|
One time, a renovation contractor had forgotten to lay me off on Friday, and on Monday, I spotted a job on his list that I could handle by festooning my bicycle with tools and materials. I got to do it, but the customer was, um, surprised.
I used to ride with a few 2 Xs strapped to the top tube, but if I had to carry a 4 X 8 sheet, I would clamp a board to the handlebars to support it and let me walk and steer from the side, and put most of the weight on the seat.
I have filled a Toyota Celica fastback with green firewood.
I have loaded a small boat upright into the back seat of a Morris Minor Convertible.
My father hauled hay bales in a box on a boat trailer behind an Oldsmobile.
In the 1-seat Metro, I have hauled a large tank and reel air compressor, and regularly pack a display that requires 2' X 9' X 6", leaving the hatch open a bit, with air deflectors, etc.
I have also filled it with scrap metal roofing, rough lumber, and a full camper for one. On top, I've had a 19' kayak.
I've crossed the US over 1/2 way in a Ford Fairlane wagon crammed with a velomobile in pieces, leaving only room for a sleeping tunnel for the off-duty driver, and another velo on the roof, blessedly streamlined.
__________________
There is no excuse for a land vehicle to weigh more than its average payload.
|