Thrivetreecare

I'm moving my small tree service to operating completely by bicycle. I'll be riding a Yuba Supermarche hauling my 50lbs dog and ~80lbs of climbing gear in the front box 2 chainsaws on the rear rack and towing a surly trailer with a 220lbs chipper and another ~80lbs of rigging gear and larger chainsaws. My longest ride will be about 10 miles one way over relatively flat terrain. I'm not a cyclist and realize this is a solid amount of weight to haul day in and day out but I think it's doable. Any advice, suggestions or being told I'm insane is welcome!

ocsawdust

Start spinning some miles. Your going to use muscles your not used to using. Your ass will hurt in the seat as well. Time in the saddle. Watch what you eat and keep hydrated. You don't want to "hit the wall" or some call it "bonking". You just might learn what it means though. Trying to stand from sitting in a chair will be very difficult. Also cramps come from lack of hydration. Don't schedule your jobs too close, you'll need some recovery time. Your talking about work that usually requires heavy equipment. Green logs are always so light till they dry out and get heavy.. keep a close eye on things as your going to push the limits of everyone erything. Anything breaks you'll need a plan "b". Maybe a backup bike and trailer, or stay on great terms with your friends that might have something you'll need in a bind.

Take some pics before, during and after. There will be people that will call bs without pics, and if things are indeed like you mentioned, you can show off things with the proof in the pics and reflect on times later on.

Thrivetreecare

Thanks ocsawdust, I won't be hauling any material away from the job sites, just me and my tools, I'm planning on getting one of the training rigs for my basement for this winter and since my business is just starting it'll be a nice lead into cycling full time. I'll also still be using my truck for contract climbing which is about 75% of my work right now. I'm fully prepared to get my ass kicked just like when I started in tree care. Definitely planning on taking lots of pictures and some video for advertising, I have plenty of go pros and a drone so the process will be fully documented!

fietsbob

In Eugene there is Human Powered Machines .. a maker of quite capable weight bearing larger Cargo trailers

though the shipping costs may be unsettling

Bikes at Work in Iowa makes a modular bike trailer .. 6 foot long dual wheels ... those sort of adaptations ..

FWIW, I've seen a (PBS TV ) show* highlighting a Compost by bike service in Austin TX.. *( production company in NC)





...

Thrivetreecare

Ive been looking at the surly trailers their hitch design seems superior and I'll have less than 300lbs on the trailer and a little over 100 on the bike at most. Hopefully one day I can get that kind of press!

JoeyBike

I have one about 15 years now. Highly recommend. Mine is from before the modular ones, which I believe are even better. A friend has the newer one. Nice. I upgraded the tires of course.