It started out with Jack Kerouac. Every time I read his books (especially Dharma Bums), I wanted to disappear to the other side of the country. I just couldn't figure out how to do it without ending up in jail.

Serendipitously, my mountain bike was stolen, and I stumbled across John Faughnan's page on touring bikes while researching a replacement. Then I read Ken Kifer's stuff. I was hooked. I had a budget of $300, so there was no way I could afford a tourer. Within a week, a used Dawes showed up on craigslist for $350.

I figured it was a sign.

My wife worried at first that I would die in some roadside gulley. I was so energized when I came back from my first multi-day tour, though, that now she helps me plan them.