Where do year round touring folks tour during the winter months?
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#27
This is interesting...I wonder how many folks know this, take advantage of this, or actually do this exactly.
So technically, I should be coming down out of Alaska right about now and entering back in the mainland. I actually want to do this. I can either find a cheap way up with my stuff and gear and catch it where I should be and just start following it, or I can create my own path for the remainder of this year, doing something similar in that region, but looping back around and connecting back up with it by October 1, and then following it out for the remainder of this year, into next year. That will allow me to fully acclimate, see the U.S. like I wanted, and then I will be so adjusted to it I can do the rest of the world if still wanting to.
Thank you for this.
#28
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I know you mentioned Australia, but Australia is one of the more expensive countries in the world to visit. So I do want to see it at some point, but I would need to include it in a pass through rather than go spend a winter there because of the cost of living.
If we really only live once, and I will never get a chance to do this again because of age, health, commitments, tragedy, whatever...then I want to go do this. So what places should I be focused on, for what months, in a continuous path if possible, in the most affordable way?
For as much resources out there that there is, and for as long as I have read this stuff, I don't honestly recall coming across folks directly talking about, "this is how I year round tour and avoid weather..." kind of thing.
I don't have expectations, just trying to understand logically if that is doable, or do I need to start thinking about bike/flying more than just continuous touring?
If you want to travel outside of your own country which is, I assume, the US ... first let us know how old you are and what kind of educational background you have. That will help us give you tips.
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#29
Australia is only expensive for tourists. For those of us living here, it's not bad. And it depends where you go and what you do. If you insist on trying to stay in a city like Sydney or Melbourne it is going to be very expensive ... but if you get out in the country, there are lots of places you could camp for free.
If you want to travel outside of your own country which is, I assume, the US ... first let us know how old you are and what kind of educational background you have. That will help us give you tips.
If you want to travel outside of your own country which is, I assume, the US ... first let us know how old you are and what kind of educational background you have. That will help us give you tips.
Why does education matter for survival tips? (curious)
Last edited by Bike Jedi; 07-29-19 at 07:33 AM.
#30
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If you were under 30 you could do working holidays to quite a number of countries. You could plan a holiday to take in the good weather in various spots around the world and could find work there, following the legal protocols, of course.
But that's not an option for you.
So the next option is whether or not you'd be eligible to immigrate. Education is a big factor in that.
If you're able to immigrate to a southern hemisphere country, you could set up a base there and keep a base in your current country and then you've got the option of doing 6 months and 6 months in the conditions you prefer. And you could work to bolster the budget a bit to allow you to travel to other places around each place.
Of course another option would be to travel as close to the equator as possible.
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#31
I don't think the OP ever said anything about wanting to emigrate from the USA or desiring to work.
Also, "as close to the equator as possible" isn't a good plan, either, given what the OP wrote. I've toured in equatorial areas, and the heat and humidity is usually pretty bad, generally worse than the southeastern USA in the summer. The OP has stated he wants to avoid that. OTOH, I've toured in northern Thailand and northern Laos in January/February, and the weather is nearly ideal for touring during that period and meets the OP's stated requirements. The northern parts of those 2 countries are sufficiently far from the equator that for 3 months of the year (Dec-Feb), the temperatures are much cooler than the rest of the year which is typically uncomfortably hot & humid. Dec-Feb is also the dry season in northern Thailand & Laos. I've toured in places near sea level closer to the equator such as central Thailand & Malaysia, and it's hot & humid year-round unless you're at altitude. The Yucatan in Mexico is another area that's far enough from the equator that it has comfortable temperatures from Dec. to Feb., but is very hot & humid the rest of the year. Central Mexico also has pretty good touring weather during the North American winter, too. Although I toured in Colombia (which is close to the equator) this past Jan/Feb, I was always at altitude (between 5,000 ft/1600m & 9,000 ft/2700m), so the temperature wasn't exceedingly hot. If I had chosen to ride in a couple of deep valleys in Colombia, then I would have had very hot & humid equatorial conditions. I preferred the mountain scenery, though it was very challenging riding at times.
Also, "as close to the equator as possible" isn't a good plan, either, given what the OP wrote. I've toured in equatorial areas, and the heat and humidity is usually pretty bad, generally worse than the southeastern USA in the summer. The OP has stated he wants to avoid that. OTOH, I've toured in northern Thailand and northern Laos in January/February, and the weather is nearly ideal for touring during that period and meets the OP's stated requirements. The northern parts of those 2 countries are sufficiently far from the equator that for 3 months of the year (Dec-Feb), the temperatures are much cooler than the rest of the year which is typically uncomfortably hot & humid. Dec-Feb is also the dry season in northern Thailand & Laos. I've toured in places near sea level closer to the equator such as central Thailand & Malaysia, and it's hot & humid year-round unless you're at altitude. The Yucatan in Mexico is another area that's far enough from the equator that it has comfortable temperatures from Dec. to Feb., but is very hot & humid the rest of the year. Central Mexico also has pretty good touring weather during the North American winter, too. Although I toured in Colombia (which is close to the equator) this past Jan/Feb, I was always at altitude (between 5,000 ft/1600m & 9,000 ft/2700m), so the temperature wasn't exceedingly hot. If I had chosen to ride in a couple of deep valleys in Colombia, then I would have had very hot & humid equatorial conditions. I preferred the mountain scenery, though it was very challenging riding at times.
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#32
If you were under 30 you could do working holidays to quite a number of countries. You could plan a holiday to take in the good weather in various spots around the world and could find work there, following the legal protocols, of course.
But that's not an option for you.
But that's not an option for you.
You could set up a base there and keep a base in your current country and then you've got the option of doing 6 months and 6 months in the conditions you prefer.
Thanks for your input. I like some of your ideas and need to think some more about the 2 base camp thing
#33
I don't think the OP ever said anything about wanting to emigrate from the USA or desiring to work.
Also, "as close to the equator as possible" isn't a good plan, either, given what the OP wrote. I've toured in equatorial areas, and the heat and humidity is usually pretty bad, generally worse than the southeastern USA in the summer. The OP has stated he wants to avoid that. OTOH, I've toured in northern Thailand and northern Laos in January/February, and the weather is nearly ideal for touring during that period and meets the OP's stated requirements. The northern parts of those 2 countries are sufficiently far from the equator that for 3 months of the year (Dec-Feb), the temperatures are much cooler than the rest of the year which is typically uncomfortably hot & humid. Dec-Feb is also the dry season in northern Thailand & Laos. I've toured in places near sea level closer to the equator such as central Thailand & Malaysia, and it's hot & humid year-round unless you're at altitude. The Yucatan in Mexico is another area that's far enough from the equator that it has comfortable temperatures from Dec. to Feb., but is very hot & humid the rest of the year. Central Mexico also has pretty good touring weather during the North American winter, too. Although I toured in Colombia (which is close to the equator) this past Jan/Feb, I was always at altitude (between 5,000 ft/1600m & 9,000 ft/2700m), so the temperature wasn't exceedingly hot. If I had chosen to ride in a couple of deep valleys in Colombia, then I would have had very hot & humid equatorial conditions. I preferred the mountain scenery, though it was very challenging riding at times.
Also, "as close to the equator as possible" isn't a good plan, either, given what the OP wrote. I've toured in equatorial areas, and the heat and humidity is usually pretty bad, generally worse than the southeastern USA in the summer. The OP has stated he wants to avoid that. OTOH, I've toured in northern Thailand and northern Laos in January/February, and the weather is nearly ideal for touring during that period and meets the OP's stated requirements. The northern parts of those 2 countries are sufficiently far from the equator that for 3 months of the year (Dec-Feb), the temperatures are much cooler than the rest of the year which is typically uncomfortably hot & humid. Dec-Feb is also the dry season in northern Thailand & Laos. I've toured in places near sea level closer to the equator such as central Thailand & Malaysia, and it's hot & humid year-round unless you're at altitude. The Yucatan in Mexico is another area that's far enough from the equator that it has comfortable temperatures from Dec. to Feb., but is very hot & humid the rest of the year. Central Mexico also has pretty good touring weather during the North American winter, too. Although I toured in Colombia (which is close to the equator) this past Jan/Feb, I was always at altitude (between 5,000 ft/1600m & 9,000 ft/2700m), so the temperature wasn't exceedingly hot. If I had chosen to ride in a couple of deep valleys in Colombia, then I would have had very hot & humid equatorial conditions. I preferred the mountain scenery, though it was very challenging riding at times.
#34
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#35
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I do. Since 2011. I end up in the same seasonal loop each year somehow. My winters seem to occure in Maine. It started with volunteering one year. That has led to autum pilgrimages annually. I swap bikes obviously. This year I am aiming for a southern Texas winter despite all the political blah blah. Volunteering can lead to some fun times and networking you would have not been able to on your own.
#37
Senior Member
I do. Since 2011. I end up in the same seasonal loop each year somehow. My winters seem to occure in Maine. It started with volunteering one year. That has led to autum pilgrimages annually. I swap bikes obviously. This year I am aiming for a southern Texas winter despite all the political blah blah. Volunteering can lead to some fun times and networking you would have not been able to on your own.
Last edited by ironwood; 08-06-19 at 11:30 AM. Reason: punctuation
#38
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Where do folks who tour year round consistently, ride during the winter months to avoid cold weather?
If you are in the U.S. where do you go during December, January, February, and March? Does everyone really go to places like Arizona? Are there places bike touring folks seem to migrate the most during winter months if you stay mainland without dealing with the cold at all? What does that look like exactly?
If you are in the U.S. where do you go during December, January, February, and March? Does everyone really go to places like Arizona? Are there places bike touring folks seem to migrate the most during winter months if you stay mainland without dealing with the cold at all? What does that look like exactly?
#39
Senior Member
Not many spots in USA that don't get cold sometimes. I've been in central/coastal Florida when it was 38° F & raining. I think the main thing is to avoid snow. In dry weather, 40°'s can be quite pleasant for cycling. Short winter days give less daylight for riding though. With an open schedule I guess that's tolerable but one gets less touring for the time/money than in the other 3 seasons.
Obviously you can go further south in Florida where it is warmer yet.
#40
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Generally, in the circle which I am in, many folks start chat aiming for either southern Texas or any place below Okeechobee, FL. I have also noticed the migration depends on social media exposure as well. This probably explains the Arizona reference. The last two years folks have been trekking to northwestern Arkansas due to the agressive mountain bike ads. That place will always have a stigmata tough to beat. Now with the recent changes in government the normal places have lost much of their star struck appeal. I have heard this year the place to be may be Nevada.
#41
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Generally, in the circle which I am in, many folks start chat aiming for either southern Texas or any place below Okeechobee, FL. I have also noticed the migration depends on social media exposure as well. This probably explains the Arizona reference. The last two years folks have been trekking to northwestern Arkansas due to the agressive mountain bike ads. That place will always have a stigmata tough to beat. Now with the recent changes in government the normal places have lost much of their star struck appeal. I have heard this year the place to be may be Nevada.
Confused is an understatement.
#42
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#44
Yes. Allegedly.
Like allegedly you're a real human being, typing on a computer, out in hyperspace somewhere, allegedly in control of your own life and will too.
Allegedly the sun came from the big bang...allegedly.
Where did the big bang come from?
Allegedly, they tell me there is a Europe too.
Obviously you haven't seen the blip in the matrix. You still believe it's real.
So allegedly, you are real in control of your own free will in the matrix, but the sun isn't. So you subscribe to a philosophy of things and accept them as ultimate truth, because they told you to...allegedly.
And allegedly, you want me to believe that, and if I don't, you will have some mean things to say, tell me how wrong I am, or try to shame me in some way because you say so.
There is no way for me to win in the conversation, so what would you like me to say?
I don't believe the sun is anymore real then you are, Betty down the block, or really anything for that matter other than what I experience. Just about everything we believe today, we won't in 1000 years. They will think you are idiots and cavemen in just about every capacity. So why do you want me to believe what you will say on the matter (or anyone) is matter of fact?
Next you will be telling me that we die one day too....
Like allegedly you're a real human being, typing on a computer, out in hyperspace somewhere, allegedly in control of your own life and will too.
Allegedly the sun came from the big bang...allegedly.
Where did the big bang come from?
Allegedly, they tell me there is a Europe too.
Obviously you haven't seen the blip in the matrix. You still believe it's real.
So allegedly, you are real in control of your own free will in the matrix, but the sun isn't. So you subscribe to a philosophy of things and accept them as ultimate truth, because they told you to...allegedly.
And allegedly, you want me to believe that, and if I don't, you will have some mean things to say, tell me how wrong I am, or try to shame me in some way because you say so.
There is no way for me to win in the conversation, so what would you like me to say?
I don't believe the sun is anymore real then you are, Betty down the block, or really anything for that matter other than what I experience. Just about everything we believe today, we won't in 1000 years. They will think you are idiots and cavemen in just about every capacity. So why do you want me to believe what you will say on the matter (or anyone) is matter of fact?
Next you will be telling me that we die one day too....
#45
Senior Member
for folks that want to set up a base in the usa but spend much of their time traveling, you can pick up a little house in a small town in southwest texas for under $25k.
a few advantages..........no personal income tax, very low property taxes, homestead exemptions reduce property taxes for some, minimal government to intrude in unincorporated towns (often no need for building permits), low insurance costs, minimal heating in the short winter week, chicken fried steak.
a few advantages..........no personal income tax, very low property taxes, homestead exemptions reduce property taxes for some, minimal government to intrude in unincorporated towns (often no need for building permits), low insurance costs, minimal heating in the short winter week, chicken fried steak.
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#46
Yes. Allegedly.
Like allegedly you're a real human being, typing on a computer, out in hyperspace somewhere, allegedly in control of your own life and will too.
Allegedly the sun came from the big bang...allegedly.
Where did the big bang come from?
Allegedly, they tell me there is a Europe too.
Obviously you haven't seen the blip in the matrix. You still believe it's real.
So allegedly, you are real in control of your own free will in the matrix, but the sun isn't. So you subscribe to a philosophy of things and accept them as ultimate truth, because they told you to...allegedly.
And allegedly, you want me to believe that, and if I don't, you will have some mean things to say, tell me how wrong I am, or try to shame me in some way because you say so. (not saying any of this with attitude or argumentative kind of thing...just from a philosophical point of view for reference)
There is no way for me to win in the conversation, so what would you like me to say?
I don't believe the sun is anymore real then you are, Betty down the block, or really anything for that matter other than what I experience. Just about everything we believe today, we won't in 1000 years. They will think you are idiots and cavemen in just about every capacity. So why do you want me to believe what you will say on the matter (or anyone) is matter of fact?
Next you will be telling me that we die one day too....
Like allegedly you're a real human being, typing on a computer, out in hyperspace somewhere, allegedly in control of your own life and will too.
Allegedly the sun came from the big bang...allegedly.
Where did the big bang come from?
Allegedly, they tell me there is a Europe too.
Obviously you haven't seen the blip in the matrix. You still believe it's real.
So allegedly, you are real in control of your own free will in the matrix, but the sun isn't. So you subscribe to a philosophy of things and accept them as ultimate truth, because they told you to...allegedly.
And allegedly, you want me to believe that, and if I don't, you will have some mean things to say, tell me how wrong I am, or try to shame me in some way because you say so. (not saying any of this with attitude or argumentative kind of thing...just from a philosophical point of view for reference)
There is no way for me to win in the conversation, so what would you like me to say?
I don't believe the sun is anymore real then you are, Betty down the block, or really anything for that matter other than what I experience. Just about everything we believe today, we won't in 1000 years. They will think you are idiots and cavemen in just about every capacity. So why do you want me to believe what you will say on the matter (or anyone) is matter of fact?
Next you will be telling me that we die one day too....
Last edited by Bike Jedi; 08-14-19 at 11:12 PM.
#47
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Twice ... for emphasis!
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#50
Used to be Conspiratemus
Check out the OPs other threads, all of which have gone the way of Capt. Queeg's testimony under Barney Greenwald in The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial. I suggest we not pile on. Temper the wind to the shorn lamb, please.
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