Car-Free and Active

[Satyr]

I was reading another thread, I think in Commuting section, about someone hauling a canoe on their bicycle.

I am car-free and have been my entire life, and the gods willing plan to keep it that way.

Also am an avid backpacker and general outdoor's enthusiast. However I have noticed I tend to limit my outdoor's activities to things that do not require much gear, because, well, I can't very well engage in solo activities and have to haul a lot of gear, or so I thought.

I never really see my bike as terribly limiting, unless I am in a bad mood or something. But the best I ever did was hauling my classical guitar and mandolin to practice.

I did however live in Arcata, California for awhile and the rigs people have there are terribly impressive.

But these posts about hauling a canoe have me rethinking the limitations of the bicycle a bit. Do any of you engage in activities, of any sort, that require a lot gear? How do you overcome the difficulties? What are your thoughts on the issue, your intentions for the future? What choices have you made in life that are concessions or considerations for car-free/car-light living?

[Katrogen]

The only thing that demands alot of gear for me is snowboarding. I can still carry it all on the bike easily but our ski resort is up 16 miles of narrow switchbacks and icy road. Its impossible to go up there without a motorized vehicle. I've been using the bus. Then for even farther skiing I've also used vehicles, theres too much stuff and a limited vacation time.

I think cars are good for obscure rock climbing/hiking adventures also. Even fishing trips. You have a good balance of safe quick travel + time outdoors.