Trials of traveling!

**myakka** · 09-23-2012, 09:48 PM

So I had posted about being back in the state from my deployment in Idaho.

Found out when I went in to the office, that I am helping teach some classes for my agency, so......

Next week I will be about an hour DRIVE from home, then the week after that 3 hours DRIVE, then a class I am trying to postpone...... then home for November (Thank GOD!!!)

Then if December happens back 3 hours away for a week.

My point of this thread is that I am having to plan how I would get back if an EMP killed my ride.

I am able to drive an agency vehicle so I will have a bug-out-bag with whatever supplies I think of, and there is a prepper group I deal with at the location 3 hours away, so I may ask them if they can have a bicycle available to me if SHTF LOL.

I think I can manage any emergency if I can just get back to the house where my family and my preps are.

**Chefsimms** · 09-23-2012, 09:53 PM

This type of thing often crosses my mind as well…how to get home????It will be very interesting to see what others say about this. This is a great tread can`t wait to read more, If sure can`t answer…

**survivalguy** · 09-23-2012, 09:59 PM

Talking about bicycles they do make portable bikes that do fold up pretty small and can be transported pretty easy .. but when all else fails looks like you'll have to hoof it.

**myakka** · 09-23-2012, 10:03 PM

The main physical qualification for my job is the whole 45lb pack three miles in 45 minutes standard, so I am used to hiking with a pack all over the country, but I would take a mountain with 9% humidity over Florida flatland with 90% humidity anytime.

Still, I hate whining so whatever it ends up being is just what it is.

But that wont stop me from "liberating" a big-wheel from some 6 year old either! LOL

**dalewick** · 09-24-2012, 07:29 AM

Originally Posted by myakka62

So I had posted about being back in the state from my deployment in Idaho.

Found out when I went in to the office, that I am helping teach some classes for my agency, so......

Next week I will be about an hour DRIVE from home, then the week after that 3 hours DRIVE, then a class I am trying to postpone...... then home for November (Thank GOD!!!)

Then if December happens back 3 hours away for a week.

My point of this thread is that I am having to plan how I would get back if an EMP killed my ride.

I am able to drive an agency vehicle so I will have a bug-out-bag with whatever supplies I think of, and there is a prepper group I deal with at the location 3 hours away, so I may ask them if they can have a bicycle available to me if SHTF LOL.

I think I can manage any emergency if I can just get back to the house where my family and my preps are.

myakka62,
I did a good bit of research about EMP and defeating it awhile back. One of the things I found out was that a simple chain attached to the frame or tow hitch and dragging the ground is supposed to be enough to ground a vehicle in case of most EMP. Works on the same principle as when semi-trucks hauling gasoline or explosive liquids years ago had a chain hanging from them for a ground. From what I understand, they quit doing it on trucks because it was a political thing (easier to pay for an accident, than explain to the public why the truck was grounded). The research I found stated that this should be sufficient ground for commercial vehicles/POV without extensive electronics. If your agency was like mine your proably driving a pickup or suv which would make doing this fairly simple. Hope this helps.
I keep a chain attached to my truck now and make sure its down when I'm parked if I have it up for any reason while driving.

Dale

**Morgan101** · 09-24-2012, 07:39 AM

Myakka62: I know what you are going through. I wrestle with this thought every time I travel. You at least have the luxury of having your BOB with you in a vehicle.

I would suggest getting to your location early, and drive around to do a little scouting. See if there is a bicycle store, or a Wally World someplace close; maybe a motorcycle shop that has old dirt bikes that wouldn't be affected by EMP. If TSHTF you know exactly where you are going first.

Carry good maps so you know the routes and as many options as you can find. You might want to set up a meeting location somewhere between your home, and where you are going. You may not get home, but your family may be able to get to you. Make sure they know the way.

A couple of other options may be a horse or some type of boat if you are near a waterway. Good Luck, and I hope it never happens. Thinking it through helps.

PS: If they put you up in a hotel keep the soap and shampoo. They are great for a BOB or barter to add to your cache.

**myakka** · 09-24-2012, 09:04 AM

I am really happy with the feedback guys! I will do the chain Dale, and I totally agree about the scouting mission Morgan.

Good stuff all around.

**Iron mike** · 09-24-2012, 01:15 PM

I use to worry about it when I would deploy with the navy imagine trying to get back from over there worried me sick but now I am 1 year from retirement and hopefully dont get delayed because of global instability I think I can make it home from almost anywhere in the US but I like the fold up bike Idea a lot thanks Survivalguy and I think I will get area maps of my most likely travel areas.

**myakka** · 09-24-2012, 01:39 PM

Mike,

I saw your other post about being delayed. I am thankful that you are serving, but wish there was no need, (and understanding your quals, I hope you never have to "work".) I hope you get to get on with your retirement soon.

**CountryGuy** · 09-24-2012, 02:31 PM

You mention having some prep types at the 3hr distance. What about asking them to hold a bicycle for you there? Get a cheap one at Goodwill or similar, go over it to make sure everything is good to go. Make or come up with some cheap saddle bags (maybe some off Craigslist for a motorcycle) or affix a cpl 50cal ammo cans as panniers. Then you could keep a basic first aid kit, maybe a couple Mt House/ power bars, and a few 1L bottle of H2O. That, in addition to your BOB or GHB should get you there. Depending on your level of trust in those folks and the security of where it would be kept, you might even be able to add a lock feature to an ammo can and stash a cheap Kel-Tec or Hi-point pistol in one of those boxes.

I feel your problem though. I'm in a different area every week, sometimes as close as 1.5hrs, others as far away as a 9hr drive. My car bag is pretty light, in fact it's actually in a med size plastic tote. I keep various things in here for roadside emergencies and change out items depending on season. In winter I beef up with a cold weather bag and blankets in case of getting stranded in the snow. I keep a good pair of hiking boots/ shoes in the trunk year round. In the winter they swap out to a pair of gore tex thinsulate Rocky hunting boots. Years ago I decided that instead of carrying a suitcase for my clothes, I use an internal frame pack. Medium size that doesn't shout military. This way I can dump non essentials out, repack from the tote and be mobile fairly quickly. Since I carry customers and co-workers on occasion I need to keep things pretty clutter free. However, I found I can keep 2 - 1 to 1.5L water bottles under each front seat. In winter they freeze but I haven't had one pop yet. Typically they are designed in such a way to bulge or pop out rather than burst. If your worried, open them, take a few swigs to allow more air space and then stash them.

The others make good points about knowing the area you'll be in to know what might be available. I think trying to scrounge up a motorcycle or similar working vehicle will be tough. Lets face it if a guy has one, unless he's a rock, he's going to quickly figure out he has a very desirable product and not willing to give it up easily or cheaply. Then you'll also have a bulls-eye on you for everyone else trying to get somewhere. A bicycle might also pose a target but less so than a motorcycle, atv, or old car or truck.

I'm thinking of making my car kit a little more rounded. I thought about adding some broadheads in a small box and then stash a few arrow shafts in the spare tire well. I could fashion a makeshift bow. Since I have to travel thru states like NJ, NY, & MD I'm hesitant to add these for fear if I were stopped they'd come up with a deadly weapon charge. But I hate going around with my only weapon being my trusty 2" kershaw folder.

Myakka, what r your thoughts on defense/ protection to get home or does your agency status allow you to carry across states?