Archive for the ‘SB Tips’ Category

I can’t believe what I discovered at Goodwill today. At the thrift store I scored a super rare vintage Specialized Allez Sport racing bicycle! Winning. It took all my hustling skills to acquire it.

I walked around looking for treasure, but couldn’t find anything on the shelves, or in the glass displays. I’m always looking for things to flip. Right when I almost called off the hunt, I went to the back and peered through the doors marked employees only. All I could see were bins, and the bike of my dreams. I’ve been wanting a road bike so I can cruise down the Oregon Coast to hike and camp.

I found an employee, and she said the bike won’t be available until they price it tomorrow. I didn’t accept that. I told her I really need a bike, and I’d like to talk to the manager. He came over, and I said I’d be very grateful if he could sell it to me. So he brought it out, and said I can have it for $24.95! Unbelievable. It’s super clean, and loaded with custom parts. I said deal, and paid the man cash. It was even cheaper because I was in Washington, but showed my Oregon I.D., so I didn’t have to pay sales tax. I rode off into the sunset. I can’t find anything on this ride. If you know something about it, please share. I don’t know the year. If you want it, I can make you a deal.

Update: My local Specialized dealer informed me this is a 1994 Allez Sport. It retailed for $650 new.

20130703-221302.jpg

Survival Bros is all about peace and love, but we realize self defense is a part of overall preparedness. Tactical Gypsy went out to a local rock pit off Highway 53 to test a new MGM steel target. It’s a half size IPSC target. We went out there real quick to pop off a couple magazines of 9mm. SB didn’t do a lot of shooting, because ammo is super expensive, and hard to find right now.

Survival Bros also tested out our new GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition camera on our head. We’ll periodically post basic drills you can work on too. If there’s anything you guys would like to see us do, please comment. We have a range of assets to display. Thanks for watching.

20130612-200159.jpg

I left my phone in a friends car. I didn’t have their number memorized, so I messaged them on Facebook. No response. Thinking my phone was in the glovebox on silent, I called my number anyway. They picked up, and drove back. That’s why I don’t like wearing shorts without pockets.

If my phone was really lost or damaged, I’d want a list of emergency contacts on me or nearby. Also, if I was ever injured, having these numbers on my person could save my life. So I created a list of people I can trust. Then I copied it.

I rolled up one list, and put it in a small metal geocache bottle. I hung that from my backpack I use everyday. The other contact list is folded up, and tucked behind my black Magpul IPhone 4S case. I will make another list for my wallet, and then a digital copy for my laptop, and backup USB thumb drive. This is just another small preparation that could save the day.

Note: Emergency responders may look in your phone for a contact named I.C.E. (in case of emergency). Store your top contact as ICE.

20130605-205945.jpg
Produced by Cameron McKirdy

Produced by Cameron McKirdy

My bro known as “Tactical Gypsy” sent me these delicious pictures to blog about. He loves his elk. You can see all the spices and flavorings used to produce the glorious nuggets. Half of the loaves are spicy, half mild. Both varieties went well with pepper jack cheese, sharp cheddar, and even brie on crackers. Most of these will be stored in the freezer tonight, the others gifts.

Here’s the recipe:
8 LBS Elk burger
1/2 cup Morton’s Tender Quick. Mix well & let sit overnight in fridge.

Add… 1 1/2 TBSP Coarse pepper, 1 1/2 TBSP Garlic powder, 1 1/2 TBSP Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, 1 TBSP Mustard seed, 1 Tsp Cayenne pepper, 3 TBSP Liquid smoke…. MIX well!

Make 8 rolls/loaves. Put on broiler pan & bake 4Hrs @ 250* turning 1/4 turn every 1/2 Hr. Make sure internal heat gets to 150*.

Cool to room temp before wrapping and freezing.

20130530-185643.jpg

20130612-164215.jpg

By Cameron McKirdy

I’ve been busy hustling. I haven’t been working out like I should. It’s time to make a change. In 6 weeks I plan to lose just 40 pounds!

I’m 6 foot, 240lbs. This is the heaviest I’ve been. I don’t feel fat, but I could look and feel better. So I’m launching a Survival Bros training camp. I will kick my own ass. I’ll be mountain biking, running, swimming, hiking, balln, and making sweet love. ;^].

20130524-212841.jpg
This is the before picture.

I will keep you posted on my progress. It’s going to be hardcore. I will also take my diet seriously, eating raw fruits and vegetables, while juicing plenty. Plus, I will eat mainly high protein foods like: salmon, chicken, turkey, rice protein powder, and more. I intend to avoid high-fat grub, and sugary substances. It’s gonna be a long road. Join me. Check back soon, and set your own goals. I believe in you.

Update: I did some heavy detoxing today. Sweating can be one of the best feelings. I helped a friend move all morning. It was intense. I stayed hydrated though, drinking coconut water, pomegranate juice, and spring water. Later I savored a hot bubble bath in minerals with essential oils and extracts, including juniper and menthol. Then I took a nap. Tomorrow I will track down some green tea to help flush more toxins from my body. I’m also going to be looking for a new gym. I may have found one with an infrared sauna. I’m going to hit that hard, and cycle through hydrotherapy by showering in brutally cold water after enduring the heat. I can’t wait.

In addition to eating better, and hard training, I’m taking superfoods, and supplements. Here’s a picture of what I have on hand this week. I will add more to this cocktail soon.

20130525-210155.jpg
Subscribe to Survival Bros. We have enormous plans for the blog in the near future. I got a GoPro HD Hero 3 Black Edition camera to record my adventures in a first person point of view. I just tested it by filming a mountain bike ride in rain showers on Highway 101. It was mounted on my head. Video coming!

20130525-231639.jpg
Update #2: I’ve been taking care of myself. I hit another sauna this week. After heating the rocks for an hour, I got the room up to 200 degrees! It was crazy hot. I did some serious detoxing, and hit ice cold showers in between rounds. It felt amazing. I’m sure I cut a few pounds. I was so relaxed after. Nothing was bothering me.

I’ve been training very hard. I got back into lifting weights. I gain muscle easy, but I figured with cardio mixed in I’d begin losing pounds. But I actually gained 6 lbs! It didn’t make sense. Something was wrong. I should have started this mission with a detox kit from the health food store. I came to the conclusion I was constipated. I should be lighter, and feeling better. I did some research, and found that all the antacids I’ve been munching are the culprit.

So this morning I tried bisacodyl for the first time. And I may have over done it. I took 3 pills throughout the day. I’ve pooped 8 times already! That’s a personal best. Graphic I know, but I could have posted a picture. Honestly, I’m exhausted. I’m pounding water and eating healthy. I juiced too. And I threw in a little extra psyllium into my H2O for good measure. Now the weight loss begins. It just got real.

In other news, I’m still looking for a new gym. I’ve been hitting up every one in town for a free trial. The YMCA gave me 7 free passes. Another fitness center offered a free week to workout. I may never pay for a gym. There’s nothing natural about exercising in a health club anyways. I’d rather hike. I’m climbing Mount St. Helens tomorrow. I will film it for you. Next, I’m going to call around and get some free tanning in. A little won’t hurt my pasty butt.

Update #3: Well, I ended up gaining weight. I worked out a lot more, and packed on muscle. Who cares? I like being a heavyweight. However, I am gearing up, and training for a new challenge. In a month my dad and I will be backpacking about 16 miles per day, for 4 days, on the famous Eagle Creek Trail in Oregon. To prepare I’m stepping up my cardio training, and working on my flexibility. I will hike Mt. St. Helens again, and Saddle Mountain soon. Plus, I’m doing yoga, and other low impact training, like cycling. I’m just going to mix it up, and stay loose. I will lose weight rapidly when I get on that treadmill. I just scored a FREE 30 trial membership at another local gym, so it’s on. More on my preps for the next big adventure soon. %^D.

20130404-221002.jpg
You can eat for free at Panera Cares in Portland. If you’ve never heard of this concept, customers can simply order whatever they want, and pay only what they can. I had to test this. I had $5 on me.

20130404-221536.jpg
I had to have their turkey sandwich on fresh focaccia bread. Plus, I hooked up a dark coffee. And my side was a small red apple. The suggested value was $8.88. I put what I had in the wooden donation box. Then I scarfed some epic grub.

If you can’t pay anything for your meal, you are encouraged to work there for an hour. All the employees at the cafe were friendly. Panera Cares is a great opportunity for people to get job experience. It’s a real resource for Portland. I can’t wait to go back. Support this place. 4143 NE Halsey St, Portland, OR Panera Cares

By Cameron McKirdy
20130323-161301.jpg

20130323-161320.jpg
If I need an extra boost of energy, and power before an extreme outdoor adventure, I may take these healthy supplements. Bee pollen, royal jelly, and propolis are a superfood. I’ve heard of yogis living off only bee pollen, spring water, and sunlight. I can’t get enough of them all. Maca root is a serious herb, improving stamina and endurance. You gotta try it. Finally, vitamin B12 is also known to increase energy. It’s great for your nervous system too. Do your homework on these dietary supplements. I got them from my local health food store. They help me go beast mode on long hikes, and bike rides. Maybe these can help you too.

20130322-150012.jpg
This was by far the most popular quote on the Survival Bros Facebook page. Be mindful. Like us on Facebook for more. Our first contest is coming soon. Stay tuned.

Produced by Cameron McKirdy in Seaside, OR

I produced this video today because  I want you to be safe, and prepared.  Survival Bros encourages you to get ready for disasters you can see happening in the future.  Build your bug out bag, so you always have what you need.  Consider putting together survival caches of different sizes, along your escape route, or near locations you may sleep, like at a relative’s house.  Plan ahead today.  What’s in your emergency cache?  

By Cameron McKirdy
Last week I traded an antique wooden chest for a bunch of used Swiss Army knives. I kept some, and swapped out others for a new Buck folder.

20130316-163219.jpg
They call this classic the Buck Stockman. I liked it because it has three fatty blades. It’s nothing special, but it will do work. The knife dealer in my town said it was made in China, so it’s not the best quality, compaired to Buck knives made in America. But I will use this folder. The blades on the mini Victorinox tools don’t have much of a surface to work with. They are perfect for the small emergency caches I’ve been burying. All in all, I made a good trade up. The knife dealer pays out half of the retail value of the item. Makes sense. It’s fair to me.

20130316-163803.jpg
I swooped these old knives from an estate sale today. I paid a little too much. $10. I offered $5, but got rejected. I forked it over because it was for a good cause. I should still be able to make a few bucks on these, or trade up later. I’d like another multitool for them. I’m really digging these older knifes with wood handles, so I may keep the large one. The little folding knife was designed to work with a pocket watch. You can see where it would attached to a chain.

I’m hooked on collecting knives. I can’t wait for next weekend so I can hit up more garage sales. The time to buy is when people have to sell. Buying used is way more fun that paying full retail for something. I like that these objects have a history, and I get to add to it. Peace and love.