Float Tube Rearview Mirror?

@krusty and @Tim L -
I recently bought a gently used mountain bike from @Bugmeister (thanks, Brian!!), had new tires/tubes installed and the bike tuned up. I have never ridden a mountain bike so there's been a bit of learning experience on what lever does what. Another issue is I haven't been on any bicycle for 20 plus years, my bicycle muscles are weak but I'm getting to where I can ride longer and steeper streets. The last issue and a serious safety issue is cars coming up behind me. I'm hard of hearing and I don't wear my hearing aids inside my bike helmet, I have limited head rotation from arthritis (whiplash isn't fun) so the two posts from you are very interesting and something I hadn't really thought of. THANKS!//Pat
The very best helmet mirrors made are available from EVT in Washougal WA (of all places!). The mirrors are a bit pricey, but infinitely adjustable and sturdy. They also mfg some of the finest bicycle tools in the world.

Ride Safe!

 
@krusty and @Tim L -
I recently bought a gently used mountain bike from @Bugmeister (thanks, Brian!!), had new tires/tubes installed and the bike tuned up. I have never ridden a mountain bike so there's been a bit of learning experience on what lever does what. Another issue is I haven't been on any bicycle for 20 plus years, my bicycle muscles are weak but I'm getting to where I can ride longer and steeper streets. The last issue and a serious safety issue is cars coming up behind me. I'm hard of hearing and I don't wear my hearing aids inside my bike helmet, I have limited head rotation from arthritis (whiplash isn't fun) so the two posts from you are very interesting and something I hadn't really thought of. THANKS!//Pat
Pat, I remember you mentioning the bike. If I didn't say so at Rick's, highly recommend getting on Strava. Pretty much where the world lives in cycling, you can use for free and it has all the tracking, recording, stats you can dream of, plus some ability to interact w/ others. From your comments, perhaps the best feature would be the real-time tracker. You can designate anyone you want to see where you are during rides...Peg and I have that so each of us can always see/find the other. Anyhow, easy to get on and use. Mine's just an app on my phone and I mount it directly to the bars.

 
A tiny camera with an image that shows up on the depth finder is in the future. Just no one working on it right now. Something like a colonoscopy camera, which is also 'rear view'.

A tiny camera would be a good start, but what I really want is a proximity detector like we have in cars (beeping speeds up as you approach an object). A rearend collision in a float tube, esp. at night, is not the sort of entertainment I'm there for. It's kinda funny after the fact, but bumping into a log or other float tuber will certainly get the heart rate going.
 
The very best helmet mirrors made are available from EVT in Washougal WA (of all places!). The mirrors are a bit pricey, but infinitely adjustable and sturdy. They also mfg some of the finest bicycle tools in the world.

Ride Safe!

Thanks Krusty, very interesting and their site clearly describes how to mount and adjust the mirror. // Pat
Pat, I remember you mentioning the bike. If I didn't say so at Rick's, highly recommend getting on Strava. Pretty much where the world lives in cycling, you can use for free and it has all the tracking, recording, stats you can dream of, plus some ability to interact w/ others. From your comments, perhaps the best feature would be the real-time tracker. You can designate anyone you want to see where you are during rides...Peg and I have that so each of us can always see/find the other. Anyhow, easy to get on and use. Mine's just an app on my phone and I mount it directly to the bars.

Hi, Tim -
Thanks - As I get a bit more proficient I'll check this out. // Pat
 
@krusty and @Tim L -
I recently bought a gently used mountain bike from @Bugmeister (thanks, Brian!!), had new tires/tubes installed and the bike tuned up. I have never ridden a mountain bike so there's been a bit of learning experience on what lever does what. Another issue is I haven't been on any bicycle for 20 plus years, my bicycle muscles are weak but I'm getting to where I can ride longer and steeper streets. The last issue and a serious safety issue is cars coming up behind me. I'm hard of hearing and I don't wear my hearing aids inside my bike helmet, I have limited head rotation from arthritis (whiplash isn't fun) so the two posts from you are very interesting and something I hadn't really thought of. THANKS!//Pat
I’m glad you are using and enjoying it @Buzzy !
 
A tiny camera would be a good start, but what I really want is a proximity detector like we have in cars (beeping speeds up as you approach an object). A rearend collision in a float tube, esp. at night, is not the sort of entertainment I'm there for. It's kinda funny after the fact, but bumping into a log or other float tuber will certainly get the heart rate going.
Garmin and some other mfgs actually sell devices (with cameras and radar) that detect vehicles approaching from the rear for road cyclists. It transmits a warning to your smartphone (and audibly to you) via bluetooth so it can record the photos.


These units are quite pricey, and favored by some ersatz road racing types...who simply refuse to use a helmet mirror (which is absolutely dependable) because they're afraid they'll look like a 'Fred' to other cyclo-jocks.


I've always been amused by MAMILS* who generally attempt to look over their shoulder to see vehicles approaching...which means they often dangerously swerve into the road lane....but I guess it preserves their road racing fantasies.

* MAMILs are Middle Aged Men In Lycra. Usually sporting jerseys with teams they never rode for...and packed in that undersized jersey like a bratwurst near bursting point.
 
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Or beeper
Are you out of your <bleeping> mind?

With so many beepers going off, it would remind me of the eerie sounds of the phones going off after the 9-11 attack.

Much prefer the quiet sounds on a lake interrupted once in awhile by the sounds of clicker reels screaming due to a runaway freight train of a fish...
 
Are you out of your <bleeping> mind?

With so many beepers going off, it would remind me of the eerie sounds of the phones going off after the 9-11 attack.

Much prefer the quiet sounds on a lake interrupted once in awhile by the sounds of clicker reels screaming due to a runaway freight train of a fish...
It was a joke!
 
Body armor, helmets (probably full face), gloves, arm guards, air bag. These are the things to think about when fishing?! How about just fishing and enjoying the outdoors.
 
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