A recent post on one of the many biking blogs I read mentioned how the writer had just ridden to a community band performance. With a quick wardrobe change, he was ready to play.
(I wish I could remember where I read it. I’ll keep looking, but if a reader remembers the post, or maybe wrote the post, please leave a comment with the blog name.)
I play in my local community band, and I’d love to ride to rehearsals and performances. The problem is that I play trombone. With the big wooden case, it is too large and heavy to carry on the bicycle. As always, I have some options.
There are some special trombone cases that can be worn as backpacks One brand looks like a small golf bag and runs about $100, while the fancier leather models can reach $350. There are those that worry that the soft cases (gig bags) can’t adequately protect the slide. One small dent in the slide can ruin the performance, and maybe the instrument. However, since I’m 45, and not 12, I think I should be able to take care to protect the horn. Plus the leather ones look pretty snazzy! My bigger worry is the weight. How much can I comfortably carry on my back, and how will my shirt look when I get there?
Maybe some sort of trailer would be a better idea. The case is 3 feet long, which may require a longer than average bed. I haven’t done any research on these to know what is common. The nice thing about a trailer is that I could use it for other things besides the ‘bone transport, such as grocery shopping or other errands. Plus, I would be able to carry my mutes, trombone stand, music, and other items. I’ll have to find out some prices and configurations.
I’m sure that an Xtracycle setup would work well, but that’s a whole new bike, and probably the most expensive of the options (especially since I have no mechanical skills that would allow me to build my own). Maybe someday.
What other ideas are out there? Maybe my son and I could ride side by side and carry the case between us (much like two swallows carrying a coconut). Let me know how you carry large, heavy objects.
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