Originally Posted by
indyfabz
Have you done anyt touring? If not, you might want to start with something smallish to begin with. You can pack a lot into two weeks. The GF and I have done 2 trips starting in MT in the last four years. 9 days of riding. Travel Thursday, start riding Friday, finish riding a week from Saturday. Because of the four weekend days, we only used 7 vacation days. Not even 1 1/2 weeks off from work.
As for much longer trips, we all make choices in our lives. At age 34, with (voluntarily) no mortgage, no wife, no kids and no pets, I was free to take two years off from the working world when I was downsized in the wake of a corporate acquisition. In fact, I volunteered to be laid off. Did three long tours, pursued other interests and saw a lot of matinee movies.
I actually just got into the touring idea. I have been mountain biking about 5 years now and commuted to work for about 2 years. I have done a couple overnight and 2 night bike camping trips. Beginning of January I am doing a 5 day trip which will be my longest yet, and then this summer I mentioned the 10 day California coast trip. Very very much a novice at this point, but I love the idea and am looking to get more into it.
The 9-10 day trips you mentioned definitely seem like something that would be great for my wife and I, given the situation. I am envious of your no mortgage/kids/pets situation! We have two dogs and it's tough to board them for 9 days because of the expense. Think it would be fun to get some trailers and bring them, so it's definitely an option we could work with. We are quite new to Northern Colorado, do you mind shooting me a PM and sharing your Montana ride route (if you still have it)? Dreaming up routes is definitely entertaining when work is slow.