Hobo (noun) ho·bo | \ ˈhō-(ˌ)bō
1: a migratory worker
2: a homeless and usually penniless vagabond
After years of having my face buried in a computer screen I decided that I need to get out more. My job used to be involve travelling around, interacting face-to-face with real people, making friends and feeling of some practical help. But my line of work these days has degenerated into an online bureaucratic borefest, often tedious and potentially soul-destroying if not switched off occasionally.
Seeking rejuvenation, I devised a demented scheme to cycle around Europe – eventually further – and still keep working. All I need is a laptop. BikeHobo is born. The journey is the destination! Basic rules:
1. Map the route, but don’t over-plan
Although I will be following some established routes, not all of these have reliable GPS tracks to follow. So, I’m going to record progress on my phone and publish the GPX files here. Otherwise, I’ll be playing it by ear.
2. Be frugal, but no too much.
I’m a city boy at heart, but this time I’ll be sticking mainly to the countryside. Therefore wild camping and meals cooked in the open. Extra weight on the bike, but more fun. Not to say I won’t have the odd blowout, and I will be sampling the local foods as much as possible, while no doubt meeting new friends, as long as I don’t smell too bad.
3. It’s not a race.
100km per day is a reasonable target, though some days more, some days less depending on road conditions and time spent smelling the flowers.
…and make the rest up as I go along!