Eight Wacky Ways Montanans Could Travel With Little or No Fuel

Montanans are feeling the pinch at the fuel pump as gas and diesel prices continue to climb. Obviously, a logical way to save money is to drive a vehicle that gets great gas mileage. The difference between 12 mpg and 38 mpg is huge, especially as prices creep above $4 a gallon. If getting a little commuter car is out of the question, consider some of these unusual ways to get around.

Get a wind wagon.

The wind is almost always blowing in Montana and you can probably make pretty good time most days between Big Timber and Livingston. You'd have to keep an eye on the forecast though.

Saddle up and head into town.

I know almost nothing about horse ownership, but I imagine the initial outlay to get one for commuting purposes is probably pretty steep. With the barn, the hay, the horseshoes, and whatnot. But if you've already got the horse and the gear, saddle up and save on fuel.

Start hopping trains.

More reliable than counting on the weather to power your Wind Wagon, hopping trains will certainly save on gas. It's also highly illegal and quite dangerous, so maybe consider this option as a last resort. 

Grow a hipster beard and ride a bicycle.

Are hipster beards mandatory for bicyclists? I suppose not, but a ridiculously well-manicured beard surely can't hurt. The ride-your-bike plan is a great seasonal option if you live fairly close to work. Which... if you do, you probably don't spend that much on gas anyway.

Get a skateboard.

Good for short trips (and not really an option if you live on a gravel road) a skateboard or longboard could be a way to save a little on gas. At my age, learning how to skateboard seems like a trip to the ER just waiting to happen.

Hitch up your dogs.

My dogs have been freeloading for their entire lives. It's time they start earning their keep. All I need is one of those sweet-looking dog chariots seen above and I'll be dog sledding my way into work in no time.

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Register the four-wheeler and hit the road.

Yes, ATVs consume fuel, but most of them get pretty decent gas mileage. Especially if you don't romp on the throttle like a madman. When fitted with the appropriate street equipment (mirror/lights/etc) they're legal on most Montana roads. Just make sure you've registered the ATV.

Get a mini bike or moped.

With fuel prices so ridiculous, I no longer laugh at "DUI Dave" riding his moped around town. In fact, I'm jealous of the 50+ mpg that Dave is getting. Even better are those gas-powered bicycle conversions you see, with what is basically a weed wacker motor bolted on the back wheel. Laugh all you want... that dude is probably getting 80 mpg.