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2025-07-23 08:26:34

mudflap@diaspora.psyco.fr

Realized a small goal the other day: Have a #bicycle that can carry stuff, in case we need to #evacuate somewhere after an #EMP disables our vehicles.

During the April 2011 tornadoes - well, before the tornadoes - we saw the predictions on TV for multiple outbreaks, very dangerous storms - and I said to my wife, "I'll go get gas after they pass..." Well, I found that out both cars were on empty. When the power went out later that night, we were unable to find out the extent of the power outage (no updates on the radio), thus we didn't know how far we'd have to drive to get gas - or if we would even make it. We lived like that for a week without power. Local gas stations had gas, but the lines were miles long because they had to use generators and small pumps to get it out of the underground tanks, due to the power outage. It was warm (not hot, thankfully), but fights were breaking out in the lines. Even back then, my motto was "avoid crowds."

So I didn't have a way to efficiently carry groceries - I had a bike, but it was a full-suspension Gary Fisher Y-frame, so I couldn't really put a good rack on the back of it. I've been looking for a traditional frame bike ever since, but didn't want to spend hundreds. Then I found this Schwinn at a thrift store for $80. Found the bags a week ago in a classified ad for $30 for one, or $50 for both, so I bought both - they are 100% waterproof, and can detach and convert into a #backpack (handy in an #apocalypse!). Got the rack on ebay for $20, and voila! EMP / #Zombie #apocalypse bike.

Don't know where we'd go, but......

My background with bikes - I used to #bike everywhere, and I really enjoyed mountain #biking, but when I did a long distance trip at the age of 18 with a friend from high school, I was hooked on distance rides. We biked from Salt Lake City, Utah to Lake Powell - which was about 330 miles, and carried all our own supplies. We did it in 3 days, so we averaged about 100 miles a day. This was before cell phones. Looking back, that's kind of scary - out in the desert, miles from any services, just biking along. We braved some pretty bad downpours, but other than that, we were fine. We trained with a lot of shorter rides - 45 - 90 miles each - for months before the big ride. I borrowed #panniers from a guy at church, so this is the first time I've had my own.

#DIY #Prepping #prepare

bike

Alderaan 2025-07-23 08:56:36

Carter Braxton

techriot@hub.natehiggers.org

@mudflap@diaspora.psyco.fr I have two bikes for the very same purpose. I bought mine new from a local bike shop, it has one gear, a single speed and I have two bags and a milk crate on a rack at the back. There are front racks that can take a basket or another milk crate too.

I bought my bikes new so that I could be sized correctly. The last thing one needs is a bike that wasn't built for one's body type. They weren't expensive either. Since they were both single speed bikes, I paid under $250 for the bikes themselves. However, fenders, racks, lights cost extra. It makes it that much more tedious to ride. Also, using one's bicycle often to keep in shape for the event is a must. Riding in the mountains and desert heat where I now live has made me into a beast.

It is important to incorporate exercise into our daily and weekly routines. The closest stores, Walmart etc. are, from every direction, a five mile radius. Instead of driving one could opt to walk for the groceries sometimes and at other times, use the bicycle. It may require two or three trips but it builds resolve, muscle and more strength. Saves money too.
I went to the market on Sunday, with one of my bikes and it took two trips and I ended up doing 17 plus miles in those few hours. I have a bike computer with GPS that doubles as an odometer and a speedometer, to name a few.

Getting in shape for one's stated purpose is a must and it will be gratifying when one realizes the improvement in stamina, strength, resolve and personal discipline. It will also improve one's mood and one's sleep.

I live almost 5,000 feet above sea level and it's desert and mountains. When I took the bikes out initially it was a fine going downhill but coming back the other way was a killer. Persistence is the key and after two years on constant attack none of these hills hurt as much anymore.

Neither does the heat. Last weekend was only 101 degrees. It's the coolest and wettest July in the last three years, but even in June when it was up to 107 and 109, those trips were mostly painless. It wasn't always thus but practice and training is key.

2025-07-28 22:08:09

mudflap@diaspora.psyco.fr

my buddy and I had a plan to do 200 miles in one day. We had a route all mapped out that started at the top of this canyon, and planned to start our ride at midnight. By 7 am, we planned to be already 90 miles into our ride. Anyway, it was a fun idea, but we just got busy with college and life and never ended up doing it.