Round the World Tour at 61

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Malky 1422
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Round the World Tour at 61

Post by Malky 1422 »

Just a thought, has anyone in my age group (I'm 61) considered packing in work, selling up and riding off world wide, come back at 65 and collect your pension. I am so sick of my work I have considered it, but its a bold thing to do.
DaleFTW
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Re: Round the World Tour at 61

Post by DaleFTW »

I'm going to say yes. Sure I read a CGOAB journal along those lines, but can't remember which.

For what it's worth, I vote do it.
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SimonCelsa
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Re: Round the World Tour at 61

Post by SimonCelsa »

If you've got no kids who rely on you then go for it Malky...... I've retained a small shack in the Philippines from a previous job 20 years ago that you can stay in if you make it that far. I think it's still there but maybe the roofs a little damaged from the typhoon that passed over last year. It is my 'get out' in case I lose it all in the final few years.

Obviously when other people are 'relying' on you then it can be deemed as rather selfish - you just can't win, unless you take them along with you.

Why not just chuck in your job if it's that bad and become a postman or something similar, unless your earning big bucks the final 4 years can't make that much difference can they?

Anyway, the grass isn't always greener, most people are in the same boat & when you put it in perspective 'what's another 4 years anyway'. If you've made it this far then just stay fit, stay sane, pocket the cash & you'll have a little bit more to spend on your RTW trip at 65.

Take it easy & do what you think is best, never let the bleeders grind you down, always look on the bright side of life da da etc,

Not much help I know but we must all get these thoughts, all the best, Simon
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bigjim
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Re: Round the World Tour at 61

Post by bigjim »

If you've got enough for your needs, just pack the job in. Thats what I did. Told them to stuff it and walked away. long story.
Anyway, gave me more time to get on my bike and other stuff. However I have a big family that I love so it's shortish European trips for me and a lot of short rides. I have no intention of riding the likes of India or China and maybe needing good medical help, although I do fancy riding Australia or the States. But I'd never be away too long. I like my clean big bed, conveniences and having my wifes warm bum next to me. But of course thats just me and I don't know your circumstances. If you are looking for adventure, IMO, it can still be found close enough to home.
When I read of peoples around the world stuff and the like it's usually young guys with no ties or responsibilities. You don't see many older ones doing it apart from the likes of Ann Mustoe who died in strange circumstances in a Syrian hospital. She had no kids, husband etc.
For eaxample http://forum.ctc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=89591. Not a grey hair in sight.
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b1ke
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Re: Round the World Tour at 61

Post by b1ke »

I don't think hating a job is a good reason to pedal round the world. Wanting to pedal round the world has to be the primary driver. I find the right headspace is crucial for long tours to succeed. Without that the trip may turn into a burden.
http://www.farewellburt.wordpress.com - Europe on a Tandem....
http://www.thespokeandwords.wordpress.com - West Africa on a Tandem....
axel_knutt
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Re: Round the World Tour at 61

Post by axel_knutt »

I haven't sold up or been round the world, but I quit work when I got fed up with it at 38 in order to walk and cycle more, I just packed the rucsac or panniers and set off. When I got tired or fed up I'd go home, service the bike, do the laundry, and then go somewhere else.
“I'm not upset that you lied to me, I'm upset that from now on I can't believe you.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche
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bigjim
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Re: Round the World Tour at 61

Post by bigjim »

axel_knutt wrote:I haven't sold up or been round the world, but I quit work when I got fed up with it at 38 in order to walk and cycle more, I just packed the rucsac or panniers and set off. When I got tired or fed up I'd go home, service the bike, do the laundry, and then go somewhere else.

Nice life :)
lhendrick
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Re: Round the World Tour at 61

Post by lhendrick »

I can't tell you whether to do it or not, only you know that. I will tell you that I, at age 64, bought a touring bike, equipped it and then shipped it over to Europe from the US and rode from London to France and then East on to Budapest, about 1800 miles in 37 days.

I had a great time, learned a lot about touring and me and Europe.

I retired many years ago and tried touring because I was bored and adventurous.

I am divorced, no kids, live on a pension, very inexpensive housing, no debt.
Bicycler
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Re: Round the World Tour at 61

Post by Bicycler »

b1ke wrote:I don't think hating a job is a good reason to pedal round the world. Wanting to pedal round the world has to be the primary driver. I find the right headspace is crucial for long tours to succeed. Without that the trip may turn into a burden.

+1 I think you need to separate the two things.
simonhill
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Re: Round the World Tour at 61

Post by simonhill »

+2. I agree with the above. If you need to ask us, do you really want to do it. What if we all say NO!!

I always wanted to give up work at 42, no one believed I would do it. They were right, it was 45. Out of a good job and on a plane to India within 3 days.

I had already travelled a lot and met many lost souls endlessly and aimlessly wandering, so I decided I wanted to keep my home ties. I made and still make 2 x3 month trips in the winter. Always home for Christmas and New Year (best time to socialise) and the summer. The idea of cycling round the world or setting off on an indefinite trip has never appealed to me

I mainly travel in Asia because I love the place, the people, the food, the landscape, etc. Also it is pretty cheap. I have been to Oz and NZ a few times as more expensive treats.

Now 61 and off to Japan in a few weeks - this one will cost, but got a bit more cash now.

I am very happy with my life style and don't regret leaving a good job for a more frugal lifestyle, not that I felt I ever lacked anything I really wanted due to a reasonable wadge of savings (as I said this had been planned for many years).

Yes, you can do it. You need to decide if you want to and what you will be losing if you don't and what you will be gaining if you do. I have met many people who love life on the road and as I said, I have also met quite a few who don't.

I am quite a careful sort of chap and always make sure I have a bail of plan, that's probably my advice.
phil parker
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Re: Round the World Tour at 61

Post by phil parker »

You could always try a tour around the coast of Britain first, over about three to four months and see how you get on?

Pack in work anyway and have some 'me' time if it's getting you down- if things don't work out you can always try something else. You won't get a second chance: perhaps you just need some head or heart advice?

Good luck, whatever you decide!
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