Survival Bicycles Can be a Good Idea

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In today’s society, I see large numbers of bicyclists riding around every weekend when the weather is nice.  They are all wearing the tight bright colored outfits that seem to be mandatory for bike riders today.  I remember when we rode around in our jeans or whatever.  Now I will admit that bikes today are an improvement over what we had. so I have been giving some thought to building a survival bicycle.

My bicycle riding days are long past, although I have been giving some thought to starting again and I even have a couple of bikes.  So I am no expert.  But I do have a few thoughts.  Remember the Vietnamese pushed bicycles with one or two hundred pounds of supplies south down the Ho Chi Minh trail, unloaded the supplies and rode the bicycles back north.  This could be a great way for your family to move a significant amount of supplies if you have to bug out.

With a little preplanning, you could figure out the best way to load your survival bicycles so that they are correctly balanced to make it easier to keep them in an upright position.  Make sure that your packs or saddlebags can be easily and quickly attached to the bikes.  This is true whether you plan to push them with a heavy load or to ride them.

If you are a dedicated rider, you will know more about what to do than me, but if not, here are a few suggestions.  Check the general condition of the bike.  Look for the obvious things like the condition of the tires.  Make sure that the seat is comfortable to set on.  Don’t laugh if you’re riding a long distance it can get darn uncomfortable.

It may pay to take your bike to a bike repair shop and have it serviced and see if they will let you watch so that you have the opportunity to learn.

Think about getting extra parts you need.  Keep a supply handy of tires, tubes, repair kits, a tire pump and a good set of tools.  Store the required lubricates.

How about one of those kiddie carriers you use to pull your little ones or grandkids.  They can be used to carry all kinds of things.  I have been seeing more of the three-wheeled bicycles with baskets on the streets near where we live.  For some of us these could make great survival bicycles.

Here is a link to a previous post written by someone with more knowledge than I. A case for the bicycle as a survival vehicle  FYI I am always willing to post articles submitted by readers.

If you don’t have a bike, don’t forget to look at garage sales.  We are all trying to save money so look in your sheds, garage or junk pile.  This could be a good family project.  Getting your children young or old to help will familiarize them with bike maintenance.

If you haven’t ridden your bike, in years get going and practice.  Whether you are using your bike for daily transportation or as survival bike, it can be a very useful tool.

Howard

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