Re: 48 States in search of Home
 

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.

Re: 48 States in search of Home
 

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.

Re: 48 States in search of Home
 

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.

Re: 48 States in search of Home
 

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]

Re: 48 States in search of Home
 

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.

Re: 48 States in search of Home
 

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.

Re: 48 States in search of Home
 

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

Re: 48 States in search of Home
 

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.

Re: 48 States in search of Home
 

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..._dr8Qd-L-1.jpg

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos...04_xePcw-L.jpg

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos...05_iZpyE-L.jpg

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos...77_FgeiY-L.jpg

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos...16_cd8Af-L.jpg

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

Re: 48 States in search of Home
 

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!

Re: 48 States in search of Home
 

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

Re: 48 States in search of Home
 

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

Re: 48 States in search of Home
 

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

OK... here is my softer side...
http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos..._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

Re: 48 States in search of Home
 

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.

Re: 48 States in search of Home
 

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

Re: 48 States in search of Home
 

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:

Re: 48 States in search of Home
 

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!

Re: 48 States in search of Home
 

:lol: :crackup :haha2:

Perfect!

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

Re: 48 States in search of Home
 

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.

Re: 48 States in search of Home
 

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

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

http://www.gossamergear.com/cgi-bin/gos ... /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

Re: 48 States in search of Home
 

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...58_GRLv7-L.jpg

Be well... Ara & Spirit

http://theoasisofmysoul.com/

Re: 48 States in search of Home
 

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.

Re: 48 States in search of Home
 

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!

Re: 48 States in search of Home
 

If you're still looking for camping equipment, try looking around at 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.