Glamping versus camping

A new term came to my attention this morning when I got up hours before the sun, courtesy of my insistent insomnia.  The internet is an amazing thing sometimes, and so are forums.  This amazing concept is typically called “glamping” and may appeal to those who have a significant other who just isn’t into roots and rocks for sleep texture, and wonder where to plug in their hair dryer in the morning.

Okay, I’ll admit…I don’t always want to “rough it” when I head out on a camping trip.  I don’t LIKE sleeping snuggled between a rock and a sharp place, and I’ve done my time doing it.  Sometimes, we’re out and on the road, traveling for whatever reason…and we want to have a bit more convenience and comfort than that backpacker’s ultra light minimalist tent with a mummy sleeping bag and freeze dried dinner in a bag.

So…I suppose I could be accused of “glamping” on occasion.  I have done things like take electric heaters, electric lamps, tables, chairs, laptops,  etc. along.  We have a giant sized (for two people anyhow) Coleman Red Canyon tent that while it’s incredibly drafty in winter, it also offers an amazing amount of space to stretch out and set up for comfort.  So what IS the difference between glamping and car camping really?

Glamping is more about luxury and glamour than car camping traditionally is.  It’s more likely to include luxuries such as air conditioning, attractive and spacious tents, floor coverings, and furniture than regular car campers will include.  Glamping doesn’t include RVs per se…but we all know that many RVs are really all about glamour!  True glamping is apparently done in a luxurious and spacious tent, however, and can easily include plenty of “Arabian Nights” kind of romantic accessories.

And here I was…trying to down size my camping gear when I had the perfect excuse to go glamping and bring even more!

So what is really the entire point of glamping rather than merely going camping?  Glamping is camping when you really aren’t going to be roughing it and don’t want to.  Glamping would work for a base camp on a dream vacation, especially in situations when “roughing it” might not be the best choice, like perhaps for a honeymoon whether its your first or second.  It’s how a couple can reach a compromise and enjoy a vacation together too–not everyone is willing to go rough it in the wilderness.

In addition, glamping may be the least expensive way to ease that spouse into the camping world because often, many of your home furnishings (or second hand ones purchased to take along) can make the trip, assuming you have the cargo space to manage them.

Start with the largest tent you can manage, both in terms of price and ability to set it up.  This is your mansion, so make sure you have done things like seal seams and waterproof the fly.  If its a new tent purchased for the trip, read reviews.  You want it to be sturdy, easy to get in and out of, and definitely waterproof.  Straight sided tent walls mean more usable floor space too.  Use one or more tarps underneath the tent to protect the floor and prevent migration of moisture through the tent floor (as well as to keep it clean.)  I find that using multiple smaller tarps is usually less expensive and easier to manage than a giant sized tarp.  Cheap tarps work just fine here, and no one sees them after you are finished setting up the tent.  Fold any excess under the edge of the tent–you do not want any of it protruding out, channeling rain or dew under  your tent.  Don’t forget to use ALL of the guy out points on the tent and rain fly to increase the tent’s stability.

The ultimate glamping tent is supposedly a canvas tent, of much the same type as is used in renaissance fairs and other re-enactments.  These heavier tents are more difficult to set up, weigh more, are more bulky in storage, and require more maintenance than the less expensive and more common camping type of synthetic fabric tents.  However, many of these tents will allow the addition of features such as wood burning stoves, ready made boots for air conditioners, etc. as well as having heavier fabric less likely to readily exchange heat.  Teepees, yurts, etc. are also options that can be considered for glamping housing options.

Your second accessory will be a screened in canopy to eliminate insects from the equation while allowing everyone to be “outdoors.”  Make sure the roof is also waterproof, just in case of rain during your glamping excursion.  Make sure that the entrance/exit is easy to use, as this is frequently the failure point of screened in gazebos.  Also stake the gazebo down as much as the design allows–this makes it more stable in the event of a gust of wind.

Floor coverings are next.  You want to create an air of luxury, but you don’t want to have too much bulk, weight, or something that turns into a giant sponge in the event of rain.  Some suggested coverings are things like the outdoor mats that allow easy passage of moisture through them (check for outdoor mats like are used on RV patio areas) or cotton drop cloths (like painters use.)  Inside your screened in gazebo, if no floor is included, a tarp as a moisture barrier might be an excellent starting point, followed with “astro turf” cut to fit the interior space.  This material can be purchased at most Home Depots and Lowe’s fairly inexpensively.  Make sure to fold the tarp under layer up along the edges of the gazebo walls to prevent moisture from entering in the event of rain.

Now comes the furniture.  The truly creative ones with bigger budgets can explore the world of “campaign furniture” from the 18th and 19th century and the pinnacle of the British Empire.  You’ll see some ingenious portability there!  Duplicating the designs may be a much more affordable route than purchasing the original antiques, and some reproductions may be commercially available.  This stuff is truly “fine furniture” that you wouldn’t be adverse to using in your own home, and will feature decorative trims, techniques, etc. as well as multiple purpose natures combined with extreme portability.

You are not stuck exploring just “camping furniture” in this effort either.  Any furniture that folds up or breaks down into parts that can be assembled with few or no tools is a potential glamping piece of furniture.  Its a good idea to choose pieces that would dry quickly or be impervious to water exposure.  You will want at least a table with seating, a raised bed, and chairs.  Extras such as a night stand, foot stools, clothing storage, portable toilet, and desk may also be necessary or desired.

For the bed, the most practical solution would be an air mattress on a frame, raising it above the floor.  Typically these are only available in twin or queen size, but the choices of those two sizes should work for most people and still allow them to use bedding from home.  That can save a bit of change–no sleeping bags or pads required.  (Cabella’s sells the frame for air mattresses, and Amazon has one as well.)  Don’t forget things like the mattress pad, sheets, comforters, pillows, etc.

Tables come in a variety of sizes, heights, portability, weight, and types.  I happen to love the folding frame topped with a wooden top that rolls, but it has been unavailable for a number of years.  A new version uses aluminum slats.  There are also plastic and other metal tables that fold, as well as the “tv tray” made of wood or metal that can become small tables.  Use table clothes, vinyl or fabric, to cover whatever tables you choose to use–it’s part of the whole look, and should coordinate with your other fabrics.

Portable chairs come in a variety of colors, sizes, types, and prices.  Choose chairs that not only coordinate, but are comfortable.   Chaise lounges can be the typical lawn chair type and topped with a throw too.  There are also inflatable sofas, although I have no idea how comfortable or practical they would be, even in a glamping scenario.  You will want seating in the gazebo and inside the tent.  Another item that may be worth your time and attention will be the portable closet.  There are a lot of them on the market–look for one that assembles & disassembles easily, as well as offers adequate storage space for your use during your glamping excursions.  Since most of these are not designed for glamping, you may need to invest in a storage container or bag to keep it all together without losing pieces between excursions.

Finally, don’t forget your power supplies.  You will need at least two heavy duty outdoor type extension cords, and two “power strips” to attach to them.  One goes to the gazebo, and the other goes to the tent, which means that your power supply is somewhat limited.  In addition, most campgrounds are only going to be rated for about 30 amps per campsite, but this should not be a problem even while glamping.

For your tent, minimum appliances will include a lamp, and then a either a fan (summer) or an electric heater (winter.)  Other items such as a second lamp, alarm clock, electric blanket, etc. can be added as needed.  Portable air conditioners, which vent through a hose, can also be used in hot climates for summer outings.  Standard window units, usually far less expensive than the “portable” units, require extensive modifications to use in a tent, such as creating the opening and a way of securing it around the unit, as well as a rack system for supporting the unit in the tent wall.

Most glampers are going to locate the kitchen in the gazebo or in another tent rather than the primary one, allowing the dedication of the space to cooking and dining rather than making it a dual purpose space.  Even so, the luxury doesn’t stop before you hit the kitchen.  So what are some requirements?

Lighting–you’ll need lighting besides the romantic lighting for dinner.

Stove–forget backpacking stoves here.  You want two burners, preferably propane fueled, and possibly an oven.  There is an actual stove that includes these in a single unit, but it isn’t cheap.  Amazon lists the Camp Chef stove at $203.95 but offers free shipping.  Beware…the oven IS small!  Camp Chef also makes a two burner stove on legs that uses a regular bbq size propane tank, also sold via Amazon for $129.95 at the time of this writing.  Traditional Coleman type stoves can use either the small 1 lb. canisters or the larger bbq sized tanks (converters may be required).  Racks to hold these smaller stoves are also available from most camping retailers.  Important features to look for?  Matchless ignition is a great feature!

To simplify outfitting your kitchen, you can start with a camp kitchen unit that even includes a kitchen sink such as this one from Cabela’s.  ($119.99 at this time)  Don’t forget to include a bucket to allow disposal of your used wash water, as many campgrounds forbid allowing gray water to spill onto the ground.  For pots and pans, your camp cook’s favorite utensils and pans from home can be used in camp, keeping things very simple.

cabelas deluxe camp kitchen

Don’t forget a cooler, or if you are truly going all-out, a dorm sized refrigerator, which actually can be purchased for about the same price as a good quality cooler.  Dorm size refrigerators are also available in two-door designs, with a small size freezer to store ice cream or a bag of ice for iced drinks in summer.  One of the advantages of the dorm size refrigerator is avoiding the melting ice issues.  Not only does more ice need to be purchased regularly during your stay, but the resulting water from the melting ice can ruin food and create a mess.  Other useful or desirable appliances may be things like a toaster oven, toaster, slow cooker, coffee maker (try to get one without a glass carafe to save issues with breakage), and compact microwave.   Another useful item is a sturdy water jug with a spigot, allowing water use in the camp kitchen to become more convenient.  These jugs can be refilled at the campsite’s water spigot, so the capacity doesn’t need to be immense.

Most campgrounds have showers and flush toilets.  If you are camping where these amenities are missing, (very unusual if there is power, but sometimes the showers/toilets are seasonal), you will want alternatives.  Hot water on-demand units designed for portable use exist, and typically use propane to power their water heating abilities.  Solar showers can also be used, although you may want to heat the water with some other method rather than wait for the sun to do it for you.  There are numerous portable toilets as well, and these may be a great idea for night use even if there are restrooms available, saving midnight rushes to the restroom a block away.  Small pop up shelters designed specifically for use with showers and portable potties are available, and usually are easy to set up.  You do NOT want to set up a shower inside of your tent or gazebo, although you may want it nearby.

Don’t forget your pets in your glamping excursions either!  Their usual beds and toys can make the trip, but consider adding additional items such as a playpen (for very small dogs) or crates, as your tent is not as “secure” as your home is in achieving the required safe confinement of your pet.  Also be aware, it is nearly a universal requirement that all pets be on leashes not over 6′ in length at all times and that they are never left in the campsite unattended.  If you are doing the tourist thing, this may require extra planning.  It is too hot most of the year to leave a pet for even short periods of time inside of a car, which means that someone needs to always be with the pet.  For some families, leaving the pet behind in a kennel or with friends might be the wisest choice.  Scheduling your glamping trips in the colder weather of winter, when leaving your pet in the car for short periods of time is possible, may be another choice.  A third choice is bringing along a pet sitter who is specifically along to stay with the pet while you are busy.  Some families may also opt to board their pet for a few days or use pet day care while vacationing, allowing them the best of both worlds.  If this is your plan, make sure you have copies of your pets’ vaccination records and that they are all current & up to date, and make reservations.  Double check the kennel’s requirements about shots and update anything necessary prior to your planned departure.  Using day care in the locations you are visiting may allow you to enjoy your pets company in camp, keep the expense of boarding minimal, and yet get maximum enjoyment out of your vacation.

All that is left is to add the accessories you will use during your glamping vacation, such as sun screen, clothing, towels, washcloths, personal hygiene items, food, spices, dinnerware, flatware, etc. much like you would be using if you stayed in a cabin somewhere.  But then comes the problem of getting all of this gear to your selected location without spending more than you have to.  This is going to be a lot of gear, more than the typical passenger car can comfortably hold.

The solution for hauling all of this can range from getting a larger vehicle for the trip to using a cargo trailer to haul it all.  For many people, the least expensive and most practical solution will be to have a hitch installed and purchase or rent a small cargo trailer to carry their glamping gear.  U-Haul has a “sport” trailer that is towable by any passenger car and carries 45 cubic feet of gear, probably the smallest rent-able cargo trailer on the market.  Their next size up is 4×8, a substantially sized trailer that smaller cars may not be able to tow.  Small open cargo trailers, sold as kits from companies such as Harbor Freight, are often even “foldable” and will go on sale for roughly $350.  Some of these will require their new owners to install a “deck” of plywood to render them usable for hauling your camping gear, and plywood can be used to create side walls to help secure your gear as well.  Once your trailer is loaded, you want to ensure it is securely tied down, whether or not you are using a tarp to weather proof it for the journey.  Cargo nets or ropes are used for this task.  These trailers are also used to build modified tear drops for use for glamping too–the tear drop camper is constructed with the full service kitchen and electrical connectors to power it from the power outlet in the campsite, and the “sleeping compartment” becomes the cargo space for hauling the other gear.  Some glampers use the sleeping area for their bed space and permanently install their air conditioning unit, etc. in it, and the tent becomes the “living space” for the remainder of their time.  This is another option, and for some glampers, it’s a better option.

To ensure your glamping experience isn’t an exercise in misery, don’t forget the following:

1. Set up all equipment at least once  at home prior to leaving.
2. Have a check list of what order things need to be set up and who will set each item up.
3. Estimate the amount of time needed to set up camp.  Glamping excursions are more intensive in terms of set up and tear down.  New equipment also takes longer to set up, due to a lack of familiarity, than equipment that has been used numerous times before.  With more practice, both set up and take down get faster and more efficient, and the more people there are to help, the faster both are.
4. Have a check list of what order things need to be loaded into the vehicle (or trailer) for easy set up in camp.
5. Plan your travel so that you arrive at your campsite with enough time to set up before dark.  Try to have some “wiggle room” in case of travel incidents like flat tires, wrong turns, detours, heavy traffic, etc.
6. Plan a quick & easy meal for that first night in camp, or bring along take-out food.
7. Use lists for each person’s personal items, from clothing to bedding and personal hygiene.
8. For tear down, make a list of what needs packed first, and which items need disassembled first. Calculate the amount of time required.  This is important, as most campgrounds have a “check out” time, and you will need to at least be close to this time frame, as well as have enough time to return home and unpack.
9. Most of all, don’t panic when you realize something has been forgotten.  It’s a fact of life these days in America…we’re never far from a Walmart!  (or other store)  Forgotten items can be replaced, whether its shampoo, dog food, or bed sheets.
10. Always police your campsite before departure, picking up stray bits of trash that may have escaped attention before, and ensuring that nothing has been left behind.  Most “lost” equipment happens at the departure point, whether it is left on top of the vehicle to blow off or left behind at the campsite during loading.

Camping does not have to be an endurance test.  It doesn’t have to be an exercise in deprivation.  The primary purpose of camping is to exchange your normal environment for one with new and improved scenery, usually of the natural sort.  Camping is about creating a portable home-away-from-home that suits the individual and his or her companions.  While purists may object to trailers, RVs, spacious tents, air conditioning, heaters, comfortable beds, elaborate kitchens, and electronic devices, these too have a place at the campground, and offer camping to a variety of people that cannot or will not sleep on the ground in a sleeping bag in a tent for whatever reason.  Don’t look down on these campers as being “sissies” or “tenderfeet”–many of them have paid decades of dues on the trail humping a backpack up one slope after another.  Many others have spent a lifetime wishing they were capable of it.  Glamping can offer camping to more people that otherwise would miss out on the experience, whether it is due to health issues or fear.  It lets those who have a spouse who is unwilling or incapable of “roughing it” still get out and enjoy nature.  It allows families to explore nature safely and in a non-threatening manner.

Most of all, remember that those who learn about nature, national parks, state parks, national forests, camping, campgrounds, and the long list of activities they provide are the same people that help protect these wonderful assets to our great country.  Those who never use these places and don’t know what a valuable asset they are, are the same people who are going to be unwilling to help support their preservation and protection.  You may groan as you see that overloaded motor home groaning up the gravel road towards your favorite haunts, complete with television antennae, generator, and satellite internet…but its occupants are going to be much more  likely to be concerned about the fate of your favorite haunt than someone lurking in the urban jungle and shopping at the mall.

 

Bike trailer choices

Bike trailers are much more common than they were a few years ago.  Even Walmart carries a couple of different models.  The more common models are designed to carry one or two young children, too young to ride on their own, yet over a year old.  For some reason, infants riding on a trailer or bike under 1 yr is frowned upon, even when riding in a seat designed for a motor vehicle.  I guess the difference is the lack of a protective frame around the bike trailer?

For those interested in bike camping, touring, or emergency preparedness with a bike, these common child-toting trailers are not designed to do what you are going to demand of them.  Even grocery shopping with one of these child toting models is far from ideal with their teardrop design and zipper closures.  A much better choice would be the cargo trailer.

I read all the reviews, from single wheel models on up.  Some of the models are wonderful, but unfortunately…so are their price tags.  In this economy, bicycles are often a transportation to save money, so who wants to spend several MONTHS worth of gas money on an expensive cargo trailer?

I also had a special purpose in mind for our cargo trailer–carrying a large but aging dog.  That meant the more common and lighter weight nylon canvas flooring was not a good choice for us.  Dog toe nails, especially when they are LARGE, can wreak damage quickly to fabric, and I suspected it would be worse with the trailer bumping over minor road obstacles.  I wanted a solid metal floor.  For the sake of stability with a large animal as a passenger, I also wanted two wheels.  Not only was she going to feel more secure, but she will be less likely to cause me to swerve or sway as I pedal along beside traffic.  In addition, the two wheel design, in my opinion, seemed more versatile in terms of loading and toting other gear, as we are seriously discussing purchasing a second trailer.

The critical decision was also based on cost.  I just couldn’t justify spending too much on a trailer.  We just weren’t sure it would get enough use to justify budgeting a substantial portion of our available funds into the bike project.

I opted to go with an Aosom trailer, which was listed at their website for $99.99 including shipping.  Expedited shipping, which would have gotten it to me on time for our biking expedition last week would have cost an additional $70, which I could not justify to GM or myself.  It also resulted in Red Dog and I having to drop out early and then wait for rescue though.  Hindsight shows me that the $70 price for expedited shipping would probably have been worth it, but that’s another story.

I ordered the trailer on March 14th, and it arrived on March 22nd.  Aosom isn’t the speediest shipper I’ve ever encountered, but they are also not the slowest.  It’s just that patience is short when I’m waiting for something I perceive as a genuine need, I suppose.

Upon arrival, it took 3 adults, 1 pocket knife, 1 multi-tool and about 15 minutes to have the trailer completely assembled.  It’s that easy, despite the “manual” for assembly being a single vague page with poor photographs.  The bicycle hitch is attached to the trailer, but needs to be removed and then installed on the towing bike.  We also ordered a spare hitch, so that switching hitches was not necessary every time we wanted to trade off who was doing the towing.  Unfortunately, the extra hitch was not included in the box.  I think that Aosom customer service informed me that they would send it out “soon”, but I am not entirely sure–their accent and my ears have a hard time exchanging information.  I guess I’ve lived in the South too long?  Hopefully, it will arrive soon.

The trailer’s tongue attaches to the hitch with a spring loaded flexible “gizmo”.  I have no idea what to call this attachment other than a gizmo.  I may have some concerns about lifespan of this spring, but it does make for a connection that looks like it should be a very workable solution.

But in the meantime, I have to wait for GM to unload the bikes from the bike rack on the van and then install this gizmo on the bicycle’s rear axle.  Patience might be a virtue, but unfortunately, it’s not mine.  Waiting kills me!  I’ll ride the street right here and learn how it affects my ride empty, and then we’ll embark on the training project with Red Dog.  Because Mississippi seems to have a very high rate of unrestrained dogs who hate bicycles…I’m not sure about riding in our own neighborhood to train Red.  We may end up having to load up and go into town, using the local parking lots as our training venue, free of distracting stray dogs.  Red is not known for her friendliness to approaching snarling dogs.

 

 

Aosom bike trailer saga

Well, I ordered the bike trailer from Aosom last Monday, March 14th.  It arrived today.  So much for shipping within 24 hours, I guess that referred to sending information to FedEx about the shipment within a couple of days.

When I ordered the trailer, I also ordered an extra hitch.  I didn’t want to be plagued with hitch-swapping when we trade off who is towing the trailer, and for the approximate $10 difference, I thought life would be simpler.

Don’t think when ordering, I guess.  The trailer arrived today, minus the extra hitch.  It took a call to Aosom to figure out where the hitch that was included was located.  Obviously, there was no spare hitch in the box.  (The included hitch is already on the trailer’s tongue.)  That will supposedly be sent sometime soon.  I have no idea when–talking to their office means somewhat of a language barrier.  I’m sure they are speaking English, however, I have trouble understanding their accent at all.  I guess I’ve lived in the South too long.

I have to admit, it took us (3 adults, a multi tool, and a knife) about 15 minutes from arrival to assembled, and another few minutes to air up the tires.  It was EASY assembly, even though there are zero directions included.  It wheels easily, has a solid metal painted typical battleship gray, and easy to knock down sides.  The sides are made of a nylon fabric that appears to be ample in strength too.  The cover fits nicely, although I’m not sure how well it would stay on without additional straps in a storm or substantial wind, but it looks secure for the average outing.

The one I purchased was the small size, and it appears to be ample in space for Red Dog, it’s primary occupant.  For grocery shopping, it also looks like it would be spacious enough, and capable of carrying heavy items such as drinking water in gallon containers.  I like the guard rails running outside of the wheels–that looks like the perfect place to attach leashes to secure Red Dog during our training sessions to ensure she stays put!

Another consideration for carrying a dog behind the bike would be shade.  I realize my first attempt may be sorely lacking in aerodynamics–I intend to use an umbrella!  However, I may come up with something else at a future point that would present less of a drag issue, as well as be less inclined to wind damage on a windy day.  But…an umbrella strapped to a corner of the trailer sounds like a simple and efficient way to create shade for a hot dog on a summer day’s outing.  Other thoughts have GM making a frame of PVC pipe that would set inside of the trailer, and to which we could attach fabric or some other lightweight material for shade.  With the PVC pipe idea, we could even add side curtains for more substantial weather protection too!  (As well as hiding side views from the dog–I’m not sure how she’s going to feel about traffic passing by us closely.

For the floor, I know she’s not going to be crazy about slick metal under her paws.  She’s going to feel incredibly unstable and uncertain on a slick surface such as that.  That means I’ll need to use something that is non-skid on the floor for her to stand on, sit on, and someday maybe, even lay on.  I think we’ll start out by swiping a rear floor mat from the van.  They are thick, sturdy, and she’ll not find the surface frightening.

For the training phase, we’ll use four lengths of rope or cord, two to each side, going to each corner from her collar.  A fifth piece will go over her right behind her shoulders to prevent her from raising her body in an attempt to escape.  Hopefully, that will suffice.  If all else fails, we’ll have to have someone walk alongside her for a ways, as we accustom her to the concept of riding.  If we’re STILL having trouble, then I’ll just have to ride about 5 miles until she’s too tired to care about it, and is willing to ride to save her feet.

Tomorrow…I hope to give it our first try.  I’m excited.  There is an element of disappointment about the speed of their shipping…this trailer was still sitting in Oregon on Wednesday after being ordered on Monday.  I’m missing the second hitch.  I have no idea what the woman told me today about when they would send this hitch, but I got the impression it would be soon.  Hopefully, I’ll get a shipping notification from someone tomorrow.  Maybe.  Maybe she meant soon next week…

Oh boy.  Someday, things will go according to plan, right?  In the meantime, I can’t wait to try out this beautiful little cargo trailer!

Bike accessories and trailer

We have a bike & hike planned for the weekend.  It’s a crazy schedule, as GM has a radio show on Saturday evening, and we are uncertain whether our campsite that night will even have a signal for the cell phone.  Worst case scenario means driving into Hattiesburg, MS to get a signal for the phone and the air card.  Far from ideal, that’s for sure!

We also have a pair of dogs who hate each other devoutly and are not great candidates for being left behind.  Sissy, the smaller one, will spend the weekend with friends, who have graciously agreed to  babysit her.  Red Dog, on the other hand, is the supreme escape artist (we just had a lifetime guaranteed collar fail–the D-ring literally disappeared!) and can’t be left behind.  She suffers from severe separation anxiety if I don’t take her.

The big problem is that she is no longer a young dog who can take a 20 mile run without blinking an eye.  I have serious concerns about her ability to do it, even greater than my own concerns about riding a bike all day, even at a slow pace.  I  know I have to stop about every mile, but I should be able to do this without any great trouble.  I also know that should I start having trouble, I have the sense to just stop.  Red is apt to not give any signs of trouble until its serious, that’s a dog’s nature.

So I decided that the coveted bike trailer I’d been looking at and looking at was in order.  Of course, I procrastinated until it’s highly likely that it may not arrive before we leave.  (I just placed the order today, and it is to be delivered via FedEx.)  I could have bought a number of other trailers from other companies and had no issues about delivery–many are locally available.  So why this particular trailer?

It’s made by Aosom, and I’m not sure which country, although I suspect it is China.  The company has very courteous staff, despite heavily accented English (I actually called them before placing the order to price expedited shipping–too expensive at $70 for 3 day delivery.)  I also found out they were out of the larger trailers, but I sincerely hope the 2″ length difference won’t be an issue.  Red won’t be able to actually lay down, but I suspect that I’ll have enough trouble getting her to RIDE and be relatively still.

I ordered the medium size, which cost $99.99 including shipping.  I also added an extra universal hitch for the Aosom trailers to the order at $12.  That means we can switch who is towing the trailer easily, without having to trade bikes.  (Mine has been heavily modified for my own needs.)  The Aosom trailer not only comes with a lower price tag than other companies, but it also features something that is very important for some types of cargo (such as large dogs).  It has a solid floor.

Surprisingly, most trailers have just a nylon canvas floor, which is probably slightly lighter and works just fine for many applications.  In cargo though, I personally think a solid floor is important.  Cargo often comes with odd shapes, pointed edges, and…claws.  In addition, we live in some very rainy country, and I could not see the canvas holding up to frequent exposure to puddles without additional issues, whether in terms of rot or damage to cargo.  I just like the idea of a cargo trailer with a metal floor.

At 35 lbs., the trailer isn’t ultra-light by any means.  Many bikes weigh less than the trailer does.  But..I had no delusions about becoming the next speed-record-setting cyclist anyhow!  If I’m pulling the trailer, I’m not trying to go fast (like I ever go fast to begin with…I hit about 20 mph on a downhill slope and I’m panicking!)  The sides of the trailer, as well as the cover, are made of fabric from the photographs, and that is fine by me.  The frame is metal and it has an adequate appearing frame.  I’m planning on attaching two leashes, one to each side, to fix Red Dog firmly in place and prevent her from jumping or attempting to jump.  I may also use a strap over her backside…just to be sure she stays put.  Once she’s trained to ride, I’ll have far fewer issues with her riding in it, I’m sure.

Sissy will require the same training, but her far smaller mass means a couple of things.  First, she’s like trying to secure a greased pig.  She’s wily and slippery!  Second, her moving around isn’t going to do as much for creating instability for the towing rider.  At 25 lbs, she is a bit large for the “pet basket” arrangement, and a bit small and old to consider running alongside the bike for any distance.  In addition, her advancing age is starting to show, making us question how old she really was when she was adopted.  (Sissy was an adult when we adopted her, and we know we’d been “fibbed” to by the woman who arranged for her to depart the death row cage of the high-kill pound she was in.   Claiming the 25 lb.  adult feist was a 10 lb. 6-month-old female puppy was her tactic, and Sissy came to us on an agreement made sight unseen.  Obviously, there was some surprise when she arrived, and we have no idea how old she really is.  That was almost six years ago now, and she was estimated to be 2-8 yrs old then.)

Our current plan is to alternate which dog rides and which one runs when we have both dogs with us.  Hopefully that will work, as I’m rather dubious about the likelihood of convincing Sissy to ride in a basket on board the bike.  GM did make a rather smart alec remark about how we should just duct tape her to the bicycle for the ride, but I don’t think that she would enjoy that method of getting to go along!

The trailer can also be used to tote along other items, even if a dog is riding part time.  Camping gear, coolers, fishing gear, even groceries from the store could be carried in the trailer, helping us stay in shape and avoid the spiking gas prices.   I can see it as a useful item to have in conjunction with a bicycle, especially as we face rising gasoline costs.

All in all, I’m very excited about the bike trailer’s impending arrival.  I’ve shopped and shopped, read reviews, scoured bulletin boards, read blogs…and this particular trailer looked like the best option for our varied applications.  It didn’t hurt that the prices are more than competitive either!  While ordering direct from their website was less expensive than ordering through Amazon and unlike the Amazon listing, included free shipping, Amazon did carry a number of other brands, all noticeably more expensive.  There are also a number of other designs available from small companies via the internet, and while some of them were very attractive, their prices were 3 or more times the price.  Since I don’t anticipate needing to carry a king sized mattress any time soon, I decided that the small, lighter, and far less expensive Aosom trailer would fit the bill.  I also liked the idea that it could also be towed behind a motorcycle or moped, although I’m not so sure I’d like to do so with its tiny 16″ bicycle tires at highway speeds, I’d not hesitate to do so at more sedate speeds.

There is also the appeal of a cargo transporting method that is not dependent on the ability to purchase gasoline with my survivalist friends.  Being prepared is great and dandy, but what good are all of those preparations if you need to leave and can’t get gasoline?  With our bike trailer, we can simply pack our gear onto the trailer, climb on our bikes, and get moving.  I’ve already had some comments made about the idea by those that have heard of my decision and purchase, even if it hasn’t been seen hitched to the bike.  They are a critical and cautious lot, so their full judgement of the trailer’s value will be reserved until they see it in action behind my bike.  To be honest, despite my incredible anticipation, I can’t wait to get it here and try it out, and I’m crossing my fingers that for once…FedEx is fast with a West to East shipment.  (It’s coming from Portland, Oregon.)  Cross your fingers for me!

Alternative transportation independent of oil

Alternative transportation is a very good idea for anyone who is emergency aware.  In our own case, we needed alternative transportation during some rather extensive repairs to our van.  Having efficient transportation that is not dependent on oil prices is also an excellent and wise idea as we are entering an era with unprecedented price increases being anticipated.

What is this magical transportation that needs no gas or diesel?

The bicycle.

Granted, bicycle transportation does not work for everyone, but for the average person, it does work better than walking.  It’s far faster, far less strenuous, and it provides amazing cargo transportation possibilities.

Cargo?

Yes!  Bicycles can haul an amazing amount of weight besides our own overweight behinds.  Look at photographs from Southeast Asia and their bicycle transportation.  Vast and often heavy loads are transported by bicycle.  Families have been known to move their entire household via the bicycle.  It isn’t impossible and does not require anyone to be Lance Armstrong to do so.

Start off with the bicycle itself.  In our own case, we bought Next dual suspension mountain bicycles and brought them home.  The first thing that needed replacing was my seat.  I could not tolerate that stock seat and ride for any length of time.  Younger, slimmer, and more in-shape riders might not complain, but I did.  A broader seat was in order for protection of my aging behind.  There is no need to be in pain within the first ten minutes of your ride–that comes much later!

Our next addition was a goofy one.  The sure sign of “red neck engineering”, I suppose.  I wanted to carry a few things, and there was no way to do so.  I took a “milk crate” and tied it on with twine to my handlebars.  It’s still there.  It’s carried many items, including some groceries, although it isn’t capable of vast weight.  A better, and more attractive, alternative is to purchase a basket or bag.  Each has their own strengths and weaknesses.

A basket has a lot of flexibility in how and what you load.  Front baskets can carry much less in weight than a rear basket without affecting handling, an important consideration for anyone who has to navigate in tight quarters or isn’t real stable on their bike.  Baskets are also easy access, allowing things to be easily removed without any effort, another double edged sword.  Bags are easier to remove from your bike (another double edge sword).  For those who need to transport their bicycles via their car or public transit, bags are a much better option.  Many bikes will not fit on a bicycle carrier when equipped with baskets.  Baskets are not easy to remove and replace either.

Next comes the fit.  Getting a bicycle fitted to you by a professional in a bike shop is the ideal situation.  However, not every area has a bicycle shop, nor can everyone afford a bicycle shop’s prices.  (Try getting a bike loan at your local bank–they’d fall out of their chair laughing at you!)  Different kinds of bikes have different configurations of where the seat post is in comparison to the pedals, of the design of the handlebars, etc.  They are also available in a variety of sizes, from toddler to tall adult.

There are also different styles.  Mountain bikes are designed for riding over less-than-level paths. They are available with multiple gears as well.  Road bikes are designed for riding on pavement and have a slimmer profile.  They put the rider in a more crouched position for aerodynamics and speed.  These bikes also have multiple gears for efficiency.  Cruisers have a much more upright stance, with fat tires and leisurely outlook.  Cruisers are typically available in a basic one speed or in three speed versions.

Originally, I was going to purchase an entry-level but good bicycle.  Heading off to the local bike shop, I soon discovered that overweight, middle aged women were not likely to get much attention from shop staff.  After researching mail order options, I decided we’d go with discount store bicycles.  I refused to spend money in that bike shop, and without a fitting, some professional advice, and customer support, there was no reason to buy a $500 bike.  We chose Next mountain bikes with dual suspensions, which means there are actually shocks in the frames to absorb impact, creating a smoother ride.  We chose these bikes because of the moderate position of the rider, the gear ratios, and general nature of these bikes for a variety of surfaces and styles of riding.  The bikes, on sale, cost us about $88 each at that time.  Maybe it was sour grapes, but after trying to shop in that bike shop, I really wasn’t eager to head into another one for the same kind of attitude, and I still wasn’t sure how much use we’d really put into the Great Bicycle Adventure.

Even the better class of bikes begs for modifications to customize the bike to the rider.  That’s why there are so many accessories and aftermarket parts.  There are certain favored changes to a bike.  Typically, the first changes are going to be adding safety lights, changing the seat, and adding some kind of cargo carrying capacity.  In addition, many riders add features such as water bottle cages and a frame pump.  Since we’d spent a relatively small percentage of the actual price of an entry level bike on our discount version, we had more leeway in what we could choose to spend on our accessories and customizing features.

We are still modifying our bikes.  Next week, my straight handlebars are being replaced with a new set that sweep up and back more, allowing me to sit more upright and relieve me of the need to lean forward at all.   These handlebars are a cruiser style, made by Nirve Kandy.   I happen to have issues with my shoulder and neck, and found bike riding painful and necessitating frequent stops to cope.   My physical therapist has eliminated some potential reasons, such as loss of circulation, from why this occurs, and the consensus is that it is positional in nature.  By changing the handlebars, I hope to relieve that particular painful and unpleasant issue from my list of complaints.

On the handlebars account, the tracking information has informed me that the box weighs 31 lbs.  I hope it has heavy packing material, because I sure don’t want handlebars that weigh that much–I don’t think the entire bike weighs much over that amount!  We’ll see–none of the reviews said anything about them being incredibly heavy, and that’s an incredibly heavy weight for handlebars.

For GM’s bike, he gets a rack, and while it is “universal” it is considered appropriate for a 26″ mountain bike.  Now universal does not mean that we’ll pull it out of the box and intall it in half an hour.  There are many versions of 26″ mountain bike frames out there, and they are all potentially different in how a rack has to be attached.  In our own bikes, they are the same size and brand, just one is for men, the other for women.  The frame differs in the rear axle area.  This lack of uniformity means that the box with the rack will have a number of parts, and they are mixed and matched to somehow put rack and bike together firmly.  Sometimes, it takes all day and some modifying of both rack and bike to accommodate the installation of the rack.  Other times, it goes quickly.  If you are not mechanically inclined, it may be a good idea to purchase one at a bike shop and have it installed.!

Racks are used to support panniers, as well as baskets, cargo carrier-type boxes, and directly strapping cargo them.  Rear racks are an excellent choice in accessories for your bike because of their compact and versatile nature.  Bicycle baskets for the rear are also available, both as “saddle bag” style with incredible cargo capability but are once again an accessory that makes hauling your bike on a rack or bus very difficult, as they are as difficult or more difficult than a rack to install.  Once again, if you are not mechanically inclined, you may want to consider making both the purchase and having the installation completed at a bike shop.

In addition to cargo directly ON the bicycle, there is also the option of a trailer.  Some are going to focus on cargo skills, others on slim tracking behind you.  (Here are some Canadian-built trailers at this site.)  Some are lightweight kid-haulers designed for taking your kids along for the ride before they are old enough to ride a bike.  (There is also a tag-along hitch that connects a kid’s bike to yours, ensuring they don’t stray or lag behind.)

Bikes at Work

Bike Trailer Shop

Explore the options, and I’ll be back with some more bicycle information.  Hopefully, not tales of horror but rather tales of glory, right?