Shuttle Vehicle

As some here may recall, I had a bicycle mishap in 2023 involving a teen driver and a cell phone. It certainly took years off my backcountry tripping career. Doc said I can’t fall anymore, and if I do fall, I shouldn’t put my arm out to catch myself. Well, now I’m considering a new bicycle purchase for shuttling on gravel and paved roads. Wattaya think - jump back in and get on with things, or play it careful - skip solo shuttling and live forever? The hybrid bike I’m interested in is on sale Friday.

Tony,
I had my most recent bicycle mishap last July, an old gent ran a stop sign and plowed right into me as I was turning left...lots of injuries, still recovering, but that's not the point here.
I was hit when I was 18 years old, landed in a cemetery with few injuries.
I was hit when I was 29 years old, much trauma, permanent physical injuries, changed my life.
And just last July at 69 years old.
So strictly by the arithmetic progression, I should be good till I'm around 200 years old.
BTW, I have a full reverse shoulder replacement on my right side, some of the doctors have told me to NEVER fall on it, but it hasn't stopped me from skiing (back country, no trails), hiking, paddling, cycling, camping, etc.
And yes, I've fallen on it on snow and on pavement.

My opinion? Go for it. I can't see living without doing the stuff that makes me who I am, and I suspect you might feel the same.
With that said, I do pay close attention to my surroundings and situations, particularly since I do much solo activities.
The whole live forever thing probably ain't gonna happen either way. Probably.

I'm uncomfortable giving opinions on medical matters without knowing the exact nature of someone else's injuries and prognosis, much less not being a medical professional. However, if this is all the biking you plan on doing . . .

Black_Fly said:

I’m considering a new bicycle purchase for shuttling on gravel and paved roads.

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. . . that would seem to be fairly minimal bike time. If, in addition, the gravel and paved shuttle roads are not particularly dangerous for biking and the fall risk is hence minimal, I suppose I'd consider taking the risk.

Perhaps you could wear shoulder and arm pads to soften a fall if you have to fall on your side without an outstretched arm.

Maybe something like this?


Might work well when paddling a tie-dyed stripper.

(Sorry, I have no helpful input. I'm an organ donor but I'm hopeful that I'll use up all the good parts & they'll just throw me in the box whole.
I AM glad that you've recovered from all your injuries enough that you'd consider riding again.)

Two kinds of bike riders, right? Seems you've got the "those who have crashed" covered. The trouble is, as you have proven, one can also be among "those who will crash."

Watch out for soft spots on those gravel roads. I was bike shuttling gravel roads along the Manistique and hit a sandy soft spot that stopped me rather abruptly. As I launched, it went through my brain, "roll!" I did, and I was amazed to be uninjured. I've been told by doctors, if I fall, I'm going to break a bone. So, tumbling on a bike shuttle must not count as a fall.

I ride a heavy, slow, gravel bike these days. Less kinetic energy to take into a fall. Rationally, I should quit, But the feeling at the intersection of gravity and centrifugal force keeps me coming back. That, and a high tolerance for risk. So, I'm probably the last person you should take advice from on this question, but I say go for it.

I’ve done that shuttle along the Manistique. Wife and I took bikes and stashed them downstream. It’s a nice little stream. Hope to stop at the campground this summer.

Bright colored clothing and a camouflaged bicycle are indicated. Maybe an air horn.

I would suggest a bike that can take pretty large tires that are more stable on gravel or if you have to bail off the pavement to avoid being hit. Means something with rims that can take a 50mm or1.95-2.0 inch tire. I really like my current tires. Kenda Kwick Journey. 1.95x26. They can take 80 lbs for an efficient ride on the pavement, but I can drop them down to 35-40 pounds when I hit the gravel. I alway carry a pump so I can put air in if I go back on pavement after a gravel section.

What bike are you considering that is on sale?

Manistique is a nice river. I paddled all but through the mill and city back in 1974. Used a bike for shuttle and on the Two Hearted as well.

Since my total knee replacement I've continued to bike, but I have changed how. I no longer ride anything but the easiest MTB trails. I've had no warning about falling, but I don't want to take the chance of serious injury and moreso the recovery. Also, I agree with @Sedges get something with wider tires, 50mm/2 inch as a minimum, they're more comfortable, more versatile and depending on terrain they can be faster and more efficient than thinner tires. I'd say go for it, maybe do some minor changes to whatever bike you buy to make it more comfortable and manageable, e.g. seat and handlebars.