BIKING
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Man
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Turn your Bike into
the All-In-One Mobile
Outdoor Adventure
Bicycles are trending in the world of transportation,
there’s no denying that. More and more folks are
trading in their gas cards and car keys for U-locks
and helmets. While we might ponder on the idea of
“going green” and all that comes with it, making this
transition is a lot easier said than done. We can’t haul
supplies from Home Depot or tote the troops around
town on a bicycle. And what if it’s pouring rain or hailing or something? The cyclist’s lifestyle just doesn’t fit
everyone’s needs one hundred percent of the time.
Nevertheless, biking provides a major work-out, and it
makes for fun transport on a nice day. But what if you
could turn that old bike of yours into something useful
for a hunting or camping trip? Get up and yank that
thing out of the junk pile in your garage. Spend some
time blowing the dust off of it and take a good look at
what you’re working with. It could become your next
big project.
You’re probably thinking, how in the world is this bike
going to fit my hunting needs? This is how: with a few
hours of your time and some inexpensive, easy-to-install add-ons, you can turn your old bike into the manliest, most ridiculous mobile outdoor adventure ever!
For a local outing, you can’t beat these modifications.
By the time you’re finished creating your custom set
of wheels, you’ll be able to say, “I’m taking my bike,
man,” without feeling like you have to grow an herb
garden and buy recycled paper to go along with it.
Here are the available modifications for the rugged
outdoorsman’s biking experience:
82 Summer 2015 Adventure Outdoors
acks
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We love them mounted in
our trucks or on our walls at home. Every hunter needs a gun rack for his rifle,
or crossbow, since those are trending
now, as well. Mount the gun rack on
your bike’s handlebars for convenient
access. Gun racks for bicycles run between $15-$30 and they can hold a
crossbow or vertical bow and arrows,
as well as a rifle or shotgun. The spring
locks make for a firm grip to ensure that
your weapon is secure and safe if you
hit a bump or two during the ride.
pole
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Fish
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You can order one of these
handy add-ons for about $35 dollars
and install it onto the lower part of your
bike frame near the back tire. However,
if you’re up for a DIY project that will
cost you less than $10, try making your
own out of a leftover PVC pipe. Cut the
pipe flat on one end and on a 45 degree angle at the other. The side with
the 45 degree angle should be the top
where you insert your pole and the reel
rests. Make sure the butt of the pole fits
lengthwise into the pipe and that it is
snug. If it wiggles, add a circular foam
insert (found at hardware and fishing
gear stores) to the inside of the pipe.
Sand down any rough edges and glue
or screw the pipe onto a 4-6inch block
of wood. Attach the wood to your bike
frame with stainless steel plumber’s
straps and a couple of zip-ties, and
you’re good to go! Now you’ll be able
to bike up those tiny fishing trails that
your truck won’t fit through.