Truly Living Car (and house...) Free
03-07-06, 10:15 AM
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Have any of you seen this guy, Alastair Humphreys? He's travelled around the world on a bike only - no buses, support vehicles, etc (well, he did take a boat across the ocean) - and done 42,000 miles in 60 countries. He started in 2001 and finished in late 2005. He says he spent only about $12,000.
https://www.roundtheworldbybike.com/
I also thought everyone here would like this quote (from his FAQ, in response to the question, "Are you really rich?" - i.e. only a rich person could afford to do this):
And this:
Wasn't it dangerous?
https://www.roundtheworldbybike.com/
I also thought everyone here would like this quote (from his FAQ, in response to the question, "Are you really rich?" - i.e. only a rich person could afford to do this):
I saved my loans through University and left home with about 7000 pounds. This easily lasted more than 4 years. A diet of bread and bananas, sleeping rough and focused, disciplined ascetism mean you can travel most of the world very cheaply. Even North America only cost me $3 a day. So, no, I'm not rich! My 4 year adventure cost less than the car or beer drinking or cigarette smoking of most of the people who asked me this question.
Wasn't it dangerous?
People driving cars are very dangerous. Much more dangerous than lions, bandits etc etc. I met so many good people on my ride and so few bad people. I was careful and sensible, but also very confident in the essential goodness of people. Pragmatic recklessness was my philosophy.
Last edited by donrhummy; 03-07-06 at 10:36 AM.
03-07-06, 10:59 AM
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Wow, I am really impressed with his adventure and he is almost home! I wonder how he will feel in about two weeks after sitting around the local pub listening to his friends talk about simple things like television programs and sports. I wish I was back on the road! 
03-07-06, 02:13 PM
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That's a cool story. I wonder how old this guy is? (I checked, but didn't see it anywhere on the site) That seems like something only someone with lots of youthful exuberance would have the motivation for. I used to do all kinds of rustic traveling when I was in my 20s, but now that I'm getting older (I turned 35 today ), I don't think I could handle that kind degree of austerity for more than a week or two.
), I don't think I could handle that kind degree of austerity for more than a week or two.
03-08-06, 01:33 AM
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I met him on the ferry from Le Havre to Portsmouth! I didn't know who he was, I only saw the next day in the newspaper that he was back to England after 4 years of travelling! Then I understood why he was carrying so much on his bike and why there was a little crowd waiting for him and welcoming him at the ferry terminal... He also does beautiful pictures.
03-09-06, 10:19 AM
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Here is another one that stayed gone a while, 30+ years.
https://www.bikechina.com/ct-heinzstucke1z.html
https://www.bikechina.com/ct-heinzstucke1z.html
03-09-06, 11:27 PM
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Originally Posted by AlanK
That's a cool story. I wonder how old this guy is? (I checked, but didn't see it anywhere on the site) That seems like something only someone with lots of youthful exuberance would have the motivation for. I used to do all kinds of rustic traveling when I was in my 20s, but now that I'm getting older (I turned 35 today ), I don't think I could handle that kind degree of austerity for more than a week or two.
), I don't think I could handle that kind degree of austerity for more than a week or two.
03-10-06, 04:44 PM
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i think hes 25 now. ive been keepin in touch with him for the last year or so. he was the one who gave me the idea to bike around the planet. and thats what im doing.
steve
steve
03-14-06, 02:18 PM
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Originally Posted by AlanK
That's a cool story. I wonder how old this guy is? (I checked, but didn't see it anywhere on the site) That seems like something only someone with lots of youthful exuberance would have the motivation for. I used to do all kinds of rustic traveling when I was in my 20s, but now that I'm getting older (I turned 35 today ), I don't think I could handle that kind degree of austerity for more than a week or two.
), I don't think I could handle that kind degree of austerity for more than a week or two.Whenever I do anything adventerous I meet people who are older that can keep up.
03-14-06, 05:21 PM
#11
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Originally Posted by Satyr
I am still in my youthful exuberance but I advise to not let age deter you from things. A couple I know through a friend has been riding their bicycles around the world for about two or three years, and I believe they are in their 50's if not older.
Whenever I do anything adventerous I meet people who are older that can keep up.
Whenever I do anything adventerous I meet people who are older that can keep up.
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