Dumpster Diving Rider?

[WesternFlyer]

RJ;
Might I suggest you research Peace Pilgrim?  She wandered all over the United States for twenty-eight years on foot.  She did so with no money at all and only the clothes on her back.  She only ate food she was freely given.  There have been others who set out on similar missions for their causes.  All that I am aware of did so on foot, but I dont see why it couldnt be done on bicycle.  

I am not suggesting you go on a crusade.  (You never know where life might take you.)  There is a Peace Pilgrim website and she wrote a book that is in many libraries.  It might give you some insights on how to approach American society in increasingly hard and suspicious times.


Western Flyer

A wheel spins in a circle.
The still point at the center
gives it direction.
Be still.

The Parents' Tao Te Ching

[staehpj1]

Your recent comments in this thread seem to be quite counter to ones you made in the travel survival thread.  Have you just changed your mind or are/were you yanking our chains?

I thought you said "i want nothing to do with money! its foolish." in the travel survival thread.  Now you say, "i am not afraid of working, and am willing to work for money, but only the amount that i will NEED."  Care to clarify that a bit?  How long will your trip be and how much will you start out with?

I suggest that you read lots of trip journals on http://www.crazyguyonabike.com to get a feel for what has worked for others.

I also suggest that you accumulate some money before you go.  You can get by pretty cheaply, but I wouldn't want to see you bumming or stealing.  The folks in the rural US are mostly kind and generous and you will likely get help from them, but you shouldn't abuse their generosity.

[DaveB]

I noticed the change in RJR's approach too. In the other thread he was asking for some magic idea that would let him live and eat respectfully without actually working for or being tainted by money.  

I do have one very effective way to have all the advantages of money without having to demean your self by actually doing anything useful for it:

Have wealthy, overly indulgent parents.  

 

[RJRiegler]

i too notice my change, but that is exactly why i began to discuss this on a forum, to see what people have to say. and to see if they have any ideas. it would just be ignorant to ignore the input and not change. But also i dont want to be easily swayed and i keep my original idea in my mind as i discuss this.
    i have the equipment to make it by...panniers, cloths, stove, etc. and i unfortunatly cant use my parents for money. thats enough on that topic. i thank you for your suggestions on the 'Peace Pilgrim,' i will look into that.
    oh and also, i relize that some people dont agree or understand what im trying to do. most people dont. but please, respect peoples ideas and dreams. im working on it.

[MrBent]

One thing to keep in mind, RJ, as you travel is to keep things low key.  Some (few?) on this forum are against stealth camping, but this is a standard operating procedure for many of us on long tours.  Since you're going ultra-low budget, you'll be among the commando campers.  This needs to be done with the utmost care.  Find places that are as hidden as possible, away from development as possible, and--this is most important!--leave a spotless camp. If you need to leave human waste (#2), which you should avoid if possible, bury it carefully and pack out the TP.  Do not bury this too as sometimes animals dig it up.  I always have some plastic bags for waste and just dispose of it at the next garbage can I come to.

In general, just be respectful and ask around.  Many small towns will allow you to camp in city parks, and gyms/YMCA's and such can provide places to shower.  An important part of being accepted will entail NOT looking like a bum.  Having some cash for doing laundry and such really helps in this regard.  Consider getting a water bag that you can hang from a tree for taking stealth showers.  Grooming and clean gear will set a good first impression, something not to be underestimated.  

For more on stealth camping and general info., do check out Crazyguyonabike as already suggested.  Also, spend some time reading this guy.  Sadly, he was killed riding not too long ago, but his site lives on: Ken Kifer's Bike Pages

Here's another site: Bicycle Touring Pro

Best of luck! Hit the road and live large.

Scott

[RJRiegler]

scott, you seem to be the biggest help so far. i was wondering if you could throw some questions at me, to truely test if i am prepared for this trip.

[MrBent]

Boy, RJ:  Not sure I can be of much help.  Have you now or have you ever been a member of the Nazi party?  Just kidding, but specific questions won't be of much use.  Just be friendly and easy going, and you'll be fine.  Do expect to answer the same questions many times: How far have you come?  Where'd you start?  Where're you headed?  How much weight you carrin'? Blah, blah, blah.  These can get VERY old after a while.  But we are all ambassadors for the cyclo-people, so just smile and answer them.  If you're lucky, this will be an opening to other subjects, an offer for a place to stay, who knows?

Just launch yerself into the tour, mate, and see where the wind takes you.

Ride well.

Scott

[RJRiegler]

thank you so much scott. you are an inseration to me. i thank you for your help in every way. and at the same time not regeting my ideas and dreams. stay in touch. maybe one day ill see you.