Pending World Trip

[TrevorJohnLeake]

Howdy guys,

Let's cover ze basics:
I'm young (19) and relatively limited on funds.
I've bikepacked before over a fair distance (800km) in Europe.

So, I loved my previous trip, which I came home from half a year ago, and am really hoping I can get back soon. The way I was spending my money seemed to be pretty sustainable, and I believe I could've continued my trip for several more months at least. My issue was.. unique for sure. haha. I had too much of a good time, in a way.
Anyway, I'm planning a trip from my hometown, Portland, Oregon, across the US, then across the sea via boat to Europe. Then hopefully my funds will endure across Europe and Asia and back around to Amurica! I found most everything in the realm of bikepacking relatively easy to figure out, save a few things.

- When in Bivy sack, how do you ward off animals? Mice, dogs, bears, etc.
I had a couple hairy encounters with dogs while on bike, but luckily never met with one while sleeping. I found my cable lock, spun in a fast windmilly fashion kept the dogs at bay. Though they still bit at my pack

- What kinds of foods are truly healthy and cheap? I enjoyed fruits, breads, nuts, and cheeses mostly, but couldn't think of much else that would be cheap with little to no prep.

- What do you guys use for waterproofing maps? I never found anything that was cheap and easy to use.

- And how do you guys battle loneliness when it strikes you in your tent, or somewhere you don't speak the language?


That's about it, but I'm sure any spare tips you have would be helpful!

Thanks everybody!


May there always be tailwinds,
Trevor John Leake

[fotooutdoors]

So, no expert in most of your questions, but I can address the loneliness issue-mainly from experience road touring and travel abroad.  For me, it hits the most at the end of the day when I am tired and especially when I don't have anything that I need to do the rest of the day.  The usual fix is to go to sleep. 

If it is too early for that, I try to get into town.  Even if you don't know the local language (which will surely happen on your planned trip), you can always engage people in some way.  Plus, in many countries, most people (or at least men, who are more likely to have had education in many developing countries) know more than one language, so you may be in luck.  If hitting a loneliness funk, find the nearest town with some expats (usually larger towns or tourist destinations) and hang there for a couple days.

Good luck!

[hmaddox]

I don't have any answers to your questions, but I was intrigued by your idea to take a boat from America to Europe. It's something I've been interested in (don't like airline travel) but haven't found any affordable ways to do it. Any insight as to how you plan to get over there? I'd be interested to know more. Thanks!

[sulfate125]

I used rite in the rain paper for my cue sheets.  But there are several waterproof printer papers out there.  Can be used to photocopy maps or cue sheets.