Collecting Bikes, Hauling Building Materials, and More

2020-02-04

David Bosch recently reached out to us to get some new stickers for his old model 64 Bikes At Work truss-frame trailer. While we no longer make this trailer (we replaced it with the 64A instead) , I thought it worthwhile to include David's comments to show just how much can be done using a bike trailer.

I run a non profit bike shop [Just Bikes in Grand Rapids, Michigan] that provides bikes to the underserved in our community. The bikes primarily go to folks returning from prison and jail and to refugees who come in through two area non profits.

I transport nearly one hundred bikes each year using the cargo trailer using two fork mounts on the front of the trailer for better bikes or just piled up and strapped down for the Huffys.

Most of the bike transports are short hauls but I have hauled a couple of exercise bikes 20ish miles to friends who could no longer ride a bicycles due to declining health.

In addition to transporting bikes, I use your cargo trailer transporting materials and tools for building projects and yard work. I worked for over a decade as a carpenter/contractor and still do smaller projects for friends.

In the last five years or so I've been doing tree work, pruning and take downs and carry a mound of gear; saws, ropes, climbing gear, tackle, etc., and have on occasion hauled large logs that weighed around 300 pounds. You probably understand that moving loads that heavy slow you down on the uphills.

For longer loads, like a 28 foot ladder or a tandem kayak, I add a tongue extension that I've put together with 2-1/2" PVC stiffened with an internal 1 1/4" galvanized pipe.

I have over four decades of experience working on bikes and worked at one point as the service manager for a local bike shop.

I do drive but chose not to. By using the cargo trailer I show others that you don't need a car/truck to get stuff done. My wife drives; I use her car a couple of times a year for stuff that absolutely requires a vehicle. I first rode my bike year round in 1986 so I have a lot of experience riding through Michigan winters. I own a couple of Burley trailers and a Bob trailer but don't use them much now that I have the Bikes At Work.

You can find more photos of how David has used his trailer in a photo album he's created for the purpose.

Thanks, David, for reaching out and sharing your photos and story!

Categories: Carfree Living, Customers