Truck for the Apocalypse

[Oddcaliber]

Bikes are quite useful even under normal conditions.

 

[Kevin L]

Bikes are quite useful even under normal conditions.

Thank you for seeing my point of view.

 

[Helen Back]

My survival transportation is predicated on the ordinary, low-key vehicles that I have now (a Kia Rondo SUV and a GMC Denali), plus bicycles that are slightly "tricked out" for durability.

One of my bicycles has a hitch, and I have a bike trailer that I can use to transport lots of material. I also have saddle bags that hook up to the bike.

My bike:

1) Requires no gasoline or diesel fuel.
2) Can be maintained (and parts replaced) with simple tools and a layperson's knowledge.
3) Is silent.
4) Is easily concealed.
5) I anticipate medical care will be spotty and in short supply, so regular bicycling will help protect against heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure (among many other diseases).
6) Bicycling does not display one's wealth in the way that the fancy batmobile does, so--theoretically--less of a target for looters.
7) I believe (and please note that I said "believe," and not "know") that a bicycling lifestyle keeps you more aquainted with your neighborhood, the weather, the changes around your home, and so forth . . . so one is in more of a position to be informed about the circumstances of one's environment.
8) If one is escaping criminals or thugs, a bike allows you to ride where most vehicles can't . . . and you can outdistance the criminals on a bike path or railroad tracks.
9) Some bikes can be easily folded up and kept in a vehicle as a "life boat" in case you break down or run out of fuel.

As for how I worked on the bike to make it a survival tool, I put Kevlar tires with Kevlar tire liners to prevent punctures, I added the trailer hitch for the bike trailer, I made sure that all the lights were waterproof and supplied by common rechargable batteries, I switched out the gear stacks with higher quality components, and I carry CO2 cartridges, spare inner tubes, and tools in various pouches on the bike.

I lived a bicycle lifestyle for many years . . . and I saved huge amounts of money, I was healthier and more energetic, and so on.

If you see below, this is very similar to my bike trailer:

View attachment 22560

I have used it to carry groceries, clothing, school materials (for my nursing program), and even to bring my cat to the vet.

If you would stop voting democrat, you probably wouldn't have to worry as much about transportation.

I hope all is well for you! Be safe, reconsider your voting.

 

[poltiregist]

Obviously different people have different apocalyptic expectations . Perhaps some base their expectation on some movie they watched or some book they read and frankly depending on the situation of the SHTF scenario it could have different consequences . --- My prepping strategy is to prepare for the worst not some half as-d apocalyptic situation . I have already been through a few of those half as-d situations so those I view as just as sh-- happens events . -- I prepare for a no power grid , no fuel for heating cooking or running an automobile , no store and no bartering " forever " . I certainly don't plan to gamble my families lives on the generosity of a neighbor and I certainly don't have any intention of getting in an vehicle and driving to a spot that actually has a potential of offering a possible survival , after SHTF has already occurred . -- I guess I am done pi--ing everyone off for today .

 

[Arcticdude]

My survival transportation is predicated on the ordinary, low-key vehicles that I have now (a Kia Rondo SUV and a GMC Denali), plus bicycles that are slightly "tricked out" for durability.

One of my bicycles has a hitch, and I have a bike trailer that I can use to transport lots of material. I also have saddle bags that hook up to the bike.

My bike:

1) Requires no gasoline or diesel fuel.
2) Can be maintained (and parts replaced) with simple tools and a layperson's knowledge.
3) Is silent.
4) Is easily concealed.
5) I anticipate medical care will be spotty and in short supply, so regular bicycling will help protect against heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure (among many other diseases).
6) Bicycling does not display one's wealth in the way that the fancy batmobile does, so--theoretically--less of a target for looters.
7) I believe (and please note that I said "believe," and not "know") that a bicycling lifestyle keeps you more aquainted with your neighborhood, the weather, the changes around your home, and so forth . . . so one is in more of a position to be informed about the circumstances of one's environment.
8) If one is escaping criminals or thugs, a bike allows you to ride where most vehicles can't . . . and you can outdistance the criminals on a bike path or railroad tracks.
9) Some bikes can be easily folded up and kept in a vehicle as a "life boat" in case you break down or run out of fuel.

As for how I worked on the bike to make it a survival tool, I put Kevlar tires with Kevlar tire liners to prevent punctures, I added the trailer hitch for the bike trailer, I made sure that all the lights were waterproof and supplied by common rechargable batteries, I switched out the gear stacks with higher quality components, and I carry CO2 cartridges, spare inner tubes, and tools in various pouches on the bike.

I lived a bicycle lifestyle for many years . . . and I saved huge amounts of money, I was healthier and more energetic, and so on.

If you see below, this is very similar to my bike trailer:

View attachment 22560

I have used it to carry groceries, clothing, school materials (for my nursing program), and even to bring my cat to the vet.

All good points Kevin. I can see it working out very well in many areas and under many circumstances.
For us, where we live, a horse will be the best option for a "bug out vehicle", assuming fuel is no longer available. Two saddle horses and 2 pack horses would take us and a lot of gear anywhere we'd need to go.

 

[DrHenley]

I have an "offroad bicycle" that I used to hunt. I took a 700C hybrid and put some knobby 49'er mountain bike tires on it. It has panniers and a rack on back and I have a trailer. But it won't go nearly as many places as a horse or carry or haul as much.

 

[Arcticdude]

I forgot to add another advantage of the horse: in a real dire emergency you can eat the horse.

 

[Kevin L]

Obviously different people have different apocalyptic expectations . Perhaps some base their expectation on some movie they watched or some book they read and frankly depending on the situation of the SHTF scenario it could have different consequences . --- My

Agree 100%.

I base my expectations (for SHTF) on history and my personal experiences.

I usually try to study certain aspects of WWII, the Vietnam War, and Korea . . . and my personal experience includes being a relief worker with the Red Cross after Hurricane Andrew, surviving several hurricanes since, surviving the violence of working in EMS as an EMT and/or paramedic in Miami during the late 80s, and a few other things.

One thing that seems to happen is that a thriving barter/black market system always seems to crop up right away.

Also, bicycles start getting used by everyone, commodities like liqour, chocolate, pornography, medical supplies, and drugs become a medium of exchange . . . and people also start using gold and silver.

Also, prostitution thrives during disasters, so I would imagine that birth control may become quite valuable.

 

[Captjim_NM]

My brother in law lives on a bike. He has crossed europe and the usa several times. He carries his tent and everything he needs on the bike. At 65 he is kind'a getting too old for this lifestyle. A bike would work great for post EMP life or a horse.