Bummed :(
 

I was planning to ride across the country this summer but due to the economy and the effect on the family budget I have had to cancel it until next year.

It may be postponed but I am still committed to the ride as I am doing it in honor of my brother who died of cancer in 2002.

That is a bummer! But - keep the dream alive and it'll happen. How about taking a series of shorter tours in the meantime?

yeah, too bad :(.

but you should definitely do some shorter trips around home this summer as a preparation, and to keep the dream alive.

Take the opportunity to increase your fitness level on the bicycle by doing weekend day rides, weekend tours, week-long tours, and things like that. Get to know your part of the world. Aim to cycle all the paved roads in a 200 km (or 300 km, or 500 km) radius of where you live. Cycle across Idaho or ride that Coeur d'Alenes trail.

Use the extra time to nail down your gear selection ... try what you've currently got, and make adjustments.

Maybe look for and try out some long distance challenges ... centuries, randonneuring, etc.

I would just look at it as, things happen for a reason. If it was meant to be it will happen. I agree with taken shorter trips for now.
Sorry to hear about your brother.

Bummer, but think of it this way. If you have to postpone it, now you can schedule it for 2012 (yes that means waiting another year) when you'll be even more fantastically prepared for it, and you'll have the added symbolic benefit of doing it on the 10-year anniversary.

How much would you budget for a cross country tour mostly camping?

Thanks everyone for your support and motivation! I love the idea of the 10 year anniversary! That is what I am going to begin planning.

Thanks again :thumb:

That can vary widely depending on your choices. I'd want to have at least $2000, but folks have done it for much less. OTOH, it is also easy to spend a lot more.

Ideally having a more available than you think you will need takes the pressure off.