How will I do it, and other frequently asked questions.

How will I pull this off?

The short answer: I don't know!

I have never done anything like this, so I will learn most of it while on the road.

But, my game plan is to carry everything I need with me on my bike and in a small trailer I will tow. I plan on camping most nights, and staying in cheap hotels, or hostels when I feel like it. I will cook my food as I go and eat out, again, when the mood takes me. I am bringing only what I think will be essential to completing the journey, and I have no doubt I will acquire some things as I go and leave other things behind. I will ride the bike as much as possible, only taking conventional modes of transportation when I am crossing bodies of water, or when I have no alternative.

A list of my gear:

• Tent
• Hammock
• Sleeping Bag
• Sleeping Mat
• Cooking Gear
• Simple Stove
• Water Purifier
• First Aid Kit
• Toiletries
• Maps
• Book
• Small Laptop Computer (for staying in touch!)
• ipod
• Cycling Clothes
• Day Clothes and Rain Clothes
• Bike and Trailer
• Passport and other legal documents
• Camera

How much will it cost?

I plan on living on an average daily budget of $20 a day. Some days will be less, others more. Depending on the country, the going exchange rates and my activities for the day, that number will vary by a large margin, but in the end, I will be doing everything in my power to strictly adhere to that number. Toss in a couple thousand more dollars for over-water travel costs, visas, incidentals and bike repairs.

How long will it take?

I think if I pushed it, I could get it done in less than two years, but I would be moving very fast, and I would be cutting out huge chunks of the trip. I plan on going at what ever pace I feel like. I am not racing around the world, I am trying to see the world. If I find a place I like, I will stay. If I find a place I don't like, I'll move on. With that in mind, I figure it will take me about 3 years to complete my journey, but that number could vary.

Wont it be dangerous?

The short answer: Yes.

There will be the threat of wild animals, exposure to the elements, bandits, corrupt officials, armed conflicts, etc.

But is daily life really that safe? We all know how fast life can be taken from us. At any given day, you could be struck by a car, fall ill, choke to death on your lunch, or any other of a multitude of possible life ending accidents. I refuse to let fear of possible outcomes dictate my decisions in life. I do not think it is better to die an old man in my bed, having lived a safe life that was devoid of any adventure and excitement. Better to go out really living life and enjoying it, in my opinion.

However, I will not be out looking for trouble. I want to live through this adventure and tell my grand kids about it! I will take every precaution and avoid unnecessary risks.

Wont you get lonely?

Yes, there will be times when I will be very lonely, I'm sure. I get lonely here at times too, though. But there will also be times when I meet incredible new friends from all corners of the earth and get to learn about their ways of life. I enjoy being alone, but I also love meeting new people and making new friends. As I travel I will get to do a lot of both, so in my mind traveling alone will be no problem. I have gone backpacking by myself in foreign countries and always had a fantastic time. If I meet people to travel with on the road, great, but in the end if I make the entire trek by myself, then that is fine by me too.