I tried copying and pasting your photo onto a Word doc and stretch it out to see if I could find your truck. I think I saw it on the horizon. Good thing you didn't get your flat way out yonder! That would have been a real nice walk back! Some things you might consider taking along with you on your next ride: Cell phone, Spare tire, Compressor, HEAVY DUTY battery, Hiking boots, Lunch, A tent, Bear repellant, Fire wood, Marshmallows, A compass, and a First aid kit! At least you had your keys with you when you got back, huh? :~D
Really though, Thanx for the scenery!
Flat tire!!!!!???? Oh no. I am not saying this but some people might say it's karma getting you back for teasing Olga about the truck wash.
ITSSSSS TIMMMEEE!
I know all of you have been desperately awaiting a new update. Unfortunately I had that flat tire that sidelined this thread and my bike rides for a bit. I got it fixed at home for 22$ and also had my tire tube treated with an anti-popping gel. So I shouldn't see another flat anytime soon.
I got done with my day in Wamsutter, WY at the Love's and had some time to burn before my bedtime. So I took out the bike! I was quickly approached by my trucker neighbor where we chatted for a little bit. He loved my bike and thought it was a terrific idea!
Wamsutter is a pretty boring place honestly. So this update won't be as glamorous.
Drove right out of the large parking area. Just me and my bike. My new view! And a whole lot smaller!
Sun started going down. Look at how flat this area is!
Sunset to my right and a nice cool breeze beside me. A very relaxing moment. That's what its all about. Getting out of the truck and moving around a little. Enjoying the day after a long day of work.
This is a PANO photo of my surroundings. It seems like I'm stranded in the middle of nowhere. In some ways, I am.
Yesterday I had the most wild bike ride ever. About twice better than Elk Mountain, believe me! Here's some sneak peaks - my legs were sore at the end of the day, I went so far away from civilization that I couldn't even hear the Jake Brakes from passing trucks, and... I encountered a wild animal that wanted me to leave. All this and more in my next update coming tomorrow. You don't want to miss out on this one people! Some of the pictures I took are just absolutely captivating!
Truck drivers who regularly pick up from or deliver to the shipping ports will often be required to carry a TWIC card.
Your TWIC is a tamper-resistant biometric card which acts as both your identification in secure areas, as well as an indicator of you having passed the necessary security clearance. TWIC cards are valid for five years. The issuance of TWIC cards is overseen by the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.
Daniel, I love, love, love this thread! I have been working in the bike industry for the past year and a half and I'm about to make a big return to truck driving. I wondered about how feasible it would be to bring my bike with me so I could do what you are doing. It sounds like the best of both worlds! Nothing like a good ride to de stress your day. Cheaper than therapy!
So what kind of bike do you have? And where do you store it in the truck? I'm thinking I might have to get a foldie bike but those are expensive. I currently have a Surly road bike. If I could figure out a way to bring that with me I would be super stoked.
About your flat, I've found the best way to prevent flats is to invest in a good tire. I used to build custom bike wheels so I know how to fix a flat on my own, but it's a huge pain in the but to deal with all the time. I bought some some Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires for my road bike that are designed to run over tacks and still not go flat. I haven't tested that theory lol but I commute by bike every day and I haven't had a flat since I got those tires. Kinda pricey but well worth it!
Thanks for the thread and all the pretty pics, really inspiring!
INCREDIBLE pics!!! Wow, those are great. That pano is priceless! You need a pano sunset in the moutains.
This is a super cool thread. I'm diggin this. I was the same way out there. I did everything I could think of that sounded fun. So many drivers are either driving, sleeping, or sitting around watching TV. This is one of the richest, most beautiful countries in the world with a grand variety of scenery & terrain. Not to mention Vegas, New Orleans, New York, Chicago....you can find unique things to do pretty much anywhere you go. From flying airplanes to scuba diving, snowboarding to surfing, to a weekend in a plush hotel in Vegas sitting by the pool all day.
Seriously people. Enjoy your lives out there. It takes some effort to work around your schedule, find parking, and other logistical things. But once you get the hang of it, you'll find a ton of opportunities to have a great time.
You guys haven't seen nothing yet! This next update will drop jaws.
Joanna, I'm thrilled you enjoy my thread. I have a 2015 Kink Curb BMX bike. I got a BMX bike over a mountain bike because I like the ride better. And I do want better tires, but I already shelled out 300$ for a bike and its not in our budget yet to go spend even more on it. It would be a fantastic Birthday present for me in October though! Hint hint
There's absolutely no need for a foldable bike. I have my bike on the back of my truck. Just for you, and others reading who are too shy, I will write a How-To mount your bike on the back of your truck. After taking it off and putting it back up dozens of times I have the perfect way of doing it. Don't worry, soon you'll know exactly how to safely mount your bike. Foldables are a waste of money. Seriously people. Enjoy your lives out there. It takes some effort to work around your schedule, find parking, and other logistical things. But once you get the hang of it, you'll find a ton of opportunities to have a great time.
Exactly!!! I run hard, don't get me wrong. But I'm serious about having some fun once in a while. I feel so bad for those drivers who just drive, eat, and sleep. What a miserable life. I'm having a blast out here and making good money. When I'm an old man, I will be the best story teller the world has ever seen. Already, I feel like I can write a book because I have so many stories that I cannot possibly forget.
I will write a How-To mount your bike on the back of your truck. After taking it off and putting it back up dozens of times I have the perfect way of doing it. Don't worry, soon you'll know exactly how to safely mount your bike. Foldables are a waste of money.
That would make for an awesome video. I have no idea how you have it up there. Special mounts? Bungee straps? And show how easy or hard it is to take it down and put it away.
Put a video on Youtube and I'll embed it here and in the blog section.
I will write a How-To mount your bike on the back of your truck. After taking it off and putting it back up dozens of times I have the perfect way of doing it. Don't worry, soon you'll know exactly how to safely mount your bike. Foldables are a waste of money.That would make for an awesome video. I have no idea how you have it up there. Special mounts? Bungee straps? And show how easy or hard it is to take it down and put it away.
Put a video on Youtube and I'll embed it here and in the blog section.
No special mounts. Just 4 bungees and one of those bike chains to prevent theft. I've rode through dozens of scales by now with it and no attention from DOT. Its strapped on their very well. I'll make a video, but it'll have to wait three weeks until I'm home again. But I'll do a picture-by-picture presentation on how to do it. Its pretty easy.
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
Can't wait to see the video! Esp curious to see how you have the chain secured to the truck.
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Did you call out a service truck? or take it to the Prime terminal? . . . . bet it will be cheaper than that Super Single that blew out on you last month . . .
Jopa
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.