The Chainlink

Anyone have some ideas on how to haul a husband?

My husband, Rob, has fractured his ankle. Just in time for the summer riding season and fun things to do.  So, given the creativity and ingenuity of many of those on Chainlink, I am curious if anyone knows how I can fashion some kind of rig to basically take him along safely on some bike rides to the lake, park or some CL events during the 4-6 weeks he will be off his feet, without resorting to driving the car.  Maybe on a flatbed trailer of some sort, or fashion some kind of hitch to a wheelchair onto the back of the bike. I have seen people hauling furniture and stuff, so I am curious as to what ideas may be out there? He won't fit in the kiddie trailer, so that option is out.  Or, if anyone has anything I could borrow or rent (cheaply) for the time he is healing up, that would be great, too.   I thought of a pedicab, but that would get expensive when all I want to do is take him on picnics and stuff around the city. 

I know it may be a odd request, but I thought I'd give it a shot. :) 

Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by April on May 25, 2012 at 1:34pm

Pshaw...we don't need men...*we want them*   You and I could do it :-)

Permalink Reply by Melanie K on May 25, 2012 at 1:54pm

That is true, two women could pull the trailer- but I was thinking along the lines of me being on the mattress with my husband while having other people pull the trailer for us. Anybody with a rickshaw mattress bed bike out there? There may be a market for it! 

Thanks for the smile, April :-)

April said:

Pshaw...we don't need men...*we want them*   You and I could do it :-)

Permalink Reply by Duppie on May 25, 2012 at 2:24pm

How about this? Hubby can sit in the cabin upfront while you ride the bike.

Permalink Reply by April on May 25, 2012 at 2:32pm

That's true a box bike or bucket bike would totally do the trick.  I wonder if you could rent one or if one of the chainlinkers who has one would lend it to you...

Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on May 25, 2012 at 3:15pm

Sounds like an idea for the naked bike ride...

April said:

Hubby could ride quite comfortably on top of that mattress :-P

James BlackHeron said:

On a side note -just because this combines tandems AND trailers and is oh, so cool:

Permalink Reply by Elizabeth Blalack on May 25, 2012 at 3:17pm

JC Lind does carry great cargo bikes, but your husband would have an impossible time getting into and out of the bucket on a bucket bike. 

We have a Yuba Mundo, and we met a lady who was also buying one to haul her husband on.  The Yuba at least has running boards/bars for resting feet on.  We test drove it with my husband on the back (before trying it with the kiddos) and it was great.  Well worth the $ too.

We also tried a box bike, which felt more stable than the Yuba due to the lower center of gravity, but I just couldn't get used to the steering. 

I have also seen trikes that are like overgrown kids trikes (two wheels in back) and have either a platform or a basket on the back.  But I don't know where they are sold, and they look really nice, but don't seem very practical.

Permalink Reply by Anika on May 25, 2012 at 10:31pm
We own a Madsen that another poster linked to above. The hauling capacity of the bike is just under 600lbs. We regularly haul 2-5 kids on the bike and both my husband and I have hauled other adults in the bucket. I'm not sure how easy it would be for yur husband to get into the bucket but once in, hauling him would not be a problem.

Since this is our main kid-hauler, I could not loan ours out for any lengthy period of time but perhaps there are others out there to be loaned. Although, we do have a couple of camping trips planned where ours will not be in use...

It is a popular cargo bike in our hood - I know at least a half dozen people with them. This would definitely be something that could work.
Permalink Reply by Comrade Cycles on May 26, 2012 at 1:35am

The idea has already been brought up, but this is what it looks like by trailer. Surprisingly easy and the passenger said he was plenty comfortable.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go7ogtXtBos

Permalink Reply by Angie Maloney on May 26, 2012 at 7:38am

I wonder if you can't rent a pedicab bike... I know someone who does pedicab and will ask him

Permalink Reply by shar on May 30, 2012 at 4:47pm

Hey Mel!

Nick and I are in the exact same boat! He fractured his ankle in three places the beginning of May. He is recovering from surgery (took place 2 weeks ago). We were soooo freak'n looking forward to an amazing summer cycling together and well now... canundrum. If you find out anyways or try anything that works out please pass is my way :)

I thought about borrowing Dougs big trailer and strapping a folding sunchair to it to haul Nick around. I am a little nervous doing it on my 'Small Haul Trucker'. and doing it on FBC, mass rides and MM's. Which is what I would want the extra cargo for so he can come along.

Here's to an interesting summer! Cheers to you both and wish you a speedy recovery Robert

Permalink Reply by Liz on May 30, 2012 at 5:07pm

Bike and roll also rents hand cycles, its expensive to do a lot, but it might work for the occasional group ride. 

http://bikechicago.com/rent-a-bike

Permalink Reply by Melanie K on May 30, 2012 at 6:02pm

Sorry to hear about Nick's ankle and Rob really can relate how crappy it is, especially right at the start of summer.   As an update, we did find a handcycle available for him to use until he is better thanks to a kind-hearted chainlinker- so we are hoping to be able to attend a few events.   Right now the bike is in the shop but maybe by Friday we'll have a ride for him- maybe Nick could sit on Rob's lap and they could handcycle together in tandem on some rides... LOL.  

BTW, Thanks for the well wishes and we also wish Nick a speedy recovery as well and hope you can find a kind soul out there that may be able to help- there are a couple of such angels on the Chainlink, and maybe one will contact you, too :-) 

And thank you everyone who gave advice and suggestions, with a special thank you to a couple of people who reached out privately to help. We really appreciate it. 

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