dave_VD

Hi guys and girls,

I just finished riding a 12,000 mile loop around the US & Canada and it's been a bit of a culture shock coming back to real life. Thought you may be interested in this post-ride blog post:

https://www.vaguedirection.com/the-phrase-real-life/

Lots more fun stuff coming to the site (including what happens when stealth camping goes VERY wrong) so do subscribe if you'd like to see more!

koolerb

Looks like you had an adventure. Humans can get used to anything, you'll get used to real life again. But right about now your probably thinking you may not want to.

jhawk

Bloody hell! Sounds like that was an amazing journey.

I congratulate you on it's completion. And real life's boring. Go again - round the World, next time?

nun

Love the Nick Thune video. Nice trip and great photography.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hi5XWtPoNi8

Machka 

What happens is called "post tour depression" and it can last anywhere from a few weeks to quite a few months.

When you're in it, you don't necessarily realise it ... except that nothing seems right. Been there, done that.

One way to reduce the effects of "post tour depression" is to have plans to do something exciting and interesting shortly after the tour ends ... something to look forward to as the tour is wrapping up.

ironwood

You weren't alive when you were on tour? It's all life. Perhaps you should have entitled it "What happens when you go back to work? Some people get depressed when they leave their safe established routines, others are just the opposite. Some long distance touring cyclists, like the late Ian Hibble, never could go back to a settled existence. Some nomadic people are destroyed when forced to settle down.

The best solution is to find work you really want to do ,in a place you really want to be, with people you want to be with.

mev

I've done a few long bicycle trips (3, 12, 10 and 6 months). After finishing, I find I've got extra energy to get the next work started and project finished. I also find I've got different perspective on all those possessions I thought important enough to store away. After the 12 month trip (in 2001) I decided not to buy a car again and have used bicycle for transportation instead. I also start dreaming and scheming for the next opportunity for another trip. Finished the six month ride this year but also have the next one in my plans .

chefisaac

I had the opportunity to host Dave when he started out his tour last year. Amazing guy and forever thankful for his friendship.