Thousands of RVers downsizing to bicycles

[jimindenver]

Pogo stick, skate board. roller skates.  unicycle.  

Sorry, I needs my solar.     I will stick to my paid for running van.

This

That said, we can always depend on debit to bring a unique discussion to the table. I have seen many bicycles since I hit the road. They are heavily loaded with gear, still the riders look like they are enjoying themselves. You could convert a baby carrier trailer and a tent cot for the ultimate micro pop up tent trailer.

 

[lenny flank]

This article seems to be satire.

But bicycle camping is a real thing. I used to go camping with a couple pannier packs made from empty kitty-litter buckets. But being lazy and not liking pedaling uphill, I never went more than a day or two travel from home.

I used to pack stuff into my kayak for camping as well, and could travel further with that.

 

[GEAUX- PRIUS Cowboy]

I would like to find the most frugal motorized mode of transport. Bicycle is not one of them not for me at least .Many I met at the RTR are unable to pull this off. Most people hear of Prius RT and they say PRT is too small. I say PRT is larger than my 500 CC silverwing MCRT I use to camp from and go recon for work 8 hours away from Biloxi in Atlanta Ga. Back then the ATL was the boom town. My ONLY concern with using PRIUS as your home is the $1,200 a year insurance. About the only way I figure you could be it is Tractor as a tow unit, Slow and IMHO dangerous in an Amish sort of way. Or customizing a 3 wheel ride so you can qualify for the $75 a year insurance? I am not fond of being in the open sky. I have been there done that and I like the protection I get with the car. AC RAIN HAIL WIND SUN MUSIC BED. I am frugal but some things are not worth the trip.

 

[Kathleen]

After taking a Mountain Biking class at REI I asked the instructor a lot of questions. Told him I often hike solo off trail in wilderness areas. And that it would be fun to do the same with a mountain bike, for days at a time.

Takes a special bike to do that. In the old days bikes had baskets, now they have packs to carry repair equipment, tools, food, water, necessities.

They have a suggestion box, so I asked them to do a Bike Packing class. Six weeks later they did. I was at a family reunion, so I missed it, but I'm sure they will hold it again.

By their definition BikePacking is like backpacking into the wilderness, but getting there on wheels rather than on foot. Am I the only forum member that takes REI free classes on Emergency medical kits, compass reading, dutch oven use,  nature photography, reading back country weather systems and more?

I love their classes, and best part is many of them are FREE!

 

[highdesertranger]

bicycles are not allowed in wilderness areas. as for REI no comment. highdesertranger

 

[Kathleen]

Interesting. I see mtn bike riders on BLM land often. No one patrols that vast wilderness.

Van campers are permitted within regulated areas, but mtn bikers are not  :huh:

Will talk to friends at local BLM and National Forest re this issue.

REI instructor's presentation showed a mtn bike ethics list about staying on trail. I asked which bike would have off trail capacity when everyone was gone.

Seems mtn bikes would have far less impact on the environment than ATVs.

 

[lenny flank]

REI instructor's presentation showed a mtn bike ethics list about staying on trail. I asked which bike would have off trail capacity when everyone was gone.

Please do not do this. Not only is it unethical and irresponsible, but it is illegal (and if you do it anyway I sincerely hope you get caught). Regulations like this are put in place for good reasons. Follow them.

 

[Almost There]

The wilderness areas that HDR was referring to are those marked on either BLM or NF maps as being 'wilderness areas' - the ATVs aren't allowed in there either.

Only travel on foot is allowed, although some areas allow travel by horseback IIRC.

 

[Kathleen]

Maybe reread my post, which read: Will check with friends at BLM and National Forest re this issue.

Good to know regulations.

 

[Kathleen]

The wilderness areas that HDR was referring to are those marked on either BLM or NF maps as being 'wilderness areas' - the ATVs aren't allowed in there either.

Only travel on foot is allowed, although some areas allow travel by horseback IIRC.

I am not speaking about designated wilderness areas that are off limits to camping and other activities.

I'm speaking about large tracts of land that are open for vehicle camping and hiking. BLM posted mtn bike signs for designated trails through this particular land tract. Clearly BLM supports mtn bike riding in this vast area.

However, when visiting this mineral rich area with a group of scientists, mining experts, and advanced geologists, they noticed an ATV cruising through the landscape. They knew the regs for the area, and said it was illegal for that vehicle to be in that location. Have never seen another one there again.

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

After taking a Mountain Biking class at REI I asked the instructor a lot of questions. Told him I often hike solo off trail in wilderness areas. And that it would be fun to do the same with a mountain bike, for days at a time.

Kathleen, I think both HDR and lenny flank were responding to your specific wording.  The term 'wilderness areas' has a specific meaning in federal law and are covered by different regulations than BLM and National Forest lands.

I know that horses are allowed in Scapegoat, Bob Marshall, and Great Bear wildernesses in Montana.

 -- Spiff

 

[lenny flank]

Kathleen, I think both HDR and lenny flank were responding to your specific wording.  The term 'wilderness areas' has a specific meaning in federal law and are covered by different regulations than BLM and National Forest lands.

I know that horses are allowed in Scapegoat, Bob Marshall, and Great Bear wildernesses in Montana.

 -- Spiff

I was responding to the thingie about "when nobody else is around"--which indicates to me that (1) one knows it's wrong to do, but (2) one will do it anyway if one thinks one won't get caught.

Those rules are there for a good reason, and nobody is privileged enough to not have to follow them.

 

[Kathleen]

Kathleen, I think both HDR and lenny flank were responding to your specific wording.  The term 'wilderness areas' has a specific meaning in federal law and are covered by different regulations than BLM and National Forest lands.

I know that horses are allowed in Scapegoat, Bob Marshall, and Great Bear wildernesses in Montana.

 -- Spiff

Yes, Spiff, I read topo maps and see designated Wilderness Areas, which are off limits for special reasons.

As a person who's lived in the mtn west 46 years I tend to call our remaining open tracts of land the wilderness.

I see that term cannot be used here, or it will be misunderstood.

Must be very specific in wording so as not to raise anyone's hackles.

 

[Kathleen]

I was responding to the thingie about "when nobody else is around"--which indicates to me that (1) one knows it's wrong to do, but (2) one will do it anyway if one thinks one won't get caught.

Those rules are there for a good reason, and nobody is privileged enough to not have to follow them.

My comment was: when everyone else was gone, I privately asked the instructor re off trail riding.

I did not say anything about sneaking off when no one was around and would not see me.

I wanted to know more about the mtn biking situation, as I am not currently a mtn biker, but have interest in it.

And the "wilderness area" I referred to is BLM land with signs posted for mtn bikers to use.

What I personally would prefer on this planet is not happening on many levels. If a person does something illegal, yes, they may easily get busted, whatever that activity may be.

 

[lenny flank]

My comment was: when everyone else was gone, I privately asked the instructor re off trail riding.

I did not say anything about sneaking off when no one was around and would not see me.

I wanted to know more about the mtn biking situation, as I am not currently a mtn biker, but have interest in it.

And the "wilderness area" I referred to is BLM land with signs posted for mtn bikers to use.

What I personally would prefer on this planet is not happening on many levels. If a person does something illegal, yes, they may easily get busted, whatever that activity may be.

OK, then I apologize for the misunderstanding.

 

[Kathleen]

OK, then I apologize for the misunderstanding.

Thank you for your apology. It just felt a bit harsh to hear another forum member wish I got busted for something.

I tend to be overly sensitive, and considered leaving the forum due to that comment.

It seems we can educate each other in a kinder way, through education rather than wishing something bad happen to another member.

I do appreciate your apology, after I clarified my comments.

This forum has threads that are very silly and funny. Other threads are dead serious.

So far I have felt safe in posting questions and comments, but it now seems best if I think and rethink what I write before I post.

 

[lenny flank]

Thank you for your apology.

Well, no need to thank me---I try to live by the Spike Lee Philosophy: "Always do the right thing."

 

[rvwandering]

Kathleen and Lenny - Thanks for clearing up this misunderstanding with such a high level of civility. It's important to remember that everyone has not had the same experiences and could be looking at a situation in a completely different way or using words differently. Sometimes a bit of clarification is helpful.

I've deleted a couple of posts that were off topic.

 

[Kathleen]

Kathleen and Lenny  - Thanks for clearing up this misunderstanding with such a high level of civility. It's important to remember that everyone has not had the same experiences and could be looking at a situation in a completely different way or using words differently. Sometimes a bit of clarification is helpful.

I've deleted a couple of posts that were off topic.

Thx, rvwandering. It's ez for me to walk away, but so many kind people have helped me on this forum, and it's such a great info source I had to clarify the situation.

As always, thanks to all you mods who make this forum possible for all of us.

 

[highdesertranger]

yes I was referring to official wilderness areas, sorry I misinterpreted what you were referring too. when someone say BLM land I think BLM land. when someone says Forest Service land I think Forest Service land, when someone says Wilderness area I think Wilderness area, the official meaning. highdesertranger