http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-08-25/man-rides-from-coast-to-outback/2854598

Throughout the marathon trip Mr Lear will be shadowed by a Mini Moke that he has been customising for almost a year.

He says wind turbines mounted on the car's roof will charge spare batteries for the bike.

"It will be hard because the car has to be going the right speed so the turbines can harness the power of the wind," he said.

"So depending on the wind, the Moke will have to speed up, slow down, speed up."

Interesting.

But I can't help but to put a few holes in the plan here. It's all for a good cause and all, but it's really just running off petrol!

The car will be using extra fuel to push the turbine through the air, to generate power to run the bike. It's really no different to running off the car's alternator.

But I imagine this is just a proof of concept thing. And you'll get some power when it's parked for free!

OMG. I give it 3 weeks before BMW release that as an addition to their line up.....

Yobbo,

I had the same thought. Some wind turbines though are super efficient. In that size, compared to an alternator though? I suspect not.

But, I think the key is that the electricity is a supplement to his pedalling.

But then, it's still pointless because what good is it riding around on 50% pedal power if you've got a car driving alognside you.

I wonder if it's a BINI with mods or a Moke with mods? The dash, from the long distance shot, seems to be a BINI dash so it could be a complete front cut.

He won't make it, the bini will break down before it gets quarter of the way.

Fugly Moke!!

I don't think there is much moke there at all. Smashed Bini cabrio with a few Moke panels tacked on???

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Brett Nicholson
Greendale (near Ballan) VIC.
1971 Morris Mini Moke
1966 Austin Mini
1965 Morris Mini Traveller
1973 LR Series 3 88
2007 LR Freelander 2

I think that car is pretty crazy. Why would you bother.

He has either ruined a Bini, a moke, or brought together two wrecks. Either way, why bother?

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Cheers
Alec
1275LS - July 78 - XNFAD18Y/102918

ah well,,, some mothers do have em

I really hope he rides push-bikes regularly,,, because if he doesn`t then he`s gonna have one VERY sore Ar$E by the end of the first day,,, & may barely make the 3rd day from the pain

I wish him well tho

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No offence intended here but--> anyone writing a book about minis 30 years ago may not have experienced such worn or stuffed-with components as we are finding these days.

You should put your heart & soul into everything you do.

I suppose Julia Gillard will think this is a good idea...

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You're so square
Baby I don't care

If Julia thinks its a good idea we'll all be blo*dy taxed on it!!

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December 1976 Leyland Mini S aka 'The Brick'
2012 Toyota Prado GX aka 'The Truck'
"Where The Hell is ARDLETHAN!!"