These two videos represent a lesson in extremes: When something is done right, it becomes a thing of joy and wonder, and if something is done wrong, it becomes, well in this case, a fiery mess.
The object lesson comes from experimental rocket bicycles. Really, who hasn’t wanted to strap a rocket to their bike, light it up, and see what happens?
In the first case (above), we get an amazing world record and an exhilarating display of exceptional engineering, skill and courage. This happened about 5 years ago, but it’s still thrilling.
In the second example we get, well, you’ll just have to watch.
What sort of bicycle tires can withstand 200 mph? And what is left of them after such a run?
Larry makes a great point. What tires did they use?
This may SEEM new… but it just SEEMS new. One fellow attached little WW2 rocket cylinders on his bicycle and ran it at Belle Isle park in Detroit, Michigan after the war. Yes, I have photos. Others did it too.
Obviously, rocket-powered bikes have been done before, but this example is the fastest to date