New to the forum

[t1022n]

Hi. I am a 25-year-old (26 next month) Marine Veteran (deployed iso OEF 2010-11, Philippines '12) who got into vandwelling while in the military as a hobby and to give myself some more freedom. I was proud to serve but am happy to be out of the military as I am a pretty free-spirited person. I currently ride a motorcycle and am going to school and am looking to sell my van at the moment. I created another thread for that. I am looking to get to know more free-spirited, freedom-loving Americans and am happy to have found this forum. Bob Wells' website was my original source of inspiration for building my van. I am currently envisioning a lifestyle that is even more minimalist than vandwelling since I have saved some money up. It involves a motorcycle and camping gear . I probably have a lot in common with lots of you so I figured I'd introduce myself here. I look forward to getting to know some of you. Cheers and happy vandwelling!

 

[SoulRaven]

Welcome from another Marine vet... Different era (VietNam) but still a Marine. Travel Safe and Semper Fi.

 

[cyndi]

Thank you, both, for your service and sacrifice. I hope you enjoy the forum and find support for your choices here. I have no doubt you will.

 

[akrvbob]

t1022n, we're glad your here, and thank you for your service.

I too am a huge fan of motorcycle camping, I've taken two pretty long trips around the country on them. Even drove the Alaska Highway on one in October--that was an adventure!

When I hit the road this last time I strongly considered a Gold Wing pulling a trailer. But riding in the rain and the cold get old pretty fast as does being stuck in a tent for days, weeks because of rain.

Finally decided taking trips on one that lasted several months was great, but that living on one for the rest of my life was impractical. So I'm in a van now and carrying a little Honda Rebel.

Lots of experienced riders here and we'd love to be all the help we can to you--and maybe live vicariously through the eyes of a young, adventurous ex-marine! We're glad you're here!
Bob

 

[Belinda2]

Welcome here!

 

[t1022n]

Thank you all for the warm welcome and Semper Fi. I plan to post some adventure logs with a lot of pictures at some point .

 

[Starlight]

I'm new here but I want to wish you a grand adventure.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

As a vet, I thank you for your service. I'm happy to have you home and safe.
Welcome to the forum that lends to all types of vagabond lifestyles.
No matter your mode of travel, this is the place to talk about and pick up on tips for the wandering soul.

 

[Patrick46]

Hello T1022n, and welcome to the forum.

I (personally) know many different guys, and several couples, who live on their motorcycles FULL TIME YEAR ROUND.

A few of the guys are a big tyme global travelers, as are the married couples. They usually ride big adventure travel bikes like BMW GS's, KTM's, V'Stroms, and the like. You'll find these kinda folks on the ADV forum (ADVenture Riders) http://www.advrider.com/forums/index.php , or on Horizon's Unlimited, http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/

Both of these sites are great resourses for global motorcycle touring/living. It's especially neat to check out people's RR's (ride reports). You can really learn alot from their expericences and adventures.
(alot like here, but on bikes insted!)

I also know quite a number of ol' school highway bikers who also live on the road full time, but who'd never be caught dead on anything but a Harley. Some are out-riders (no clubs), and many are patch-holders.
I know one guy who's been living on his Harley for 16 years, and another who's been living on his same old panhead for over 22 years now!! Somma these boys have some SERIOUS miles on 'em!!

But the one thing they ALL have in common, is the need for that never-ending ride. (sure can't hold that against them!) Their lives are in a constant state of motion.
Up in the Northern states during the summer months, and down South in Fla or SoCal in the winter. Some work at motorcycle rallys (which is what I do), and earn enough to travel most of the year on that alone.


I'm pretty domesticated, but now that the kids have grown, we're finally getting some serious touring miles again, and I LOVE IT!! (I just bought another bike just for touring and pulling our trailer.)

What type of bike do you have now?? I've read stories of folks who've crossed several continents on bikes as small as Honda 90's.


So, don't let anyone crap on your dreams, because I for one, can honestly tell you...IT CAN BE DONE!!

Seeya out on the highway!!

oh....and be careful on that crazy contraption!!!

 

[blkjak]

welcome from s.w. florida .... blkjak

 

[maryyoung]

hi new to here and welcome to others..

 

[t1022n]

If the van doesn't sell I may just embrace the vandwelling lifestyle for a while and try working/boondocking in some remote areas. I do love the van for what it is. I can't imagine a better van out there-for me anyway.

Bob Wells got me thinking that it might be a bad idea to get rid of the van in the long run. I'm looking forward to some adventure this summer in any case-be it via vandwelling or motorcycle camping . Thanks Patrick for your insight on motorcycle-living and all of you for the warm welcomes. I will try to gain as much knowledge and wisdom as I can from this forum...lots of experience to draw from here.