Van vs. E-Cargo Bike: The Coffee Delivery Challenge
When it comes to delivering coffee, speed is everything, but sustainability is also a key factor. In a recent adventure, my friend Dave and I put two very different vehicles to the test to see which could get our coffee orders to the post office the fastest—my trusty van or Dave’s e-cargo bike. There’s a bit of a wager involved, but more on that later. Here’s how our challenge unfolded.
The Stakes: Coffee and Cargo
It all started with a simple question: Which vehicle would be faster for delivering coffee, my van or Dave’s e-cargo bike? Naturally, a race was in order. The rules were simple: whoever reached the postbox first wins. But then we made things interesting.
The deal: If I win, Dave has to buy me a “slap-up meal” tonight. If Dave wins, I owe him 12 months’ worth of free coffee for his office and warehouse. A high-stakes game for a coffee enthusiast like me!
The Challenge Begins
With our vehicles ready to go, we took off. Dave pedaled his e-cargo bike with determination, while I revved up the van. The anticipation was high—could a bike really outpace a van when it comes to coffee delivery?
Fast-forward through the race, and the results were in. Dave’s e-cargo bike proved to be a force to be reckoned with, arriving 36 minutes faster than my diesel van. That’s right—a victory for sustainability and active travel, and a surprising one at that.
Now, I’m left delivering on my promise: 12 months of free coffee for Dave and his warehouse.
Brewing French Press on the Go
While the race was the highlight, we couldn’t forget about the coffee itself. Midway through the ride, I decided to brew up a French press coffee for Dave, right from the back of his e-cargo bike! Here’s how I did it:
1. Grinding the Beans: I started by grinding the coffee beans on the go, filling the air with the rich aroma of freshly ground coffee.
2. Using the French Press: I recently refined my French press recipe, and I was eager to showcase it. The key is using a wooden spoon to stir the coffee, especially since the French press is made of glass. This prevents any risk of cracking.
3. Brewing Process: After stirring, I let the coffee sit for about four minutes, allowing a nice crust to form. Normally, I’d let it steep for the full time, but we were in a hurry to get that perfect cup of coffee ready.
Dave was thrilled with the brew. Even in the midst of the race, a freshly brewed French press coffee added to the fun of it all.
The Results: A Humbling Defeat
Despite my hopes of beating Dave, it turns out that the e-cargo bike was the faster, more efficient option. Dave clocked in at 12 minutes and 26 seconds—a full 36 minutes faster than my diesel van. It was a well-deserved win for him and a humbling experience for me.
A Victory for Sustainability
Beyond the friendly competition, the race showed how viable and effective sustainable travel can be. Dave’s e-cargo bike not only delivered the coffee faster but also demonstrated that eco-friendly alternatives can often outshine traditional methods in both speed and practicality.
So, hats off to Dave! While I’ll be busy delivering a year’s worth of free coffee, I’m also reminded that sometimes, less is more when it comes to sustainability and efficiency.
Conclusion: Embrace the Future of Coffee Delivery
This little adventure taught me a lot about both coffee and eco-friendly transport. Whether you’re brewing up a French press or racing to make deliveries, there’s always room to improve how we do things—and maybe even make them a little more fun.
And who knows? Maybe the next time you see an e-cargo bike zooming by, it’ll be carrying the perfect cup of coffee!
Want More Outdoor Coffee Adventures and Creative Tips?
If you enjoyed reading about our delivery challenge, be sure to check out my YouTube channel, where I show that great tasting coffee can be made anywhere, by anyone. Don’t miss out on future video releases, subscribe to the channel and be the first to watch!
