:idea: I started my lust for wandering back in my college days, spent my first college summer spinning my wheels, literally, on the Bikecentenial Trail from Astoria OR to NY,NY. Didn't know what to expect other than I had lifelong camping and bicycle repair skills. I was young enough to not be nervous, but prepared regarding security and open to making short and long term ride along buddies. I found my inquisitive nature and ability to talk with people suited my traveling well and it's what I enjoyed most about being so exposed on a bike. After many summers of bike traveling and giving up on the stressful teaching life, hence the 3 mos off. What's always been important to me has been my ability to reinvent myself as needed for financial purposes so I worked saving money with my eyes wide open. What I found in living that "normal life" most people can't stand their neighbors (police tell me I should put a restraining order on my neighbor) and it's hard to avoid living with HOA rules. I've researched Tiny Houses you name it, but I always look back to my wonderlust of meeting new people who have a desire to live life and not just survive it. I purchased my 2006 Fourwheel Popup Camper Love the mobility and boondocking ability it brings me while still being my everyday vehicle. 2015 I made the decision to live a life outside the box and stop being a daily consumer with a normal job. I'm self employed doing odd but consistent work in order to pay the bills and having renters pay most of the mortgage helps to create this freedom.Still in my research phase of how and what to do next, watching all the videos Bob produces has given me better direction. I look forward to the 7th RTR, it's not far from my Southern CA Desert home so there's no excuse why I shouldn't be there. Look forward to talking and learning from others who have made the transition, it's the American Way!
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:idea: I started my lust for wandering back in my college days, spent my first college summer spinning my wheels, literally, on the Bikecentenial Trail from Astoria OR to NY,NY. Didn't know what to expect other than I had lifelong camping and bicycle repair skills. I was young enough to not be nervous, but prepared regarding security and open to making short and long term ride along buddies. I found my inquisitive nature and ability to talk with people suited my traveling well and it's what I enjoyed most about being so exposed on a bike. After many summers of bike traveling and giving up on the stressful teaching life, hence the 3 mos off. What's always been important to me has been my ability to reinvent myself as needed for financial purposes so I worked saving money with my eyes wide open. What I found in living that "normal life" most people can't stand their neighbors (police tell me I should put a restraining order on my neighbor) and it's hard to avoid living with HOA rules. I've researched Tiny Houses you name it, but I always look back to my wonderlust of meeting new people who have a desire to live life and not just survive it. I purchased my 2006 Fourwheel Popup Camper Love the mobility and boondocking ability it brings me while still being my everyday vehicle. 2015 I made the decision to live a life outside the box and stop being a daily consumer with a normal job. I'm self employed doing odd but consistent work in order to pay the bills and having renters pay most of the mortgage helps to create this freedom.Still in my research phase of how and what to do next, watching all the videos Bob produces has given me better direction. I look forward to the 7th RTR, it's not far from my Southern CA Desert home so there's no excuse why I shouldn't be there. Look forward to talking and learning from others who have made the transition, it's the American Way!
cyndi
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Welcome to the CRVL forums, JChapman! I wish I could say I'll see you at the RTR. but, I won't make it this year, unfortunately. Have a blast!
To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you.
To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you.
highdesertranger
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welcome, great intro! see you at RTR. highdesertranger
eDJ_
Well-known member
Welcome to the CRVL Forums 
You sound like a "Natural" for this way of life. Specialized skills that aren't so common seems to be a key to a good life on the road. Another component is only needing a few specialized tools to do your job, so you can travel light.
I once met an old fellow who could paint Signs. He told me he had traveled coast to coast just lettering things for people. Said he could paint rural mail box with names in fancy script in less than 5 minutes for $10. Word would get around and he'd do a dozen more mail boxes that day. His only tools were an old metal lunch box with some cans of paint, brushes, and the thermos bottle filled with paint thinner.
His box was like this one and he said that there was a good living in it for him while on the road.
One of the keys to his success was his skill with people.
You sound like a "Natural" for this way of life. Specialized skills that aren't so common seems to be a key to a good life on the road. Another component is only needing a few specialized tools to do your job, so you can travel light.
I once met an old fellow who could paint Signs. He told me he had traveled coast to coast just lettering things for people. Said he could paint rural mail box with names in fancy script in less than 5 minutes for $10. Word would get around and he'd do a dozen more mail boxes that day. His only tools were an old metal lunch box with some cans of paint, brushes, and the thermos bottle filled with paint thinner.
His box was like this one and he said that there was a good living in it for him while on the road.
One of the keys to his success was his skill with people.
WriterMs
Well-known member
Welcome!
Looks like you've got a great little co-pilot there, too. Very unique set-up. I won't make it ti RTR this year either, but I have no doubt you'll love it! Even big-time introverts have found it to be a pleasant gathering.
Looks like you've got a great little co-pilot there, too. Very unique set-up. I won't make it ti RTR this year either, but I have no doubt you'll love it! Even big-time introverts have found it to be a pleasant gathering.
Hey JChapman,
Hope to run into ya at the RTR. We can chat about the different experiences of coast to coast bicycle travel...I just completed my Oregon to Maryland trip last summer. Do you happen to know the dates you plan on attending? I'm not exactly sure what days yet I'll be there.
Matt
Hope to run into ya at the RTR. We can chat about the different experiences of coast to coast bicycle travel...I just completed my Oregon to Maryland trip last summer. Do you happen to know the dates you plan on attending? I'm not exactly sure what days yet I'll be there.
Matt
