Government giveaways: Find your way to the bike of your dreams and more

[caption id="attachment_12133" align="alignleft" width="300"] Travelers bicycle, sometimes can be had at government auctions[/caption]

Carol Forsloff---It used to be that if you wanted to attend the local city, state or Federal government auction to get a bargain on an item you wanted you had to check in at an official location, register, then make your selection and bid. But how many people know that you can buy almost anything online these days, at government auctions that include everything from a refrigerator door to a Harley bike?

Years ago there would be bike sales of those turned in to various police departments, bikes that were stolen and the owner not found, those given away or left stranded somewhere, and various others that were picked up here and there. Parents would say to children who were looking for a bike to wait until that annual date when, if folks arrived early enough, a good bike might be found. These days there are more opportunities to find items, and people don't even have to leave the comfort of an easy chair to do it.

For each site, an individual must register and complete a form before offering a bid. In the case of Federal government sales, only federal agencies can list items for sale. The buyer is directed to click on one of the listed items if making a bid, which takes the person to a Sales center site that has the item where an individual can either bid for the item or purchase it directly.

Need a walk-through metal detector? You can buy one from the Federal government at an official government sales site. And the current bid is $10. Lost your refrigerator door? The Feds are selling that too, and the present bid is $5. Of course, there are more practical items like bookshelves or miscellaneous office furniture.

And that bike for your girl or boy? Right now the Federal government has none listed. However, you can purchase a 2000 Harley Davidson FLHPI motorcycle for the bargain basement price of $3500. Fortunately there are no bids yet, so here's your chance to get that vehicle for you or your buddy or young adult son and save money while helping out Uncle Sam get rid of those special goodies on the cheap.