Bike Safety and other helpful tips!

robotland · Post by **robotland** » Tue Jun 28, 2005 1:08 pm

The vast majority of thefts SEEM to be crimes of opportunity- Any reasonable deterrent will work MOST of the time. I have an old seat that I'm planning on covering with 2" spikes- To swap out when I'm parked "in town"....but somebody out there's bound to enjoy such things, so I'm locking too. Keyed lock, and bike AND car keys go on a GOOD ring with a carabiner and travel fastened to me at all times.

Martiansky · Post by **Martiansky** » Tue Jun 28, 2005 1:15 pm

Robo, I thought you were gonna say you had a bike alarm with remote!!

bleepbleep!

A spiked seat?! WOW!! Hard core, dude!

nollij · Post by **nollij** » Thu Jun 30, 2005 2:00 am

Martiansky wrote:
heyman wrote:i am coming from the east coast and need to rent or borrow two bikes......any ideas
Rummage sales along the way perhaps?
I picked one up for ten bucks. I'm changing out a few parts for comfort's sake like a gel seat pad and taller handlebars. Then adding a few decorations so I can find my ride in a crowd, hopefully.

I got a combo lock but it's only 2 feet long. Just long enough to go through the back wheel and frame. Hopefully a deterent for a would be thief.

Any lock increases your chances of not having your bike stolen. Locking your bike to a friends bike increases this even further. Combo locks are good for this: if you friend wants to take off and can't find you, they can lock your bike to itself. Inre: combo lock locking rear wheel to frame. That's really all you CAN do. Real bike thieves are RARE at Burning Man. Most "theives" are either mistaking your bike for theirs, or they CAN'T find theirs and yours is a convenient way to get back to their tent. If they have to CARRY IT, they'll move on and find an UNLOCKED one. BTW, if any of y'all see people walking around with bolt cutters, watch em for a while... if they're cutting people's locks off and snaking bikes, alert a Black Rock Ranger or Law Enforcement. Don't try and deal with it yourself: you've probably got a real thief on your hands, and who needs a broken nose to ruin their trip to BRC?

Inre: the peson coming from the east coast: you can get cheap bikes at Target, Sears, Walmart, etc. Better yet, borrow a bike from a friend (just make sure it's a cheapy: don't bring your good mountain bike or road bike!). I spent $100 on my BM Bike 4 years ago, and I've replaced the bottom bracket only (the original was unsealed and froze up with the dust). This year it'll need a new chain, but otherwise, it's still running strong.. Univega baby!

Post by **AntiM** » Thu Jun 30, 2005 5:32 am

My bizarre bike story:

larry and I were out on our four-wheeled bike near the esplanade, out toward one of the ends. Two guys ran up to us and said, "we need to get over there (pointing across the city) as fast as possible." we asked if they were injured or sick, no, they just needed to go over there really fast. but we weren't going over there, much less at pace resembling fast. "Can we borrow your cart? We'll bring it right back." Uh, no. They bounded off toward the next thing with wheels.

Granted our bike has a canopy and looks powered at a glance, but it is pretty bold to run up and ask for your bike when you're sitting on it.

Martiansky · Post by **Martiansky** » Thu Jun 30, 2005 6:37 am

Sheesh...that was gutsy to do!
(Napolean Dynamite voice)IDIOTS!!(Napolean Dynamite voice)

I once built a bike for my sister when I was about 13 and then some stoopid kid stole it...none the less I found the bike and picked up the kid and sailed him a few feet for good measure and "Don't EVER do it again!"
Um, don't get me wrong..I don't find sailing a kid a good idea, but he kind of deserved it. I saw the kid (now grownup)last summer, we believe he stole a toolbox out of someones car....so, he hasn't changed.

HughMungus · Post by **HughMungus** » Thu Jun 30, 2005 6:52 am

I *just* bought a bike (as mentioned earlier, a new one because of my height). And, as often mentioned, I want to ride out to Black Rock Point (about 10 miles away). So I'll be getting used to the bike and getting my biking muscles in shape between now and then.

My question for the bike veterans is: What's a good way to carry stuff on the bike? I'm imagining saddle bags. I was at the bike store briefly and saw something that looked like a bolt-on extension of the frame that gives you storage space over the rear wheel. Is that the best way?

Also, I'm planning on getting a camelback...but what about backpacks. I can't imagine it being very easy to wear a backpack while operating a bike -- or is it, and do they make backpacks that are more bike friendly (saw some vests at the bike store)?

Advice? Thanks.

By the way, if anyone's interested in doing the bike up to Black Rock Point with me, let me know. Not sure what day yet...

robotland · Post by **robotland** » Thu Jun 30, 2005 7:13 am

I prefer one of those messenger's bags to a backpack- I HATE the nuclear-hot tropical-wet spot that develops underneath a pack, and even the ventilated hydropak models bug me. My everyday bike has a cut-down milk crate over the rear wheel, which is wide enough to carry just about anything including your ice from Camparctica. I keep a couple of bungees to secure my cargo, and a bandanna or space blanket to keep it cool doesn't hurt. This year I want to experiment with making a shade canopy from lightweight fabric and two sections of PVC anchored fore and aft....It'd have to be WIDE to shade effectively, but would be cool at night with lights on it.

Post by **AntiM** » Thu Jun 30, 2005 7:22 am

From experience a canopy acts as a sail. We're going to try to cut wind crescents this year.

robotland · Post by **robotland** » Thu Jun 30, 2005 7:24 am

Maybe I'll weave a shade out of CDs and fishline.....

nollij · Post by **nollij** » Thu Jun 30, 2005 10:34 am

DallasPlaya wrote:I *just* bought a bike (as mentioned earlier, a new one because of my height). And, as often mentioned, I want to ride out to Black Rock Point (about 10 miles away). So I'll be getting used to the bike and getting my biking muscles in shape between now and then.

Be aware that going beyond the perimeter fence will get you flagged down and turned around by the BLM Rangers. We tried this several years ago at night.. wanted to get a mile or so outside the city limits to have total quiet and no light polution from BRC for photography. They stopped us barely 100 yards outside the trash/perimeter fence and told us we had to stay within the confines of the trash fence unless we were DPW or had a permit. We didn't argue: I didn't feel like sitting in jail arguing the point about public land and american citizen and all the "freedom" stuff. It was a bummer.

Which direction is Black Rock Point from BRC? Can you get there from 34?

DallasPlaya wrote:My question for the bike veterans is: What's a good way to carry stuff on the bike? I'm imagining saddle bags. I was at the bike store briefly and saw something that looked like a bolt-on extension of the frame that gives you storage space over the rear wheel. Is that the best way?

Also, I'm planning on getting a camelback...but what about backpacks. I can't imagine it being very easy to wear a backpack while operating a bike -- or is it, and do they make backpacks that are more bike friendly (saw some vests at the bike store)?

Advice? Thanks.

By the way, if anyone's interested in doing the bike up to Black Rock Point with me, let me know. Not sure what day yet...

Inre: transport of gear. As some of mentioned, baskets work well. I use a standard rear bike rack (about $15-25) with a "borrowed" extra large milk crate zip tied to it. It'll take about 6 blocks of Camp Artica ice comfortably. I keep a trash bag and my "grabber" for picking up trash in there the rest of the time. It's only downfall is that nothing that goes in there stays even remotely clean (except the ice: it's wrapped in plastic). You mentioned "something that looked like a bolt-on extension of the frame that gives you storage space over the rear wheel". This was either the standard rear bike rack, or an XtraCycle (xtracycle.com). I'm buying an xtracycle this year so I can tote my 1 year old around on my bicycle... as well as take it to burning man and be a gear hauling MACHINE. Seriously though, the Xtracycle is a great thing, but not a cheap way to transport small amounts of gear. The rear bike rack with milk crate is cheapest. If you're worried about the gear that goes in there, you could always put in in a plastic bag or Dry Bag (if you already own one).

Inre: camelback. There are other options other than the backpack hydration pack option. Camelback also makes the UnBottle, which is meant for backpackers, but you could strap it to your handlebars or top-tube if you didn't want to load it on your back. Nalgene also made the Aspect 1.5 Lumbar ( http://www.nalgene-outdoor.com/store/su ... rycode=184) and Camelback also makes a lumbar pack called the Catalyst and the Alterra... both only hold 28 ounces (not enough for a whole day away from camp). I wear the sweaty backpack most of the time.. I have a 50 ounce bladder in a small camelback I got on SALE... ( about $20 for the whole rig) that works fine for most days.

Inre: easy of use. Most camelback and similar systems are totally stable on the back. They're designed to hold your water and a few essentials (unless you buy the gargantuan backpack models) and ride close and tight to the spine... the best one I ever had in terms of ventilation was the Vaude with the Aeroflex system. They're not that easy to find, so I was pissed when someone at Burning Man stole mine in 2002... took it off for a minute to dance at a mobile "disco".. set it on my handlebars... jerkoff grabbed it and my buddies bike (wasn't locked) and made off with it... we almost caught him, as my other friend spotted him riding away with it and gave chase but lost him. Flat tires with no cell service to THAT guy!

Vaude packs are available at http://www.vaude.de/hps/client/vaude/pu ... outdoor/en but be aware that the site doesn't work on Mac's Safari... it works in Mozilla Firefox and may work on others. The Aeroflex back system models are the most ventilated backpack system you'll find... IMHO. Another added benefit: if you're like me and enjoy bombing down hilll at highway speeds and have to bail: roll onto your back: the semi rigid frame can take a lot of abuse, although you might tear the pack, it's better than tearing your body!

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Thu Jun 30, 2005 2:23 pm

nollij wrote:They stopped us barely 100 yards outside the trash/perimeter fence and told us we had to stay within the confines of the trash fence unless we were DPW or had a permit. We didn't argue: I didn't feel like sitting in jail arguing the point about public land and american citizen and all the "freedom" stuff.

This is a stipulation of the BLM permit.

HughMungus · Post by **HughMungus** » Thu Jun 30, 2005 2:27 pm

theCryptofishist wrote:
nollij wrote:They stopped us barely 100 yards outside the trash/perimeter fence and told us we had to stay within the confines of the trash fence unless we were DPW or had a permit. We didn't argue: I didn't feel like sitting in jail arguing the point about public land and american citizen and all the "freedom" stuff.
This is a stipulation of the BLM permit.

Thanks for the long answer, nolli.

I wonder if I could get out there if I went up 34 a bit...we'll see, I guess.

phil · Post by **phil** » Thu Jun 30, 2005 6:06 pm

What's a good way to carry stuff on the bike?

Some observations, which may be helpful. Or maybe not.

If you have a basket on the handle bars, heavy stuff tends to tip the bike over when you park it. Baskets on the rear can take some getting used to -- careful getting on and off or you'll scrape your leg. Put an old tennis ball on the kickstand to keep it from sinking into the playa and tipping the bike. I wore a messenger bag all last year with no discomfort; Louise wore a water pack without complaint. Some companies have combined backpacks and water bladders. For commercial and do it yourself panniers see
http://www.kk.org/cooltools/archives/000674.php
but again, take care mounting and dismounting. If you put a bike rack on the back, be sure it will hold the weight you're actually going to have on it.

If people haven't seen Cool Tools, take a look:
http://www.kk.org/cooltools/
Lots of neat stuff a la the old Whole Earth Catalog from and acquaintance of Stewart Brand.

robotland · Post by **robotland** » Fri Jul 01, 2005 5:44 am

More great tips from Civilization! Thanks, P and L....see you in Hushville!
The tennis ball idea's a winner. For well-balanced cargo stowage, the old wire bike panniers are great but hard to find secondhand...They can be recreated from small milkcrate-like containers (designed to hold LPs, originally) and some hardware strapping.

Martiansky · Post by **Martiansky** » Sat Jul 02, 2005 8:54 pm

I was wondering if people leave every single one of the reflectors that come on their bikes on?
Also, will a 2.195 tire be okay or should I go with a 2.210? Theres about a 1/4' width difference.

Or am I being too picky about this stuff?

I think Kmart sells wire baskets. Saw one at a local store the other day.

Tiahaar · Post by **Tiahaar** » Sun Jul 03, 2005 12:20 am

My trike has 3.5" wide treads, weighs +300lbs. and does fine. My campmates got away with skinny 27x 1.5 tires last two years but I'd go with the wider-is-better (anything +2", no need to nitpic)

Hey somebody mentioned xtracyle extensions they work super and have the added advantage of a built-in passenger seat (with footrests!) I haven't brought mine to the burn but love it here at home.

How about a home-built sidecar for a bike? Put a bike wheel on a triangle frame and clamp it to the bike, maybe bolt a cooler on to be both seat and carry box? Hmmm must try!

robotland · Post by **robotland** » Tue Jul 05, 2005 8:45 am

Tiahaar wrote:How about a home-built sidecar for a bike? Put a bike wheel on a triangle frame and clamp it to the bike, maybe bolt a cooler on to be both seat and carry box? Hmmm must try!

I picked up an OLD bike with a genuine sidecar on it from the curb a few years back...It was a rusted hulk but I thought I'd pull a pattern from it. Sacrificed it to the Dumpster Gods during the recent move. Lately I've been playing around with a couple of little pneumatic-tired wheels from the tractor supply store and the mechanism from a golfbag carrier, trying to make extendable "training wheels" for those long, lazy and possibly somewhat drunken Playa Excursions....

phil · Post by **phil** » Tue Jul 05, 2005 6:56 pm

I was wondering if people leave every single one of the reflectors that come on their bikes on?

I'm probably in the minority, but I don't believe in reflectors at Burning Man. I believe in actual lighted things. Louise and I have CCTs that we put on our bikes, along with real tail lights and real head lamps. There are too many people riding and driving around in the dark with no headlamps for my comfort. Reflectors don't reflect if there's no light.

I'd suggest lighting the bike -- el wire around the frame, LEDs in the spokes, whatever artsy kind of stuff you think of.

XS · Post by XS » Wed Jul 06, 2005 12:01 am

Robotland wrote

"trying to make extendable "training wheels" for those long, lazy and possibly somewhat drunken Playa Excursions...."

I got your training wheels... uh.... drunk cyclist stabalizers.... right here pal...

www.fatwheels.com

I just put 'em on my little playa girlie bike. I'll post a pic later.

I love it cause it definitely keeps me from falling over, and the 20" kid's tire keep me from riding too fast.

Safe and sane, withing reason I suppose.

calsur · Post by **calsur** » Wed Jul 06, 2005 12:03 am

Bay Bridge Sue,

I must say that you have a truly amazing knowledge set on how to deal with being in an altered state. Thanks for sharing the knowledge!

For the Newbie’s. Do not run into someone or a Camp because you are staring at a set of tits or ass. You will see 93 things that will shock you on your first run to Center Camp. Also if a water truck just watered the street in front of you do not try to cross, as you will get mud caked onto your tires like you will not believe. Also if you get into an altered state just leave the bike or walk it home. DUI applies to bikes too. And the varies Law Enforcement Agencies will run your ass to jail if you get popped for this stupidity.

That is my knowledge from my first Burn. Take it or leave it.

I will impart one other thing about Burning Man. There are about 0.4% of the people who go to BM who actually use the Eplaya. So do not be shocked when you neighbors do not have the same sensitivity for the Playa that has been drilled into you here.

Also I tend to use the term Also too often. But as I am in an altered state I do not care.

safetythird · Post by **safetythird** » Wed Jul 06, 2005 11:15 am

XS wrote:
I got your training wheels... uh.... drunk cyclist stabalizers.... right here pal...

www.fatwheels.com

I've been toying with a similar idea but a little more permanent.

Trike Conversion Kit

$200 plus whatever to actually get it up and running.

Unfortunately I'm running out of money faster than I can cross items off my BM list. I'll be happy if I can just get my tandem operational this year. Perhaps for 06, with a 5hp gas motor.

S3

phil · Post by **phil** » Wed Jul 06, 2005 11:17 am

For a bike with a non-sail canopy, see
http://www.dotphoto.com/GuestViewImage. ... =34&IPP=24

For using CDs and fishing line, see
http://www.cieux.com/bm/bmp/ppl10.jpg

Have fun!

Martiansky · Post by **Martiansky** » Thu Jul 07, 2005 3:51 pm

Well, my $10 bike is ready to roll! The only thing I had to buy since I had parts at home to fix it up with was a 99 cent wheel bearing. 11 bucks aint bad for a cheapo bike!
I went with the 1.95 tires(because they're purple!) but will probably bring set of wider ones with me just in case.
I might actually bring a 20" bmx bike with too, for kicks.

HughMungus · Post by **HughMungus** » Thu Jul 07, 2005 7:09 pm

XS wrote:Safe and sane, withing reason I suppose.

So you're saying we should practice riding our bikes while un-sober? :D

XS · Post by XS » Fri Jul 08, 2005 9:09 am

My Dear Dallas,

I would never presume to dictate anyone's behaviour. I certainly respect one's choice for sobriety... if that's their choice.

As for me, the super cool drunk cyclist stabalizers... are a self-preservationist's must have... I've cruised the playa... let's say... 'happily distracted'.... and fortunately only took a few minor spills... not too mentions spilling a perfectly good chilled beverage... or two...

Let's meet for cocktails and go for a ride... safe and sane of course... well within reason....

Damn I spilled my drink again...

unjonharley · Post by **unjonharley** » Fri Jul 08, 2005 9:17 am

XS wrote:My Dear Dallas,

I would never presume to dictate anyone's behaviour. I certainly respect one's choice for sobriety... if that's their choice.

As for me, the super cool drunk cyclist stabalizers... are a self-preservationist's must have... I've cruised the playa... let's say... 'happily distracted'.... and fortunately only took a few minor spills... not too mentions spilling a perfectly good chilled beverage... or two...

Let's meet for cocktails and go for a ride... safe and sane of course... well within reason....

Damn I spilled my drink again...

~ Damn Harley got drunk one night(of many). It fell over on a bridge greating. I managed to get er up while still sliding. Spent two week in a burn center growing new shin, the bike was trashed. BUT I never spilled a drop of my Mad Dog 20/20. Was in my hand all the time.

robotland · Post by **robotland** » Fri Jul 08, 2005 10:03 am

unjonharley wrote:[
~ Damn Harley got drunk one night(of many). It fell over on a bridge greating. I managed to get er up while still sliding. Spent two week in a burn center growing new shin, the bike was trashed. BUT I never spilled a drop of my Mad Dog 20/20. Was in my hand all the time.

...that explains why there's a statue of you at the bridge! Larger-than-friggin'-life-exploits!

Martiansky · Post by **Martiansky** » Fri Jul 29, 2005 7:02 pm

So, I'm wondering how people carry their bikes out and bike......

Take it apart and put it inside the vehicle?
Bike rack on top.....
or trailer hitch mounted?

PurpleKoosh · Post by **PurpleKoosh** » Fri Jul 29, 2005 7:11 pm

Martiansky wrote:I went with the 1.95 tires(because they're purple!)

I knew I loved you for a reason....

Martiansky · Post by **Martiansky** » Fri Jul 29, 2005 7:36 pm

PurpleKoosh wrote:
Martiansky wrote:I went with the 1.95 tires(because they're purple!)
I knew I loved you for a reason....

Bike Safety and other helpful tips!

Bike locks and theft

Saddle bags?

Re: Saddle bags?

Re: Saddle bags?

Re: Saddle bags?

Adult training wheels

Bike Safety

Re: Adult training wheels

Re: Adult training wheels

Safe and Sane... Within Reason....

Re: Safe and Sane... Within Reason....

Re: Safe and Sane... Within Reason....