS) observer Graham Moss.
He needs to reach the snowy slopes of the north face of Ben Nevis, where he gathers vital information for assessing the avalanche risk for winter climbers, walkers and skiers.
To help with this arduous, and sometimes perilous task, Lochaber bike shop Off Beat Bikes has supplied Graham with an electric-powered mountain bike.
The Reaction Pro 400 bike enables Graham to cycle up to the track to the Ben Nevis Alt na Mullian car park in full winter walking and climbing gear.
The bike’s super grippy 29” plus tyres and innovative Bosch motor allow Graham to reach his work in all weather conditions with a lot less effort than if he were pedalling a ‘normal’ mountain bike.
Graham said: ‘This fantastic bike is saving me time and energy on my daily trip to observe the snow and ice. It means I can cycle from the north face car park at Torlundy to the high fence by the Alt na Mullian car park in 10 minutes!
‘I can’t thank Off Beat Bikes enough as ultimately it is assisting me with my forecasting which keeps climbers and walkers safer in winter.’
The Scottish Avalanche Information Service (SAIS) reports daily forecasts of the avalanche hazard for the five most popular areas of Scotland.
For avalanche information Scotland, visit www.sais.gov.uk throughout