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Many of you are familar with this incredible alternative, utility bike/home. Some of you have actually seen it here in Portland and in California where Brian travelled through a couple of years ago. Apparently, the bike has recently been a victim of vandalism (http://bikeportland.org/2007/08/30/beloved-motorhome-bike-torn-to-shambles-in-ne-portland/). (though we're not sure) What sad news. I feel so bad for Brian and hope he's ok. :(
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That amazing Winabego bike has seen more miles than I
think a lot of people imagine, Donna. Brian was a mainstay
of our little community of West Chester PA back in the 80's.
He would park the behomoth in a number if different places
but mostly in the parking lot of Joes Sportsmans Lounge where
people were very accepting of eccentric individuals. Anybody
from WC during that time would remember the huge unit slowly
trolling down the street and people staring at it in amazement.
I lose a little more faith everytime humanity gets violated by
mean people. Nobody deserves this. To the scum that did this....
Karma happens.
My goodness. The plot thickens (http://bikeportland.org/2007/08/30/update-on-camper-bike/). :eek:
Wow....:eek:
So strange. Can you keep this thread updated, Donna ?
Great story...looks like he is doing some serious renovations. Making room for the Jacuzzi?
Wow....:eek:
So strange. Can you keep this thread updated, Donna ?
Of course.
damn, if he was in vancouver i'd pick him up in my truck and take him to home depot for new supplies. Ic an totaly relate to his statement about being invisible (going back a few years for me...)
Did you read the part about the mold? I'm hoping some of the local guys give him some different ideas for rebuilding. I don't think his original design works well here in the rainforest. He's got to be able to build something that insulates from the cold and breathes.
Sounds like he's had enough of being homeless. His reaction is not an uncommon one. I wish I had some work for him. Guys, keep your fingers crossed that the community can throw him a line. Portland does have a lot of tolerance (and appreciation) for the eccentrics in this world. The world would be a poorer place without Brian.
^ yea i caught the part about the mold.... :( it would be better if there was maybe thinwall (1/8" wood with an series of vents to promote airflow.....or maybe platic / wood/ plastic laminate for easy cleanin, (ie rag and rubbing alchol)
thinking about this more has given me an idea for our homeless with bikes...start with a metal platform, say 4' x 7', with heavy duty sealed bearing axles and wheels for low to zero cost maintenance. On top of thisbuild a lightweight frame, and frame it like a house with ultralight struts. Attached to the struts would be aluminum sheets, riveted on. the entire thin would have a sloped roof for water drainage (maybe collection too?), vents to promote airflow, maybe a 12v computer fan to circulate air (its very effective). The interior would be lit up with LED lighting to conserve battery usage. The entire unit could be built in a modular fashion, so a guy could utilize milk crates (free, easy to find) for shelving and storage.
what say BF crew, if we put our pedals together, could we not design a cheap (possibly corporate funded) rolling home for the homeless who could one?
I have seen his bike and spoken to him. One thing that always struck me was that the large, flat, sun shield over the operator would be a great place to put some solar panels.
I have also played with the idea of a bicycle motor home. I think an assist motor would be essential. With all the flat space on the top, keeping it charged it would be easy too.
It is good that people are helping him. However, I agree with some of the posters that the best thing would be to help him with a job and to spend some time being stable and then resume his nomadic existance when he is ready.
For those of you who are in Portland, there is a work party scheduled to help Brian tomorrow:
Just got off phone with Brian.
He's in good spirits and we've scheduled a work party...
If you'd like to come out and meet him and/or help... we're meeting at 3:00 \
tomorrow (Saturday) at the Walgreens parking lot at MLK and NE Ainsworth.
Oh, and we've raised $535 bucks so far today!
let's help him get back on track..
--Jonathan
-----------------------------
Jonathan Maus, Editor
BikePortland.org
"Daily news, culture, events and opinion"
www.BikePortland.org
I've got to work tomorrow, but if I can make it in early and get it all done, I could go...
this sounds like a chicken coop we just built (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hollyandpatrick/570618922/in/set-72157600401883384/). take out the roosts and it'd make a decent camper/cottage/manhattan 1-bedroom apartment.
still working on getting the wheels together though.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1101/570618922_67599be6c9.jpg
the wheels will go on the back (by the nesting box access) and water will be collected at the front. If you built it as a trike with the two wheels at the back and the bike part at the front you might be onto something. A tubular steel frame and aluminum cladding would lighten things up a bit, though this design is pretty light. 4 people can lift and carry it easily (when it's empty). The walls are mostly waterproof canvas.
There's a trailer company that has designed a prototype trailer/cot/camper for homeless folks. (http://www.tonystrailers.com/mobileshelter/) Carries gear by day, folds out to a cot/tent support by night. uses a standard bike.
http://www.tonystrailers.com/mobileshelter/setting_up6.jpg
^ hey that guy that makes those is a fellow BC'er. I might have to ride over there and see his trailers.
wow, i wish i lived in portland, That guy definitely has something going for him, maybe he has no money but being able to travel the country on a bike....hell yes! I wish the best of luck to him.
i met him, he's a cool guy.
Sounds like he should GET A JOB and support himself instead of relying on handouts.
YEAH! the NERVE of some people, to ACCEPT things people give them! what is the world coming to!?!
Read the follow article carefully. This guy appears to have some mental problems. I've lived with a woman that I deeply love for nearly 30 years now who has serious problems with bipolar and depression, so I have some experience here.
He just hit the breaking point on dealing with problems with his dwelling. Went into a rage & shredded it. Then came the cold realization. Perhaps the best thing to do is help him rebuild it better. But I would not buy him too many 40's.
Wow, my emotions for this guy run the gamut. Part of me is envious of him for his lifestyle, part of me feels sad because of his lifestyle and part of me would like to help him. He probably does have mental issues but, he's been doing this for some time so he can hold his own. He sounds like he been pretty self sufficient for a long time so I can't say he needs to "get a job". He just has a lifestyle that's very different from most people these days and if it works for him, more power to him.
He sounds like he been pretty self sufficient for a long time so I can't say he needs to "get a job". He just has a lifestyle that's very different from most people these days and if it works for him, more power to him.
I don't think we actually have enough information to say how self-sufficient he is. Obviously his expenses are very low, but it seems possible he gets his money for food, and the very small amount he needs for his home, from handouts.
YEAH! the NERVE of some people, to ACCEPT things people give them! what is the world coming to!?!
"People don't turn down money. It's what separates from the animals."
--Jerry Seinfeld
I don't think it's fair for us to speculate on the personal, emotional or financial position of people who we don't know, aren't public figures, and aren't likely to have a right to reply soon.
thinking about this more has given me an idea for our homeless with bikes...
I don't want to be a downer, and I don't know much about the subject (I am sure that there are better informed people than me), but generally speaking the homelessness problem isn't really a story of a lack of accommodation as much as one about inadequate care for sick people, isn't it?
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