Your using Jack Kerouac is a poor example of freeloading --> he gave the world way more than he took.

One of my warmshowers guests was an interesting guy, about my age at the time, in his mid-50s. He was a single father who'd gotten his son through school, then quit his job and dropped off the grid. He'd been living on his bike, doing some serious cycling (5-8000 miles per year) with decent gear. His yearly budget was $5000. He was challenged one year with a broken collarbone. He was happy, had all his teeth, was clean, and looked good. He'd found a few places he liked to settle down for a season once in a while and make a little money as a skilled carpenter. He said he had a bit of a social media following as well, but I'm not into that and didn't pay attention.

I love that as well. Book, movie, and most excellent soundtrack.
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There is another quite similar, and arguably as good in my opinion.

Book...Movie was in the works, but I don't know that it was ever completed. Dan Bern, however, did an awesome soundtrack. More than Hobos or Nomads, I'm a big fan of the Vagabond...

Check it if you're unfamiliar....


Everett Ruess (March 28, 1914 – c. November 1934) was a young American artist, poet, and writer known for his solo explorations of the High Sierra, the California coast, and the desertsof the American Southwest and his ultimate disappearance while traveling through a remote area of Utah. His fate remains a mystery to this day.

Thanks. It is a true story...except for the part about the stolen bike which I added to his legend.

He was a real Vagabond. I have been to several of the caves he stayed in. Once found a litter of baby coyotes in one. Mom didn't appreciate the visit.