48 States in search of Home

[deadman13]

Well everyone, the time has come. I always said that if I lost my job for whatever reason that I'd go on my trip around the US, and today it happened. A customer was joking with me in front of my boss, and he got offended and I got canned.

So, heres the plan. I'm going to take my savings and buy a few things i need, and come my birthday (January 20) if nothing has panned out here, I'll finish the prep and take off soon after. I planned this for a while now, and now think its time for some trial and error.

I'm going to keep everyone up to date as far as the trip goes, and I'd like to ask you all for help with whatever you can. (If you have anything you could donate, like a gps, saddlebags etc; thatd be extremely appreciated) When I leave, I'll have very little money to spare, keeping some for the "oh S*#t" fund of a bus ticket/hotel room/food. But I'm going to be relying mostly on the kindness of strangers. I have a theory that society is at its core a nice group of people, and while I'm going to be able to help myself as much as I can, things like showers, hot meals, and help with repairs are going to be infrequent.

And my reasoning is so that I can find a place I feel like is home. I have a freewebs page from when I first planned it, http://www.freewebs.com/tattooeddavid so please check it out and see more details about what I'm doing.
I'd like to meet anyone off here, as this has been the best forum I've come across in a few years.

Thank you all for all your help so far.

[Orpheus]

Awesome (not losing your job, but the trip idea). I'd like to do the same myself, some day. Looking forward to updates.

[mrlmd1]

You might check out the location map of all the members and plan your trip to hit as many of them as you can. Have everyone sign your guest book and see how many members you can meet across the US. Then they could all feel that had some part in this.

[yls]

Good luck to you. I live in Kokomo And work in Carmel IN (the cross roads of America) if you are near, stop by. yls

[Chris]

You never mentioned how old you are. Young, probably. Older guys have more sense. Do you have resources to do this?
Wait until you are older and can afford a trip like this. We all want to make a trip like this, but we wait until the time is right.

Sounds like a diaster to me. Young guy heading out with no money, no job, no plans, no place to stay. Soon you'll be turning tricks just to eat.
I'm a romantic more than most folks, but some common sense in in order here.
See if you can get your old job back or another one like it. I've spent decades counseling guys like you off drugs or out of jail. Usually dosen't work and their life rapidly runs downhill.

Chris, common sense, retired in Atlanta (don't call)

[alanmcorcoran]

I've had similar inclinations deadman. I don't know if it will work or turn out like Chris says. I say go for it. If you run out of money and have to crawl back to someplace with your tail between your legs, I don't think that guarantees a life of drug addiction.

Be aware, that even at 60 miles to the gallon, if you ride all day, gas is going to be a significant expense. Set up a paypal account and embed a Paypal donation button on it. Post pictures and write of your adventures and maybe some of us vicarious type will send you some cash.

If you make it to california and I'm around, I'll be happy to buy you some lunch, a beer, and a tank of gas.

[deadman13]

Chris, I completly understand where you're coming from. If I hadn't done some significant thinking on this I'd say the same thing. But since I've said for 5 years that if the chance shows itself to me, I'll take it.
Yeah, im young, 25. But that's why I want to do this now, not later. I think things will be better if I do this now anyway, no family or commistments like if I were older. And my body can take more of the physical stress ( sorry easy, bad bob!).
I do have a plan, and have a place to go if things go the way of the creek. I have money for a bus ticket to Charleston, and have money for gas. My limited funds just mean I won't be hitting up hotels and Applebees every night. Or at all, actually.

I have a plan, and a bike. I've never done drugs (and don't see why I would start, especially with the amount of extra money I won't have) and don't drink. And I don't see how having sex with women for money is a bad thing ;)

[Water Warrior 2]

Your timing is way off. Head south and travel slow. You don't want to be getting too far north until Spring. Best of luck no matter what you decide.

[deadman13]

Oh I aready planned that. First thing im doing is heading to the tip of fla, looking for a gift shop!

[Chris]

Deadman -- curious name. I hope your name and the recent posts don't go together. I've seen a dead biker, by the way, not good. An aggressive Harley guy took a turn too fast, crossed the center line and met a truck. Lights out. Talked with his buddy behind him and asked if I could help. He had a strange look and said "Well, what would you do?" Nothing, of course. His buddy said "Damn, now I've got to call his wife."

Of course, I expected your response. Good luck. Actually I will soon be making some longer trips myself, but nothing like 48 states. Coastal Georgia and possibly the Florida Keys. I have a retired friend on a Harley who wants to make some trips. He is a bit timid on his Harley (as he should be) and I actually ride faster than he does!

Again, good luck. Still sounds like a diaster to me. You'll be broke fast. Living on the goodness of strangers sounds like begging and stealing to me.

Chris, retired guy in Atlanta

[deadman13]

Well, to be quiet blunt Chris its the people like you that im trying to distance myself from. I was taught that there was good in everyone, and that anything can be done if the will and want was there. How can you, someone whom has never talked to me, met me, seen me etc say ill end up doing drugs, prostitution, robbing, begging etc? Sounds to me like you've had a worse time than me. Id almot say you need this trip more than I do.

Oh, and regarding the name, I used to own a custom hearse called Deadline, so I got the name from that, not because I some jackass on a harley that can't ride.

[patrick_777]

Chris, I doubt his choice is going to affect you much. And I seriously doubt your opinion is going to change anything with regards to him.

Can you not just wish the man luck?

Good luck, deadman. I hope it works out for you.

[Easy Rider]

Well, to be quiet blunt Chris its the people like you that im trying to distance myself from.

I was taught that there was good in everyone, and that anything can be done if the will and want was there.

Whoa! That sure took a wrong turn. TIME OUT! :cry:

Here's the deal: Us old farts have done and seen a lot. In the process, we have learned some stuff that we were not "taught" in our early years. Alas, life teaches us that the above two things that you were "taught" just aren't true for most people. The truth is that some people are just pure evil and there are even more that might be basically good but just don't care.
The second truth is that, as a practical matter, there are lots of things that you just can't do......without a LOT of good luck.

So, I don't think Cris was really meaning to shoot down your dream or critisize your plan; just trying to inject some cold, hard reality into the discussion. Another tendency of old folks is to not beat around the bush and to be a little blunt; not always the best way to get an idea across. :whistle:

Good luck whatever you end up doing. There is a continuing thread here:
http://www.motorcycle-journal.com/forum/
about a guy and his dog in a side-car, travelling the US that you might find interesting and/or useful. Actually, there are lots of "road trip" stories there: The Long Road - Adventure Touring

[caroledee1]

I wish you luck and safety on your adventure. May God be with you. I personally would save up for such a trip, but that's just me. There is a man from Montana who has traveled by horse and wagon to Massachusetts starting in August 2006.A friend of mine passed him out in New York earlier this year. He trekked back west and is wintering in Casper , WY.He is planning to go on to San Francisco when the weather warms up. Then on to Alaska in 2010. He has done so on donations and the kindness of strangers. Here is the website: http://www.leehorselogger.com/ Maybe you can pick up some tips before you head out.

[mrlmd1]

You might check out the location map of all the members and plan your trip to hit as many of them as you can. Have everyone sign your guest book and see how many members you can meet across the US. Then they could all feel that had some part in this.

That's why I wrote the above. And AC offered a beer, some lunch, and a tank of gas. If he's going to go anyway, if he has it well thought out as to route, expense, etc., for those of us who are willing and available, at least he may be able to get a free meal or a warm bed for a night. If he writes up the trip and keeps us posted somehow, with pictures of all of us, and fills a guest/host book with as many names of us he can collect, it might be interesting to hear his travels.
By the way, look at the post I put on here under GPS and Trip Planning about the Spot Messenger www.gz250bike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=1414 (http://www.gz250bike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=1414)
You might find that useful for someone to track your whereabouts if they need to know.

[Joho]

I'll second that tank of gas + lunch. (no beer though! i'm not quite of legal age)

I see you're in Charleston, headed to FL? I'm up here at USC in Columbia. Your easiest way down to FL is via I-95 - a road that I am VERY familiar with all the way down to Ft Lauderdale. If you take 77 up to 95 (which would seem most logical), I would gladly meet up with you anywhere within 75 miles of Columbia for a bite to eat.

It would be an absolute pleasure to fill your tank and buy you a nice meal. I envy your ambition, and I wish you all the luck.

I will PM you with contact information!

[music man]

Hey if you guys are all just having so much pleasure giving your money away, then you could hook me up with a few tanks of gas a month and about 300 dollars worth of groceries cause that would make my quest for a Happy home a whole lot easier too. :lol: :poked:

[alanmcorcoran]

It's never enough music man. Once you had the gas and groceries, you'd feel life was only worth living if you had DirecTV with all the Hi-Def channels, then you'd need a sweet new XBox console to keep you in the game, and eventually, it all leads to...

...I gotta get a bigger bike!

[Chris]

OK, Deadman, this is an official "good luck". I certainly do not want anything bad to happen to you.

Your posts are full of misspellings. Nothing to do with motorcycles, of course, but it shows a lot more of who you are. Let me guess: no high school degree or barely graduated???
Trying to get away from guys like me? I'm OK with that and don't mind you saying it. So you are an unemployed guy on a motorcycle with no money, and no plans who plans to travel the 48 states living on the goodness of strangers?? And you don't want to be near me?? Oh, darn.
Us older guys have simply seen a lot and we know how easy it is to take a wrong road.
I sure would like to talk to you in five years to see how it worked out. I'd bet a C note it will be a diaster or end soon somehow. You'll quit, get in trouble, or worse. I don't wish these on you, just guessing the future.

Chris, retired guy in Atlanta

[primal]

Your posts are full of misspellings. Nothing to do with motorcycles, of course, but it shows a lot more of who you are. Let me guess: no high school degree or barely graduated???

That's one hell of a low blow there, and that was completely uncalled for. Judging someone by their "net speak" shows us all just the kind of person you are. At this point you're just trying to stir the pot. You talk a lot about his "obvious" immaturity, while you don't do a whole hell of a lot to show that you are any different. You have absolutely NO right to criticize anyone as far as I am concerned.

It's easy to give advice without demeaning someone. Unfortunately, it appears as if you haven't learned (or have chosen to ignore) this skill.

[deadman13]

Wow,well I guess my culinary arts degree doesnt mean anything these days...

No sence in wasting my time with you anymore. If youd have bothered to read the posts, I do have money, just not enough to warrant stay in motels or eat out every night. The kindness part comes from wanting to find people that are still good at heart, not stuck up their own asses or cell phones 24/7.

Primal, thank you. I guess some people dont have anything better to do with their time than flame others for doing something good with thier lives.

[Water Warrior 2]

Wow,well I guess my culinary arts degree doesnt mean anything these days...

No sence in wasting my time with you anymore. If youd have bothered to read the posts, I do have money, just not enough to warrant stay in motels or eat out every night. The kindness part comes from wanting to find people that are still good at heart, not stuck up their own asses or cell phones 24/7.

Primal, thank you. I guess some people dont have anything better to do with their time than flame others for doing something good with thier lives.

I for one think it will be a hell of an adventure. Being young and healthy will go a long way to succeeding in your venture. With your degree you have the skills to earn extra money on the way. A good cook can find work anywhere anytime if needed. You might even find a place that grabs your heart and says stay a while.

[alanmcorcoran]

Personally, I think one is better equipped to undertake a tough, risky adventure when one is young than later on. When I was 18-23 I was considerably more mentally tough than I am now. I also had a lot less to lose. Back then, I had no wife, no kids, no mortgage, no car(s), no employees, and darn few responsibilities. I also didn't have much money, but I didn't need that much. My eyesight was a lot better, my reflexes were better, my memory was better, I was smarter and I could handle a lot more stress. I'm not a basket case at 50, but I ain't in my prime.

I am a college graduate (Ivy Leaguer!) and I know how to spell, but I often write in a hurry on here, and my typing skills and eyesight are such that I have to go back and edit my posts after I read them. Lots of mistakes. Plus, I did not learn much in college other than how to graduate from college. College can be very beneficial for some jobs, but some of my best sales people never went and are my biggest producers.

When are you leaving deadman? Please keep us informed of your travels. I don't think I am alone in envying you - I'd like to do a similar trip myself and hope to do so before I am too decrepit to enjoy it. And if it all goes down the toilet, at least you gave it a shot. If you end up selling your ass, well, then we all owe Chris an apology, so be strong!

[deadman13]

Haha, I couldn't give my arse away! Rought departure (and poor timing I know, but it makes some sence heading so far south the way I am) if late january. I've promised people I won't leave till after the holidays and my birthday, with is 1/20 otherwise id leave now, its in the low 70's here.

[alantf]

o.k.,different time, different place, different reason, but at age 55, my wife & myself uprooted from England, where we'd always lived, & moved thousands of miles to an island off the coast of Africa. different life style, different culture - even a different language. We simply wanted to get away from what England has become - a country where the criminal has more rights than the victim, where the health service that we have to contribute to through our taxes was falling apart, where our children were leaving school barely able to read or write, where local taxes for such things as trash removal, fire service,police etc. were spiralling out of control. O.k. the circumstances were different - we had a house to sell, so that we could put down a deposit on an apartment, & we both have modest pensions (also, as a retired electrician, I still do odd jobs for folk), but the point I'm trying to make is the "searching for something better."
Six years down the line - regrets? - NOT A ONE!

[music man]

o.k.,different time, different place, different reason, but at age 55, my wife & myself uprooted from England, where we'd always lived, & moved thousands of miles to an island off the coast of Africa. different life style, different culture - even a different language. We simply wanted to get away from what England has become - a country where the criminal has more rights than the victim, where the health service that we have to contribute to through our taxes was falling apart, where our children were leaving school barely able to read or write, where local taxes for such things as trash removal, fire service,police etc. were spiralling out of control. O.k. the circumstances were different - we had a house to sell, so that we could put down a deposit on an apartment, & we both have modest pensions (also, as a retired electrician, I still do odd jobs for folk), but the point I'm trying to make is the "searching for something better."
Six years down the line - regrets? - NOT A ONE!



Except where you said the part about health services you pay for with your taxes, you just described the United States, to a tee.

[Badbob]

Just some things that came to mind while I was reading these posts.

Post lots of photos and tell your story. I'm serious about this if you want to get lots of people to your web page you need to post on a regular entries. Blogs are good for this. RSS feeds a a tremendous help to your readers.

They keys or any thing south of Miami is way expensive with very little chance of stealth camping.

I've been reading a Blog from an old guy that has been on the road in the US for over 2 years. Winter is tourist season in the keys. This means the prices are higher. It's not very far from Miami to Key West but it can take a long time to get there depending on traffic and other factors. There is only one way in or out so if there is an accident that blocks the road your stuck.

Better to have made the attempt and failed never to have tried at all.

Don't travel interstates or anything highway that I would classify as an interstate wan-to-be. That is unless you plan to go all across the US and never see any of it. Also riding at interstate speeds will destroy you gas mileage. Riding 45-55 mph I can approach 90 mpg and some people can get near 100 mpg. Wide open throttle at 65-70 mph my mileage goes can get as low as 45. There is not a lot of opportunity to stealth camp in a safe place along an interstate.

When riding county and state back roads there are usually gas stations where they cross US highways. Keep track of your mileage and top up way before you hit reserve. If you are concerned about gas availability start looking to top up when you have used about one gallon of gas. This give you plenty of time to look for a good place to stop. When riding back roads this method will give you a rest stop about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Keep in mind that there are places in the US where open gas stations can be 200 miles apart. You will find this mostly in the west but it can happen in the east as well. Try riding back roads across southern Georgia at 2AM on a Monday morning. I don't recommend you try this.

There is nothing wrong with taking two or three years to do this. Find a place you think you might like get a job and hang for awhile to see if you like it while building cash reserve in case you don't like it.

I'm 56 and I think what you are doing is great. I can't do this very well because I have anchors (AKA people I'm responsible for). If you wait until later you will have them to. Along the way you will pick up stuff like mortgages and an accumulation of stuff that you have been convinced that you can't do with out. Do this now while you can.

I have degrees and can't spell worth a damn so I use a spelling checker. Not because I want to avoid being flamed by the grammar police but because it makes things easier to read and I want to get my message across. I don't type worth a damn due to some nerve problems in my arms and I'm lightly dyslexic so you might not be able to read anything I typed if I didn't check the spelling. I spend a lot of time trying to get it correct because I think its worth the effort. Maybe you want to blow them off or just think its fun to irritate the spelling/grammar police. (I've done my share.) Just keep in mind that what you may be doing is irritating the guy that doesn't go back packing any more and would have donated his $500 tent to your cause. Life is full of trade offs. If your OK with the trade offs and giving up free hot meals, a warm bed for the night, gas or any number of possibilities knock your self out. This isn't a flame it's an older guy trying to give you the benefit of some of his life experiences. Even the "good people" you talk about are going to need to be convinced to trust you.

I won't buy you beer. but I might be convinced that you are serious enough about this ride to spring for lunch, gas, or an oil change.

[alantf]

When you mention 90 mph & 100mph (miles per hour), don't you really mean 90 mpg & 100mpg (miles per gallon)?

Signed :- member of the grammar & spellchecker police

(hey. my sh*t don't smell)

[Joho]

I've spent about an hour reading this guys blog:

http://benb-xc-06.blogspot.com/

Looks like he went all around the US on a Honda 750 (maybe it was a 600, but a nice lookin bike nonetheless!) Very very interesting. Seems like he had a lot of money to spend though, and he didn't know anything about motorcycles.

I figure with the GZ, anything that can realistically go wrong should be fixable with basic motorcycle knowledge.

[Chris]

Didn't mean to make anyone mad, especially Deadman.

I wish you luck. I did this kind of thing when I was younger. Now I'm older and wiser, but I did have a good time in those younger days. Perhaps I know more about emergency rooms than you do. I hope you don't find out.
Good luck, keep the front wheel on the ground.

Chris

[patrick_777]

Now was that so hard?

[Badbob]

When you mention 90 mph & 100mph (miles per hour), don't you really mean 90 mpg & 100mpg (miles per gallon)?

Signed :- member of the grammar & spellchecker police

(hey. my sh*t don't smell)

Hey I told you I couldn't spell. Or maybe its another symptom of the dyslexia.

I proof read this three times and missed that.

Thanks.

[deadman13]

Damn spelling Nazi's...

Any one ever do some backpacking? Im trying to decide on a tent, and was wondering if anyone had any recomendations.

[Badbob]

Any one ever do some backpacking? Im trying to decide on a tent, and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations.

I don't back pack but I do camp with and without a motorcycle.

Your going solo so I think your first consideration should be can you easily put the tent up by yourself.

I don't know what kind of tent this is but it looks near perfect to me. I love the vestibule.

http://theoasisofmysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/windowslivewritertogoodhealthfriendsandadventurest exas-11cdftent-b-thumb.jpg

I have an MSR Mutha Hubba that works really well for the motorcycle and its the easiest tent I have ever put up.

http://mirror.altrec.com/images/shop/photos/MSR/28392_d.jpg

The vestibules are tiny and there is very little room inside. Note that sleeps three translates to: Sleeps three people so long as they weigh less than 150 pounds and like each other a lot. I would not want to spend a day in this ten in bad weather but it is a very good tent other wise.

You could get by with a cheap Walmart tent but I would consider it a throw away.

[Badbob]

This guy has been on the road for over two years: http://theoasisofmysoul.com

You might want to look although he packs heavy having a side car to put stuff in.

[alanmcorcoran]

I've done some. It's a lot like everything else gear wise. If you want small, lightweight and good, its going to cost a lot of money. You can get small, lightweight and cheap, and it may be okay for temperate weather and occasional use, but it probably will be too hot or too cold and fall apart with constant use. I know from your previous posts that you are not long on cash, so I'd recommend you ask around here and your extended network of friends and acquaintances to see if they maybe have something good, small and high quality sitting in their garage not being used.

There are an almost infinite variety of tent characteristics. I am assuming you want, in order:

1) Small size when packed up.
2) Low weight.
3) Big enough for you to lay down inside of it, but not to live in it, eat in it, or play cards in it.
4) Heavy enough to keep the rain off, but not heavy enough for "winter" (read cold and/or snow) conditions.
5) Durability. Should last six months? with constant use. (This is rare for typical economy family camping products, much of which is almost disposable.)
6) Minimal stakes, poles, fly ties, etc. (Ideally, none.)
7) Minimal setup. takedown and packing hassle.

You can see a number of decent options that will meet these criteria to varying degrees here:
http://www.rei.com/category/4500029 at prices ranging from $120 to $400 and up. Be aware that the cheaper ones will probably look no worse than the pricier ones. The difference will be in the fabrics, the weight, the sewing, the ease of setup, the parts, etc. There are reviews on this site that might be helpful as well.

Camping is one more reason it's better to do this when you are 25 than 50. The thrill of sleeping on the ground in a tent wore off for me about 25 years ago. I don't even sleep that good in my own bed anymore.

[deadman13]

What I was thinking for a tent was something by siera designs, I think the Sirius 2 http://www.campsaver.com/Itemdesc.asp?ic=sid0006 or the Flash Light http://www.campsaver.com/Itemdesc.asp?ic=sid0016

both are resonable and I've heard great things, plus I was able to get into both at a local shop. Ive thought about a Wal-mart type deal, but I think that for me, Ill have to use up 3 due to lack of quality so the price of buying a good one is justified.

[primal]

What about a milsurp tent?

[deadman13]

Ive thought about those, but the ones Ive seen are basically 2 tarps that lash together someh how, and they do nothing for condensation. I have tarps for a variety of uses (and duct tape...) one of them being an "oh shit" tent if my regular failes for whatever reason. I worry about ventillation, which from what Ive seen of mil tents is either have something open (bugs) or nothing at all. But I will keep looking!

[Badbob]

You might want to search at the advrider.com for tents. There is a lot of postings about tents and camping gear.

I second the idea of asking friends. I know some one who went back packing. He bought all his gear and lasted two or three days before calling it quits. I think the rain and cold did him in. In any case the tent only got used a few nights you might be able to find someone you know that would give you a tent or sell it to you at minimal cost.

[alanmcorcoran]

Camping gear is a lot like exercise equipment. Lots of it is bought, used once, and then relegated to the attic, basement or the garage for the mandatory three year aging period before it is sold on eBay or at the yard sale for pennies on the dollar. Best to cruise the affluent neighborhoods where they could afford to splurge on the good stuff.

You can get a pretty slick looking tent for $60 or $70 bucks, but, the seams may leak, the D-rings may bend or break, the zippers may jam, the stakes may bend, the floors may tear, the stake loops might come off (taking a piece of the tent fabric with it), the vents rot, the snaps rust, the walls may leak or weep, and the poles may snap. Or the whole thing might blow away just after you step out to take a leak.

I don't know what military surplus is like these days, but back when I was in the Boy Scouts we were donated surplus Army tents. These things were like canvas bomb shelters. They weighed tons, were a bitch to set up, stank of mildew and leaked like sieves. A wonder we prevailed in WWII. Good old American crap if you ask me. But on a nice summer evening, you could set up a table inside with a mini bar, hang a bare bulb and play cards, smoke (mostly) cigarettes and get generally polluted on various bottles of booze pilfered from our parent's liquor cabinets. (Do people even have "liquor cabinets" anymore?) Good times.

[Moedad]

What I was thinking for a tent was something by siera designs, I think the Sirius 2 http://www.campsaver.com/Itemdesc.asp?ic=sid0006 or the Flash Light http://www.campsaver.com/Itemdesc.asp?ic=sid0016

both are resonable and I've heard great things, plus I was able to get into both at a local shop. Ive thought about a Wal-mart type deal, but I think that for me, Ill have to use up 3 due to lack of quality so the price of buying a good one is justified.

Can't go wrong with Sierra Designs. Between those two, I'd take the Sirius 2. It's got more room. I have a Flashlight and it's a great little tent, but roomier is better if you're going to spend any time at all in there besides sleeping. The difference in size and weight (S2 = 23"x6" 4lbs, 7oz - Flashlight = 19"x5" 4lbs, 7oz) when packed is negligible on your bike.

[Badbob]

Dry bags.

Get some. They are a bitch to get things in and out of but they will keep things dry. I have ridden through driving rain with the $10 ones from Walmart and never got a drop of water in them. They also are very durable.

[deadman13]

Guys, I know this may sound really cheesy, but Ive always thought there were signs in my life and have ignored some, followed others and now have learned to listen when one is yelling in my face. The day I got canned, I saw this video. Ive heard the song before, but never saw the video, and I knew then that I had to go. I know not everything is "right" but I feel like if I dont at least try, Ill miss out on a chance for something great in MY life, and maybe I can inspire others to go out and make their dreams a reality too.

All you have to do is Believe.

[youtube:ydbs0hqs]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zw0d2fZ1rlo[/youtube:ydbs0hqs]

[Water Warrior 2]

Years ago I worked with a young fellow who had a dream. He spent 3 years travelling and working across Europe, Asia and Africa. He had a fantastic time filled with a few real scary experiences but always smiles when he thinks about his dream and the courage it took to leave home to see the world. I think he became a better man for it.
By all means do the 48 states and the beautiful country you call home.

[mr. softie]

Here is my 2 cents worth.

I spent over 8 years of my life "on the road". From 1970 to 1974, and again from 1977 to 1980. Not all of it on a motorcycle. Some hitch hiking, some in various vans or cars, some in a converted school bus (ok I admit I was a hippie!). Some of my best times were on motorcycles. My map to the left shows states I rode motorcycles in and/or to. I traveled to all the states except Maine, and through Europe. Lots of times I camped, sometimes I found new friends who put me up for a few nights. I used a sleeping bag and a poncho for shelter. No tent. I'd sleep under bridges or find a shed or overhang etc. I carried good drinking water and something to heat it with. Cold and wet is easier if you have a your favorite warm drink. Lots of times I would stop in a town and meet people and get a job and work for a week or a month, sometimes staying on the job site ( I was a carpenter of sorts), or I'd camp or rent a cheap trailer or cabin at a park. I worked a wide variety of jobs. When I got the urge to go I'd be on my way, you make fast friends on the road. Lots of people will put you up and feed you because they like to help out and they like to listen to all your great stories. Then there are the women you will meet... I could go on but...

It wasn't all good times by any stretch of the imagination. I got arrested a few too many times, I was shot at a few times. I had people threaten me and was in quite a few fights, a few of which I won (too few). I never carried a gun. More of the bad happened the first few years. I learned how to act as time went on. A good heart is invaluable. More often than not, being friendly and not being afraid no matter what will win people over. Other times you have to be able to duck fast and run like hell. Try to only spend time with kind people. Be very very careful with people. Don't blab about your situation till you get to know someone well enough to tell if they are a psycho or not. Be upfront and forthcoming with authorities, but avoid arousing their curiosity. Don't mess with peoples' wives or girlfriends. Keep any valuables you may have with you very well hidden, or better yet don't carry them at all. Stay very alert and be ready to move quickly if need be. Travel as light as possible. Don't get drunk with people you don't know well. Any way enough preaching. I wish you the best of luck. A lot of us are going to be joining you on the road as this economic "system" implodes. We are going to have to care for each other, which is a good thing IMO.

I think you are wise to make this move. The lessons you learn will be invaluable. The memories will last a lifetime. Follow your heart. The length of ones life is not as important as is the bravery with which it is lived.

[deadman13]

Everything that you guys have said so far has really encouraged me a lot. Ive had a lot of local response from craigslist with people trying to help, its extremely satisfying to be finding the people I hoped to see on the road come out of the wood work this early. Maybe they just want me out. Now if only I could talk Dupo out of some GZ250bike.com underwear or something I could advertise for the site! Lol

[alanmcorcoran]

Wow, Mr. Softie. I had some similar experiences, but my days as a free spirit were sadly too few. What's great about those times is you tend to remember the excitement, the freedom and, possibly, the romance, but you forget the bad stuff, or at least some of it. (Getting arrested, jailed, tear-gassed [or all three] does tend to stay with you.) I mostly remember being a lot more in the moment and running with a more "interesting" crowd. Course, many of them were spectacularly stupid and more than a few were dangerous/violent. You learn a lot about people quickly, good and bad.

Your advice was rock solid. In those days, I never had much to lose, but even then, I always tried to look like I was not worth bothering with (I still have my green canvas Army Surplus jacket, my uniform/tent/luggage/home from those days, hanging in my closet.) I didn't shave, had a caveman beard, had the "homeless" look down (although we didn't use that term back then.) Unfortunately, as I'm sure you can attest, youth, poverty, drinking and general aimlessness attracts a lopsided amount of attention from the authorities, some of which are sympathetic and some of which are not.

Back then I could afford neither a motorcycle nor the gas to feed it (plus I had a suspended license), so my travels were mostly limited to the northeast. Eventually, I bought a used Peugeot moped to expand my range. Took me thirty years to get around to an "upgrade." Thanks for reminding me of my salad days.

[beemerchef]

Well everyone, the time has come. I always said that if I lost my job for whatever reason that I'd go on my trip around the US, and today it happened. A customer was joking with me in front of my boss, and he got offended and I got canned.

So, heres the plan. I'm going to take my savings and buy a few things i need, and come my birthday (January 20) if nothing has panned out here, I'll finish the prep and take off soon after. I planned this for a while now, and now think its time for some trial and error.

I'm going to keep everyone up to date as far as the trip goes, and I'd like to ask you all for help with whatever you can. (If you have anything you could donate, like a gps, saddlebags etc; thatd be extremely appreciated) When I leave, I'll have very little money to spare, keeping some for the "oh S*#t" fund of a bus ticket/hotel room/food. But I'm going to be relying mostly on the kindness of strangers. I have a theory that society is at its core a nice group of people, and while I'm going to be able to help myself as much as I can, things like showers, hot meals, and help with repairs are going to be infrequent.

And my reasoning is so that I can find a place I feel like is home. I have a freewebs page from when I first planned it, http://www.freewebs.com/tattooeddavid so please check it out and see more details about what I'm doing.
I'd like to meet anyone off here, as this has been the best forum I've come across in a few years.

Thank you all for all your help so far.

Hi! Ara & Spirit here... we have that tent up a few posts. I really wanted something enclosed where I can cook, ecept in bear country of course... Much to say of course as we have been on the road for 24 months now. Base camping this winter near Big Bend, Texas. Welcome anytime... much land here.
The photo is of my other tent we do not use anymore. It is a Sierra Design, was the tent of the year and the fly is "Mountain Hardware" . They complament each other. All in great shape. If you have not purchased a tent yet let me know. I'll help you out, many have helped us.
Be well... Ara & Spirit

http://www.theoasisofmysoul.com Our Journey under the stars...

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/299300006_dr8Qd-L-1.jpg

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/304819104_xePcw-L.jpg

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/325495905_iZpyE-L.jpg

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/325495877_FgeiY-L.jpg

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/326823216_cd8Af-L.jpg

PS: check the archives of the Blog for more info or write...

[deadman13]

Holy hell, I've been reading about you and your trip! Your website is one of the things that has helped keep me on track. If it wasn't for promises I made I would have already B-lined it down there to the circle!

Wow. Its amazing to talk to you. No, I haven't been able to get a tent as of yet, that was a big concern of mine. Id like to talk to you more, out of the public eye if possible. Thanks so much for getting ahold of me!

[beemerchef]

Holy hell, I've been reading about you and your trip! Your website is one of the things that has helped keep me on track. If it wasn't for promises I made I would have already B-lined it down there to the circle!

Wow. Its amazing to talk to you. No, I haven't been able to get a tent as of yet, that was a big concern of mine. Id like to talk to you more, out of the public eye if possible. Thanks so much for getting ahold of me!

You can e mail me (add on Blog's front page). There is also a phone here I can call or vice versa. I have cheap minutes! Winter is tough... don't fool yourself. It can be miserable, reason we are here and still below freezing at times in the night.
We can talk, be happy to help... Spirit would be too! There are no coincidences... just good Karma and smiles!
Be well... Ara & Spirit

[Easy Rider]

Holy hell, I've been reading about you and your trip!

That's the guy I mentioned a few posts back.
Great guy.
Great bike.
Great story.
Dog is kinda ugly though !! :biggrin:

[beemerchef]

Holy hell, I've been reading about you and your trip!

That's the guy I mentioned a few posts back.
Great guy.
Great bike.
Great story.
Dog is kinda ugly though !! :biggrin:

Me... UGLY???
http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/319144180_HeAoY-M-1.jpg

OK... here is my softer side...
http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/297150925_vQnTy-M-2.jpg

So I read all the posts...
"Deadman", there really is so much to know for being on the road. Truly. My first idea for you would be to change your "handle" specially if it will also show it on your Blog... If you are and will be seeking other's help, in these hard economical times where I am sure everyone would prefer to pay their mortgage than pay out to a traveler that calls himself "deadman"... kind of rings like a "dead end". I am not trying to be harsh, someone else already has done that, at the same time he has not been too far off "reality". There is a difference in maturity between beng 25 and 55... I am 60!
Your only savior is going to be to "work". You want to be on the road for 10 years? do it... I just met a traveler here in Big Bend, Texas, from Chicago. He is 20! Rode down, he is already working 5 days a week as a server. He will do the season, and take off... he still has two days a week to enjoy the area comfortably as his rent is only $2 a night. Try finding resort work... they will lodge you and feed you. You have a Culinary degree... I do to... has been 40 years... Master Chef, Paris and Switzerland, the best school in the World, catered for the billionaires for years... I was also offered a job, actually many jobs throughout these past 24 months... at... $9 an hour!!!... once $10... but I GOT FIRED after 2 days because I could not keep my mouth shut toward a manager that only had one year experience...
NOTHING is served on a silver plater... not even a paper plate for free! Either a Blog... Photography... work... you will have to earn it. The occasional contributions will not get you going.
E mail me for more ideas...
Don't be bummed, to the contrary I think you should do it... but do it right. Will, the young man frm Chicago has my respect, he earned it. Stay on that path and you will discover that the road can be the greatest schooling there is, inward and outward.
Be well... Ara & Spirit

www.theoasisofmysoul.com (http://www.theoasisofmysoul.com)

[deadman13]

I thank you for your encouragement! The name, well thats just something I go by here and there, a remnant of my "glory" days customizing cars and winning shows. Most everyone calls me Brooks. I hope that I can meet up with you before you get too far away. Just to have a night to talk would actually mean a lot.

I havent worked for a restraunt for a few years, altho I have been a Magician that has worked some of the nice places here and in Indiana, lol.

[beemerchef]

I thank you for your encouragement! The name, well thats just something I go by here and there, a remnant of my "glory" days customizing cars and winning shows. Most everyone calls me Brooks. I hope that I can meet up with you before you get too far away. Just to have a night to talk would actually mean a lot.

I havent worked for a restraunt for a few years, altho I have been a Magician that has worked some of the nice places here and in Indiana, lol.

Got your e mail. Magician!... As you travel slow to take it all in, place an inexpensive add in the local paper as a Magician for kids parties, birthdays... don't charge much, create a path, a name, a reputation... before you know it the newspapers and TV channels will want to interview this "crazy motorcycle traveling Magician"... Do it for free (tips!!!) at Fairs... Art Shows (get a city permit first!). Print some "Leisure Cards"... pas them up... A great diversion from these economical times we are going through!!!
Hey, a few years back I saw this guy ridng a Harley and cooking the most basic dishes, I think he has a book now called "cooking with fire", I mean stuff one could do their eyes closed, and he end up on Jay Leno!!! Go figure...
Motorcycle + Magic + Blog... Hit some motorcycle Rallies... there is one every day in the summer!!! If just one $ everyone gives you!
Anyhow... will reply soon...
Ara & Spirit

Be well... Ara & Spirit

[deadman13]

Yeah, I got into magic after seeing a good act when I was a kid. Can't remeber his name, but he was cross-eyed with a hair lip. Hed take off his hat, pull a rabbit out of his arse and yell "PESTO!!!"



Sorry... :crazy:

[alantf]

There's a programme on English T.V. called "The Hairy Bikers". Two scruffy, bearded, "Geordies" (That means folk from the North of England, who live near the river Tyne, around Newcastle, & have a funny accent) have travelled all over the world on a couple of Beemer trail bikes. Everywhere from Mexico to India, China, Africa etc. tasting the native food, then cooking it themselves over primitive stoves. The show is a big hit in England. I believe there are a lot of local T.V. stations in America, so perhaps one of them might be interested in the cooking of the different areas of America. These two ordinary, if eccentric, Englishmen seem to have done o.k. out of it.

Oh, and by the way, Good luck in whichever path you decide to take!

[Easy Rider]

Me... UGLY???
http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/319144180_HeAoY-M-1.jpg



:lol: :crackup :haha2:

Perfect!

If you get to central Illinois, I always have a bag of dog treats in the garage !!!

[Water Warrior 2]

Beemerchef.....sounds like you live an interesting life. Like your navigator and best bud. Nice to see you protect his eyes and ears on the road, many folks don't realize dogs suffer from ear and eye problems from hangin in the wind. Happy trails and don't be a stranger here.

[Badbob]

I told a friend about your plan and he thought these links might be useful.

Make your own:

http://thru-hiker.com/projects/index.ph ... t=5&cid=72 (http://thru-hiker.com/projects/index.php?subcat=5&cid=72)

http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeGear.html

http://www.backpacking.net/makegear.html

http://www.gossamergear.com/cgi-bin/gos ... /myog.html (http://www.gossamergear.com/cgi-bin/gossamergear/myog.html)

http://www.trailgear.org/

http://www.hufsoft.com/bsa51/page0004.html



Tyvek:

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=525


Gear examples:

http://www.backpackgeartest.org/

http://www.tarptent.com/

http://www.streamlines.com/

http://www.owareusa.com/



Ideas and Inspiration:

http://www.nessmuking.com/nessmuking.htm

http://www.zianet.com/jgray/nessmuk/woo ... _page.html (http://www.zianet.com/jgray/nessmuk/woodcraft/title_page.html)

[beemerchef]

Beemerchef.....sounds like you live an interesting life. Like your navigator and best bud. Nice to see you protect his eyes and ears on the road, many folks don't realize dogs suffer from ear and eye problems from hangin in the wind. Happy trails and don't be a stranger here.

Thanks for the invite... and yes, it blows me away to see dogs in the back of trucks with no protection!
Come and join us... much room here...

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/437025658_GRLv7-L.jpg

Be well... Ara & Spirit

http://theoasisofmysoul.com/

[GZ250]

i am neither for or against the idea. the person who is doing something has to decide and take the final decision, but one thing i know it is not necessary to complete the figure of 48. journey starts with a single first step and as far as one can go, one should go and there after return happily.

[countrydad]

If you make it to Idaho, look me up. I am on the location mapper and would love to help you out on the trip if you get to the Northwest!

Good luck, and God Bless!

[Orpheus]

If you're still looking for camping equipment, try looking around at www.sportsmansguide.com (http://www.sportsmansguide.com) . They usually have really good deals on military surplus stuff (the "military HQ" link about 2/3 of the way down the page on the left; they also make their own military knock-offs, which are lower quality but much cheaper). I do a lot of camping, and I get a lot of my equipment from that site. A few recommendations:

- Get a lightweight hammock (one of those cheap rope ones would be fine). If you don't have to worry about rain or bugs, it is the most relaxing way to spend the night or take a midday nap; you can even string up a tarp overhead if you're worried about rain.

- The US military ALICE packs are the greatest backpacks ever invented; you can get the frame and a medium-sized pack for about $40 (used) and it'll last for years. You can also attach a lot of stuff to them (canteen, mess kit, tent, sleeping bag, etc.)

- If you're worried about carrying a lot of weight, the tent and sleeping bag are both things to look at for compactness and light weight. Unfortunately, the heavy-duty, lightweight ones will all cost a lot of $. I don't usually have a problem with the cheap tents, and they probably last me about 2-3 years on average (probably sleep in them about 30 nights/year; I typically use the aforementioned hammock when the weather's nice). A decent blanket might also be something to look for.

- Don't plan on being able to use a tent in the desert in the middle of summer unless it's one of those that's just a mosquito net in a frame with a rain flap that completely comes off. Nights are also hot here, and you won't be able to sleep. You might want to plan to come through this part of the country during the Spring, so you can avoid the heat (and scorpions, spiders, snakes, etc.)

I think that's all I've got for now.