Bike overnights

[ridebikeme]

Yes, you're right that it is indeed expensive for us to have all of the toys. Is there anyone that you could borrow some of the gear from until you get your own? Any shops in your area where you can rent some of it? EMS comes to mind...

Deb, your Thanksgiving meal sounds great... where were you when I was on the road a couple of weeks ago? LOL



http://chasecyclery.blogspot.com

[DebW]

Well, there are cheap ways to go, such as sleeping under a tarp (preferrably after bug season), and building your own alcohol stove, though that takes some investment in learning. Maybe hosteling is alot easier and just as much fun. Substitute cheap hotels if there are no hostels in your area.

[withm]

Yes, you're right that it is indeed expensive for us to have all of the toys. Is there anyone that you could borrow some of the gear from until you get your own? Any shops in your area where you can rent some of it? EMS comes to mind...

http://chasecyclery.blogspot.com

Sigh.... Seems I HAVE all the toys, but they just aren't the RIGHT toys for bike touring. I really like my tent but it probably weighs 7-8 pounds, my sleeping bag is probably OK, really need a new foam pad but it will do for now. But it's "heavy" too. And then there's the stove... I could easily spend $500 on this stuff but that money would be better spent to replace my 8 yr old computer that crashes daily.

The nearest EMS is probably 100 miles. There is Gander Mt maybe 50 miles but their selection is more towards big car/truck camping, family sized tents, stand-up stoves, etc. Definitely not the "less is more" style of camping.

[MomOnBike]

DebW sez:

And FYI, I've made Thanksgiving dinner on a tiny alcohol stove several times.

But, but, but what about the butterhorn rolls? No way is it Thanksgiving dinner without the butterhorns.

And as for budgets, I've been checking http://www.steepandcheap.com/ for bargains for years now. I made the quilt, as well. Making your own, buying cheap and in dribs and drabs is one way to keep the budget from (obviously) busting.

[Tri Girl]

Sigh.... Seems I HAVE all the toys, but they just aren't the RIGHT toys for bike touring. I really like my tent but it probably weighs 7-8 pounds, my sleeping bag is probably OK, really need a new foam pad but it will do for now. But it's "heavy" too. And then there's the stove... I could easily spend $500 on this stuff but that money would be better spent to replace my 8 yr old computer that crashes daily.

I have a friend that I do backpacking trips and bike tours with. Her tent is huge and is about 8lbs. Her sleeping bag takes up nearly the whole rear rack (a Coleman from Walmart) and is heavy, and her stove is ancient. She still does it. I don't know how, but she does.

Can you find things on eBay or some other kind of website. Used stuff is great. When I first started backpacking and bike touring I bought a used tent (about 5 lbs) and a stove (an older Jeboil version). Got both for under $50. Have upgraded since then...spent a little more than $50 this time...
I recently bought a new Jetboil that I love. That thing is like magic- and so lightweight.