Laptop or Tablet? What exactly is your setup for being plugged in?
#51
Thanks. Walking into Canada isn't as difficult as you make it sound, and it's also not as difficult to do as you are saying.
"I want to see the other side of Niagra falls."
End of story.
At least it was that easy last time. And when I did cross, I was nervous as crap because it wasn't as easy as it was 25 years ago, I was exhausted and looked like I had been up on some major drug run all night or something, and it was on a whim in the middle of the night.
The rest is just fear and not anything anyone really needs to worry about.
As for dealing with illegal America's in Canada...Never met one or dealt with it, ever. It's nonexistent in my world. No reason to put me in a classification that hasn't taken place, no plans to do, or anything else surrounding it.I have only dealt with illegal Canadians living here in Colorado. They don't seem to care at all about immigration laws. Kind of ironic hearing it from the other side of the fence when I never seen it myself or have any plans on breaking any customs or entry laws.
"I want to see the other side of Niagra falls."
End of story.
At least it was that easy last time. And when I did cross, I was nervous as crap because it wasn't as easy as it was 25 years ago, I was exhausted and looked like I had been up on some major drug run all night or something, and it was on a whim in the middle of the night.
The rest is just fear and not anything anyone really needs to worry about.
As for dealing with illegal America's in Canada...Never met one or dealt with it, ever. It's nonexistent in my world. No reason to put me in a classification that hasn't taken place, no plans to do, or anything else surrounding it.I have only dealt with illegal Canadians living here in Colorado. They don't seem to care at all about immigration laws. Kind of ironic hearing it from the other side of the fence when I never seen it myself or have any plans on breaking any customs or entry laws.
Last edited by Bike Jedi; 08-12-19 at 03:36 PM.
#52
Metro by Tmobile aka MetroPCS's "unlimited" $60 plan is limited to 15GB of hotspot 4g data per month:
https://www.metrobyt-mobile.com/shop/plans
Verizon actually has better prepaid/no contract/4g hotspot data deals (16gb/$45):
https://www.verizonwireless.com/prepaid/#singlePlan
Also not mentioned, Metro requires 6 months of cell plan enrollment to make their phones, free or otherwise, eligible to be unlocked, so that you could use the phone on another cell provider's plan (one who permits BYOD). So count on spending a minimum of $180 + tax plus $15 activation fee, or at least $200 for that "free" phone if you want to use it somewhere else.
https://www.metrobyt-mobile.com/shop/plans
Verizon actually has better prepaid/no contract/4g hotspot data deals (16gb/$45):
https://www.verizonwireless.com/prepaid/#singlePlan
Also not mentioned, Metro requires 6 months of cell plan enrollment to make their phones, free or otherwise, eligible to be unlocked, so that you could use the phone on another cell provider's plan (one who permits BYOD). So count on spending a minimum of $180 + tax plus $15 activation fee, or at least $200 for that "free" phone if you want to use it somewhere else.
Last edited by seeker333; 08-12-19 at 06:48 PM.
#53
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 17,036
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Liked 8,063 Times
in
4,472 Posts
- Why do you live in a supermarket every day?
- Is it the same one each day or do you rotate?
- Why there and not a library, community center, or other common location that isn't a for profit business?
- Why not just work at the supermarket since you live there each day as it is?
- You mentioned running your computer thru a big screen...is that not a major appliance?
So curious.
Likes For mstateglfr:
#54
Senior Member
You proobably will need a passport , passport card or NEXUS card to re-enter the US. I'm not sure whether a real ID driver's license would do.
It would be a good idea to have a passport in any case.
Gone are the days when all you were asked "Where were you born?"
It would be a good idea to have a passport in any case.
Gone are the days when all you were asked "Where were you born?"
#55
Senior Member
I'm intrigued. You hooked me.
- Why do you live in a supermarket every day?
- Is it the same one each day or do you rotate?
- Why there and not a library, community center, or other common location that isn't a for profit business?
- Why not just work at the supermarket since you live there each day as it is?
- You mentioned running your computer thru a big screen...is that not a major appliance?
So curious.
- Why do you live in a supermarket every day?
- Is it the same one each day or do you rotate?
- Why there and not a library, community center, or other common location that isn't a for profit business?
- Why not just work at the supermarket since you live there each day as it is?
- You mentioned running your computer thru a big screen...is that not a major appliance?
So curious.
come to think of it, the idea of spending your days in a walmart-supercenter all day, living off the free samples could be good practice for an endless roadtrip with no job, no savings, and no means of support.
at that age, with no fixed residence and no skills, pretty much reduced to either selling blood or busking. in that case, i'd go with the 70L ortliebs with room for an accordion.
Likes For saddlesores:
#56
I'm intrigued. You hooked me.
- Why do you live in a supermarket every day?
- Is it the same one each day or do you rotate?
- Why there and not a library, community center, or other common location that isn't a for profit business?
- Why not just work at the supermarket since you live there each day as it is?
- You mentioned running your computer thru a big screen...is that not a major appliance?
So curious.
- Why do you live in a supermarket every day?
- Is it the same one each day or do you rotate?
- Why there and not a library, community center, or other common location that isn't a for profit business?
- Why not just work at the supermarket since you live there each day as it is?
- You mentioned running your computer thru a big screen...is that not a major appliance?
So curious.
OBTL
#57
come to think of it, the idea of spending your days in a walmart-supercenter all day, living off the free samples could be good practice for an endless roadtrip with no job, no savings, and no means of support.
at that age, with no fixed residence and no skills, pretty much reduced to either selling blood or busking. in that case, i'd go with the 70L ortliebs with room for an accordion.
at that age, with no fixed residence and no skills, pretty much reduced to either selling blood or busking. in that case, i'd go with the 70L ortliebs with room for an accordion.
NSFW
#58
He knew that divine intervention was in play, got a second chance, and walked away...
Maybe this is my second chance...and I rode away...
#59
- Is it the same one each day or do you rotate?
- Why there and not a library, community center, or other common location that isn't a for profit business?
- Why not just work at the supermarket since you live there each day as it is?
- You mentioned running your computer thru a big screen...is that not a major appliance?
So curious.
#60
Actually, yes, I am aware of those things, and have used them. Counting on this in fact. Plenty of links to utilize and plan ahead for such services. Have an entire tool box of all the stuff you all have listed over the years of what to use, how to use it, where to go, what to look for, what website, what communities, etc, etc, etc...
#61
i understood it as unplugging the fridge......shopping daily for perishables, eating uncooked food, taking cold showers, sleeping without heat or ac.
come to think of it, the idea of spending your days in a walmart-supercenter all day, living off the free samples could be good practice for an endless roadtrip with no job, no savings, and no means of support.
at that age, with no fixed residence and no skills, pretty much reduced to either selling blood or busking. in that case, i'd go with the 70L ortliebs with room for an accordion.
come to think of it, the idea of spending your days in a walmart-supercenter all day, living off the free samples could be good practice for an endless roadtrip with no job, no savings, and no means of support.
at that age, with no fixed residence and no skills, pretty much reduced to either selling blood or busking. in that case, i'd go with the 70L ortliebs with room for an accordion.
Nobody every said anything about no means of support or income.
Nobody ever said no skills either. Not even close.
Not really sure what any of this has to do with getting a laptop or tablet for power.
Seems like back to the witch hunt kind of thing again
Not sure why they don't close the thread like requested to have it run a muck for nothing. Someone joins the forum, asks legit questions to folks that should be kin and get it in some ways, and it turns into a "let's crap all over this guys hopes and plans..."
Making it very difficult for folks to want to ask questions and seek sincere answers.
#63
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 17,036
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Liked 8,063 Times
in
4,472 Posts
Metaphorically speaking, not literally. I honestly wanted to just make a bunch of crap up there and roll with it...but I didn't. I ride up and get fresh groceries just about every day. I pretty much live on now what I would live on touring. I am a vegetarian so it's easy.
I actually rotate. The closest couple supermarkets are known hotspots for bike thieves and shady characters constantly sitting right next to the bike racks. So I can never go in and feel safe for long, and have to rush. If I want to go to a semi-safe one, then I have to ride much further. If I want to go to one I don't need to worry about, then I have to ride even further. So it depends on weather, mood, etc...
Because the library, community center, and other common locations doesn't sell groceries.
Why do I need to work in the supermarket because I shop there?
You do realize that I have a home correct? I am not homeless. I am not about to be homeless (well by choice I think). I don't need to be homeless. The homeless jokes are cute, almost a bit morbid and bizarre, but not my predicament and it doesn't have to be.
I actually rotate. The closest couple supermarkets are known hotspots for bike thieves and shady characters constantly sitting right next to the bike racks. So I can never go in and feel safe for long, and have to rush. If I want to go to a semi-safe one, then I have to ride much further. If I want to go to one I don't need to worry about, then I have to ride even further. So it depends on weather, mood, etc...
Because the library, community center, and other common locations doesn't sell groceries.
Why do I need to work in the supermarket because I shop there?
You do realize that I have a home correct? I am not homeless. I am not about to be homeless (well by choice I think). I don't need to be homeless. The homeless jokes are cute, almost a bit morbid and bizarre, but not my predicament and it doesn't have to be.
By your standards, I basically live in my car since I use it daily for 40-60min(the same general amount of time someone would be in a grocery store to shop daily). I dont think anyone would ever view me as 'basically living in my car', based on my use of it.
Also, I wasnt making any homeless jokes- I was really quite curious as to your claim of basically living in a grocery store since its so different from what I am used to seeing.
Likes For mstateglfr:
#64
Senior Member
#65
Senior Member
Not sure with folks constant condescending attitude about something I want to do. Not really sure why when one guy like a Darren Alf goes on long trips, consistently, consecutively, etc..touring, he becomes a legend. When someone such as myself wants to do it, I am suddenly the homeless bum, even among alleged peers in many ways. Odd to say the least.
Actually, yes, I am aware of those things, and have used them. Counting on this in fact. Plenty of links to utilize and plan ahead for such services. Have an entire tool box of all the stuff you all have listed over the years of what to use, how to use it, where to go, what to look for, what website, what communities, etc, etc, etc...
Actually, yes, I am aware of those things, and have used them. Counting on this in fact. Plenty of links to utilize and plan ahead for such services. Have an entire tool box of all the stuff you all have listed over the years of what to use, how to use it, where to go, what to look for, what website, what communities, etc, etc, etc...
Question? If you have it all figured out, have studied this for years and are better than most at cycling - why are you here?
This is just a community of people who like to bicycle tour and help each other to do so. In your short tenure here you've already had several members put you on their ignore list and others tell you to tone it down with the mean spiritedness. It sounds like you currently don't enjoy your life and can't get along here so what do you imagine life on the road will be like? This is just a microcosm of the people you will meet out there in cafes, campgrounds, hostels and anywhere else those bike touring gather. If you take the attitude you have here with you on the road you will be very lonely.
I would seriously consider that. Almost any story you read about long term travelers involves their ability to get along with strangers for support and companionship. One tool you currently don't have in your toolbox.
I suggest watching Iohan's youtube channel for inspiration - not about gear but about behavior. IMO it's his attitude that makes his travel successful https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqi...QI9CqhH_kvHeOw
About crossing the US/CAN border for anyone else wondering (I know the OP has it all figured out). I live a 5 minute drive from it and cross on a regular basis. You will need a passport or Nexus post 9/11 and may be asked for proof of support while in country. More than keeping out unsavory bike tourists it's about stopping illegal entry to work without a visa. The stop procedure is completely random as are the questions so it's a good idea to have your story well thought out in advance: Where you're going, how long, purpose of visit etc... The border guards don't like vague.
Last edited by Happy Feet; 08-13-19 at 10:25 AM.
Likes For Happy Feet:
#66
You ain't kidding. In 2009 the GF and I did the Waterton-Glacier loop. Crossed at Roosville, B.C. Got asked those question. Also got asked what we did for livings. Then then guard spat out "When's your next day back at work?" It was the second day of a 9 or 10-day trip. I didn't even know what that day's date was, much less the date of the Monday I had to go back to work. I think I said "A week from this coming Monday. (This all happened on a Saturday.) My GF was good with dates and came up with the correct one.
#68
Speaking of grocery shopping, I wonder if the next thread will be a "Which stove?" thread.
#69
The difference between Mr. Alf and others is the attitude, as you've been told... and they have actually toured.
Question? If you have it all figured out, have studied this for years and are better than most at cycling - why are you here?
This is just a community of people who like to bicycle tour and help each other to do so. In your short tenure here you've already had several members put you on their ignore list and others tell you to tone it down with the mean spiritedness. It sounds like you currently don't enjoy your life and can't get along here so what do you imagine life on the road will be like? This is just a microcosm of the people you will meet out there in cafes, campgrounds, hostels and anywhere else those bike touring gather. If you take the attitude you have here with you on the road you will be very lonely.
I would seriously consider that. Almost any story you read about long term travelers involves their ability to get along with strangers for support and companionship. One tool you currently don't have in your toolbox.
I suggest watching Iohan's youtube channel for inspiration - not about gear but about behavior. IMO it's his attitude that makes his travel successful https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqi...QI9CqhH_kvHeOw
About crossing the US/CAN border for anyone else wondering (I know the OP has it all figured out). I live a 5 minute drive from it and cross on a regular basis. You will need a passport or Nexus post 9/11 and may be asked for proof of support while in country. More than keeping out unsavory bike tourists it's about stopping illegal entry to work without a visa. The stop procedure is completely random as are the questions so it's a good idea to have your story well thought out in advance: Where you're going, how long, purpose of visit etc... The border guards don't like vague.
Question? If you have it all figured out, have studied this for years and are better than most at cycling - why are you here?
This is just a community of people who like to bicycle tour and help each other to do so. In your short tenure here you've already had several members put you on their ignore list and others tell you to tone it down with the mean spiritedness. It sounds like you currently don't enjoy your life and can't get along here so what do you imagine life on the road will be like? This is just a microcosm of the people you will meet out there in cafes, campgrounds, hostels and anywhere else those bike touring gather. If you take the attitude you have here with you on the road you will be very lonely.
I would seriously consider that. Almost any story you read about long term travelers involves their ability to get along with strangers for support and companionship. One tool you currently don't have in your toolbox.
I suggest watching Iohan's youtube channel for inspiration - not about gear but about behavior. IMO it's his attitude that makes his travel successful https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqi...QI9CqhH_kvHeOw
About crossing the US/CAN border for anyone else wondering (I know the OP has it all figured out). I live a 5 minute drive from it and cross on a regular basis. You will need a passport or Nexus post 9/11 and may be asked for proof of support while in country. More than keeping out unsavory bike tourists it's about stopping illegal entry to work without a visa. The stop procedure is completely random as are the questions so it's a good idea to have your story well thought out in advance: Where you're going, how long, purpose of visit etc... The border guards don't like vague.
#70
Apparently staying on topic is irrelevant and optional.
Unsubscribed. Won't read anything else in the thread. Thanks for teaching me about the "ignore" button. I had to go look for it since it was mentioned.
Nice thing you are teaching folks. Hope your evening gets better.
Unsubscribed. Won't read anything else in the thread. Thanks for teaching me about the "ignore" button. I had to go look for it since it was mentioned.
Nice thing you are teaching folks. Hope your evening gets better.
#71
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 17,036
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Liked 8,063 Times
in
4,472 Posts
Apparently staying on topic is irrelevant and optional.
Unsubscribed. Won't read anything else in the thread. Thanks for teaching me about the "ignore" button. I had to go look for it since it was mentioned.
Nice thing you are teaching folks. Hope your evening gets better.
Unsubscribed. Won't read anything else in the thread. Thanks for teaching me about the "ignore" button. I had to go look for it since it was mentioned.
Nice thing you are teaching folks. Hope your evening gets better.
And you think you have the high ground to criticize others for their behavior?
When everyone around is perceived as acting a certain way, maybe it isn't all them who are to blame.
#72
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,150
Bikes: 2013 Surly Disc Trucker, 2004 Novara Randonee , old fixie , etc
Likes: 0
Liked 49 Times
in
43 Posts
The laptop I choose (HP Stream 10) with the charger I carried (Finsix dart) actually weighed less than my tablet (iPad). I also carried my iPhone, which was my primary navigation device. I probably used the laptop no more than an hour per day when camping and on a couple of occasions I used the laptop USB port to charge my other devices (watch, light etc.).
That's interesting, I guess I haven't kept up with the laptop scene enough...turns out there are some fairly light ones at a good price. Laptops are easier to use, so if weight/battery etc is not a major issue, why not go with laptop vs tablet?
#73
Senior Member
Although the OP isn't following now it's good to note that once the original question has been answered (which he said it had) it is pretty common for the conversation to wander. It's part of the quirky give and take of forum life.
Yep.
Just recently I was driving my wife to the Bellingham airport (flights are cheaper than out of Vancouver) and rolled up to the booth.
Where are you going?
Bellingham.
Why?
To take my wife to the airport.
Where is she going?
Arizona.
Well, why did you tell me Bellingham!
Straight face too. I swear they mess with you just to see how you will react. My number one rule - never argue with the border agent. "Yes sir, no sir, three bags full sir."
Other times we will get into long friendly discussions about scuba diving or photography as those are the other main reason my companions and I cross over.
You ain't kidding. In 2009 the GF and I did the Waterton-Glacier loop. Crossed at Roosville, B.C. Got asked those question. Also got asked what we did for livings. Then then guard spat out "When's your next day back at work?" It was the second day of a 9 or 10-day trip. I didn't even know what that day's date was, much less the date of the Monday I had to go back to work. I think I said "A week from this coming Monday. (This all happened on a Saturday.) My GF was good with dates and came up with the correct one.
Just recently I was driving my wife to the Bellingham airport (flights are cheaper than out of Vancouver) and rolled up to the booth.
Where are you going?
Bellingham.
Why?
To take my wife to the airport.
Where is she going?
Arizona.
Well, why did you tell me Bellingham!
Straight face too. I swear they mess with you just to see how you will react. My number one rule - never argue with the border agent. "Yes sir, no sir, three bags full sir."
Other times we will get into long friendly discussions about scuba diving or photography as those are the other main reason my companions and I cross over.
#74
Mods was asked to close the thread. Not sure why it is still going since it is not helpful to me and went way off topic.
Getting hit with double standards again.
Please close thread.
Getting hit with double standards again.
Please close thread.