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Copyright © 2000 by M. Hilton Taylor. All Rights Reserved by T.A.M.S. It ain’t rocket science . . . is it. |
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Isn’t it funny how we leave home with everything we think could need or carry only to find that we somehow missed something. Murphy wrote the law and we just have to live by it. Here are a few things that can hopefully assist you in dealing with some of life’s small challenges. If your bungee cords are too short you can lengthen them by folding each bungee cord in half and then putting a plastic bag or rope or duct tape in the center of each cord and make them the length needed. Then attach the two folded ends of your bungee cords on each side to secure your load. A convenience store or grocery store is a good source for the bags but you may have to buy a few cookies to get one free. Another method of extending or adjusting the length of bungee cords is to carry a 12 inch strip of leather with holes punched every inch (can also be made by using the end of an old belt). This will let you adjust the length by putting the hooks in the holes when you wrap it around an item. If you need to carry something but do not have a luggage rack or saddle bags you can use a set of plastic saddlebags. Take plastic grocery bags and place either a piece of cardboard or a folded newspaper in each bag. Put your items in the bags so the newspaper or cardboard will be closest to the tire. Secure the handles together with a bungee cord, with tape, string, or even another plastic bag. Then drape them over the rear seat or fender and secure them to the bike. You may look like one of the hillbillies but this will work for short a distance. You may want to double bag it if the load is heavy. Plastic Bags can also be used like rope. Loop the handles together and then twist the bags to form a nice piece of plastic rope. The two bags can be tied to two other bags to create longer plastic ropes. Plastic bag net can also be made using plastic bags. Nets can be created by using a plastic bag and two bungee cords. Take a plastic grocery bag and lay it over the cargo with one bag loop on each side. Run one of the bungee cords through the handles. Then on the bottom cut a small section of each corner off and run the other bungee cord through the holes to create a net with the bag. Be sure the bags are in good shape and clean as you don’t want to use just any old bag. Secure the bungee cords to the bike on each side. If you are stuck and can’t find any bungee cords then you might try using an ace bandage (available almost anywhere) or you can strap it on using your belt (if it is long enough and you will not lose your pants). Accessories to always keep with you are sunscreen, duct tape, dental floss, wire ties, and extra fuses. These items can be used in many ways other than what they were designed for. They have many uses to repair equipment not only on the bike but also for repairing your riding gear. Emergency maintenance repairs can be made with common items used in creative ways. Don’t forget how many things you can do with duct tape, (the poor mans toolbox). It can be used to seal rips, cracks, hold visors and shields in place, to re-attach parts to the bike and replace a zipper. In a pinch you could make some fairly creative clothes like waterproof shoes. You can also quiet a noisy passenger with a well placed strip across the lips. Dental floss is compact and strong so it will not only clean your teeth but can be used to secure items in place. The best part is after you’ve made the repair you can smile with pride knowing your teeth are also clean. It also makes great sewing thread that is very durable. You can make a pretty good washer by wrapping wire around a shaft before installing the nut. Vice grip pliers make a good lever when locked into place. If you loose a fastener you can use vice grips temporarily to hold it in place. Wire ties are another great item to keep with you. Keep a variety of sizes. They can be used to secure wiring, cables, replace bolts or screws, and many other things. You can use them to secure a clamp by squeezing the clamp together with pliers and the using a wire tie instead of a bolt. It may not look that great but it may get you home. Keeping a few spare fuses can make the difference in whether you are riding or walking. They are small and do not take up much room so keep a few key ones on the bike or in your pocket. A multi-function tool that has pliers, files, screwdriver, blades, etc that you can carry on your belt is another value item to have around in times of distress. Having a good tool kit can also be helpful especially for making the emergency repairs while stranded on the side of the road. The only problem is they take up space and are sometimes awkward to pack. Here are a few tips to make them fit in a smaller space. First determine which tools you are likely to need and only take those. A good example is why take a whole set of allen wrenches when only two sizes will fit any bolt on the bike. You can keep the sockets needed on a short length of threaded rod by putting a nut on each end after you slide the sockets on the rod. They will kind of looks like a little tube. You can use another little tube to keep the small bits. Stack the wrenches together and keep them together with a short Velcro strap and do the same for the allen wrenches. Take small vice grip pliers and small handle screwdrivers that the shaft can be flipped from flat to Phillips head. These may not allow you to rebuild the bike while on the road but they can sure help get you someplace safe where big repairs can be handled. |