tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150503917405327030.post9174168427142001351..comments2023-11-06T00:21:16.396-08:00Comments on Jan's B-Log: Touring SetupAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03059137901941493531noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150503917405327030.post-50822365242481537032013-09-16T22:58:12.287-07:002013-09-16T22:58:12.287-07:00Jill, thanks for insight. I guess I may try the Th...Jill, thanks for insight. I guess I may try the Thule rack at some point, plus a bag. As you say, it is exciting just to think about possible routes while trapped by the "system". At my age, I think I need a bed, shower, good coffee and struedelAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03059137901941493531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1150503917405327030.post-87954445714325881772013-09-15T21:10:42.984-07:002013-09-15T21:10:42.984-07:00I lived this way for segments of my 20s and even a...I lived this way for segments of my 20s and even a short period in my early 30s. In 2003 my then-boyfriend and I toured across the country on $11 per day, total expense. We mailed ourselves food and supplies, camped wherever we could hide when the camping wasn't free, took baths and washed clothes in creeks, and paid for a shower or hotel room about once a week. Came home after 3 months and earned the cost of my entire bike tour back in less than two weeks of low-pay newspaper work, including return airfare. <br /><br />I often wonder if I could revert back to that dirtbag bicycle touring lifestyle if I lose the opportunities I have now. Even in my mid-30s, I still think I would choose that over a return to the 60-hour-a-week stressful job I used to hold. Cases can be made for contributing to communities, society, etc., through work, of course. I too believed newspaper work was a noble cause in this regard. Still, I am a firm believer in individual quality of life and making the optimal choices for oneself. I realize how privileged it is to have a choice at all. <br /><br />I'm really hoping to plan a longer tour for the summer of 2014. I don't have any solid ideas yet but the possibilities are exciting. I'm pretty much a full convert to Revelate bike bags, but I'm also the type who prefers to road tour on my hardtail 29er. Although I still have the panniers from 2003. Jill Homerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02983065990450931943noreply@blogger.com