Help! Date gets closer, chickening out becomes an option...
04-19-11, 02:55 PM
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Thanks OP so much for posting this and thanks to all that have replied. I am going through the same thing right now. I have never toured and am planing to leave in June for an around the US tour. I am not ready physically and have been lying in bed lately thinking "do i really want to not have a bed to sleep in for many months?" Its scary. I think that after a few weeks of riding all day I will make me physically ready I think the good times will far outweigh the bad. Do it!
04-19-11, 04:10 PM
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All those apparent morons whom you may have seen interviewed on TV saying "I take it one shot at a time", or something, were onto something. At first one contemplates something and one sees the person one would be if one had done the task, and the pleasurable highlights reel. Then planing leads closer to the departure date and the thing comes into focus and reaches a point when it is far too large to get a grasp of. Nobody can do a tour of the US in one thought. So it is mind boggling. When you actuall start you will be riding over the unfolding horizon, and even in the prairies that is never too far off. One pedal at a time. So basically you have to understand that until you have really been through it a lot of times, you may reach a panic point that will disappear as soon as you get started. But you have to find a way of just not worrying about it at that point, there is no reason to make a decision about leaving or staying in that state of mind.
That said, cycle touring is one of those things were for the most part anyone could do it. This isn't free soloing Astroman. You don't need to be an elite athlete with a high end skill set who if he Fs up will end up dead. So people regularly comit to more than they possibly shoould, because they will feel great about it if they succeed, though it really isn't that difficult in the first place. This is some kind of success, failure, delusion, cycle that is of questionable value. There is something to be said for keeping it a little more within yourself. Like binge drinking vs. savouring a nice glass of wine.
That said, cycle touring is one of those things were for the most part anyone could do it. This isn't free soloing Astroman. You don't need to be an elite athlete with a high end skill set who if he Fs up will end up dead. So people regularly comit to more than they possibly shoould, because they will feel great about it if they succeed, though it really isn't that difficult in the first place. This is some kind of success, failure, delusion, cycle that is of questionable value. There is something to be said for keeping it a little more within yourself. Like binge drinking vs. savouring a nice glass of wine.
04-19-11, 04:30 PM
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Just go. As soon as you begin, all of your doubts will disappear. Its quite normal, just begin
04-19-11, 07:07 PM
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If you don't go after all you have planned and dreamed about then you may be crazy.
The biggest problem I have always had on longer adventures wether biking or other things is being alone, however if you are a fairly outgoing person and can approach strangers and interact, then you won't be alone unless you want to be. Being on a loaded touring bike is the most wonderful ice breaker you can get.
Having had to abort a tour in the middle because of an injury, I can say you can get out of your tour at anytime you want to, someone will always help you. People in general are wonderful, we hear mostly about the bad in people on the news and from our politicians but these sources have an agenda and don't represent the majority of what you will encounter.
I like your writing style and hope you blog about your tour so we can all enjoy it.
Have a wonderful trip.
Allen
The biggest problem I have always had on longer adventures wether biking or other things is being alone, however if you are a fairly outgoing person and can approach strangers and interact, then you won't be alone unless you want to be. Being on a loaded touring bike is the most wonderful ice breaker you can get.
Having had to abort a tour in the middle because of an injury, I can say you can get out of your tour at anytime you want to, someone will always help you. People in general are wonderful, we hear mostly about the bad in people on the news and from our politicians but these sources have an agenda and don't represent the majority of what you will encounter.
I like your writing style and hope you blog about your tour so we can all enjoy it.
Have a wonderful trip.
Allen
04-19-11, 07:44 PM
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04-20-11, 01:35 AM
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I haven't done any overnighters yet, but when I ride a long distance (which to me is 25+ miles), the thing that drives me is the challenge...can I do it? Plus I know it will be good for my body to push it so hard. I also kind of like it when relatives say in astonishment, "you rode here on a bike?"
You may be de-motivating yourself by having such an open-ended goal. It's much easier to hit a target when you can see it.
You may be de-motivating yourself by having such an open-ended goal. It's much easier to hit a target when you can see it.
04-20-11, 03:02 AM
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Exactly. You can stop riding your bicycle any time you want, and make use of other methods of transportation. You can go home any time you want. You can wake up one morning and decide to cycle in a different direction than the one you were thinking of when you went to bed the night before. You can opt to stay in a particular area for as long as you want ... or as short a time as you want.
When you decide to go on a tour, especially a solo tour, it's not as if you've signed a contract for a job and now you're expected to show up at that job every morning for the next year or two or more. You are not locked into a tour. If you tour for a month and then decide that it isn't for you ... you can go home and get a job or go back to school, or whatever you want to do. No big deal.
So ... anyone interested in a friendly wager as to whether he goes or not??
When you decide to go on a tour, especially a solo tour, it's not as if you've signed a contract for a job and now you're expected to show up at that job every morning for the next year or two or more. You are not locked into a tour. If you tour for a month and then decide that it isn't for you ... you can go home and get a job or go back to school, or whatever you want to do. No big deal.
So ... anyone interested in a friendly wager as to whether he goes or not??
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04-20-11, 03:22 AM
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Stop torturing yourself and just go. You'll never know what you're missing (good or bad!) until you try it. Even if the tour is a complete failure and you have a miserable time, then at least you will know and can stop thinking about it. On the other hand, it could be a great experience. Either way, you win.
04-20-11, 04:11 AM
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I so enjoy this. Thanks everyone. It's way early this morning, and the snow that's suppose to be falling isn't yet. I have the final touches to take on in the apartment, and almost a week to go. I have to say next to getting ready for it, the bike tour, itself, pales in comparison of finding a home for a cat, junking a van and all these processions I thought I had to have. Then there's the bank, the lights, the mail, the Net, Netflix, the phone... Out on tour, there's none of this, but its getting this stuff out of the way so I can get there. I am so glad to be condition riding in the weather i might meet up with crossing the Rockies. Need to get out and set up the tent and sleep a night in this weather.
04-20-11, 04:58 AM
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I so enjoy this. Thanks everyone. I have to say next to getting ready for it, the bike tour, itself, pales in comparison of finding a home for a cat, junking a van and all these processions I thought I had to have. Then there's the bank, the lights, the mail, the Net, Netflix, the phone... Out on tour, there's none of this
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04-20-11, 05:35 AM
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taking of on a bike tour, especially on your own, is incredibly hard
many people say its even the hardest part of the whole trip
..funny because after a few months it becomes the complete opposite: "why didn't I ever do this earlier!!!"
my advice is just go for it, try to keep an open mind and never get stuck on 'bad' first impressions; there will always be highs and lows, you never know what follows so you might as well just 'let go' and enjoy the ride :-)
many people say its even the hardest part of the whole trip
..funny because after a few months it becomes the complete opposite: "why didn't I ever do this earlier!!!"
my advice is just go for it, try to keep an open mind and never get stuck on 'bad' first impressions; there will always be highs and lows, you never know what follows so you might as well just 'let go' and enjoy the ride :-)
04-20-11, 05:41 AM
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Ah, the first of the springtime "fear" threads. I was wondering when they would show up....
04-21-11, 06:51 PM
#39
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I'll throw a couple of things out there. When I was going to New Zealand, I had just finished my engineering degree and didn't even know if the roads were suitable for biking. I had a general tour book, but I was so fried, I was at the point I couldn't even read. I looked at a few pictures, this is on the plane there mind you, and said, "Hell I would rather see everything the 1st time in person. I had biked across country already, so the touring part wasn't scaring me, but I said if the roads are crazy, I'll park the bike and hitch (common in NZ at the time) or take public transpo.
You have the same exact option (well skip the hitching part) - if it ain't working out, you can continue your adventure my other means you can't even envision right now. I once chucked a tour and ended it 25 hours later - I spent the rest of the week in Acadia Park Maine and had a great time. Come to think of it I chucked a Maine tour once and spent the rest of the week in Baxter State Park - had a great time. See, I hadn't even realized that I chucked two tours, and this is after riding across country. If ain't right, then hell, go left.(wow, I should trademark that one!)
You're flying solo, you can take any direction you want at any time, but go, for God's sake, GO! You make it past 25 hours, then you lasted longer than I did on two tours.
John
You have the same exact option (well skip the hitching part) - if it ain't working out, you can continue your adventure my other means you can't even envision right now. I once chucked a tour and ended it 25 hours later - I spent the rest of the week in Acadia Park Maine and had a great time. Come to think of it I chucked a Maine tour once and spent the rest of the week in Baxter State Park - had a great time. See, I hadn't even realized that I chucked two tours, and this is after riding across country. If ain't right, then hell, go left.(wow, I should trademark that one!)
You're flying solo, you can take any direction you want at any time, but go, for God's sake, GO! You make it past 25 hours, then you lasted longer than I did on two tours.
John
04-22-11, 12:27 PM
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Said good bye to an old friend today. My van was hauled off to be junked. I haven't driven it 2 months, the brakes were shot and the shock towers in the wheel wells were rusted out, the repair was more than I wanted to pay. So now I have some extra cash to burn on the Tour...
The weather is really worrying me. We've had rain and snow, and the rest of the week looks much the same, nice for training, but starting out into this stuff to the west, or the other is an option of going south and then west, but the thunderstorms and tornadoes to the south are a concern too. This is not the best time of year to start off I suppose, but going to do it anyway.
The weather is really worrying me. We've had rain and snow, and the rest of the week looks much the same, nice for training, but starting out into this stuff to the west, or the other is an option of going south and then west, but the thunderstorms and tornadoes to the south are a concern too. This is not the best time of year to start off I suppose, but going to do it anyway.
04-22-11, 01:43 PM
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Hey - I don't know exactly what your route plan is, I suppose it's posted somewhere, but I can't remember seeing it.
One thing that is important to do on tour, especially right at the beginning - is to be realistic. Bad weather is generally not much fun to ride in, so if putting it off a week or two to get better weather is possible, that isn't "chickening out" that's being realistic. Set yourself up to succeed, not fail. Can you take your extra $ and buy a plane ticket to start somewhere warmer? Wait a few days? Plan to spend some extra money on hotel rooms when the weather is bad?
One thing that is important to do on tour, especially right at the beginning - is to be realistic. Bad weather is generally not much fun to ride in, so if putting it off a week or two to get better weather is possible, that isn't "chickening out" that's being realistic. Set yourself up to succeed, not fail. Can you take your extra $ and buy a plane ticket to start somewhere warmer? Wait a few days? Plan to spend some extra money on hotel rooms when the weather is bad?
04-22-11, 01:54 PM
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Been packing and unpacking, working out the inventory, and space considerations.
The LHT has been changed, have the dark green Brooks now, added aerobars and front rack, and Surly stainless steel drive gears, couldn't get the granny in steel. New brakes, cables, bar tape.
11 days and counting.
The LHT has been changed, have the dark green Brooks now, added aerobars and front rack, and Surly stainless steel drive gears, couldn't get the granny in steel. New brakes, cables, bar tape.
11 days and counting.
04-22-11, 02:45 PM
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That's a lot of weight in lock & cable I would reduce. What are those clippy looking things just above & to the left of the u-lock?
In the first picture, you've got long blue dangling straps on the rear rack - don't let those dangle when you're riding, they can get caught up in stuff and mess you up. just tuck them in somewhere.
I'm psyched for you and wish I was touring soon as well!
In the first picture, you've got long blue dangling straps on the rear rack - don't let those dangle when you're riding, they can get caught up in stuff and mess you up. just tuck them in somewhere.
I'm psyched for you and wish I was touring soon as well!
04-22-11, 05:53 PM
#45
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Hey - I don't know exactly what your route plan is, I suppose it's posted somewhere, but I can't remember seeing it.
One thing that is important to do on tour, especially right at the beginning - is to be realistic. Bad weather is generally not much fun to ride in, so if putting it off a week or two to get better weather is possible, that isn't "chickening out" that's being realistic. Set yourself up to succeed, not fail. Can you take your extra $ and buy a plane ticket to start somewhere warmer? Wait a few days? Plan to spend some extra money on hotel rooms when the weather is bad?
One thing that is important to do on tour, especially right at the beginning - is to be realistic. Bad weather is generally not much fun to ride in, so if putting it off a week or two to get better weather is possible, that isn't "chickening out" that's being realistic. Set yourself up to succeed, not fail. Can you take your extra $ and buy a plane ticket to start somewhere warmer? Wait a few days? Plan to spend some extra money on hotel rooms when the weather is bad?
My advice is to get out that front door, leave it behind, and then be adaptable with your plans after that. There is nothing wrong in spending the first two or three days in a campground waiting for un-nice weather to clear. Or get on a train and get to somewhere that isn't in the path of thunderstorms or tornadoes.
It's much better to do that than sit at home then decide it's all too comfortable and end the trip then and there.
Irrespective of what anyone might say, discomfort and learning to live with and adapt to it is something that is an inherent part of bicycle touring
04-23-11, 12:26 AM
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04-24-11, 02:44 AM
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I am crazy... I am going to check into a psyche ward...
Okay, I'm a bright intelligent guy. I enjoy cycling, I enjoy travel, I enjoy bike touring. I have several "tours" under my belt, but as the specter of my upcoming tour looms in front of me, I am pooping my pants scared.
I have rearranged my life to take this on, I have talked to the landlord, family, friends, and LBS. I have the bike, the legs, the tent, the panniers, cook gear, bottles, bags, footprints, maps, camera, toothbrush, tools. I've packed and repacked. I've scoured and read the forums, and CGOB, and know it can be done, but, there is this great sense of doubt about my sanity.
Is this normal? What sort of person gives up the comfort of home, to slog across the United States on a bicycle, and for no other reason than this inner gnawing that can't be sated? I have lived with this for 6 or more years, I get close to doing it and back off, but I'm two weeks away from my jump off point, and I have nothing to keep me from doing this, except I doubt my sanity, and wonder if I'd be better served checking in a crisis center...
"Can I help you sir?"
"Why yes M'am, I've been contemplating riding my bicycle across the US with no particular destination."
"Oh sir you have come to the right place. We have an "I love myself" jacket just your size, and there's this nice room where you can't hurt yourself. We'll sign you up for electroshock therapy and this idea of riding a bicycle will be forgotten"
"Do I get a drool cup?"
There's a Zen koan that comes to mind, about stepping off a hundred foot pole. In that moment, there is this exhilaration that one can not describe. It is truly being in the moment...
I am both excited by this and scared. I can't wait to get out and do this but I also look at the warm shower, the friends, family and creature comforts I'm letting go of to do this, and its scary.
I'm crazy...
Okay, I'm a bright intelligent guy. I enjoy cycling, I enjoy travel, I enjoy bike touring. I have several "tours" under my belt, but as the specter of my upcoming tour looms in front of me, I am pooping my pants scared.
I have rearranged my life to take this on, I have talked to the landlord, family, friends, and LBS. I have the bike, the legs, the tent, the panniers, cook gear, bottles, bags, footprints, maps, camera, toothbrush, tools. I've packed and repacked. I've scoured and read the forums, and CGOB, and know it can be done, but, there is this great sense of doubt about my sanity.
Is this normal? What sort of person gives up the comfort of home, to slog across the United States on a bicycle, and for no other reason than this inner gnawing that can't be sated? I have lived with this for 6 or more years, I get close to doing it and back off, but I'm two weeks away from my jump off point, and I have nothing to keep me from doing this, except I doubt my sanity, and wonder if I'd be better served checking in a crisis center...
"Can I help you sir?"
"Why yes M'am, I've been contemplating riding my bicycle across the US with no particular destination."
"Oh sir you have come to the right place. We have an "I love myself" jacket just your size, and there's this nice room where you can't hurt yourself. We'll sign you up for electroshock therapy and this idea of riding a bicycle will be forgotten"
"Do I get a drool cup?"
There's a Zen koan that comes to mind, about stepping off a hundred foot pole. In that moment, there is this exhilaration that one can not describe. It is truly being in the moment...
I am both excited by this and scared. I can't wait to get out and do this but I also look at the warm shower, the friends, family and creature comforts I'm letting go of to do this, and its scary.
I'm crazy...
