Grandfather and Grandson RV and bike together

RVing is a great way to bring families together. I went RVing with both my grandfathers and it left a lasting impression on me. Grandfathers are special people who have a great deal of influence with their grandkids when they can capture their attention for a while. Getting the kids away from computer games, cell phones and iPods is difficult, but I watched a skilled grandpa do it with ease at a Coachmen RV rally.Grandpa Kurt Beck from Camdon, Michigan spent the week with grandson Keenan Krall from Harrisonburg, Virginia in a Coachmen Cruise Master motorhome. I kept my eye on them during the week as they played board games together, attended the attractions and events of the rally and rode bicycles together. They both had a great time and when I asked Keenan if he intended to become an RVer someday he responded, “Yes!”

I caught up with them as they were packing up to head home. Loading their bikes on the ladder rack I noticed Kurt using a pop-can insulator as a protective device on the handlebars. He says it prevents the coach from being scratched and it’s been from Michigan to Florida and back several times without falling off.

With ideas like this, grandson Keenan is sure to become a successful RV owner himself someday. Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Do It Yourself RV Bike Rack

Make a simple and cost effective ladder mount bike rack for your RV. My friend Ed Grabman used a little imagination and made this bike rack out of some 2 x 4s, bolts and screw in hooks. Simply cut two pieces of 2 x 4 that will span your ladder. Temporarily screw them together and drill two holes that will match the diameter of your ladder sides. Also, make sure you drill the holes so they match the width of the ladder sides. Lay the boards down and drill two holes for the retaining bolts and two holes for the retaining hooks. Make sure the holes for the retaining hooks are smaller than the diameter of the retaining hook screws so they will fit snugly. Remove the temporary retaining screws and paint or treat the wood so it will resist weathering. Next assemble the pieces on the ladder. I would mount the rack on top of a ladder wrung to prevent it from sliding down. Screw in the hooks and hang up the bike. Secure the bike with bungee cords, straps, ropes or a combination. Be sure to tie off the front wheel to prevent the handlebars flopping around and gouging or scratching your RV. As an alternative, you could make two of these ladder mounts and hang your bike vertically. Keeping the ideas rolling in - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RVers Saddle Up in Comfort

RVs and bicycles go together like a ham sandwich and potato chips. Isn’t it amazing that once you learn you never forget how to ride a bike? Bicycles are just plain fun and RVers everywhere enjoy them. We sometimes even go to extremes to bring them along with us. Some RVers carry bikes on the front of their rigs while most carry them somewhere on the back. I see bicycles in every campground without exception. In fact, I would like to see more RVers out riding their bikes because it’s great exercise. Unfortunately many folks don’t care much for the seats that are available. Some people have gone to great lengths to make their bicycles more comfortable. I ran across this seat the other day while shopping at Target. I have no idea how comfortable it is, but it does offer an alternative. Schwinn makes this seat and claims it “limits pressure point contact.” It’s made from high density foam and costs around $20 bucks. If you’re one of those who doesn’t like the traditional bicycle seat you may want to try this on for size. Helping you stay in the saddle - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Tired Of Your Bike Falling Over? The Answer Is In Your Golf Bag.

RVers love their bikes, and anything that improves on this old transportation standby is good in my book. Here is a wonderful idea to help keep your bike upright when parked. I have no idea how the owner of this bike did this, but it makes abundant sense! How many times have you leaned your bike onto the kick-stand only to have it fall down? This idea will help prevent this from occurring. I imagine you drill a hole in the golf ball then glue it using JB Weld or something similar. If you know how to do this procedure please tell us in the comments section below. Thanks