A custom bike can run to many thousands of dollars. Quality components can add up, especially paying full retail for them. Quality camping gear isn't cheap, either. Then you might have to factor in things such as a laptop or notebook computer, which with a decent processor, can run to several thousand dollars.

Maybe $5,000 for bike with LX or above components, decent wheels and tyres, racks, saddle, panniers and handlebar bag; $2,000 for camping gear including tent, down bag and decent mat, plus cooking gear (Ti anyone?); and $2,000 for computer and other electronic gizmos such as smartphone, GPS computer. Then quality clothing and rain gear at $600 or $700. There isn't much change out of $10,000.

Personally, I doubt that the stuff I tour with adds up to that. But even half that sure would put a decent sized hole in my discretionary spending for a while if I had to replace it all, let alone the time as well as the need to find alternative transport options to get home again.

And the emotional trauma is inestimable if you are in any way attached to your bike.