HOW TO BUILD A GAS FREE VEHICLE

We're all a both of spoiled wussies. There. That should set the tone for this entry. Maybe a little harsh, but unfortunately quite true. So many of our modern day technologies are leaving us overweight, unexcercised and weak in the knees. But can you envision a nation navigating around only by pedal power? If the gas prices continue to rise, say to $5 or even $10/gallon, many more people will be dragging their old unused bikes out of the garage and putting them to good use. Because my trike was built lightweight and for seeing how fast one could go on three wheels, (comon, admit it Jack), i decided a while ago to rebuild the rear end to haul more cargo. Not only for touring long distances down the road but to also transport the sauna propane tank up town for a refill and for getting a couple weeks of groceries on one 12-mile round trip to Safeway. If you'd like to do the same thing, here's what you will need. One pretty good welder (check ebay), they make them really small now, so don't be gettin' intimidated. And learning to weld isn't any big deal, welders even come with a book on how to do it. Okay, then you'll need a small hand grinder. That's for grinding off all your crappy welds so they look smooth and professional. Get a grinding disc and one metal cutting disk, as it's way faster to cut your pipe with the power tool than an old dull hacksaw like i used for 3 days! Then order up several pieces of steel pipe the same size as the tubes on your bike. Then sit down, have two beers, and start to draw up your plans to stretch that baby out. Two is the number because you are actual going to destroy your bike by chopping it up, before you put it all back together again. And that is like sorta scary. The idea is to create more hauling space of some kind. That way you won't be one of the wussies who always make up a million excuses as to why they are driving instead of pedaling. Draw carefully. Go online and Google "homemade bicycles" for endless ideas. Some people have big baskets in front, some in the middle and some make trailers that simply hook to their existing bikes. Okay, were the beers good? Do you have a fairly good idea of what you'd like to do? Well have at it, and remember, no welding in the kitchen and don't be using the wife's cutlery for tools. The screwdrivers. hammers and other needed items are out in the garage. When you're done email me a picture of your new ride. We could have a contest to see who came up with the coolest design. Prizes could be a pair of Simple shoes or some Chronicles. Whatddaya say? HOBO

Comments

[Stacy]

You are a real massive inspiration to me. I have a question for you though. My kids go to the Waldorf School that's 18km away. Prior to us realizing that they had to go to that school for myriad reasons we rarely drove and both my husband and I commuted to work by bike. We want to keep living where we are because it's so close to our workplaces but the drive with the kids is killer. There's a school bus that they will be able to take in a year or so but right now driving them is our only option. Do you have any creative suggestions (oh, and public transport is way more expensive than driving!)?

[dan price]

sounds like the situation most americans are now in. the infrastructure is not set up for bikes. bummer. hobo

[Martha]

So where's a photo of the bike after alterations?