Living from Bike

[TylerOSU]

<div><br></div><div>I keep looking at van prices and everything associate with that....and while awesome for added comfort, mobility,security, storage, stealth etc, $2-3k is a big chunk out of my meager savings(hopefully around $8-10k when I launch out). Plus insurance, gas, maintenence(something I am clueless about) it's possibly not the most cost effective deal. I'm not neccesarily out to travel around the USA either, I don't have independent income, nor the funds to really par-take in such adventures.</div><div><br></div><div>Now obviously a bike+tent+trailer combo doesn't work so hot in an urban environment, but I was thinking more along the lines of using BLM lands. I live in Portland so there is a lot here on the west coast.</div><div><br></div><div>I was looking into doing some touring or something after I got more in shape, but this is an interesting scenario for being mobile, frugal, and able to live, at least for a short-term adventure.</div><div><br></div><div>I'm doing more research into gear and locations via these guys who do a lot of touring, but off the top of my head:</div><div><br></div><div><b>Location: </b>Southern Oregon(Ashland area, I have a friend close, &nbsp;and BLM aplenty)</div><div><br></div><div>Might then check out more southern places in the winter like Nevada/Zona.</div><div><br></div><div><b>Gear:&nbsp;</b></div><div><br></div><div>Solid trailer(DIY or buy one used, $200-400)</div><div>Front/Back Panniers(carry tools/clothes/food etc)</div><div>Tent/sleeping roll</div><div>Fishing Rod(mini/collapsable)</div><div>Cooking stove/fire starter stuff</div><div>Smart Phone(mini laptop) with solar charger</div><div><br></div><div>Food: Rice/beans, light weight and dry stuff to use during the 10-14 day blm excursions. I wonder how much food I would go through combined with foraging/fishing to need to bring with me.</div><div><br></div><div>Concerns:</div><div><br></div><div>1.) Getting access to locations off main roads(even fire roads)...can't exactly lug all this stuff through the brush.</div><div><br></div><div>2.)&nbsp;Safety/security. Someone &nbsp;could much more easily come by during sleeping hours(or whenever) jack stuff and throw into back of pick-up and off they go.</div><div><br></div><div>3.) Broken rims/other equipment out in the boonies...can't really carry a ton of spare parts. Triple AAA won't tow me...lol.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Thoughts? Crazy beans? lol</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Links:</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><a href="" target="_blank"></a> </div><div><br></div><a href="http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=1&amp;doc_id=4274&amp;v=Ec" target="_blank">http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=1&amp;doc_id=4274&amp;v=Ec</a>

 

[Rollin]

If I were to go that route I would want some means of protection against&nbsp;animals/man.<div>Also a way to&nbsp;communicate (if outside&nbsp;cellphone&nbsp;coverage)&nbsp;to the outside word in case of&nbsp;emergency. &nbsp;</div>

 

[twokniveskatie]

One of my fantasies when I was a kid was to be a bike hobo. This post stirs up that old longing!<div><br></div><div>When I was at the Slabs a couple of winters ago I met a neat guy named Frank who traveled a lot with his bike and little trailer. I'll see of I can dig up a blog post about it. I think Mike and Heidi have pics of his rig.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Jack over at Voluntary Simplicity traveled cross country on his bike. I remember his blog had lots of good stuff about gear and adventures and advice about dealing with "sh!t happens!"</div><div><br></div><div>I'll try to dig up some links for ya!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>

 

[Wild_E]

Here is a <a href="http://homesuperstore.ca/trailers-2.html" target="_blank">commercial bike trailer</a><div><a href="http://homesuperstore.ca/trailers-2.html" target="_blank">http://homesuperstore.ca/trailers-2.html</a> </div><div><br></div><div>I would also suggest going to <a href="http://www.instructables.com" target="_blank">visit Instructables</a>&nbsp;they have a ton of free ideas and projects for bikes.</div><div><br></div><div>Now there have been tens of thousands of people who have biked across North America, the USA, Canada and Mexico, so it is more than doable.&nbsp;Unfortunately&nbsp;the US seems to be getting more and more violent, but stay out of weird areas and appear friendly and you are normally safe.</div><div><br></div><div>Get a good COLOUR Book on edible foraging, and make sure you read both sides of the pages, and the next pages before eating anything!&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>I am making a bike trailer from an old large wheeled golf cart. The hardest part is how to attach it to the bike, Instructables has lots of great ideas. Also view the section on Motorcycle trailer hitches for more ideas, they are transferable ideas.</div><div><br></div><div>There is a fellow on this site who is living out of a Motorcycle and sidecar, start by reading his posts. Now everyone will have lots of different reasons for suggesting things to you, types of tents, variations in tents etc etc.</div><div>for light weight, nylon, for long term use Canvas, and some of the new hybrids have both canvas, capileran, kevlar, nylon etc etc in combinations.</div><div><br></div><div>Here is a link I just found for some long term prepper foods, the fist link is a direct page for a suggestion by them on <a href="http://www.efoodsdirect.com/Blog/when-you-just-cant-afford-food-storage/#comment-6003" target="_blank">how to save money to by long term supplies</a>. I really like there suggestions on that page.&nbsp;</div><div><a href="http://www.efoodsdirect.com/Blog/when-you-just-cant-afford-food-storage/#comment-6003" target="_blank">http://www.efoodsdirect.com/Blog/when-you-just-cant-afford-food-storage/#comment-6003</a> </div><div>and a <a href="http://www.efoodsdirect.com/store/index.php/shop/food-supplies/1-month-food-supply.html" target="_blank">One month supply page</a></div><div><a href="http://www.efoodsdirect.com/store/index.php/shop/food-supplies/1-month-food-supply.html" target="_blank">http://www.efoodsdirect.com/store/index.php/shop/food-supplies/1-month-food-supply.html</a> </div><div><br></div><div>Look at the pricing, at only $1.60 ish per meal it is fairly low cost, but you can do better yourself for a few different meals as well. Rice, Quinoa, Coos Coos (sp.. tired, sorry)&nbsp;</div><div>canned fish</div><div><br></div><div>O, here is a <a href="www.campingsurvival.com" target="_blank">link to a survival company that sells the little player card</a> sized natural and edible food cards.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Now you will need a few different knives, there is no such thing as a 1 knife survival knife.</div><div>fillet knife</div><div>folding locking pocket knife</div><div>larger medium to full sized knife, look up K-bar type (Cold Steel or K-bar or MTech)</div><div>and or a Kurkri Knife</div><div>Mid sized ax</div><div><br></div><div>I did a few blog posts recently on Bug Out Bags, there are a few ideas there for you to look at.</div><div>Cheers, follow the link on my name to the blog&nbsp;</div>

 

[Wild_E]

Here are two of the posts, they are kinda lists of Too much stuff, stuff to make base camps and live off the land for a long time type of lists;<div><br></div><div><h1 class="entry-title" style="border: 0px; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 10px 0px 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both; font-size: 28px; line-height: 33px; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; text-align: left; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><a href="http://wildernessreturn.wordpress.c...p;preview_id=729&amp;preview_nonce=0bfd72e18e" target="_blank">No Army Surplus Store&nbsp;Improvise</a></h1></div><div><h1 class="entry-title" style="border: 0px; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 10px 0px 0px; vertical-align: baseline; clear: both; font-size: 28px; line-height: 33px; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; text-align: left; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><a href="http://wildernessreturn.wordpress.com/2012/02/27/bob-food-suggestions/" target="_blank">BOB food&nbsp;suggestions</a></h1></div><div><a href="http://wildernessreturn.wordpress.com/2012/03/27/bugging-out-to-backup-position" target="_blank">Bugging Out to Backup Position</a>&nbsp;= you will like this one if you plan on taking a dog along!</div>

 

[TylerOSU]

One issue I can see happening is not being able to bike up incline into BLM land with trailer+gear lol.

 

[Seraphim]

<p style="margin: 0px;">Tyler</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Look into recumbent bikes: they make tadpole trikes which are excellent for towing trailers, especially on non-paved surfaces.&nbsp; They are more expensive than standard bikes, but used ones can be found.&nbsp; Tadpoles with small drive wheels are excellent climbers using 'granny gears'. You can go as slow as necessary as you're not worried about maintaining balance.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">For more on 'bents, research the forums at <a href="http://www.bentrideronline.com" target="_blank" target=_blank>www.bentrideronline.com</a></p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;"><img border="0" hspace="0" alt="" align="baseline" src="http://bikejournal.com/images/GeeWizManTadpole side.jpg"></p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p>

 

[thinker]

<div>It’s been said you’ll get tons of advice, that’s no reason to pass on my thoughts.</div><div><br></div><div>CHOOSING A RIDE</div><div>Bikes for distance have historically not been built against weight and even accounting for your larger than normal load you should consider when choosing a bike what the experts have for years, roadworthiness. In other words, shave weight elsewhere. &nbsp;If you find what you need in two bikes, pick the lighter; otherwise go for comfort, a stiff frame, and workmanship.&nbsp;</div><div>I recommend a hardtail. A dual suspension steals transfer of energy. But I DO recommend a soft seat and even a shock on the seat tube. That won’t steal transfer of energy through the frame. [as much]</div><div>Speaking of frame, talk to experts. Send letters and emails to people who have done touring. Touring IS NOT RACING. The bike is different as well as how you ride it. Pick a frame with geometry that allows you to have a more vertical back, keeping strain from your hands and arms as well as distributing weight compressively over your spine rather than laterally.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>LOADING</div><div>It’s been worked out by experts, though I can’t remember where, low panniers in front, high in rear, minimal weight on your handlebars, and if I’m not mistaken, and I may well be, heavier in front. Check into this! I’m not sure.&nbsp;</div><div>When going the distances you are and with heavy loads, don’t even think about a backpack. That includes a bladder. Stop to drink.</div><div><br></div><div>WHAT TO BRING</div><div>You know what you need BUT ice packs ice packs ice packs. For your poor knees.&nbsp;</div><div>Here is where you shave weight so splurge on your multi tools and tire levers and such. Go with the lightest. True also for your pump. Even if a better pump is heavier, and heaven knows a dual action is a world of difference, a lighter pump is more important here. Remember, what you bring should work and work well, but comfort for the ride is most of your comfort; comfort for the few times you’ll have to pump, or the several times a day you’ll cook, does not outweigh the comfort you’ll appreciate over the HOURS of pumping.</div><div><br></div><div>SAFETY</div><div>Lights. Get em. It’s not about you seeing, it’s about being seen. Don’t hand me any poop about riding during the day. Just get the flippin lights and use em. And your helmet. Btw, if you go for a recumbent, get a flag. People knowing you’re there is important.</div><div><br></div><div>TRAINING</div><div>Worry not about your legs, that’ll come. Arms and chest are so often overlooked, not to mention your back. Work them out. Build slowly. It will ease more aches than legwork, and will ensure a more enjoyable ride and multiply your endurance greatly.</div><div><br></div><div>eta:</div><div>WATER</div><div>this will be one of your largest issues. this may help:</div><div><a href="https://vanlivingforum.com/post/Natural-spring-water-locator-5442712" target="_blank">https://vanlivingforum.com/post/Natural-spring-water-locator-5442712</a> </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-spacere"> </span></div><div><br></div><div>So much more I can’t think of now, but I’ll be glad to post when I do. Please have the ride of your life!</div>

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;I'm modifying a SWB recumbent bike into a recumbent DELTA trike. Unlike the tadpole design, a delta can have a HUGE rear cargo capacity and not need a trailer (though one CAN be used). I'm not so concerned about high speed handling/cornering since racing my goal and speeds will be moderate. Something along these lines: &nbsp; http://lightfootcycles.com/products-overview/trike-models-overview/transporter/<br>&nbsp;They're pricy, but not that difficult to home-build.. and for a lot less. ..Willy. <br>

 

[Seraphim]

I'll add a thought to thinker's post:

Shaving weight is fine, but there are compromises. Consider terrain and the purpose for riding. Consider durability. Consider load distribution. . If I understand correctly, you are not looking to set speed or distance records, but a bike to live from.

Thinker made a good point on a flag for tadpoles. There are many designs of bents., though, and not all need flags. Just the low riders.

Link below shows a loaded rig almost identical to DWs: same bike, same panniers, different pack on rear. It also accepts a trailer, but that would be a drawback for a two wheeler on heavy hills.

Click Here

 

[Wild_E]

I would get a heavy Kukri Knife and skip the ax,<div>My bike is ok for light outings, but I find that it is not long enough for long distances. Not sure how to explain it, except my knees are constantly in stress, if the frame was a bit longer I think I would be more comfortable. I have a long trunk to my body and shorter legs, so maybe I need a bike that is not standard as well?</div><div><br></div><div>In BC and Northern Ontario, lots of hills, big and small mountains, people will put the bike in bull low, or walk beside it, pulling a wee trailer.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>My only concern with the&nbsp;Recumbent&nbsp;is the width, those Zombies that drive without looking already skim you with a regular bike, so having a flag up is maybe a great idea! If you go to the back country maybe the flag mast could be an antenna as well?</div><div><br></div><div>Seraph, that looks like a recumbent bike with only two wheels, I have seen them, but thought they looked unstable? I can see how they would be better long distances though.</div><div><br></div><div>wow.. check out the page before, what a collection of Bikes!! wow trully amazing and a Big wheel there as well, not sure about long distances on that one though, just wow.</div><div><br></div><div>Remember, people were using bikes to beat the rush up in the Klondike and Alaska strikes, in summer and winter, so anything is possible, last century or this one.</div>

 

[thinker]

you say it's your knees but your description of your body type makes me wonder. do you find yourself leaning forward? often knee pain means the seat is too high or low. often that is due to the rider compensating for the wrong frame size.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;but... you could just be pushing yourself on the pump.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;to the op, consider taking a gander at jupiter's travels. but i've been told not to buy it.&lt;/div&gt;

 

[Wild_E]

Just found this Blog on Bikes from a fellow that liked one of my posts on my blog, it is about <a href="http://allseasonscyclist.com/" target="_blank">All Season Touring on Bikes</a>, check this out cool blog<div><br></div><div>This guy has loaded his blog with some great info and some I do not understand like the 8 speed internal gearing, wow, high tech. Then there is a post on fixing up an old bike, so low tech as well.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Still looking for the Banana seat bikes from my youth! <img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"></div>

 

[Wild_E]

Maybe a SubForum for Bikes would be in order??<div>I have some Bike questions but do not want to take up this thread.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Moderators?&nbsp;</div>

 

[Wild_E]

<p style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; text-align: left; background-color: rgb(233, 246, 252); ">Addendum;<br>here is a blog about All Season Bike Touring,<br>this fellow found my blog and liked one of the posts, <a href="http://allseasonscyclist.com/2012/02/17/shimano-alfine-8-speed-internal-geared-hub/" target="_blank">I looked at his blog and am a little astounded by it so far</a>. Wow great content.<br><a href="http://allseasonscyclist.com/2012/02/17/shimano-alfine-8-speed-internal-geared-hub/" rel="nofollow" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(28, 155, 220); text-decoration: none; " target="_blank">http://allseasonscyclist.com/2012/02/17/shimano-alfine-8-speed-internal-geared-hub/</a></p><p style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; text-align: left; background-color: rgb(233, 246, 252); ">Here is a post on <a href="http://allseasonscyclist.com/2012/05/30/surly-pugsley-the-ultimate-beach-cruiser/" target="_blank">Fat Bikes for Snow and Beaches with Sand</a>, this could make an excellent SHFT Bike or all season living Bike as well!<br><a href="http://allseasonscyclist.com/2012/05/30/surly-pugsley-the-ultimate-beach-cruiser/" rel="nofollow" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(28, 155, 220); text-decoration: none; " target="_blank">http://allseasonscyclist.com/2012/05/30/surly-pugsley-the-ultimate-beach-cruiser/</a></p><p style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; text-align: left; background-color: rgb(233, 246, 252); ">So go and check it out as well.</p>

 

[twokniveskatie]

&lt;div&gt;There is a sub forum for misc. vehicles and conveyances. So ya wanna start one there? You can be as specific or general as you like.....

 

[thinker]

oh yeah, pickle juice.<div><br></div><div><br></div><div>for the love of all that's holy, always carry pickle juice.</div>

 

[twokniveskatie]

For......??????

 

[thinker]

cramps.<div><br></div>

 

[Willy]

..or, just in case you get in a real pickle!&nbsp; <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br>