Bicyclist at home on the road

[A.D.]

SEWANEE, Tenn. -- Tony Adams is homeless the way a snail is homeless.

He carries housing with him and feeds off whatever's available.

This particular morning as he creeps up Sewanee Mountain on his recumbent bicycle, he has been given $6 so far by assorted strangers. On one bill a woman wrote “God bless you and Merry Christmas” in red ink, dated and signed it.

His pockets are stuffed with snack crackers and other goodies, too, that have been thrust upon him.

“My home has been on a bicycle for the last 24 years,” said Adams, gazing out from a face wreathed with unkempt hair and a wispy beard.

That train-like “home” is what draws attention. His 620-pound rig –- 14 feet in length -- includes a bullet shaped hand-made trailer with rolled up blue jeans, camping gear and other essentials strapped to it.

He’s so low to the ground in the lounge-chair style bicycle that his head is even with the top of the tires on the semi-trucks that whip past.

On this particular 3,000-mile jaunt, Adams is riding from Eagle Point, Ore., where he started in March to Simpsonville, S.C., to see his mother’s twin sister for Christmas, he said. Stops have included two months in Wyoming (http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071212/NEWS01/71212041/1006#) where he worked as a groundskeeper for a couple of months at $10 an hour.

Adams, 42, scanned the side of U.S. 41-A Tuesday as he labored to pedal up the steep mountain from Cowan to Sewanee. He moves at about three to five miles an hour, on a trek that averages 20 miles a day.

“That’s from somebody’s fish tank,” he said, reaching down and grabbing a smooth, sparkling silver stone.

“I find stuff like that all the time.”

He has several pounds of tools on board, including pliars, screwdrivers and wire cutters, that he has picked up along the way. His fingernails are dirty but his jeans and Korn rap-metal rock group t-shirt are clean and tidy.

“I’ve got no kids. No license. No car. No wife. I would lose my freedom,” he said.

The night before he had been stopped in Cowan by a police official who said he was a traffic hazard. Adams told him he would not supply any identification, and the officer told him to keep on rolling out of town, he said.

That sparked one of the people who had gathered to watch the scene -- complete with blue lights flashing on the officer’s vehicle -- to offer him a night’s lodging in his garage. Sometimes Adams camps or uses homeless facilities to sleep, bathe or eat.

At night time, his way is lighted by a small flashlight on a strap. It’s intended to go around a person’s head, but he has wrapped it around one of two handlebar-mounted speakers that amplify his Walkman. A woman’s handheld vanity mirror serves as the rear-view mirror and he has a cupholder for coffee.

He said he’s careful not to litter and has never owned a car, so his footprint on the earth and its resources is slight. He’s not, however, viceless.

A pack of Viceroy cigarettes can be seen in one pocket.

“Hey, I don’t drink,” he said with a grin.

taken from Tennessean.com (http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071212/NEWS01/71212041/1006)

[A.D.]

...His 620-pound rig –- 14 feet in length -- includes a bullet shaped hand-made trailer with rolled up blue jeans, camping gear and other essentials strapped to it.
Now doesn't that just make your legs H-U-R-T reading about it?! :s10:


He moves at about three to five miles an hour, on a trek that averages 20 miles a day.

Man, you just have to wonder :yes: what kind of average speed he could maintain on a more reasonably weighted recumbent?! :tongue: Say anything less than 100 pounds. :rolf2:

Seriously though, he's got to have some great leg-muscles pushing all that weight for such a far distance. :thumbsup:

[Serenity]

I think the guy has been "out there" too long.

[Mtwnrocket]

Interesting story. Too bad he wasn't wearing a helmet when they took his pic.

Just as interesting is your link to Tennessean.com at the bottom of the article. The posted comments between cyclists vs. drivers illustrates the ignorance and impatience of many drivers and why cyclists come out on the short end of the stick.

Dave "The Breeze"

[FeetFirstFella]

I don't think his rig could weigh 620 lbs.

Look closely at the picture. He appears to have some kind of manufactured tadpole style trike, possibly a homebuilt. The article says he is pulling a trailer of his own making, and you can see some of it behind the trike, doesn't appear to be that tall, although the article says his entire rig is 14 ft in length, a usual trike is about 6 ft in length. That leaves 8 ft for the trailer and hitching mechanism. 620 lbs??? Seems the trailer would almost literally have to have lead in it. And think about moving 620 lbs in Tennessee hills, even west Tennessee "hills". Or no hills at all. Not many people could do that, and he's headed to South Carolina, a long-distance ride.

I don't think his rig could weigh 620 lbs.......

Don
'03 V-Rex
'06 Formula 26
'03 Vivo
'51 Engine...

[A.D.]

Well my guess is, 'he' is 150-200 pounds of that total. As for length, I just assumed it was a tandem he was riding on, plus some extra length for a pull behind trailer. Still, when you've got things like speakers the size of a loaf of bread mounted on your handlebars (something we can easily see), no tellin' what all he's carrying that we can't see. Then again, the advertised weight may fall into the Bragging Rights catagory too. :rofl9: However, in doing some more research, I discovered he's pulling not just one trailer...but TWO!(see pic below)

Cyclist pedaling from coast to coast

Tony Adams of Eagle Point, Ore. since march has steadily pedaled his 620-pound makeshift recumbent bicycle, slowly making his way to South Carolina to be with family for Christmas.

Adams crossed the Tennessee border and made his way through Dyersburg around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday.

This isn't the first cross-country trek for Adams. In 1995, as his father's health began to rapidly decline, he cycled from southern Oregon to Las Vegas in search of his older brother.

"It was my father's wish to see my brother," said Adams. "So I hopped on a 10-speed and the first person I spoke to in Vegas to ask for directions happened to be my brother. My mom said it was fate, but I think it was luck."

As a result of Adams's determination, the family was able to join their father's side for the four months before his death.

Adams's next adventure was in 2000, when he explored eight states over the course of 36 days. Since then, Adams has cycled through 44 states in every type of weather.

"Sometimes I run across people who want to offer me rides," said Adams. "It would be nice to have heat when I want it or cool air when I want it. There are times when I wish I could just hop in a car and go, but I would rather reach my goal with my own two legs."

Pedaling at about three to five miles per hour, Adams said he covers at least 20 miles with only two 10-minute breaks each day. Evenings are spent at shelters or under a tent with a lantern and propane stove.

He also carries pots and pans to cook. Meals are either donated or earned through various odd jobs. Adams said his next scheduled stop will be in Jackson where he will look for shelter and rest his legs.

"I have the gumption and the discipline to finish this," said Adams. "It's not the first time and it won't be the last."

taken from Star Gazette (http://www.stategazette.com/story/1294130.html)

Below - Tony Adams of Eagle Point, Ore. briefly stopped in Dyer County on Wednesday as he pedaled his 620-pound recumbent bicycle to South Carolina for Christmas.

[Rocketmantn]

Notice he is riding a TRIKE!!!

[Serenity]

Good analysis there Don...the engineer at work I see...:read:

[Serenity]

Like Isaid...he's been out there too long. Dude needs to take a break, get a hair cut & shave then take a bath. He is looking a bit scruffy.

[FeetFirstFella]

Well my guess is, 'he' is 150-200 pounds of that total. As for length, I just assumed it was a tandem he was riding on, plus some extra length for a pull behind trailer. Still, when you've got things like speakers the size of a loaf of bread mounted on your handlebars (something we can easily see), no tellin' what all he's carrying that we can't see. Then again, the advertised weight may fall into the Bragging Rights catagory too. :rofl9: However, in doing some more research, I discovered he's pulling not just one trailer...but TWO!(see pic below)


He may have two trailers, *or*, he might have a 4-wheel trailer there. Hard to tell. In any event he does indeed have a whole lot of junk, doesn't he?

OK, lets say he weighs 200 lbs, and the 620 includes that. So there's 420 lbs in gear and bike. Also just for argument's sake, lets say his trike is a heavy low-end model (or possibly a homebuilt) and weighs 70 lbs. He's then conservatively got 350 lbs in the rest of his rig, which may be two trailers or one 4-wheel trailer, packed to the gills. Lets say the trailer or trailers weigh 50 lbs. Would it be possible to pack 300 lbs worth of stuff into them? What could he possibly bring along that would weigh 300 lbs?? (His personal rock collection?). There'd have to be something in there that's pretty dense.

Then we still have to consider the realities of a 200 lb cyclist moving 420 lbs of gear down the road, hills or not, even flat smooth perfect conditions. I know I couldn't do that. I submit not many people could. Even at the stated 3 - 5 mph, and 20 mi/day.

Something's wrong here.....I still don't think his rig could weigh 620 lbs..........

Don
'03 V-Rex
'06 Formula 26
'03 Vivo
'51 Engine...

[Serenity]

You get'em Don..:goodjob: .don't settle for this fairy tale:bs: ...I am thoroughly enjoying this conversation...

[Mtwnrocket]

Maybe it was 620 kilograms, or 281 pounds. But both The Tennessean and the Star Gazette quoted 620 pounds.

Either way, recall he only does 20 miles a day at 3-5mph. I don't have a concept of that much mass since it's over twice as much as my rig pulled across Missouri. But Archimedes said "Give me a lever long enough and I will move the Earth." Given a low enough gear and all day to crank, it may be true. Just hope he has good brakes; it'll be like stopping a freight train downhill.

Dave

[A.D.]

What could he possibly bring along that would weigh 300 lbs??

Stop and think, what (all) would you need if you didn't have the 4 walls and it's contents comfortably about you? Look around, think of your daily routines, what all do you use/need?

Below is one of the Motorcycle Camping checklists we used to use, and keep in mind it's meant for an event a week or two in duration...

Motorcycle stuff Bike cover Saddlebags Boots & socks Scarf and/or CoolTie Bungee cords Spare bulbs Cargo net Spare fuses Chain oil/wax Spare key(s) Earplugs Tankbag Gloves & spares Tire patch kit Helmets Toolkit Jackets Totes Leathers/Aerostich Windshield cleaner Leatherman tool Lock/security stuff Oil Rain gloves Raingear

Personal Stuff Antihistamines Safe sex stuff Brush Shampoo Casual clothes (non-riding) Shaving kit Chapstick Soap Comb Sunglasses Contact lenses & stuff Toothbrush & toothpaste Dental floss Towel(s) Deodorant Washcloth Epipen Fanny pack or backpack Kotex/Tampons Medications Reading glasses

Clothing Bras Sweatshirt(s) Cycling shorts Swim suit Hat/sunvisor T-shirts Jeans Tennies/sandals Polypro/silk underwear Underwear Shirts Shorts Socks Sweater(s)

Information Binoculars Palmtop computer Book(s) Paper & pencil/pen Camera & accessories Passport/ID Cellphone Phone List / Rosters Cellular modem Radar detector Radio Diary Registration papers Driver's License Tape/CD/MP3 player GPS Tickets/passes Insurance (proof of) Travel guide(s) Intercom Laptop computer Maps Membership cards (AAA, etc.)

Misc. Bug repellent Sewing kit Cable ties Snake bite kit Cash and/or traveler's checks Space blanket Credit card(s) Stamps for postcards Duct tape Sunscreen Extra batteries Superglue First aid kit Flashlight Freezer bags (for packing) Ibuprophen/Tylenol Rubber bands

Camping stuff Air mattress Sacks and/or bags Camp saw Sleeping bag Candles Sleeping pad Collapsible chair Stakes/rope Compass Tent, poles, rainfly Cord Toilet paper Groundcloth Hatchet Hunting knife Lantern Matches/lighter

Cooking stuff Camp stove & fuel Food Can opener Garbage/trash bags Coffee making stuff Knife/fork/spoons Condiments Paper towels Cooking pots/pans Water bottle(s) Corkscrew Cup(s) Dishsoap & pad Dishtowel Drinks

Foodstuffs Coffee Tea Salt & pepper Sugar & creamer


Doesn't take long to add up to some real weight, and then consider things he would have being on the road all the time. Personal belongings like books, medical records, checks, keepsakes, the list could go on & on. :rolleyes9:

Not saying his rig does or does not weigh-in as advertised, just saying that 'stuff' can weigh a bunch. And if you have 'all' your stuff with you, it's bound to weigh a lot.

[Serenity]

...Safe sex stuff...

Some how I don't think he would need this stuff from the looks of him or his trailer...those few ounces he could stand to lose off his trailer.

[A.D.]

:rolf2: I see your reading is just fine Keila! ha, ha Actually, that listing is a webpage called Motorcycle Trip Checklist (http://www.micapeak.com/info/mclist.html) and has everything :o checked by default on it. One can peruse the listing, even add items to it, then print it out ready for use. I just know it's saved me from riding off and forgetting things on more than one trip!

[Serenity]

Well, it could still apply to him even if it is a motorbike list. hee hee

[RealEngr]

Read my comments posted on the Tennesseean

[Rocketmantn]

Read my comments posted on the Tennesseean

Bill, why don't you put up a link so we can FIND it!

[RealEngr]

Bill, why don't you put up a link so we can FIND it!


the link is in AD's first post on this thread, but here it is:


http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071212/NEWS01/71212041/1006

[calboy147]

looks to me by that last photo it could easily weigh that much.i had to ship my stuff one time,my bags trailer were 147 lbs i weigh 220 and my bike is 37,and that was without food or water let alone a box of tools.his rig literaly makes 2 or 3 of mine.

[B-Savage]

I couldn't move that much weight up hills or mountains even if I were on foot!

[dragnfly]

:smile9: Now if I had to I'd pack the Kelty basecamp and take it with me that has a Kitchen sink with it LOL. Talk about being ready for RAAM. That dude is ready for any toring.

Cheers

dragnfly

[A.D.]

:smile9: Now if I had to I'd pack the Kelty basecamp and take it with me that has a Kitchen sink with it LOL.

Cheers

dragnfly

See this post (http://www.recumbentriders.org/forums/showthread.php?t=1131) for more on that Kitchen Sink!