ctxguide Site Admin
Joined: 01 Jan 1970 Posts: 2422
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Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2009 2:19 am Post subject: |
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Back in 1997 I was already deep into backpacking and wilderness travel and had dabbled in whitewater kayaking, rafting, and rock climbing. Mountain biking had also been an avid adventure sport of mine, but I was looking for a faster bike to take my skills to the next level - racing. The problem was that I was a student and living on a shoestring. At first, it didn't seem as though I could afford a racing bike, but then I did a little homework. After I considered what my friends were spending on partying, it seemed like a no brainer. If I were to skip the weekly parties and avoid fast food for home cooking, I could muster up enough cash to buy a racing machine in a year. In 1998, with the money I saved, I purchased a GT Zaskar hardtail mountain bike for $1200. It was the cream of the crop at just 20 pounds and after 11 years of hard riding, the Zaskar is still my steed.
So as a way to commemorate the good purchase those 11 years ago and to boost the morale of those desiring to break into an adventure sport during these difficult economic times, I whipped up some stats to help justify the start-up costs of adventure.
Vices
Weekly use per Year
Beer $3 $156
Wine $5.25 $273
Mixed Drink $6 $312
Cigarettes $5/pack $260
Movies $7 $364
Restaurant $15 $780
Snacks $5 $260
Gasoline $3 $156
Nightlife $20 $1040
$7.58/week $394.16
Climbing Equipment Lasts at Least 2 years
Shoes $80
5 Caribiners $50
ATC $17
2 Harnesses $80
Dynamic Rope $200
Static Line $200
Helmet $60
This and That $50
Total $737
Mountain Biking Equipment to Last at Least 5 Years
Bike $800
Helmet $50
Shoes $50
Camelbak $50
Clothing $75
Total $1025
Canoeing or Kayaking Equipment Lasts at Least 5 Years
Kayak $1000
PFD $40
Paddle $200
Clothing $75
Total $1315
Backpacking Equipment Lasts at Least 5 Years
Internal Frame Pack $225
Boots $250
Tent $250
Sleeping bag $125
Water Purifier $150
Stove $75
Mess Kit $50
This and That $100
Total $1225
Hiking Equipment Lasts at Least 2 Years
Boots or Shoes $130
Camelbak $90
Survival Kit $30
This and That $50
Total $300
Bouldering Equipment Lasts at Least 2 Years
Crash-pad $200
Shoes $80
Chalk $30
Trail-Running Equipment Lasts at Least 1 Year
Shoes $150
Camelbak $50
This and That $100
Total $ 300 |
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