Originally Posted by Doug64

I did not hear anyone say they were ashamed of using modern technology...
I didn't say anyone was ashamed of using toys, I said that they like to shame others for doing so. Big difference that I hope you can see.


absolutely necessary
In this case even to ever changing degree of the topic "Necessary", now it's changed to "Absolute".


...for a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable bike tour.
Safe? Comfortable? Several people have already dismissed the use of a GPS for safety reasons, or the simple peace of mind gained from having one available should an emergency arise. That's simply being obstinate. You are out of water in the desert somewhere, come off a dirt trail to hardtop with no sign in sight. Left or right? In all likelihood a maps no good, compass? Not much better really.


You have every right to tour the way you please, BUT when your sermons tell folks that they are wrong...
I haven't told anyone they are wrong in what they are doing. Foolish maybe, underinformed to be sure, but not wrong. I simply like to show with innovations and tech. toys that you can do ALL of that, And still be clean, comfortable, well fed, caffeinated, connected and physically safer than without. I have always been a work smart not hard practitioner.


...and not sharing your approach to bike touring ; comes across as arrogant.
Not sure exactly what your definition of "approach" is apparently. When someone new to biking for long distances or long periods of time asks if a GPS would be a good idea I voice every reason why I believe they should be included in the packing list. When others voice contrary opinions it does essentially become a debate with more and more grabbing the gauntlet and voicing their "approach" if you will. Throwing out the percentage of people that are going to disagree regardless of what is said by whom... 5%? 10%? You then try and explain why you do what you do. The problem arises when someone is debating/discussing and knows absolutely without a doubt, that their mind can't be changed. Then why are you debating. Shake your head in disgust, grab another beer and start rubbing stick together for fire. I do what I do, the way I do it, and no one else I have talked with Is or Has done so on a bike. I am open with my "approach" to bike touring and try to convey the advantages and disadvantages to anyone open minded enough to listen without prejudice, weight the evidence, and decide their own path. If I come across as arrogant it may not be projected but rather perceived.


"It is what you learn after you know it all that counts.
Your reference to my choice of multiple sleeping systems exemplifies the "learning" that has taken place for me while touring on a bike. 1st thing I bought was a bivy. I learned how confining it can be and added a hammock, system #2. In Arizona, I learned a hammock is worth nothing if you have nowhere to hang it, and that Tarantulas will crawl under the edge of a bivy to get comfortable at night. I learned on the Oregon coast twice now that having a large tent with room for others (and a bottle of wine) can be an amazing way to meet new friends.