Posts Tagged ‘bike’

Rare Specialized Rockhopper Comp Restored and Sold

Posted: February 4, 2015 in Bikes, Cycling, Fun!, Gear, Specialized
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By Cameron McKirdy

Check out the vintage bike frame I was given for FREE.  I’ve always wanted an old school Specialized Rockhopper, so I had to fix it up, and ride.  The bicycle needed some TLC.  I bought new handlebars for $1, rubber grips, a back tube and tire, plus located a matching racing seat and post.  It must be a 1989, or 1990 Specialized, featuring Shimano Deore LX components.  The original matching wheels came with.  

Survival Bros also pressure washed everything, to get the road grim off.  Just had to share the photos with the fans.  I haven’t seen this bike, this nice, anywhere online in my searching.  I sold the restored project for $150.  Funny part was, the buyer showed up in a classic Volkswagen Vanagon like mine, so we had lots to talk about, and share.  This bike was just too small for me, with a 17 inch frame, it’s best suited for a teen.  It went to a good home, and freed up space inside my van.  More cycling projects being blogged about soon.  

Specialized Rockhopper CompHolding a Battleship Grey colored Rockhopper Comp frame

Vintage Rockhopper Battleship GreyRiding the fully restored mountain bike for the first time on trails

Read about when I found a Specialized Allez Sport from Goodwill!

Univega Alpina Pro Mountain Bike Restored to Glory

Posted: March 8, 2014 in Bikes, Gear, HD Videos
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Produced By Cameron McKirdy

Survival Bros has a bug out bike tuned up and ready for camping this summer. I will produce another HD video on this vintage bicycle when all the bags are on, and the project is complete. Here’s a previous post on finding the Univega at a garage sale last summer.

Mens Univega Bicycle Repairs

Before the repairs

Univega Alpina Pro Bike

After being tuned up, restored to like new condition, and cleaned properly

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Backpacking and Mountain Biking Logging Roads in Seaside OR

Posted: March 24, 2013 in Adventures, Health & Nutrition, Sports, Uncategorized
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Produced by Cameron McKirdy

I was on a mission today. It was too sunny not to train hard. I got a good sweat going.

It’s Spring Break! My hometown Seaside Oregon was full of life. The bumper cars, and mini golf course were finally open. The smell of freshly dipped corn dogs in the air. But I biked by, and checked out the action on the beach. I didn’t stay long. I was going for speed and distance today.

I did stop for a raw Synergy kombucha, and found a new green one with chunky chia seeds. It was dank. Slightly sweet. It’s full of healthy bacteria and blue-green algae. It’s an energizer. The convenience store also offered free reverse osmosis filtered water. I filled 2 big bottles, and packed them up to the gravel logging roads.

It was a great day, bursting with sun. I rocked out, and flew down the mountain. I had it to myself. I used the Nike+ GPS iPhone app to track my route and progress. I check Google maps a few times to make sure I didn’t take a dead end. A few of the hills were monstrous, and needed to be walked up, but I like mixing up riding with hiking.

With a few water breaks, and stops for a picture, I went 10.7 miles in 1 hour 50 minutes. I figured the loop would take 3 hours. It was a solid training session. I only laid the bike down once trying to muscle over a down tree. I slammed some protein when I rolled out of the woods and got home, just before darkness fell. I wish you were there, but you may have slowed me up. ;^].

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Treating Damaged Skin, Muscle Aches, & Joint Pain

Posted: February 22, 2013 in Health & Nutrition, Product Reviews
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skin ointment“It rubs the lotion on its skin.  It does this whenever it is told.” – The Silence of the Lambs

Following my recent bike accident, I’ve used a few ointments to heal my skin, and relieve minor aches and pains.  Mostly I’m trying to minimize scaring.  I have enough, and bright pink isn’t a good color on me.

I’m covered in purple and green bruises.  For sore muscles I’m using Tiger Balm Red Extra Strength.  This pain relieving ointment really does work, so I don’t need to take any pills.  It helps my muscles relax, so I can go about my business.  Plus, the potent menthol smell is soothing.  A little dab of this stuff goes a long way.  Try it out.

To heal my road rash and cuts I’m using Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil Skin Ointment.  I got it from my local health food store for $7.99.  It’s a good buy because it is blended with natural oils enriched with Vitamin E, and Lavender Oil.  I love this product.  It is fragrance/dye free too.  This product stays on my skin, and prevents my sexy scabs from falling off early.  Tea Tree oil heals dry, chapped skin quickly.

Finally, I’ve been using organic 100% Hawaiian Moon Aloe.  You can use this cream topically for many things, from sore muscles, to chapped lips.  Aloe Vera is a miracle worker.  It hydrates deep into skin.  According to their website, “natural Aloe Vera contains six antiseptic agents that fight infection;  three analgesics to reduce pain and at least three anti-inflammatory agents.”  I also drink Aloe Vera juice, and water regularly to help with digestion. 

These three products are dynamic.  See what they can do for you.  Thanks for visiting Survival Bros.  Your likes, comments, and shares are greatly appreciated.  It helps build this emergency preparedness community.  Peace.

– Cameron McKirdy

Wrecking My Bike Again – Road Rash

Posted: February 15, 2013 in Health & Nutrition, Sports
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I’m cruising along. Listening to Tupac. Going through the busiest intersection in town, when I fly over my handlebars, and crash onto the pavement and my bike. I walked it off. And carried my bike to the sidewalk, hobbling.

The cargo net attached to my rear bike rack got unhooked, and wrapped up tightly in the gears. I stopped instantly. I was bleeding instantly too, and I’ve never gotten bruises so quickly. I have road rash on my left knee, and gashes, and scrapes here and there. It could have been worse.

Now I’m recovering. My wounds are clean, but still exposed. I’ve got my leg elevated, but the pain is setting in. I didn’t see it coming. Of course I wasn’t wearing protective gear. It was the nicest day on the Oregon Coast in months, so I didn’t wear my biking gloves, or pants. Shorts though, I wasn’t naked. The only thing I was prepared for was the fall. I’ve studied martial arts, so I know how to break fall, and minimize impact. Still, I’m going to be recovering for weeks. I didn’t have first aid on me either. But I usually do in my backpack. I was traveling light. Don’t worry about me. I’m going to make it. I’m a survivor. I hope chicks really do dig scars.

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Using Alternative Modes Of Transportation – From Hitchhiking To Busing

Posted: December 13, 2012 in Adventures, Comedy and Art, SB Tips
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A few years ago I gave up my Cadillac. It was a waste of money to operate, and I love being active anyways. This blog is about my use of alternative transportation, while surviving on the Oregon Coast.

Riding my mountain bike has been option #1. It’s way cheaper to use than a car. I’ve had to repair my Mongoose several times, but at least I can do some of the work. It’s not like a computerized vehicle, where I have no chance of fixing it. I’ve saved thousands of dollars by not driving, and haven’t had to get a real job. It’s allowed me to do things like run this blog, and avoid the rat race entirely.

I also love walking. I have rain gear and an umbrella, so I don’t have an excuse to not get outside. If course Oregonians don’t actually use umbrellas, but I know how to. The key for me is being comfortable moving around outdoors. I have a variety of shoes for the job, including boots for mud, sandals for the beach, and light running kicks too. Plus, I make sure to have rain gear on hand, or at least an emergency rain poncho just in case. I walk many miles each week. It keeps me loose, and strong.

This summer I also made a point to hitchhike. I walked along Highway 101 for a few hours before someone finally swooped me. The trick is to find a place where drivers can pull off the road, and staying in that open area. The gentleman that picked me up told me about his days thumbing on the road. He told me to bring toilet paper or I’d be sorry. Hitchhiking isn’t a viable option really. You can’t rely on others like that, especially if your in a hurry. But it was fun trying, and I will get around that way again for the hell if it.

I’ve been riding the bus at least once a week too. It’s great because in December you can donate a can of grub to the food bank for a free pass. Most riders have been taking advantage of that offer, unless they already have a monthly bus pass. You meet all sorts of people on the bus. Some want to borrow my phone, while others feel like talking the entire trip while I listen to music. Still, I like riding the bus. It’s a giant carpool, and less damaging to the environment than if everyone drove a car.

I have said cars are for lazy people. I think that’s true, especially if you never use your own power to get around town. We sit so much as it is anyways. I will own a vehicle again, but there’s no hurry. I’m more free without one. Less is more. Good luck getting to your destination over the holidays. Remember there’s more than one way to get there. I have Rollerblades too. Lol. Peace.
– Cameron McKirdy

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Flat Black Survival Mountain Bike – New Photos

Posted: September 13, 2012 in Comedy and Art, Sports, Uncategorized
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Here’s recent pictures of the flat black Survival Bros mountain bike. Radar can’t see it. Like? I think I will do a high-visibility bicycle next for safety. Nerd alert.

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Old Mongoose includes: light on handlebar, cable lock, rear cargo tail with bungie cords, reflectors, comfortable seat, front disc break, and shocks

Spray Painting My Mad Max Survival Mountain Bike Flat Black

Posted: August 22, 2012 in Adventures, Comedy and Art, Health & Nutrition, Product Reviews, SB Tips, Sports, Uncategorized
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I finally painted my Mongoose mountain bike flat black. This blog covers how I painted it, and other preparations I’ve done to my End of the World transportation.

First I stripped my bike bare. I took off the back fender/rack, and the seat. I had to remove a LED light attached to my seat post. I also removed a bunch of stickers, and residue. Most came off after using Goof Off, lacquer thinner, and a flat razor blade. Once the surface was clean, I blasted it flat black with Rust-olium Universal all-surface spray paint. It’s an awesome product. You can shoot at any angle. It sticks to metal, plastic, wood, whatever, but costs almost $10 a can.

Next I rattle canned the frame. I did one side, then the other, and finally the bottom. I did two coats, so it took a few hours to paint it all and allow for drying. I painted the wheels and tires quickly also. Then I put it all back together.

To get an even coat I removed the cables, but had a problem getting them back on tight. The guys at Prom Bike Shop in Seaside OR helped adjust them. They know me so it was a free fix. I buy stuff there all the time, and trust them with all my repairs. This is the third time I’ve resurrected this bike, but she is looking good now. Good luck seeing me on this stealth flat black beast.

Painting my bike was easy. The hard part was not painting myself or the driveway. Now I can put some smaller packs on this bike, but I have another bicycle that can haul more. Hopefully I can get a trailer before the Apocalypse happens. This bike needs a light, plastic front fender soon. It will have a first aid kit, and emergency food onboard. There’s a bright light and black bell on the front as well for safety.

I also plan to make a motorized bicycle in the near future. I enjoy designing rat bikes that look like something out of the Mad Max movie. You gotta go flat black. It looks sick.

– Cameron McKirdy

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Healing Bruises and Scrapes from a Mountain Bike Crash

Posted: August 14, 2012 in Comedy and Art, Health & Nutrition, Product Reviews, SB Tips
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Ya caught me with my pants down! I’m blogging while icing my leg. Last week I flew over my handle bars, and landed on lava rocks, biking down the steep McKenzie River Trail. This is my recovery process, with information that could help you heal.

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When I went over my bike, I was wearing a helmet, but not gloves. Stupid. My hands are cut up, and my leg is still swollen and bruised, as pictured. I was covered in dirt, and dripping blood. Before I showered I cleaned my wounds with povidone-iodine antiseptic wipes, and sterilization wipes I typically use to sanitize my hands. Then I iced, but all I had to use was a small ice pack made to chill a sandwich or something else in your lunch. I really needed a large ice pack to go from my knee to my hip.

It’s been 5 days since my bike accident. My leg hurts less now, so I’ve been lightly massaging it. It’s instinctual. Massaging gets blood flowing there, and relaxes battered muscles. I’ve been using the R.I.C.E. method of: rest, ice, compression, elevation. In addition, I poured hydrogen peroxide on my cuts to kill any bacteria. Plus, I have been gently exercising and lightly stretching. I went for a long walk this morning. The only other thing I want to do is put tea tree oil on the surface of my black and blue bruised skin. With more attention and rest, my leg will heal up, and I will stop walking with a slight limp. Be safe out there on your bikes!

When you fall, and get hurt, your will to endure is being tested. You have to get up, dust off, take a breath, and ride on. It’s not easy knowing you can get hurt again, but you have to move forward. I had to fight through the pain, and get my head straight. I couldn’t lose my focus and end up getting injured further. All that mattered was getting to the truck, so I could get to basic first aid supplies, and leftover Hawaiian pizza.

In retrospect, next time I will wear more protective gear, and bring a small First Aid kit. I could have been stranded on the trail for hours with a broken leg. There were only a few people on that path, and I couldn’t get cell phone service. Be smart about the situations you put yourself in. Biking in remote locations should be done with extreme caution. Train hard, rest easy.

– Cameron McKirdy

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Mountain Biking The McKenzie River Trail

Posted: August 9, 2012 in Adventures, Health & Nutrition, Parks
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Yesterday Dad and I backpacked out of Pamelia Lake and headed towards the World Famous McKenzie River Trail. I’ve hiked part of it before, and have wanted to bike it ever since. That’s what I did the last two days. I lost a lot of sweat, and a fair amount of blood on the way.

We biked from the trailhead down to Clear Lake. It’s an easy ride higher on the river. Anybody can bike that section. However, on the way back to the truck I mobbed around Clear Lake. It was brutal. I had to peddle through lava fields in the summer heat. I carried my bike a good part of the way. There’s lots of loose lava rocks, and roots to mess with you. I made it around the beautiful lake, but I was exhausted. Next time I’m asking around about the trail, or hiking it before I ride. Do your homework. It took a lot longer than expected, but I loved it.

Biking on the McKenzie is not for beginners. It’s very challenging. It’s both rocky, and steep. I got caught going downhill when I hit a rock and flew over my handlebars. I hand planted on lava rock and rolled. I thought I broke my leg for a second, but its just swollen. I was wearing a helmet, but I have scratches everywhere. Dropping an F Bomb in the silent forest made me feel better. My hands were sticking to the rubber bike grips from the blood. Right after falling, my chain fell off. I finally got it free, and back on, but ended up greasing my wounds. I washed up in the river, and got back on.

You know it’s been a good trip when you’re as beat as I am now. It’s all sore. Time to rest, and regenerate. I’m going to the Belnap hot springs tonight. My dad is running there now on the trail, and I’m meeting him for dinner. I’ve never been to Belknap. I will have a review for you later.

Go prepared if you ever bike the McKenzie River Trail. Wear protective gloves, and a helmet. I carried a Camelbak hydration pack with a filter, so I could dip into the blue water. I took more photos today, but you should see it for yourself. I plan to raft the river next.

Now I have to attend to all my wounds. Cleaning dirty scratches and scrapes sucks. These are going to be a pain for awhile, but I’m glad I biked here. I’m more experienced. I went solo, but it’s smarter to go with a buddy or a group. Enjoy the pictures!

Cameron McKirdy

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