ROADDUDE

Longtime Off-Grid/Vanlife Adventurer - On the Road In North America

  • Blog
    • Blog: All Posts
  • Gear
    • Bunduawn 360 Awning
    • Cargo Boxes & Cases
    • E-Bike: Sondors X
    • Spare Tire Bag (Storage, Garbage and Recycling)
  • Vanlife
    • DIY Composting Toilet
    • Install A Roof Vent
    • Stay Clean On the Road
  • Off-Grid
    • Adding Solar Power
    • Solar Panels: To Move Or Not?
  • Portfolio
    • Nightscapes
    • Landscapes
    • Story Portraits
    • Head Shots
    • Overland Gear
  • About
    • Site Map
    • Kudos: What Folks Say
  • Contact
    • Newsletter
  • Face Masks

Rescue Bike / Scout / Pack Mule

Not a dirt bike or dual sport, but a rugged ebike that’ll go anywhere I’ve needed over the last couple years. It’s made by Sondors (no affiliation) and is called the Sondors X.

Hell of a lot less expensive new, hell of a lot less noisy (so I see a LOT more wildlife), and hell of a lot easier to load/unload than a gas dirtbike or dual sport.

I can easily put it into the back of the van by myself without a ramp. A lot less to go wrong, too; extremely low-maintenance. Can charge it up right from my trailer’s deep cycle batts and inverter.

I ride the hell out of this thing in the desert, in the snow, on the beaches, and in the woods. Great and easy city bike, too, that you can ride up over curbs into parks, lock up on a sidewalk outside a store, go a lot of places you can’t with a gas bike.

I bought it mainly as backup/rescue vehicle in case my van breaks down, so I could ride out literally in a tenth of the time I could walk out. Critical in the desert.

fat-tire e-bike on dirt trail in Chihuahuan Desert
Scouting a trail in the Chihuahuan Desert

Then I realized how great a scout vehicle it is, especially when traveling solo. I pop the bike out, ride several miles ahead to see if I can make it with van and trailer. Also realized how much of a pack mule it is and have hauled groceries (I have a fold out milk-crate sized basket that fits the rear rack), loads of firewood as seen below, hauled trash, etc.

I realize the appeal of being able to tear around and go faster on a gas-fueled dirtbike, and have ridden myself in the past, though for overall adventuring, backcountry trails, and travel cross-country in general, I ride and use this way more than I would a regular dirtbike, especially ’cause it’s so quiet.

Van interior with fridge, gear, and ebike
Easily stowed in the van

I usually loosen and turn the handlebars sideways if I’m going to leave it in there long.

This bike goes with me everywhere, on every adventure, urban or backcountry.

Honestly one of the two best investments I’ve made for adventuring. The other is my trailer.

On the Road in America

THE BIG PAUSE of 2020-21

ROADDUDE.COM is usually about one man’s travels and photography around North America.

During The Big Pause of 2020-21, however, it is about making quality cloth & fabric face masks and face coverings for the public. Every mask purchased enables more to be made for donation.

I have made, sold, and donated thousands, as far away as Sudan.

Stay safe, stay clean, stay healthy!

Thank you for your orders and support!


Kudos from Customers for Face Masks I make, sell, and donate throughout the pandemic:

“The best design I’ve seen.” ~ Richard F, California

“We love your masks and use them all the time! They are the best fit from different types we tried. I was actually thinking of ordering more :)” ~BW, Cambridge MA

“We really love them. The quality is amazing and they are comfortable. Will be great for hiking and work.” ~ Beckie G, SW Harbor

“Both my husband and I love the masks. Fit very well and stay in place when talking.” ~ Susan W, Livermore Falls

“The masks arrived today! Thanks so much. They are terrific! Best fit, most comfortable, most stylish of any I have worn or seen.“ ~ Elaine J, SW Harbor

“Excellent mask! Highest quality and fit. Find it very comfortable and breathable. Much better design than the pleated style. If you care, please wear!” ~ Jane W, Scarborough

“Outstanding quality comfort and fit. These are as good if not better than pictured on the web. Worth the wait and cost. I would buy again. Have recommended you already. Five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating!” ~Janet, Rockport

“Got ‘em!!! Arrived today and they are impressive.” ~ Bob B, Maine

“Thank you so much for the quality masks. The fit is great. Good work!” ~Lynn B, Maine

“Really quite nice and much needed!” ~Kathy H, Maine

“That’s nice, dear.” ~Ma


Where is Road?

Back Cove, Maine, working on:
– making masks
– portfolio & prints
– prep for painting desert art mural
– improving storage functionality in van
– helping folks haul and deliver items
– South of I-10, Another America
– Roaddude Food Cookbook
– website improvements
– my tan

I hear it’s summer. Is that true?

Help Roaddude Tell More Stories & Write More Blog Posts About Adventuring


Roaddude.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to sites like Amazon.com and Adorama Photo.

Recent Posts

  • It’s Mask Time In America
  • Adventure Rig: Coming Into Its Own . . .
  • Morning Breakfast Muffins
  • DARK SKY BONANZA
  • RED CURRY LENTILS w/ SWEET POTATOES & SPINACH

Links

Links to various things I mention in posts and on insta: linktr.ee/roaddude

…

Tags

adventure atchafalaya atchalafaya basin bayou big bend borderlands boudin cactus capital cajun country camp cooking camp food charenton chihuahuan desert cincinnati tradition curry delcambre desert life four way greek healthy food Justin Boots kaplan kenwood skyline lake fausse pointe landscape photography levee louisiana map nomd life off-grid off-road photography recipes right life sanderson south of I-10 spillway swamp texas travel travel photography vanlife western boots western wear xventurefamily

…

Advert: Recovery Gear | Digital Cameras
  • email
  • insta
  • tumblr

Content & Images © Roaddude, All Rights Reserved 2016 –2023