GROUP BUY Time will come when you will need an escape pod system,

[Safecastle]

World's Only Comprehensive Kit including Folding Bike & Trailer with Full Load of Survival Supplies.

Save $200 today.

POD includes:​

• Paratrooper Bike (choose 18" or 20")​
• KampRite Tent-Cot​
• Voltaic Converter Solar Backpack​
• 2.5 Gallon Jerrican​
• First Aid 1.0 Kit​
• Mountain House Pouch in Bucket​
• SOL Escape Bivvy​
• Fenix Headlamp​
• Bens 30 Tick & Insect Repellent ​
• Aurora Firestarter​
• Camping Cutlery​
• Lifestraw Personal Filter​
• Folding stove​
• Waterproof Matches​
• Katadyn Micropur tabs​

 

[The Mountain]

 

[jed turtle]

 

[The Mountain]

World's Only Comprehensive Kit including Folding Bike & Trailer with Full Load of Survival Supplies.

Save $200 today.

POD includes:​

• Paratrooper Bike (choose 18" or 20")​
• KampRite Tent-Cot​
• Voltaic Converter Solar Backpack​
• 2.5 Gallon Jerrican​
• First Aid 1.0 Kit​
• Mountain House Pouch in Bucket​
• SOL Escape Bivvy​
• Fenix Headlamp​
• Bens 30 Tick & Insect Repellent ​
• Aurora Firestarter​
• Camping Cutlery​
• Lifestraw Personal Filter​
• Folding stove​
• Waterproof Matches​
• Katadyn Micropur tabs​

And with the pic, now I can see what it looks like. Nice. I don't see anything on the site that lists the weight capacity of the trailer, though.

Also, a suggestion? You might consider making "modules" available to expand the contents of that trailer so you can accommodate more than one person. For example, you might have a "spouse module" so hubby can do the heavy lifting for himself and the lady of the house, and a "kid module" so one or both parents can haul enough to support one wee one (who will be working their hearts out just to keep up). This allows for families to mix-and-match modules so an entire family can be on the move in short order.

 

[wab54]

Dont forget the "attack wheelbarrow"!!!!!!


WAB

 

[The Mountain]

I'll also add that Trek's 3400 bike is probably at least as good as that Montague bike, and costs slightly less, for those who don't need a folding bike. The rigid-frame means you can add a rear cargo rack too for extra capacity.

 

[tanstaafl]

Pedal Out Of Dodge Escape Pod ... POODEP? I think the name/acronym needs work!

 

[tanstaafl]

Because I apparently have nothing better to do right now ...

Bugout Bike And Trailer (BOBAT)
Ride Out Of Dodge In Style (ROODIS)
Bike Out Of Dodge With A Trailer Full Of Gear (BOODWATFOG)

 

[Warthog]

Over $1,800 dollars!!! Ouch that hurts!

 

[L.A.B.]

World's Only Comprehensive Kit including Folding Bike & Trailer with Full Load of Survival Supplies.

Save $200 today.

POD includes:​

• Paratrooper Bike (choose 18" or 20")​
• KampRite Tent-Cot​
• Voltaic Converter Solar Backpack​
• 2.5 Gallon Jerrican​
• First Aid 1.0 Kit​
• Mountain House Pouch in Bucket​
• SOL Escape Bivvy​
• Fenix Headlamp​
• Bens 30 Tick & Insect Repellent ​
• Aurora Firestarter​
• Camping Cutlery​
• Lifestraw Personal Filter​
• Folding stove​
• Waterproof Matches​
• Katadyn Micropur tabs​

JC Refuge, this is so strange, I was entertaining this EXACT CONCEPT just last night. I am set up this way but was thinking of the larger number of people I'm associated with (friends) who ignore this overlapping self-mobile redundancy in their GOOD plans.

Just last night I was going over average bicycle speeds for various training levels of cyclist for this very reason. Typically my attention is drawn for reason, I can't be sure of my personal 'drive' to revisit my old plans. Like many of you, my back-up plans have back up plans. That's just who we are.

AVERAGE SPEED - INDICATIONS

Beginner's short distances 10-15 miles, average speed 12 MPH. Most can accomplish this speed with limited training.

More Experienced: short to medium distances of 20-30 miles with an average speed of 16-19 MPH.

Reasonable Experienced medium distance of 40 miles at around 16-19 MPH.

Very Competent Team Riders on a training program: 50-60 miles at 20-24 MPH.

Wind and Grade are the natural factors beyond your control.

Just as important as your 10 pound scoped rifle and 35 pound light hiking pack, is the 2.69 pounds for every 100 round of 5.56 @ 62gr each. .308 Win @ 150 gr is 5.25 lbs per hundred. Then you have to weigh in the practicality of a back up handgun and it's ammo. Unless you have cached or stash & intend to return, your going to throw away a lot of stuff that can be pilfered from your obviously stranded auto. For this reason alone the overlapping logistics of wheels and gears must be considered.

Consider the limitations at these two levels:

(1). Your 35 pound light pack and whatever you decide to carry in your 'ARM's'

(2). Your 35 pound light pack, your rifle, mag's & ammo 15 lbs = 50 pounds. 1- gallon of water at 8.3 pounds and your extra food if not in your pack could be stowed as extra in JC Refuge's 75 pound limit trailer. That would give you an additional 6.7 pounds (of food or water) for a total of 75 pounds. Keep in mind the young men (half our age) kitted out to do RECON light are at only 70 pounds.



In logistics, wheels, gears, and pre-planning matter. No kidding!

ETA: add in a set of rear racked panniers and that weight is not upon the trailer and can be your ground cloth and tarp and extra water!

 

[Safecastle]

And with the pic, now I can see what it looks like. Nice. I don't see anything on the site that lists the weight capacity of the trailer, though.

Weight capacity of trailer is 75 lbs

 

[WalknTrot]

I dunno. I'm thinking more along these lines...

No need to pedal. In fact, may just revert to this for grocery store runs in retirement - especially if they are going to put trackers on everybody's car to collect gas tax.

 

[Safecastle]

Because I apparently have nothing better to do right now ...

Bugout Bike And Trailer (BOBAT)
Ride Out Of Dodge In Style (ROODIS)
Bike Out Of Dodge With A Trailer Full Of Gear (BOODWATFOG)

tansaafl these are very creative attempts..

 

[Safecastle]

$1800 is inclusive is everything. We can customize and take out what you want and/or don't want. All these items are individually available at discounted prices as well.

 

[zeker]

Dont forget the "attack wheelbarrow"!!!!!!


WAB

my first laff of the day.. go gunkid

 

[packyderms_wife]

And with the pic, now I can see what it looks like. Nice. I don't see anything on the site that lists the weight capacity of the trailer, though.

Also, a suggestion? You might consider making "modules" available to expand the contents of that trailer so you can accommodate more than one person. For example, you might have a "spouse module" so hubby can do the heavy lifting for himself and the lady of the house, and a "kid module" so one or both parents can haul enough to support one wee one (who will be working their hearts out just to keep up). This allows for families to mix-and-match modules so an entire family can be on the move in short order.

Actually this is a great idea!

 

[L.A.B.]

my first laff of the day.. go gunkid

Me too, on account of my former years as a hiking and backpacker. Thank God for bikes and trailers; and the hefty guy behind the fulcrum on wheels is a barrel of laughs too! Worse case, the bike-trailer can be pushed through trails too technical for riding or if in need of light repair.

America may never have to experience refugee 101 like any other contested ground in world history. So what! Screw the doOm, get in shape go bicycle camping add 10-15 years to your life or get slammed by a car. Life's a gamble, so enjoy.

 

[L.A.B.]

Because I apparently have nothing better to do right now ...

Bugout Bike And Trailer (BOBAT)
Ride Out Of Dodge In Style (ROODIS)
Bike Out Of Dodge With A Trailer Full Of Gear (BOODWATFOG)

tanstaafl, here's a great hobby for rainy days.
http://www.schwinnfitness.com/schwi...prdcdovr~100250/Schwinnreg+Airdynereg+AD6.jsp

These get you in better shape than the actual bike ride. The resistive fan blade works you as you work it.

 

[tanstaafl]

By the way, I'm actually kind of proud of BOODWATFOG ... it sounds vaguely South African and/or Mogambo Guru-ish.

As for the reality of bugging out on a bike, a couple of years ago I tried riding my bike in addition to my walking for exercise. I found out that pedaling does NOT use the same set of muscles and thought I was going to have a heart attack on those first few hills. I also found out that wearing sweat pants is not particularly good for riding bikes ... I damn near rubbed my thighs raw and quit in disgust. One of these days I'll have to buy bike riding shorts or at least find something better than sweat pants.

Which brings up points that I don't hear made very often. You're probably kidding yourself if you think you're going to just hop on a bike that you haven't ridden in years and get very far riding day after day. The same goes with walking for any great distance over an extended period. You might do okay for the first few days, but odds are you're going to quickly be in pain in places you forgot you had. If your plan is to tough it out in spite of being a couch potato for years, I suggest adding something like Tylenol Extra-Strength and baby powder to your preps.

 

[The Mountain]

Just to emphasize tanstaafl's point, *any* physical activity has to be trained for. And the older you get, the more training you'll need for a particular level of physical effort, and the lower the "ceiling" of max effort you'll be able to manage.

Also, regarding bikes in particular, you're not a racer. Within reason, you want to keep weight down, but fitting your bike with a lightweight racing saddle is a false economy. You want a saddle large enough to be comfortable for long periods, and one that will provide substantial support. Likewise, fit your bike out with components that improve mechanical advantage, even at the expense of whizbang and speed. You want the longest crank arms you can reasonably fit to the bike. You want the smallest "small" chainring available on the front crank, for ultra low gearing going up hills. You want a rear sprocket set with relatively fewer gears, to improve reliability of shifting, and possible an oversized "low" gear to again improve your gear multiple going up hills. You're not aiming for high speeds; you're aiming for endurance. You shouldn't care that it takes you 3-4 hours longer to cover a given distance, so long as you can be more sure that you *will* cover that distance.

To borrow from (I think) Mosby, a powerlifter might take a week to carry a wounded comrade 10 miles, but he can be sure to get there, while a marathoner might lack the strength to carry that comrade, even though 10 miles would ordinarily be a light 2-3 hour training day.

 

[L.A.B.]

Yes, we get older. When I was 35 my 65 year old friend in the gym also rode this bike as part of the workout circuit; just not as long or as fast in RPM's. Baby steps. Crawl, walk, run.

http://www.schwinnfitness.com/schwi...prdcdovr~100250/Schwinnreg+Airdynereg+AD6.jsp

 

[Nancy B]

Here is an easy to remember acronym. BOOBIES & TATASS: BugOut On Bike Including Emergency Supplies & Trailer And Tent And Survival Stuff.
Too tired, and I tend to get silly. It's late and I need sleep.

 

[gelatinous]

Might be good for a city dweller in a bicycle friendly city when the roads are clogged with outbound traffic. You could always hit the bike paths to get to the edge of the cities.

I honestly think a motorcycle is more practical in more terrain and can be just as maneuverable as this setup. Though I have an RV and 4WD to use depending on the situation. I think this is a product looking to create a niche market where none yet exist. A good hiking backpack loaded up with necessities is more practical than hauling this setup around. But some might really like the idea. At $1800 its a pretty expensive to find out that when you really need it all clear pathways are clogged.

 

[L.A.B.]

Might be good for a city dweller in a bicycle friendly city when the roads are clogged with outbound traffic. You could always hit the bike paths to get to the edge of the cities.

I honestly think a motorcycle is more practical in more terrain and can be just as maneuverable as this setup. Though I have an RV and 4WD to use depending on the situation. I think this is a product looking to create a niche market where none yet exist. A good hiking backpack loaded up with necessities is more practical than hauling this setup around. But some might really like the idea. At $1800 its a pretty expensive to find out that when you really need it all clear pathways are clogged.

gelatinous, here's another historical perspective of logistics and chaos and finding a solution. By the way IIRC DARPA had a hand in the design for the bike JC Refuge is promoting. I will not disagree with motorcycles place in mobility; but the folding bike is a EDC form of mobility for those who are limited to cars with trunks or hatchbacks. The trailer is what you call a force multiplier in combo.

Logistics wins when combined with good strategy, common sense, and the grace of God.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_infantry

Here's another niche market: http://www.militarybikes.com

 

[Safecastle]

Blades Giveaway

Great ideas and suggestions..

One thing we are missing it a blade...but guess what you don't have to pay for it. Here is our giveaway with the escape pod. As mentioned we can totally customize the pod, you decide what you want. Here is info about blades giveaway:

http://www.safecastle.com/blades-give-away.aspx

In short:
2014 Knife & Blades Giveaway !!


Safecastle is moving out all our remaining inventory of survival knives and blades and they're all going to customers for FREE in our latest purchase-incentive package-available to buyers club members and non-members alike!

The offer package in the Knife & Blades Giveaway is based on what we have in stock.
As the knives disappear, the package offer will be adjusted, so you want to keep checking in to see what the latest offer is.

The current giveaway offer:
(Valid till 6/20/14 or supplies last)

- a multi-tool wallet card (value $9.50) is sent with any purchase

- AND a Tac Pen (value $18) with any purchase of at least $150

- AND an Gator Machete Pro (value $60) with any purchase of at least $450

- AND an ACU combat knife combo (value $91) with any purchase of at least $800

- AND a 12 survivors knife roll kit (value $120) with any purchase of at least $1200

No coupon code is needed--qualifying purchases will automatically be sent the knives/blades/tools that the single purchase qualifies for.

 

[The Mountain]

Might be good for a city dweller in a bicycle friendly city when the roads are clogged with outbound traffic. You could always hit the bike paths to get to the edge of the cities.

I honestly think a motorcycle is more practical in more terrain and can be just as maneuverable as this setup. Though I have an RV and 4WD to use depending on the situation. I think this is a product looking to create a niche market where none yet exist. A good hiking backpack loaded up with necessities is more practical than hauling this setup around. But some might really like the idea. At $1800 its a pretty expensive to find out that when you really need it all clear pathways are clogged.

Actually, based on my knowledge of rural New England, this would be an ideal setup for that region. There is a huge network of narrow rural roads and lanes all over New England. In a SHTF situation, where main roads might be impassable through traffic or closures, and you don't want to attract attention with the sound of an engine, a small family bike convoy could get you away from the trouble fairly easily.

 

[billet]

The last thing I'd want to be doing in a SHTF scenario is pedaling a bike, towing a trailer. That whole setup is absurd.

 

[The Mountain]

The last thing I'd want to be doing in a SHTF scenario is pedaling a bike, towing a trailer. That whole setup is absurd.

Bikes might seem inadequate for transport in a nation that's all but addicted to the automobile, but there's a place for bikes. Even the US military uses them in some hair-raising situations (hence the Paratrooper bike). A bike/trailer rig can move surprisingly unobtrusively (as long as you replace that safety-yellow tarp on the trailer with something less eye-catching), and can travel paths that a car can't. If you have a choice between feet and a bicycle, and you're not planning on climbing any cliffs, the bike is going to take you farther and faster than walking will.

 

[Millwright]

Paratrooper bikes?

Do they make those stoopid looking spandex pants in camo?

 

[Housecarl]

Might be good for a city dweller in a bicycle friendly city when the roads are clogged with outbound traffic. You could always hit the bike paths to get to the edge of the cities.

I honestly think a motorcycle is more practical in more terrain and can be just as maneuverable as this setup. Though I have an RV and 4WD to use depending on the situation. I think this is a product looking to create a niche market where none yet exist. A good hiking backpack loaded up with necessities is more practical than hauling this setup around. But some might really like the idea. At $1800 its a pretty expensive to find out that when you really need it all clear pathways are clogged.

Well, a used motor scooter, the low end of that class, can run under $1K and could be rigged to pull a trailer. The Honda Ruskus for example doesn't have all of the "dressing" of most street scooters. A light weight "street legal" trail motorcycle with a trailer would definitely give you some options....

http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x467/bandito_two/100_2884.jpg

http://pbmotorcycletrailer.com/wp-c...road-with-single-wheel-motorcycle-trailer.jpg

http://www.moto-mule.com/184.jpg

But at the same time, once the fuel was gone you're stuck.

If you added a motor to the bicycle for assistance when needed you could get the best of both worlds.

http://www.biznetmall.com/bicycle-drives/3195 (1).jpg

 

[Housecarl]

Paratrooper bikes?

Do they make those stoopid looking spandex pants in camo?

You made me look....

http://i00.i.aliimg.com/img/pb/938/206/825/825206938_377.jpg

Here's a picture of a "full up" Swiss military bicycle....

http://www.kifaruforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=3049&stc=1&d=1278174459

And a mortar carrier....

http://www.prepperforums.net/forum/...cles-buggin-out-back-up-swiss-army-bike-2.jpg

Earlier US ....

http://www.combatreform.org/ubike2000.gif

 

[The Mountain]

Paratrooper bikes?

Do they make those stoopid looking spandex pants in camo?

Try some of those shorts one time. You'll quickly stop caring about how they look, because they absolutely make it much more comfortable to ride. You can wear them under regular combat pants too.

 

[The Mountain]

Well, a used motor scooter, the low end of that class, can run under $1K and could be rigged to pull a trailer. The Honda Ruskus for example doesn't have all of the "dressing" of most street scooters. A light weight "street legal" trail motorcycle with a trailer would definitely give you some options....

http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x467/bandito_two/100_2884.jpg

http://pbmotorcycletrailer.com/wp-c...road-with-single-wheel-motorcycle-trailer.jpg

http://www.moto-mule.com/184.jpg

But at the same time, once the fuel was gone you're stuck.

If you added a motor to the bicycle for assistance when needed you could get the best of both worlds.

http://www.biznetmall.com/bicycle-drives/3195 (1).jpg

That's the "Ruckus" scooter, not the "ruskus".

And for those wondering, that little dual-sport bike with the ridiculously fat rear tire in the second pic is the Yamaha TW200, which is an RV campground favorite. Its major downfall as a "prep" motorcycle is that it has an absolutely tiny gas tank (I think it's like 1.5 or 2 gal). If you can find a big tank for it somewhere, it would be awesome, since it has a low center of gravity, is lightweight, and its low power makes it very tractable on narrow paths.

 

[Housecarl]

That's the "Ruckus" scooter, not the "ruskus".

And for those wondering, that little dual-sport bike with the ridiculously fat rear tire in the second pic is the Yamaha TW200, which is an RV campground favorite. Its major downfall as a "prep" motorcycle is that it has an absolutely tiny gas tank (I think it's like 1.5 or 2 gal). If you can find a big tank for it somewhere, it would be awesome, since it has a low center of gravity, is lightweight, and its low power makes it very tractable on narrow paths.

Thanks Mountain, "my fingers" stop spelling after a few hours...

Here's what the "Ruckus" looks like unmodified (I was surprised what people do to these things...)

http://imagesci.com/img/2013/09/honda-ruckus-stock-21546-hd-wallpapers.jpg

ETA: This guy from Korea went across the US on one....

http://www.superstreetonline.com/features/130_0901_honda_ruckus_wan_lees/photo_05.html

http://www.superstreetonline.com/features/130_0901_honda_ruckus_wan_lees/photo_05.html#

http://www.superstreetonline.com/features/130_0901_honda_ruckus_wan_lees/photo_02.html#

 

[Carl2]

As aerobic exercise, bicycling is far easier on the joints than running is. You must be in good condition to ride more than a few miles towing a load. This includes toughening up your posterior; you will learn that padded bicycling shorts and applying petroleum jelly to your privates are good ideas. I prefer using fenders, front and rear cargo racks with panniers, and would use my single-wheeled trailer rather than a two-wheeled trailer in bugging out. The narrower footprint is very useful on dirt trails; on the road, the trailer wheel tracks close to where the bicycle wheels go, making it easier to avoid obstacles like broken glass bottles.

Rugged thorn-resistant tires such as the Schwalbe Marathon series are in order, along with tough plastic tire liners. "Thorn-proof" inner tubes whose outer walls are extra thick help avoid flats also. Products like "Slime" may plug tiny punctures, but are not worth the trouble, mess and weight IMHO. I learned to carry a "tire boot" when I ran over a piece of glass embedded in the dirt that put a 1-1/2-inch slash through the tire and tube. Disc brakes have the virtue that they allow you to stuff a badly damaged tire with leaves and wire it onto the wheel in an emergency. I prefer the simplicity of a sprung seat and/or suspension seat post versus rear suspension, which does not work as well for cargo rack installation. Always carry a spare inner tube, patches and tool kit. Gloves are a must, or you will shred your hands in a minor fall. Ditto for a helmet; I cut the brim off an old felt hat and glued it to my helmet for better sun protection.

 

[tanstaafl]

I don't recall anyone mentioning it yet, but as far as I know a properly maintained bicycle is easily THE most efficient means of human-powered transportation ever invented. In other words, in terms of getting around it gives you the most work for the calorie. Which might actually be important if food is an issue. Not to mention that no one said you HAVE to ride it up every hill ... you can walk it up the hill and then coast down the other side (which again might be important if calories are scarce).

 

[The Mountain]

... I prefer the simplicity of a sprung seat and/or suspension seat post versus rear suspension...

Yep. Worse, even the really well-engineered suspensions leech off some of your pedaling effort. Unless you're racing, suspension on a bicycle is extra weight and energy dissipation that reduce your ability to move.

 

[Safecastle]

We posted this last year... now that we have promotions going on our Montague lines of Mountain Bikes .. its time to reintroduce the idea...

We can customize it a lot ...but curious to hear fresh thoughts on this ?

 

[Housecarl]

We posted this last year... now that we have promotions going on our Montague lines of Mountain Bikes .. its time to reintroduce the idea...

We can customize it a lot ...but curious to hear fresh thoughts on this ?

Looking at your 1.0 First Aid kit, about the only things I'd suggest adding to it considering its intent vs. weight/volume would be a pair of EMT shears, one or two "blood stopper" gauze, Mylar emergency blanket(s) and SAM splints.

Another add on option could be an AM/FM/SW radio receiver and antenna with rechargeable batteries compatible with the solar panel already included.

ETA: Also don't see a simple bicycle tool kit and tire inner tube patch kit.

 

[FarmerJohn]

What happens if you try making a right turn?