Good Morning Jim,
I would like to add my wholehearted support to the article “Cycling into TEOTWAWKI” by Mine T. I have been an enthusiastic Cyclist for many years, and consider a well set up bicycle to be an excellent option for bugging out, when staying where you are is not an option. I also believe a bicycle will give urban preppers a considerable advantage to those attempting to get out of dodge on foot, or even by four wheeled vehicle. A bicycle can go just about anywhere, so the option of riding out of a city along footpaths, railway lines, drainage culverts, and in the UK, old Canal Paths, would be a definite possibility.
My current choice of touring bike is a Surly Ogre. The Ogre is the latest generation of 29” wheeled mountain bikes, which has been specifically designed for long distance off-road touring. (I have no connection with the company, other than being a satisfied customer). The Ogre is built in the USA, and could be described as the John Deer Tractor of Bicycles, thanks to its strength and the unlimited set up options, including a huge number of mounting positions for water / Fuel bottles and accessories. It can be set up for Hub Gears, Trailers, Disk Brakes, extra wide tires, and just about anything else you could think of. My choice of 29” Schwalbe Marathon tires really come into their own on long trips, on or off road.
I fitted my Ogre with Old Man Mountain front and rear racks http://www.oldmanmountain.com/ and Ortlieb Back Roller Plus Panniers (front and rear)in a subdued Hazel brown colour. These give me plenty of storage space for extended trips of a week or more. By caching food and other supplies at strategic points along your bug out route, you could remain mobile for months at a time.
I will send you a full review of the bike and the other touring equipment I use later in the year, once I’ve had a chance to give it a full trial.
All the best, – Andrew in England
Dear Jim:
MineT wrote a great article! When you really think about it, a bike in the back of your car or truck is likely the most effective way to get home when driving is no longer an option due to blocked roads, car damage, etc., etc.
When a crisis hits you are going to want to get home immediately, if not sooner! 10 miles hiking is a 5 hour trek at 2 mph, 20 miles is a full day. Biking on any kind of road surface at 10 mph is easy, so you would get home in just one or two hours. And you when you get home you will have much more energy left to deal with the situation.
The problem is the space – even with wheels off, a bike takes up a lot of room. (A motorcycle, moped or electric bike would be even faster to get home if only you had the space to carry it around all the time.) Bike racks outside the car are a possible solution, but leave your bike vulnerable to theft and the weather (and decrease your mileage).
For convenience and practicality I have my eye on a Montague folding bike that can be kept safe and discreet in the trunk. A nod to SurvivalBlog advertiser Ready Made Resources, they have a good selection and great prices:
[JWR Adds: I’ve owned a Montague folding bike for two years, and I love it. It is very reliable and folds up quite compactly.]
Regarding type of bike: I would not even consider a road bike. [In disaster situations] you need the robustness and reliability of a mountain bike. (Put slick tires on to reduce the weight and rolling resistance if you are mostly road riding.)
There is much less chance of flat tires on a mountain bike, and you have many more route options of road or trail surfaces that can be ridden.
Definitely install tire liner inserts, (e.g., Mr. Tuffys) and/or a tire sealant. I do both on serious backcountry trips.
Reliability is the key when you are on your own. Regards, – OSOM