Wanderlust has been handed down to me from my mother. We used to travel all over the place durring winter break. Mom was a high school librarian so we had winters off As I got older and joining the Army I was once again traveling all over the place. While I never really have been "overseas" as far as I know (my unit landed in many areas that couldn't be ID'd) I have been all over the states and Alaska. While in Alaska for 10 years I saw many bikes on tour. I think that set the seeds for what was to come. While living in Anchorage I happened to be stranded in town all day awaiting my vans breaks to get fixed. I was stranded there all day and was going stir crazy. So I walked up and down different areas and while in the downtown area I came across a bike shop. I figured if I could find a used bike in my size I'd buy it and ride around town. I opened the door and there in front of my was an older steel framed bike that fit me perfectly, and for $75 I was out the door This was the first bike I had in about 15 years, I dropped biking when I got my driver licence at 21... yes I know bad boy... After a few years and moves later the damage to the bike was going to cost more than getting a new one. So I donated it to my wifes church after getting my current Trek 7100. When I got my Trek I started riding ALOT more or at least tried to. I soon started remembering the touring bikes I saw in AK and the idea started sinking in. I did some searches and found Adventure Cycling Association's website and requested more info. I've been a member for many years now and I'm fully addicted. Two years ago or so I was diagnosed with insanly high blood pressure and all the problems that come with long term high BP. Not being one to accept taking meds to cover a problem I went about changing my lifestyle and diet to fix my issues. I have all but given up driving, heck I have only been in the car 4 times in the past 3 months My weight is almost down to acceptable lvls for my frame and my BP is on the border of normal and high(ish) vs "your eyes will explode soon"... the nurse freaked when I asked if I could ride my bike in, I felt fine, my wife made me call the oncall nurse about my BP one number ast 190 and the other was like 320 something... but I felt fine

After that insanity I cut out bad food and started eating right and riding my bike everywhere. Touring was just another way for me to focus on staying active and satisfying my wanderlust. I enjoy the tme it takes and all you can see when on the bicycle. It cures me of my issues and stress Now I'm paying off a dedicated touring bike 2012 Disc Trucker