Posts Tagged ‘Eugene’

By Cameron McKirdy

Survival Bros drives the Chevy G 20 van to Terwilliger or Cougar hot spring in Oregon, but is being tailed by Scooby Doo and The Gang.  Follow us on YouTube and Instagram

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By Cameron McKirdy

I’ve been on the hunt at local thrift shops for a bargain.  After scouring the Eugene/Springfield, Oregon area I hauled in fresh gear, and saved a wad of money buying items second hand.  However, most of the swag mentioned in this HD video production is new.  I’ve been popping tags.  I hope to use these pieces backpacking, vandwelling, and as essential Every Day Carry items.  

Nike SFB Tan Boots

I found a new pair of Nike Special Field Boots or SFB at St. Vinnie’s.  They retail online for $140 or more, if you can locate your size.  I had hoped they were size 12’s when I spotted them on display.  It was my lucky day, because they were a match for me.  The desert tan kicks had been marked $29.99, but were half off that day.  I got the shoes for $14.99!  I’ve been wanting this exact pair of 8 inch high military style boots.  Here’s the male equivalent of girls wearing Uggs in public.  I get lots of compliments on them.  No I haven’t served, but I train with soldiers.  

Mechanix MPACT gloves

I lost one of my all black Mechanix M-PACT Covert gloves bouncing around town celebrating New Years.  So, now I’m breaking in another pair of work gloves that I had for backup.  I like wearing them while biking, or even driving my Volkswagen Vanagon.  This brightly colored safety wear is men’s size Large.  Newer versions fit even better.  I also like that they dry out quickly in the sun.

Here’s my other videos on thrift store shopping.  I’ve found some treasures, and I look forward to going back into the city to discover what else I can’t live without.  Thanks for supporting the blog.  Visit again shortly.  I have lots of wacky videos in the works.  Have a great Spring Break, and Summer! 

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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!

By Cameron McKirdy 

After watching this HD video guide, you’ll know the type of stuff in a Bug-Out Bag.  His example works for his needs.  People create these emergency preparedness backpacks with survival gear just in case of a disaster.  It’s important to have supplies like these items listed handy.  Keep them secure.  

Survival Bros Challenge:  Make an emergency Go Bag kit like this, and give it to a loved one.  Have fun making a backpack.  Please share this video with a friend, comment, and like.

survival bros logo

By Cameron McKirdy

I stopped by Yogi Tea Headquarters in Springfield, Oregon today.  After buzzing the doorbell I was welcomed inside, out of the rain.  They don’t give tours of the building, but offered me a handful of sample tea packets to try.  I took my time investigating each type, but ended up taking every kind I think.  Pictured are new varieties I’ve never seen on store shelves before.  You can find Yogi teas by the box at nearly every health food shop.  They are delicious.  I’m grateful for the hookup.  It paid off to stop, and inquire.  These will go into my EDC bag immediately for later consumption.  But I got two of their Roasted Dandelion Spice Detox formula, so I will have to drink that tonight. 

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Try organic tea from Yogi https://www.yogiproducts.com

Update:  I went back for this picture of the free sample bowl at headquarters.  I scored 11 more packets from Yogi.  Visit them in Springfield, OR for a hook up.

Yogi Tea Samples

 Help yourself to unlimited free tea just for stopping by

By Cameron McKirdy

McKenzie River Trailhead Sign

An hour East of Eugene, the McKenzie River Recreational Trail waits to be conquered.  A 26 mile path skirts the cold, rippling waterway.  It’s one of America’s premier destinations for bikers, and hikers.  Outdoor enthusiasts can also be spotted during the summer on the water in rafts of all shapes and sizes.  Survival Bros floated it.  However, here’s what’s its like to attack the upper part of the wilderness trail on my bicycle.

The 1986 Volkswagen Vanagon is locked.  Bike is ready.  God bless my vintage Univega Alpina Pro mountain bike.  It’s a hardtail with tire liners for extra protection, so I shouldn’t have trouble pummeling porous lava rocks.   This will be my first ride with it off of pavement, or graveled logging roads.  Exciting.  Water, check.  Mechanix gloves, yes.  3M safety shades, on.  Let’s crush this.

And I’m off.  Going downhill mostly, to Clearwater Lake from the top of the trail.  I will have to fill my stainless steel water bottle at the campground.  Problem is, it’s hard to know what’s undrinkable, and what’s potable with all the well pumps around.  I may have to take a chance, because I’m not buying water.  I’m looking forward to adding 2 packets of Airborne Plus Energy into my drink for flavor, vitamins, and minerals.

The plan is to tackle the challenging section of course around the lake first, then take an easy trail back uphill to my vehicle.  OK, get centered.  Where are you?  In the moment.  Faster!!!

Root!  Pop the front wheel over, and peddle.  Good.  Lean into this corner.  Branch…We’re bushwacking today.  Alright, NOW break.  Shift weight back, coming off the seat.  Who put this tree down here?  Ever heard of a chainsaw?  Pick up your bike.  Thankfully, it’s lightweight, full chromoly frame.  I’m so happy I invested in tuning this vintage ride up.  The guys at Canyonview Cyclery took care of me.  This is the video I produced at their shop after the Univega was restored to glory.

 There’s the edge of the water at Clear Lake.  I’ve never seen water so pristine.  I bet I could drink straight from the lake.  Ducks do it.  I almost hit one fowl in my way.  Move mallard.  Already, I’ve narrowly avoided about 10 chipmunks, and a large rabbit too.  I’ve seen squirrels try to take on bikes before.  They ended up in the spokes without a head.  That would ruin my day.  I need a bell on this bike of mine to signal wildlife.  

Now comes the hard part.  Negotiating lava rock fields on two wheels.  But I’ve been here before.  Only I came from the opposite direction last time.  I’m going to have to push it up this long hill.  It feels great to get off my butt, and work other muscle groups.  I like my new bicycle handle bar ends.  Now I have more hand positions, and can really pull myself up steep inclines.  

I’m flying.  Let’s not forget our 5 D’s of mountain biking: dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge!  Corner!  Hard left.  Leaning into it, and looking where I want to go.  Holy guacamole.  I almost sailed into the lake.  The canoers would have liked to see that.  I’d rather not be fishing.  This is what I came to do.

Bump.  My nuts.  Watch the nuts.  You’re going to need those.  Oh God, I have to split between a root, and a rock going fast.  No room for error.  Arrghhh.  Made it.  But that took all of my upper body strength.  I haven’t screamed that loud since…oh, let’s keep it PG.  I’m dumping sweat.  This is my hell workout.  Put it all on the line.  Gasp.  Exhale.  Breath.  Sigh.  Focused.  A few more miles of rocky road, and then a less technical section to savor.  The McKenzie River Recreational Trail is damn tough.  No wonder it’s one of the World’s most celebrated biking areas.  I can do this.  Finish strong.  I’m the man.  BEAST MODE!

mckenzie river map

Map courtesty of the USDA – Link to info on the McKenzie River National Recreational Trail

Watch an exciting video I produced with my GoPro Black Head Camera mounted during another ride here.

I had a horrible mountain bike accident on the McKenzie a few years ago.  I’m still healing from the traumatic crash, but here’s tips on healing bruises and scratches from that with gruesome injury photos for you to marvel at.

bruise legI’m lucky I didn’t break my leg! 

Recently I camped in a Walmart parking lot on West 11th in Eugene, Oregon.  In this HD video you’ll get the scoop on what it’s like to do some urban stealth camping in my 1986 Volkswagen Vanagon GL.  It was noisy, and the space is well lit, but in general, I got great rest.  It feels good to be somewhere, and not have to pay for the experience.  This was a fun experiment, and I’d recommend it to any Survival Bros. out there.  Staying at Walmart for free beats dropping hundreds for a night in a hotel.  Would you try this?  Live simple my friends.  More videos about my summer road trip coming soon.  Thanks for visiting my blog!  Peace and love.

funny-walmart-meme-freaks

It’s a joke people!

Have you visited People Of WalMart yet?  Click this.