Originally Posted by
Bassmanbob
I plan to retire in the spring of 2033, and my wife knows the first summer of retirement will be spent cycling the Trans America Bike Trail from Astoria, OR to Yorktown, VA. An extended tour like this has been a dream for me since I was in college. I'll be 68 years-old in 2033 and will hopefully do this with a friend of mine. But if I do this solo, I want to make sure I save enough so it doesn't cut into retirement funds. I want to make sure I have everything saved prior to the tour. I already have the bike, the camping/ cooking equipment, the panniers and the electronics. It's ten years away, so I'm sure I'll have to replace some things before the tour. I just want to make sure I have the funds already set aside for the actual tour, once it starts. Of course I don't know how much inflation will there be between now and 2033, but the estimates below factor in a very vague estimation. Also, my experience is very limited to two short tours that were both three days. I plan to do some more short tours the next ten years, but probably not longer than a few days.
I'm thinking I'd ride approximately 50- 60 miles/day, 5- 6 days a week. This would take me anywhere from 14- 17 weeks to complete the 4,300 mile route at 250 - 300 miles/week.
Cost Estimates:
Food: $50/day x 7days/w x 17w = $5,950 ~ $6,000
Lodging: Camping: $30/n x 5n/w = $150/w
Hotel: $200/n x 2n/w = $400/w
Total/w = $550/w
X 17w = $9,350 total ~ $10,000
Note: I've read there are a number of legal free camping options along the route, but I don't want to count on that. Also: Most inexpensive hotels are not that expensive now, but I don't think I should underestimate the cost for them in ten years.
Bike Maintenance: 1 Chain: $50
4 Tires: $400
4 Brake pads: $100
Miscellaneous : $500
Total: $1,100 ~ $1,100
Clothing: I plan to have family mail me prepackaged items that include new clothing to various locations, but I'm sure there will be some moments I'll have to purchase something not expected. I've allotted $500 for extra clothing. I could also purchase the bike equipment prior to the trip and have that mailed too, but I'll leave the bike expense estimation intact. ~$500
Entertainment: Movies, museums, park fees, etc...
$100/w x 17w = $1,700 ~ $1,700
Total cost during the four month trip ~ $19,300
So what am I forgetting? Are my estimates WAY OFF? Obviously, we can't predict inflation, but would you estimate this in a similar manner?
Some general thoughts and comparisons with what I spend today:
1. Style difference: I would estimate in today's dollars and make a separate inflation estimate overall to everything rather than trying to make everything an inflation adjusted amount.
2. Style difference: for food - I would make the value how much extra I'm spending vs. staying home since I would also be paying for food there.
3. Some of my preferences are different than mine so that adjusts things but here are where my spending choices are different than yours:
- I really haven't spent anything additional underway for clothing. I don't wear it out ( so I don't need new clothing or anything sent to me ) I wear a limited set for entire trip.
- I've been staying in motels more than your estimate but also spending less per night.
- My food spending is lower than yours. There are a lot of things I pick up from groceries along the way (e.g. apple, avocado, yogurt, salad, fish/chicken, oatmeal, etc). Even in motel I can use steamer bags.
- I spent money to get myself to start of my trip and will spend some to get home.
- My tires last longer than yours. In past 4 months I've ridden 4900 miles and only now worn out a Schwalbe Marathon Plus rear tire. There might be different miscellaneous bike costs e.g. I replaced pedals.
- I'm not really spending for entertainment anywhere close to your budget. I bought a parks pass ($80) and haven't been to many museums.
4. I have taken my longer bike trips along the way rather than waiting until retirement.