Cycling

Riding your bike is an extremely cost effective way of getting around for very little money.

Ideally you would like to have a "touring" set up. This is basically a somewhat adapted road bike with mountain bike components (more rugged), longer chain stays, lugs for front and rear racks, a longer rake (more stable), and a comfy seat. You can also tour on a mountain bike with slick tires, or an xtracycle.

There are two main schools for carrying shit on your bike.

Basically, saddle bags. You can make your own from square buckets (try asking commercial food producers or restaurants), or you can buy them.

Again, you can make your own, or you can buy them.

Pitch a tent on the side of the road, or if you'll be in urban areas, use the power of the internet to find people to crash with. Many people are very accommodating to those who travel by bike.

If you're in an urban area, you may be able to dumpster a fair amount of your food. See free food for more info.

Ask around. May states provide free highway maps through visitor centers.

• Adventure Cycling USA — Purveyor of fine maps