Rachel Barnes speaks to the viability of cake-transport-by-bike, and what you need to pay attention to to make it happen. Thanks Rachel!
I started traveling to work by ferry and bike a few years ago and I have become very reluctant to use my car. Compared to the freedom and pleasure of a journey to work by bike, sitting in the traffic just makes me sad and grumpy! Over this time there have been a few occasions where a treat for the team for morning tea has been called for, and to avoid a car commute I have developed a system for bringing a cake on the back of my bike.
Step 1. Choose your cake wisely.
Unless you are planning to assemble it on arrival, a delicate Victoria sponge held together with whipped cream and strawberries might not be the best choice! I tend to go for a fairly robust cake that can stand a bit of shaking and bumping. So far, I have successfully transported a carrot cake (iced with plain lemon icing, NOT cream cheese) and a couple of orange and almond cakes iced with chocolate ganache and fondant.
Step 2. Secure your cake.
Firstly, it is useful to match the size of your cake and the container that you are going to transport it in as closely as possible. The container needs to be able to be strapped firmly onto your bike’s carrier and protect the cake for the journey. My work bag is a pannier that clips onto my carrier and sits slightly above it, so I put a folded-up towel under the cake container to lift it slightly so that the cake is level when I tie it on. I like to think the towel provides a bit of shock absorption as well. I secure the cake in its box with a combination of bungies and straps.
Step 3. Ride carefully!
My bike has a hard tail, and bumps on the journey are transmitted to the carrier, so a bit of care in riding helps to ensure that the cake will make it to work without being shaken apart. Between my house and the ferry there are a series of raised pedestrian crossings. I very much appreciate the effect they have on slowing down vehicle traffic on the route. Normally they don’t really slow me down at all on my bike, but with a cake on the back I take them very slowly and carefully!
Step 4. Enjoy your cake with your workmates.
Once you get to work, there is nothing left to do but safely stash the cake in your break room and then enjoy sharing it at morning tea. Everyone loves cake and bringing it by bike adds a fun challenge to your day!
