Touring - Beach Bums and Ski Bums

Is there such thing as a Bike Bum?

I have this recurring daydream:

Riding my bicycle from place to place...

When I need restocking of funds, I'd pick up the odd job (National Parks are great for seasonal work).
And basically be a vagabond velociped using wits and frugality to live 'experience rich' and financially simple.

Anybody else having this fantasy?

Yes, Yes, Yes. I am dreaming of trying it this spring, but I don't know if I will be able to or not. I am quiting my job, going to New Zealand for 2 months, and the I don't know. What I really want is to get of the plane at Lax with a little money, and bum around the southwest until it gets warm in the mountians. I would like to spend all summer in the mountians, but there is no way I can save that much money to take of for 8 or 9 months. I would like to get odd jobs throughout the spring or summer to stay out on the road as long as possible. I am an electrician, so I hope to find work related to that, but what will I do with my tools? I am NOT carrying all my cycling gear plus 50 pounds of tools and work clothes all summer. My first idea is to leave my tools at home and have mom and dad mail them to me if i get a job somewhere, then mail them back when I move on, but that could get pricey. I have heard Nat. parks are very hard to get any job, what info do you have on that?

I have heard Nat. parks are very hard to get any job, what info do you have on that?

Well... I worked in Yellowstone back in the late 80's ('85 and the fire year of '88)
Basically, if you could work hard they have a job - it might be 3rd shift in the laundry, but you'll get room and board thru the season, and a wage you can save for the road.

I actually worked my way from kitchen porter (think janitor) to Waiter at Lake Yellowstone hotel - and even waited on Mrs Cunningham from Happy Days!

http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:XOXPa4RkGgwJ:web.tiscali.it/memobox/media/telefilm/hd05.jpg

Good Tips to be had at the Lake Hotel...

But I was less frugal and more feral in those days - and it all went to wine and wimmin'