biking across Canada.. solo? - Page 2

01-26-2005, 08:24 PM

Thanks Mike, the link is already in the bookmarks

"Mike Kruger" <mikekr@mousepotato.com> wrote in message
news:1106797933.6cc4638d3882ba6e8db0d71f5c0cfd55@t eranews...
> "Mike Beauchamp" <news@mikebeauchamp.com> wrote in message
> news:ct9mce01a4o@enews2.newsguy.com...
>>
>> The problem is, the idea of doing it solo scares me. I'm a
> city boy, and
>> I've never encountered bears before, etc. The plan was to do
> it 'on the
>> cheap' and camp as much as possible.. side of the road, etc.
> But, not having
>> 2 other people with me makes the whole prospect a lot more
> scary. If
>> something goes wrong, it seems like I may be ****ed without
> other people
>> around.
>>
> Here's a guy who left Vancouver on February 2 and headed east.
> 5000+ miles. Solo. In the winter.
> It's a good read, whatever your final decision.
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
>
>
>

01-26-2005, 08:24 PM

Thanks Mike, the link is already in the bookmarks

"Mike Kruger" <mikekr@mousepotato.com> wrote in message
news:1106797933.6cc4638d3882ba6e8db0d71f5c0cfd55@t eranews...
> "Mike Beauchamp" <news@mikebeauchamp.com> wrote in message
> news:ct9mce01a4o@enews2.newsguy.com...
>>
>> The problem is, the idea of doing it solo scares me. I'm a
> city boy, and
>> I've never encountered bears before, etc. The plan was to do
> it 'on the
>> cheap' and camp as much as possible.. side of the road, etc.
> But, not having
>> 2 other people with me makes the whole prospect a lot more
> scary. If
>> something goes wrong, it seems like I may be ****ed without
> other people
>> around.
>>
> Here's a guy who left Vancouver on February 2 and headed east.
> 5000+ miles. Solo. In the winter.
> It's a good read, whatever your final decision.
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
>
>
>

01-26-2005, 08:24 PM

Thanks Mike, the link is already in the bookmarks

"Mike Kruger" <mikekr@mousepotato.com> wrote in message
news:1106797933.6cc4638d3882ba6e8db0d71f5c0cfd55@t eranews...
> "Mike Beauchamp" <news@mikebeauchamp.com> wrote in message
> news:ct9mce01a4o@enews2.newsguy.com...
>>
>> The problem is, the idea of doing it solo scares me. I'm a
> city boy, and
>> I've never encountered bears before, etc. The plan was to do
> it 'on the
>> cheap' and camp as much as possible.. side of the road, etc.
> But, not having
>> 2 other people with me makes the whole prospect a lot more
> scary. If
>> something goes wrong, it seems like I may be ****ed without
> other people
>> around.
>>
> Here's a guy who left Vancouver on February 2 and headed east.
> 5000+ miles. Solo. In the winter.
> It's a good read, whatever your final decision.
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
>
>
>

01-26-2005, 08:28 PM

Neil, thanks so much..
I'm going to be done university this semester, got a few relatives a long
the way (northern ontario, vancouver, ottawa, some in newbrunswick). I don't
have a job (don't care for one right now

, and it's a totally perfect
oppertunity for me to go. I guess my friends aren't in the same situation
(one with a good job, and the other with plans of going to italy). So far,
EVERYBODY I've talked to that rides a bike says "GO!". The only "I don't
know if I'd do that..." has been from people who have never gone anywhere on
a bicycle.

Mike
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

"Neil Brooks" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:3EZJd.6673$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].prodigy.com ...
> Mike Beauchamp wrote:
>
>> I'm in a crappy situation here. I had been planning on riding across
>> Canada (west to east) for a few months now.. purchased about $1200
>> worth of gear, etc. I had planned on going with 2 friends, but I just
>> talked to one today who said he can't go and the other is still "not
>> official" since he has a good job and all.
>>
>> I obviously want to do this.. EVERYBODY I talk to (people that have
>> done it or not) says "you gotta do this..".
>>
>> The problem is, the idea of doing it solo scares me. I'm a city boy,
>> and I've never encountered bears before, etc. The plan was to do it
>> 'on the cheap' and camp as much as possible.. side of the road, etc.
>> But, not having 2 other people with me makes the whole prospect a lot
>> more scary. If something goes wrong, it seems like I may be ****ed
>> without other people around.
>>
>> Anyways, I'm obviously hugely disappointed right now.. just asking
>> for some advice.
>
> Long story short, Mike: go. Just go.
>
> In '95, I took my car and my camping gear, left Florida (headed for
> California), and camped my way up the mid-Atlantic states, through the
> Catskills, into the Allegheny's, then stopped for a beer at a friend's bar
> where I . . . met my eventual wife ;-)
>
> All my camping was alone, but I was only alone when I wanted to be.
> Canadians are (if you can ever stereotype so blatantly) an incredibly
> friendly lot. I spent a few weeks in British Columbia years ago and their
> hospitality was incredible. Cyclists, too, are quite the gregarious
> breed.
> I'm sure you wouldn't lack for either company, if wanted, or help, if
> needed.
>
> You'd have some lonely times, to be sure, but those are the times where
> you
> figure out who you are and what you're made of. You hang a lantern in
> your
> tent and read any of a thousand books that are just /perfect/ for that
> kind
> of trip.
>
> Alternately, you can start posting on some of these NG's that you're
> looking
> for a riding partner to join up with. That introduces its own set of
> risks
> and issues, but . . . if the alone thing doesn't work . . . it's an
> option.
> So is just shortening the trip--concentrating on just one or two provinces
> or a particular region. Again, I remember BC as being incredibly
> picturesque. Always wanted to go back there on my m/c, but I think it'd
> be
> equally spectacular on a bike. You could do this thing in two or three
> separate pieces. Once you start, you may just get the bug.
>
> Take a cell phone set up for Canadian use. Let people hear from you
> periodically. Talk to the locals when picking campgrounds. Don't be
> afraid
> to get a dive hotel periodically. If it's bears you fear, learn all there
> is to know about avoidance, safety, and response.
>
> Life's an adventure. A solo trip through Canada would be the epitome of
> that. If I could . . . I would!
>
> Neil
>
>

01-26-2005, 08:28 PM

Neil, thanks so much..
I'm going to be done university this semester, got a few relatives a long
the way (northern ontario, vancouver, ottawa, some in newbrunswick). I don't
have a job (don't care for one right now

, and it's a totally perfect
oppertunity for me to go. I guess my friends aren't in the same situation
(one with a good job, and the other with plans of going to italy). So far,
EVERYBODY I've talked to that rides a bike says "GO!". The only "I don't
know if I'd do that..." has been from people who have never gone anywhere on
a bicycle.

Mike
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

"Neil Brooks" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:3EZJd.6673$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].prodigy.com ...
> Mike Beauchamp wrote:
>
>> I'm in a crappy situation here. I had been planning on riding across
>> Canada (west to east) for a few months now.. purchased about $1200
>> worth of gear, etc. I had planned on going with 2 friends, but I just
>> talked to one today who said he can't go and the other is still "not
>> official" since he has a good job and all.
>>
>> I obviously want to do this.. EVERYBODY I talk to (people that have
>> done it or not) says "you gotta do this..".
>>
>> The problem is, the idea of doing it solo scares me. I'm a city boy,
>> and I've never encountered bears before, etc. The plan was to do it
>> 'on the cheap' and camp as much as possible.. side of the road, etc.
>> But, not having 2 other people with me makes the whole prospect a lot
>> more scary. If something goes wrong, it seems like I may be ****ed
>> without other people around.
>>
>> Anyways, I'm obviously hugely disappointed right now.. just asking
>> for some advice.
>
> Long story short, Mike: go. Just go.
>
> In '95, I took my car and my camping gear, left Florida (headed for
> California), and camped my way up the mid-Atlantic states, through the
> Catskills, into the Allegheny's, then stopped for a beer at a friend's bar
> where I . . . met my eventual wife ;-)
>
> All my camping was alone, but I was only alone when I wanted to be.
> Canadians are (if you can ever stereotype so blatantly) an incredibly
> friendly lot. I spent a few weeks in British Columbia years ago and their
> hospitality was incredible. Cyclists, too, are quite the gregarious
> breed.
> I'm sure you wouldn't lack for either company, if wanted, or help, if
> needed.
>
> You'd have some lonely times, to be sure, but those are the times where
> you
> figure out who you are and what you're made of. You hang a lantern in
> your
> tent and read any of a thousand books that are just /perfect/ for that
> kind
> of trip.
>
> Alternately, you can start posting on some of these NG's that you're
> looking
> for a riding partner to join up with. That introduces its own set of
> risks
> and issues, but . . . if the alone thing doesn't work . . . it's an
> option.
> So is just shortening the trip--concentrating on just one or two provinces
> or a particular region. Again, I remember BC as being incredibly
> picturesque. Always wanted to go back there on my m/c, but I think it'd
> be
> equally spectacular on a bike. You could do this thing in two or three
> separate pieces. Once you start, you may just get the bug.
>
> Take a cell phone set up for Canadian use. Let people hear from you
> periodically. Talk to the locals when picking campgrounds. Don't be
> afraid
> to get a dive hotel periodically. If it's bears you fear, learn all there
> is to know about avoidance, safety, and response.
>
> Life's an adventure. A solo trip through Canada would be the epitome of
> that. If I could . . . I would!
>
> Neil
>
>

01-26-2005, 08:28 PM

Neil, thanks so much..
I'm going to be done university this semester, got a few relatives a long
the way (northern ontario, vancouver, ottawa, some in newbrunswick). I don't
have a job (don't care for one right now

, and it's a totally perfect
oppertunity for me to go. I guess my friends aren't in the same situation
(one with a good job, and the other with plans of going to italy). So far,
EVERYBODY I've talked to that rides a bike says "GO!". The only "I don't
know if I'd do that..." has been from people who have never gone anywhere on
a bicycle.

Mike
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

"Neil Brooks" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:3EZJd.6673$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].prodigy.com ...
> Mike Beauchamp wrote:
>
>> I'm in a crappy situation here. I had been planning on riding across
>> Canada (west to east) for a few months now.. purchased about $1200
>> worth of gear, etc. I had planned on going with 2 friends, but I just
>> talked to one today who said he can't go and the other is still "not
>> official" since he has a good job and all.
>>
>> I obviously want to do this.. EVERYBODY I talk to (people that have
>> done it or not) says "you gotta do this..".
>>
>> The problem is, the idea of doing it solo scares me. I'm a city boy,
>> and I've never encountered bears before, etc. The plan was to do it
>> 'on the cheap' and camp as much as possible.. side of the road, etc.
>> But, not having 2 other people with me makes the whole prospect a lot
>> more scary. If something goes wrong, it seems like I may be ****ed
>> without other people around.
>>
>> Anyways, I'm obviously hugely disappointed right now.. just asking
>> for some advice.
>
> Long story short, Mike: go. Just go.
>
> In '95, I took my car and my camping gear, left Florida (headed for
> California), and camped my way up the mid-Atlantic states, through the
> Catskills, into the Allegheny's, then stopped for a beer at a friend's bar
> where I . . . met my eventual wife ;-)
>
> All my camping was alone, but I was only alone when I wanted to be.
> Canadians are (if you can ever stereotype so blatantly) an incredibly
> friendly lot. I spent a few weeks in British Columbia years ago and their
> hospitality was incredible. Cyclists, too, are quite the gregarious
> breed.
> I'm sure you wouldn't lack for either company, if wanted, or help, if
> needed.
>
> You'd have some lonely times, to be sure, but those are the times where
> you
> figure out who you are and what you're made of. You hang a lantern in
> your
> tent and read any of a thousand books that are just /perfect/ for that
> kind
> of trip.
>
> Alternately, you can start posting on some of these NG's that you're
> looking
> for a riding partner to join up with. That introduces its own set of
> risks
> and issues, but . . . if the alone thing doesn't work . . . it's an
> option.
> So is just shortening the trip--concentrating on just one or two provinces
> or a particular region. Again, I remember BC as being incredibly
> picturesque. Always wanted to go back there on my m/c, but I think it'd
> be
> equally spectacular on a bike. You could do this thing in two or three
> separate pieces. Once you start, you may just get the bug.
>
> Take a cell phone set up for Canadian use. Let people hear from you
> periodically. Talk to the locals when picking campgrounds. Don't be
> afraid
> to get a dive hotel periodically. If it's bears you fear, learn all there
> is to know about avoidance, safety, and response.
>
> Life's an adventure. A solo trip through Canada would be the epitome of
> that. If I could . . . I would!
>
> Neil
>
>

01-26-2005, 08:31 PM

Hey Brian,
Good point about the guerrilla camping. I'll check out that website for
sure..
I recently read a book called "timbit nation" about a journalist hitchiking
across Canada, and he describes NB and NS as being as you said.. I'm much
looking forward to it. He also describes a lot of abandoned farm houses and
barns (which I may stay in

As for the journal, part of the reason I'm so disappointed with my friends
not going is that I've purchased a bunch of audio video gear to bring on the
trip to document it. The plan is to keep a video journal of the ride and
edit it down into a full length movie and stick it on the internet.

Mike
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

"Brian Huntley" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:1106801234.147103.282670@z14g2000cwz.googlegr oups.com...
> I'd say it's actually easier to guerrilla camp solo - you're less
> obvious when you're alone. Just don't buy a bright pink tent.
>
> If you want to read a *lot* of inspirational bike trip journals, try
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] - there's about 475 tour journals there (and
> counting.)
>
> While I've yet to go trans-Canada, I've done solo tours of about a
> week's duration each summer for the last several years. There are
> places in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick where you won't see a car for
> half a day. Heck, even in Ontario, hours can go by. Out there by
> yourself, it's wonderful. But when I broke a derailleur in NB, I
> eventually got a ride, and I have to say that was one of the most
> interesting days I've spent on a bike (and in a pickup) so far.
> So go for it, and keep a journal.
>

01-26-2005, 08:31 PM

Hey Brian,
Good point about the guerrilla camping. I'll check out that website for
sure..
I recently read a book called "timbit nation" about a journalist hitchiking
across Canada, and he describes NB and NS as being as you said.. I'm much
looking forward to it. He also describes a lot of abandoned farm houses and
barns (which I may stay in

As for the journal, part of the reason I'm so disappointed with my friends
not going is that I've purchased a bunch of audio video gear to bring on the
trip to document it. The plan is to keep a video journal of the ride and
edit it down into a full length movie and stick it on the internet.

Mike
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

"Brian Huntley" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:1106801234.147103.282670@z14g2000cwz.googlegr oups.com...
> I'd say it's actually easier to guerrilla camp solo - you're less
> obvious when you're alone. Just don't buy a bright pink tent.
>
> If you want to read a *lot* of inspirational bike trip journals, try
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] - there's about 475 tour journals there (and
> counting.)
>
> While I've yet to go trans-Canada, I've done solo tours of about a
> week's duration each summer for the last several years. There are
> places in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick where you won't see a car for
> half a day. Heck, even in Ontario, hours can go by. Out there by
> yourself, it's wonderful. But when I broke a derailleur in NB, I
> eventually got a ride, and I have to say that was one of the most
> interesting days I've spent on a bike (and in a pickup) so far.
> So go for it, and keep a journal.
>

01-26-2005, 08:31 PM

Hey Brian,
Good point about the guerrilla camping. I'll check out that website for
sure..
I recently read a book called "timbit nation" about a journalist hitchiking
across Canada, and he describes NB and NS as being as you said.. I'm much
looking forward to it. He also describes a lot of abandoned farm houses and
barns (which I may stay in

As for the journal, part of the reason I'm so disappointed with my friends
not going is that I've purchased a bunch of audio video gear to bring on the
trip to document it. The plan is to keep a video journal of the ride and
edit it down into a full length movie and stick it on the internet.

Mike
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

"Brian Huntley" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:1106801234.147103.282670@z14g2000cwz.googlegr oups.com...
> I'd say it's actually easier to guerrilla camp solo - you're less
> obvious when you're alone. Just don't buy a bright pink tent.
>
> If you want to read a *lot* of inspirational bike trip journals, try
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] - there's about 475 tour journals there (and
> counting.)
>
> While I've yet to go trans-Canada, I've done solo tours of about a
> week's duration each summer for the last several years. There are
> places in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick where you won't see a car for
> half a day. Heck, even in Ontario, hours can go by. Out there by
> yourself, it's wonderful. But when I broke a derailleur in NB, I
> eventually got a ride, and I have to say that was one of the most
> interesting days I've spent on a bike (and in a pickup) so far.
> So go for it, and keep a journal.
>

01-26-2005, 11:37 PM

"Mike Beauchamp" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> schreef in bericht
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]...
> Hey all,
> I'm in a crappy situation here. I had been planning on riding across
Canada
> (west to east) for a few months now.. purchased about $1200 worth of gear,
> etc. I had planned on going with 2 friends, but I just talked to one today
> who said he can't go and the other is still "not official" since he has a
> good job and all.
>
> I obviously want to do this.. EVERYBODY I talk to (people that have done
it
> or not) says "you gotta do this..".
>
> The problem is, the idea of doing it solo scares me. I'm a city boy, and
> I've never encountered bears before, etc. The plan was to do it 'on the
> cheap' and camp as much as possible.. side of the road, etc. But, not
having
> 2 other people with me makes the whole prospect a lot more scary. If
> something goes wrong, it seems like I may be ****ed without other people
> around.
>
> Anyways, I'm obviously hugely disappointed right now.. just asking for
some
> advice.
>
> Mike
>
>

Go, man, GO. Go east, boy. There are somethings that a man has gotta do.
Do not let others interfere with your destiny in life.

I once planned a trip accross the Alps with two others. In the end the two
of them pulled back, and I decided that that was NOT going cause any effect
on me and the trip planned .
Result: time of my life. Met lots of people on the trip, that I otherwise
would have missed because a group is always focussed on its members and an
individual has to reach out to others. Huge photo album. Good memories.

B.e.r.t.

--
Posted by news://news.nb.nu