Sustainable Smoothies

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We’re used to talking to people who’ve customised a standard product but we never expected to talk to someone who’d created a blender out of an exercise bike. James Stocks is just such a person. If you’ve been to the Gilles Street markets, Womad or even the ABC’s Car Park Caper you’ll have seen him powering away on his customised ride, blending up a delicious storm.
 
Where did the impulse to make smoothies out of sweat come from? Sweat smoothies?! That sounds like something out of a Roahl Dahl book! I guess I wanted to start something that encompassed sustainability, food and fun. Plus my friends said my butt looked big so I needed to tone it.
 
Tell us about the history of Smooth Revolution, what was involved with getting this amazing idea out of your brain and into reality? Bikes have been used as an alternative power source as soon as two years after they were invented. The first adaption was a butter churn. After finding purpose-built blender attachments online and making a few mods we were away. I’ve had lots of help from friends, especially my buddy Tom. We pedalled the first summer together. Also Rowan helped us get the bikes together at the start and now they have evolved and we should even have a solar/pedal powered juicer ready next month.
 
Tell us about the names of your smoothies and the ethos behind them? Magic Mango, Choc Banana, Classic Banana, Tangtastic, The Non-Cow, Vegan Iced Chocolate, Tropical Crush. I’ll have a new Chai one this month too! And next month a pineapple guava smoothie. The smoothies are about quality and taste; local and organic ingredients wherever possible, value for money and to give people a healthy lasting kick. Not just a quick up and down artificial processed sugar buzz. Now we’re heading towards cooler weather people can expect to see quality organic bike blended soups too and some Bull Creek Organics’ pies at the Gilles St Markets.
 
Tell us about the contraption itself that transforms pedal power into deliciousness? They are called b3 mini’s. They are made to go on the back of a standard bicycle. I recommend people scope out Nate’s Website at bikeblender.com.
 
What’s the process like in creating these bikes? You have to hunt for certain exercise bikes. So a hard rubbish treasure hunt is always fun! I spent many nights cruising round the suburbs. I have a fair few in my shed now. I love giving the bikes a new lease on life. Chain driven is best. Apex of front wheel in front of the handle bars helps. Knowing how to weld definitely helps. I’ve been lucky to have people to help and now finally I’m learning to weld with my neighbour.
 
Where can people find you? The bikes are at The Victor Harbor Farmer’s Market and Goolwa, Gilles Street and Stirling Markets. I did the ABC Car Park Caper which will become a regular event for Smooth Rev. On April 5th I’ll be at the Campbletown Council Proud Day where there will be a ride your own smoothie set up. Anyone can hire me or a bike, email me gonns@hotmail.com.
 
Why Customise? I say why not?! Break the mould! Smash the mould! Ride over the mould until it is totally crushed like “crisps under bison”. Then take the tiny pieces and customise them into something that works for you. Anyone can customise.