As an avid 2 wheeler I am a huge fan of this! Single cylinder 4 stroke enduro bikes are also not a bad investment!!! Killer stuff!!

Had A big explosion under my transport vehicle years ago. Now the only way I can get exercise is on A bike. Got me A big fat tire starter bike. Specialized roll. Now I am trying to train my PTSD service dog to sit in A basket on the back. My bike has been sitting here since Covid and I haven’t gotten my fat south end on it. I don’t know why other than I got lazy. You hit A nerve today. I am going to get my K9 trained and get on it. Then once I do that I will get A mountain bike. Like yours… I can’t run anymore and have A hard time walking but I can pedal. Thank you 🙏

I have a similar rig, but mine is a Raleigh Mt Bike. I’m almost 60, former Marine and still working out. I’m not a long distance runner, but I do wind sprints and HIIT training. I certainly agree a good bike is the best way to go, especially for stealth and a long term sustainable form of transportation. It can be loaded up, and pushed thru terrain that is unridable with not a lot of difficulty. In those environments you sure ain’t getting a motorized vehicle thru. And gas; no one ever seems to think about that issue. It’s not a factor with a bike.

Hell yeah, bikes are the best bug out vehicle. I did a 350 mile trip 3 different times, self supported sleeping on the ground. Epic times. I want to build one I can fold out some training wheels and ride on railroad tracks. You’d be able to traverse the continent efficiently and relatively in secret.

This is fantastic. I did not know about the Jones handlebars. There were two times in recent history that a two-city area had "sort-of" evacuation events. The short story, those who had cars and thought they had somewhere to go got into their cars and jammed up the highways and interstate to a stand-still.

I've had too many bent, broke and crushed parts to do any of this bug-out, I'll make a good account of myself in my own area, Thank you.

riding long distances, over rough terrain, carrying significant weight, being in the proper physical and mental condition to accomplish the goal(s) , being on permanent alert for threats and prepared and ready to act on those threats, is easier said than done. Gear up Bros, it's already here.......

bit of advice from a Mtn Biker since 1983 and veteran adventure racer - having 7lbs of water mounted to the moving part of your suspension is a no go for technical terrain. It's called unsprung weight and adversely affects how the fork operates. You are riding a hardtail bike and the weight of the water will ride better and your handling will not be as affected if you use a rear rack. Lookin forward to the debrief of your race experience. BZ chadd! Affirmative on the assessment that a bike is about the best bug out platform. the ability to escape compromised regions on a bike. a transit of 50+ miles daily is realistic and there is no noise or fuel requirements besides the calories and hydration of the motor, which is you. Bikes are the most fuel efficient form of transportation ever invented.

Just found your channel! Last year I spent over four months and 5600 miles crossing the country on my bicycle, I spent the spring and summer bike packing in Utah. As I’m writing this I’m crossing Pennsylvania diagonally! Super cool to find your videos, they really resonate with me 🤙

I always carry a mylar "space blanket". It reflects EM so if you wrap it around yourself, you reflect your pwn heat back at you, BUT what everyone seems to miss...when your tent is in the blazing sun, no shade to be had, cover your tent with the space blanket, clip it down or tape so it stays tight. It will reflect the sun and drop your inside temp at least 10 degrees. Its also waterproof and weighs nothing.

Totally right. I love bikepacking. My pickup has a concealed gravel bike, and a get-home bag I can strap down. Sawyer filter, CC, ammunition, fishing line, bivy, first aid stuff, tourniquet, dense snacks... etc. in my Osprey pack.

Your bike is set up well for your tasks at hand. Most of your mass (rider and gear) is centered between the wheels. Your bike's ass end is light enough to throw around with control and you've kept everything else behind the front axle so you can still steer with the added weight. Awesome. I can't stress enough how important that is for this type of riding.

The TNGA is no joke. I completed it in 2019 from the grand depart in 3 days 16 hours. And I love my Jones Bars. Good luck!

Admirable setup for the trip, seems like almost every eventuality has been considered. One easy thing to add presta to schrader adapters for the valve stems JIC.

Such a simple machine, no blunt force trauma like running, you can go forever as long as you have food sleep and water

Sweet setup! I'm a fat lazy turd so I do a solar E bike. My max range in my areas is about 90 miles. But the cool thing is I still get the advantages of a bike but I can get good speeds out of it if needed. 33mph when fully charged. I still have my last race mountain bike (AZONIC DS1) but since my back is screwed it just hangs in my garage. I can't in good faith sell it, I had so many good times with it. If you were to try a high quality E bike with your condition level you could cross your state in half the time it would take you on your current set up. You could also go a little more gear heavy if needed and have more muscle recovery time. Some days you could use the electric more other not ao much. E bikes have come a long way in the last few years. You can also get one for your significant other thar might not be in as good of shape. I charge my e bike with an ecoflow solar set up that I could easily bring with me if needed. Human power bikes are definitely good but new hybrid power bike can give you a major advantage to getting out of a situation fast if needed. 30+ mph on demand is hard to beat in a bad situation.

Looks like fun. I'm 73, cyclist. My bugout vehicles are my bikes. Plus I have a single and a double wheeled buggy and a sled for Canadian winter cycling. But normally I just carry everything in a backpack on my back. Been a cyclist since I was a kid, keeps me in shape along with light weights and Rowing Etc good food. I haven't had a full Hospital checkup since the 1970s so far so good. You should try winter cycling it's a real cool at -20 Celsius.

In McAleese'e Fighting Mannual , Peter McAleese is manning a night time ambush position during the Angolan war. He hears something suddenly swoosh past then it is gone. In the morning they see bicycle tyre tracks. Stealth is an asset.

It's so easy to over think something that a person has not ever experienced. You made it simple I'm definitely following this, such a good idea.

I have done thousands of miles on bikepacking trips as well as thousands of miles on dual sport motorcycle trips and totally agree that the mountain bike is probably the best bugout vehicle there is!!! Almost completely quiet and no need for gas except your food. Have a blast bro!!!!

Something to consider if somebody is looking for a durable, functional bike is 90’s era rigid mountain bikes. You can get em fairly cheap, 26” wheels make it easy to find tires/tubes. not as comfortable but very practical.

Man I love the bike and the way you've kitted it out. I do alot of riding myself. I deal with severe anxiety disorder and depression and it's really changed and limited my life. I have these terrible panic attacks almost daily and the physical activity helps more than any medication ever could especially getting on the bike and riding for a few hours at a time. I'm actually in the process of saving for a new one because the one I had got stolen a while back. As a result I haven't rode anything in over a year and it will probably be another year or so before im able to again being on disability and all but satisfy that craving for it by watching mountain bike videos on KZfaq like yours and many others so keep up the good work man. It helps alot of people myself included still feel like we can be a part of the biking community.

Great setup, I do appreciate the mtb. I have spent a lot of time "years" on them and many nights out camping. Currently, my go-to is a single speed. It changes the game on how you ride it. Hope to ride forever. Good luck on the ride, it sounds like fun.

Totally agree with you Chadd; the roads would be rammed and heavily controlled during any SHTF scenario. A bike is the ultimate bug out machine. Going to play devil's advocate a little though. I like your set up, and understand the choices you've made for competitive purposes. However, for longevity, strength, and to give you the ability to do a 100% of your own maintenance; I would seriously consider an older rig. A retro chromoly frame, with 26"wheels. They're much stronger and less prone to buckle. The spare tubes take up less space. Also, good old fashioned rim brakes. Sturdy and totally maintain-able in the field. Rather than fiddled little pads; that don't last five minutes. For two luxury items, I would recommend a built in hub dynamo on the front wheel; to recharge electronics/lights; on the move. And the second, would be a trailer bracket. Not something you would always use. But you can haul some serious weight, some serious distance; with one of those things. Great post as always Chadd! Take care buddy 😊

I agree 100% about using a bike to get across any terrain..1 specific, steel frame would be your ideal material, if you break something, you can weld it quite easily, 3 car battery setup will probably work fine. Break aluminum or Carbon, much bigger issue.

Goodluck on TONGA!!! You got this!

Started hiking (walking fast) down my main road 24.5 miles (round trip) to my coin shop and back to buy silver every week, before my lawn season took off. It really prepared me for going non stop this summer.

52 year old Irish fan here. Mountain bike every weekend on my full Sus Orbea. Recently got myself an Orbea Urrun hardtail electric, not great as a bug out bike but I'm loving it for those ~40 mile explorations in hilly countryside, barely break sweat! Unfortunately my wife has recently taken a liking to it so I'm back slogging it out chasing her up the hills.

I don’t believe in any kind of “bugging out” I have family (wife, children, etc) I believe in rural land and farms and staying put. Our number one biblical responsibility is our family, therefore the pipe dream of “bugging out” is just that. For most family men it will be more like The Alamo. You must be a realist and except your fate and be prepared to meet the Lord.

Awesome rig! Have fun out there! Maybe the beautiful and equally heinous Colorado Trail Race in your future???

Love the idea of a bug out bike :P I have a PATRIA steel bike tho. Steel is real! ...and sturdy af. PATRIA is a small and exclusive manufactory here in Germany. Even the steel tubes are made in my region and I know that company as well. If you buy a frame it begins with taking your body measurements and your preferred seat position. Then the frame is hand brazed exactly to your needs. Frames start at 800 EUR and you get a 15 years warranty. 100% MADE IN GERMANY. No made in Tschaina, assembled here. Stay healthy y'all!

Bicycle is probably the best invention ever.

The dude is a mountain biker?? I knew there was a reason I admired his mind set and way of life-awesome dude mountain biking rocks 🚴 thanks for posting this 🙏

This is what I’m talking about. In a SHTF scenario most roads are going to be a nightmare. Gas will stop flowing from pumps. The bicycle is the most efficient vehicle(for those who can ride one) most people underestimate how much ground you can cover pedaling on two wheels.

For bugout you need a standard bolt on rear rack to lash a backpack. Rear panniers can take extra stuff also for resupply. The main triangle is open to lift and shoulder the bike.

very interesting, never thought about a bike for bug out. makes so much sense.

Love the mtn bike concept, I have a Cannondale 29'r that I use with a Bob tow behind trailer for hunting coyotes with, works great out west on those BLM and 2track roads. I can move fairly quickly but more importantly it's quiet and small, coyotes don't hear a pickup and I can lay it down in the sagebrush, move off the road a couple hundred yards and start calling. I basically just slipped in stealthily without detection and I can kill the local predators. I also have and consider the KLR 650 or any dualsport motorcycle to be a great bug out rig as you can cover a lot of rough ground quickly or even off road where others can't go, especially if they're tracking you down in a pickup or some other wide highway vehicle. 2wheels whether peddle or power is a great alternative for a bug out or get outta dodge quick scenario.

Looks exciting Broseph. Have fun!

Thanks. I'm going to look into this. I have look for a better,get home plan. I work in Atlanta GA and will be traveling 65 miles home. I probably can get home in about a day.

It all depends as they say. But I agree, no need for fuel, extremely covert, and the ability to go nearly anywhere compared to a car, which is what you’ll need. Maybe the only caveat is I would point out some thing like the Salsa Blackborrow, which is a semi cargo bike. I have one to carry my dog on it and it’s rated to carry up to 150 pounds on the rear rack! Point being, during emergency situations, you may need to carry and haul water, gear, and other things. I’ve tried heavy weight on, regular mountain bike racks and they’re Squirrley as hell! My Salsa, Blackborrow, Waze, only 38 pounds but it’s capability with fat tires is unbelievable! Thanks for the video

I went full time bike in 2004. I ride all year round and I live in the upper midwest with long winters and lots of snow, just like folks in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. The bicycle is the most efficient form of transportation period. I ride on average 3000 miles a year, which includes a few multi week bike tours across states, commuting around town to do shopping, etc. and short rides just for fun with friends and family. I have a full long haul touring rig with paniers and trailer. A few years ago I switched to an internally geared, belt drive bike (not an e-bike) merely internally geared, called a Pinion Gear Box that has a Gates carbon fiber belt rather than chain and derailures. The internally geared bike is much easier to maintain in winter, it operates a lot like a manual stick shift car. I merely stop pedalling for brief second, actually fractions of a second, like clutching, to shift into whatever gear I want. My bike is my ultimate Great Tribulation bug out vehicle. I too have a Jones H-Loop Bar.

Nice rig. I like the brooks cambium saddle. Brooks saddles are awesome.

While I was not there, the viet cong used bicycles to move tons of supplies down the ho chi min trail. Using them as an example, I have two bikes, one for me and one for my wife loaded up in our garage. My preference is to stay in place, as home is where the vast majority of my supplies are. But if I have to move to a secondary or tertiary location we just have to grab our packs, weapons and bikes. Toss them in the truck if that is an option and take off. I have more supplies loaded than you are showing. Using panniers each bike has about 100 pounds on them. Easy enough to jump off and push if needed and take to the bush. Both bikes have been painted flat brown and tan for camo, Have found if you just let them go to fall over in even a little brush/tallish grass they disappear nicely. P.S. The reason I have substantial supplies loaded on our bike is our first place to go is my boys house, which is at least 4 days by foot.

Most important thing to bring is tools to change handlebar and seat height and position frequently. Reduces fatigue isolation.

Can’t wait to see some footage

Nice setup! Same as mine except I have an FJ62, and XT250 and an oldschool stumpjumper!

The wife and I recently rode our mtb bikes in a gravel race We rode 65 miles with 5k feet of climbing the race was supported with sag stops at 25 40 and 52 miles The biggest thing you have to do when riding is eat every 45 minutes and drink a lot of water or have some way to carry a way to source more drinking water The 3l bladder I was carrying wasnt enough and I had to refill it multiple times during the race. I stayed hydrated and well fueled and did have to pee several times during the race Before you even think you will bug out on a bike you better cover water and fuel or else you are gonna be wiped out stranded sick with cramps and diarrhea

That thing looks awesome.

The bicycle proved its worth in the hands of the Vietcong on the Ho Chi Minh trail. Just some food for thought. Great videos Brother!

I'm also a huge bicycle guy for the last 15+ years. I had my last off-road stolen and currently looking at all kinds of different rigs. I found a trek fox step through but it is my everyday ride in that I do not drive (VA has me on many drugs at one time and I learned to walk again using a bike 15 years ago) so to me bikes are essential. Tried electric x3 and never again. I found the Walmart 29" off road is what I want. I also pull a small trailer that allows me to really load up.

That is an sustainable model, great creativity; God speed to you brother !

The worst case situation is the lack of parts for any motorized vehicle - motorcycle or truck. Today, this also includes the tiniest electronic module that can strand you. Any bike will extend your range over hiking by 2X to 10X! Even a used single-speed bike is a huge advancement. Put a rack on the back and a basket on the front and you can haul much more than you could ever carry. A bike should be in everyone's preps!

My Husband always says use your Flash Bang when you ride, if someone causes you to wreck you want your firearm on you not the bike. That's smart advice. 😊

I'm a fat lazy turd but this is a very interesting rig . I put a surplus 3 day assult pack on the rear rack of my KLX 250 with surplus waist packs on each side . I've been seriously considering setting up a fat bike with racks / packs " just in case " there's no gas for a while . Good luck brother !

I do gravel races. It’s amazing how much ground can be covered on a bike with wide tires. I did unbound gravel 200 and three other 100 mile races this year. I would be a little concerned with those handlebars due to the lack of multiple hand positions. The rig looks awesome!

Nice bike Chadd. Old USN Vet here. How bout you and chili do a couple legs of the TAT on your bikes. I know he's quicker on his bike but you got more heart. God bless you both. Love the banter. Kick his ass! I'm rootin' for ya!

Hv mine setup with 4 ortlieb panniers,, many enjoyable miles on it. Now i hv setup the panniers for a bug out situation,, didn't hv to change much from my original load out, which had been improved & downsized many times since 2002.

Great stuff, Chadd! Congratulations on your TNGA! It has been on my radar ever since the scamdemic shut down the Appalachian Trail in 2020. I am a 1st Battalion Ranger... class 11-82... a U.S.M.C. Scout/Sniper, Pre-Ranger Instructor, Scout/Sniper instructor, and... for the past 35 years... a pro-active law enforcement officer... not one of the donut eaters. My first bikepacking trip was 130 miles across the Everglades when I was 13 years old... a 15 hour day on my paper route single speed fat tired bike with baskets on the back. I was section hiking the A.T. before its temporary scamdemic shutdown, and that got me back into bikepacking, since I enjoy endurance eco challenges. I did numerous 200+ mile bikepacking days last year... mostly asphalt... throughout Georgia last year, hoping to set a foundation for the TNGA, but work got crazy. I ride a Salsa Fargo Apex 1 with Revelate Designs, Darian Dream Hammock, ZPacks, etc, and I would love to train with you some time. I currently live and work in North Florida, but I have property close to the TNGA route east of Cherry Log. Thanks for your warrior wisdom, Chadd! Keep fighting the good fight! May you and yours be abundantly blessed! Hebrews 12:1-2... II Timothy 4:7... Proverbs 22:29...

You can definitely cover miles fast and quietly!

DUDE!!! That is pure insanity! I love watching you accomplish feats of physical improbability but this old cowboy thinks the best bug out vehicle is a freakin' horse!

I've been waiting for a long time to hear what you said in this video. Even if you're bugging in a bike will be king, you'll need to patrol, forage, check trap/fishing lines and pass on/receive information/stuff. There's only so many hours in the day and if you have fuel for vehicles that will be saved as much as possible. It's quieter than even a horse too. The only thing I do differently is i wouldn't have my kit attached to the bike, id have it attached to me in SHTF, you get jumped and you've lost bike and kit with it attached to the bike.

I LOVE riding bikes and have several with different set-ups. I have a modified mountain bike full suspension that I have used for 21 years and still use it almost daily because nothing newer is any better. When friends come into town I make them ride with me for a local tour and then bike to get food and a nice buzz before biking back. I'd be happy if motor vehicles disappear.

Absolute truth. Just look at what happened in Maui. Roads were blocked and people were stuck. Bikes are the only option. I rode 350 on the Iditarod Trail in Feb. with all my food and gear. No truck is gonna do that.

I agree on this transport. I have a road bike and a mountain bike. The mountain is quite to this standard but it will get you there. Great vehicle. Rock on! Have fun. 🇺🇸

Cane creek components make a dropper post with 90mm travel so you get extra comfort being in the saddle for extended milage of that's something you might be interested in. I'm in the PNW and will be taking notes. WA backcountry is nothing to play around with.

As an avid cyclist myself, a good hardtail mtn bike or even a fully rigid would be a great "bug out" vehicle. Easily moved and hidden, no gas to worry about, and like you said, quiet. There are plenty of bikepacking options out there for bags and gear as long as you stick to only the necessities for survival, the weight can be kept to a reasonable amount. Personally, if the SHTF, I would load up the bike in my car to get far away and quickly as possible, then ditch the vehicle and proceed on the mtb. I watched a guy who was cycling around the country and would "stealth" camp in places no one would think twice about, a small clump of trees in a field, a culvert pipe, or and abandoned shed/loafing lean-to that the weeds had taken over. He never built a fire and only used a red filtered flashlight after dark if he needed to pack up before first light or nature called in the middle of the night.

I really took for granted my physical fitness. Then my heart got big and not in a good way. I've been living with heart failure for almost a year. Man, I miss being strong and fit. I didn't quit doing cardio rehab. My nurse tells me I'm doing well. But I feel pathetic AF, but I will not quit. I'm gonna be as strong as man with heart failure can be.

The OG Chad much love brother ❤

Great show Chad. Besides my big bay mule “Gunner” I tend to agree with you on that bike. It might be a bit of a downer to you, but this retired warrant officer has the same exact bike. Right down to the bars and the under bar bag, and the bike rides on the back of my fj40.. It’s dang steep here in Central Idaho so I’m gonna try that front ring size..thanks “Scouts out”…………………………..🚁

nice rig. It's basically a rock solid mountain bike platform, notably without a full suspension. You don't really need a full suspension unless you're doing serious downhill mountain biking, but the geometry, drive train and wheel/tire selection mean it can handle pretty much any terrain that's possible to cross. If you were traveling more on roads, you would probably want slightly narrower tires, but these work great for those gravel+ terrain. I have a nice full suspension mountain bike and a gravel bike with 35 mm tires, and it's pretty rare when I do rides where I would want the gravel bike instead of the mountain bike, even when I'm mostly traveling on roads. If you can lock out the front suspension, this is hard to beat.

Hell yeah you're right.......let me know if you show up in Tallahassee. I'll take you around a few ANF trails

Spot on, brother. Most excellent set up. Thank you for sharing. Great video

Love that rig! A friend & I signed up for the TNGA in 2019 and my friend had a family issue last min and had to bail on it. 350 miles of pure nightmare terrain. Lol

Mt biking fat turd here. Completely agree w the idea that in a true disaster scenario, mountain bikes are the way to go. I go through weight loss/gain cycles, and it would be straight gain if not for riding bikes. Enjoy your content, and this video was an affirming and entertaining surprise.

Rock it Chadd. Enjoy the ride.

tyvm for sharing, love the chance to buy that bike when time comes

Good luck in your race brother

Bikes are definitely the ultimate bug out means of transportation. I would say that a single speeder would be even better. Cool video.

Amen Brother. No need for gasoline. God gave us a bugout vehicle naturally. But that can help carry more weight than the body. That makes the perfect mix and can lead to more miles covered. Thanks for the video man.

We live outside of Helen. I’m sure you guys will come through. Holler if needed

I definitely lean more toward your idea of travel, Chadd. I believe the most efficient modes of locomotion are self-powered. I’ll personally go with the feet and a ruck.

We're in the woods of north central Florida. When I go to the big cities I carry extra "everything". In four varieties. I have a similar bike.

Nice whip. I rode the Eire to Ohio trail from Cleveland to Cincinnati last October. Lately I've had a bad luck string of crashes and other setbacks but itching to get back out there. I am always a sucker for cycling videos. Thanks

So how about this: Basic MTB, but have it as an electric bike just to the extent of one wheel, and a big battery. Run that system till it is used up then switch wheels and dump the excess weight. I believe one can run a traction front wheel setup, so the weight of the extra wheel is minimal, and the switch time would be around 1 min. The ability to run at twice the speed to get a jump on the situation and then move to a regular bike, would seem to be a super power. Also, think of a tandem. If you have a partner, you can't leave her, and either of you could be injured. So having a tandem if the assumption isn't an escape through the mountains, makes sense.

A pedal bike is just a no brainer. You got yours set up real nice 👍 it’s a great work out, travel with no power, no sound. It’s also just fun for anyone to have. Great way to get outside and get around with no cost involved.

If there’s no election in 2024, we need guys like you to lead the way in doing what needs to be done. Us “regular” dudes are going to need training & tactics to effect any changes required.

Appreciate the insight Chad

Yep, I'm interested in the bike. Let me know. Enjoy your trip !!!

Damn Son, how much cardio does one Frogman need!? If it's b/c you just love being out in nature, then I get it. But, if you're trying to prove something to yourself or anyone else, well brother let me tell'ya....You done enough. Tell Chili to pack my shirt like a pack'a oatmeal. Love & Respect from TEXAS⭐. Nuff said.

Brooks saddles May be comfy but do break..I’ve broken many and know that that seats rails are hollow and seen them come into the shop in the past broken from fatigue. I tried a saddle by berthoud and has replacement rails and parts..where you can swap out parts in minutes. I also drill out my rims to be able to fit shreader or presta..out west..there are more Walmarts then bike shops.

1up usa! I use the same rack. Made in the USA. All parts can be replaced. Good on ya

You are so right. A bike is the most efficient form of transportation, especially if you define "efficient" as energy expenditute vs miles gained. The miles that one can do in calories is so efficient, one can ride ten miles before the equivalent energy expenditure in calories of starting a car and moving it from one's driveway.

Good luck on TNGA! I just finished the 3 pre-ride segments. Tough ride for sure.

That's awesome, only thing I'd add is a mud shield/rack over the back tire

That sweet 60 series will be a nice bit of kit with that bike.

Hell yeah small , fastish, can carry multi days provisions.HELL YES BROTHER ❣️💪🇺🇸

That's an awesome set up I think I'd want a bigger gear in the front for bug-out scenario though... definitely sold on Barbell Apparel got to try it as soon as possible thank you

Good morning Chad,🌶️,👨‍💻and brook

I really like those handlebars

I have been saying this for countless years! I spent a decade building and fine tuning everything from bike to gear. I averaged over 10K miles a year! There scientifically is not a more efficient way to travel long distances. I have traveled from upstate NY to Key West. I would love to chat with you about this sometime. Maybe we could do a collaboration video or something together? Thanks for the video.