Tanned, Rested and (still) Cheap
Thursday, October 4, 2007
I'm back home from the third leg of the Tour de Cheapskate --- tanned, rested and (still) cheap.
Tour de Cheapskate Ohio - AKA the Local Boy Makes Cheap Tour - was a blast, despite days of rain, some major bicycle problems, and riding into Sunbury, Ohio just as the sirens announced a tornado warning. Fortunately I took shelter in local bar for the next six hours (of course, the tornado warning actually ended after the first 30 minutes, but with fifty cent drafts, I thought it was better to be safe rather than sorry).
Between the three legs of the Tour de Cheapskate, I've pedaled about 1,800 miles and donated $2,000 to local libraries along the route. I've also held 20+ book signings and other events, and met some of the most amazing and generous people in the process.
In addition to staying with fellow cheapskates who kindly invited me into their homes through this and other websites, I relied on a terrific nonprofit website - www.CouchSurfing.com - to find free couches and new friends along the way. CouchSurfing has given me new hope for the future ... people opening their homes to total strangers, not just as a way of making travel affordable, but as a way of fostering friendship and understanding.
I'll be spending most of the summer here in Maryland, but watch the events page on this site for occasional library and other speaking events I'll be doing around the country in coming months. I also hope to hit the road for more legs of the Tour de Cheapskate late this summer and fall. We're looking at possible tours in the Pacific NW, Midwest (MI, WI, MN, IL, IN), Mid-Atlantic, and the Plain states (NE, KS, OK, TX). Write me at UltCheapskate@aol.com if you have thoughts on where I should go next.
Thanks for your interest and Stay Cheap!
-Jeff Yeager
Tour de Cheapskate Ohio Kicks Off May 4, 2008 (AKA The Local Cheapskate Makes Good Tour)
Jeff Yeager returns to his old stomping grounds (no, not the Dollar Store) for a book-tour-by-bicycle through his native state of Ohio. Born and raised in NW Ohio, Yeager will kick-off the tour with a book discussion at the Wood County Public Library (Bowling Green, OH)on Sunday May 4,at 3:00 PM. From there he will pedal his way to book signings in Toledo, Cleveland, Akron, Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati (see Events page for dates and locations).
"I truly believe that northwest Ohio is the Cradle of Cheapskate Civilization," says Yeager, who was born in Sylvania, Ohio (a suburb of Toledo) and grew up in the farmland outside of Grand Rapids, Ohio. "I feel a deep, unspoken connection with my cheapskate lineage when I return to Ohio. The Miser Gene is clearly dominate in that fertile frugal plain."
Yeager is a 1980 graduate of Bowling Green State University, with BA in Thrift-craft. His parents still live in the Grand Rapids area, and have agreed to put him up for the night while he's visiting, provided that he brings his own food. "Last time Jeffrey stayed with us, I found two hand towels missing after he left," says his poooor Mom.
As with past Tour de Cheapskates, Yeager will be donating his savings (by bicycling and staying in the homes of fellow cheapskates) to local libraries along his route. If you would like to invite Yeager to stay with you, you can email him at UltCheapskate@aol.com.
Random Blog Posts from the Tour de Cheapskate
Chicken GUTS & Author GLORY (San Diego, CA)
Having been an author for all of three weeks now, I admit that I still get a definite ego buzz whenever I'm introduced as such. "Author" is one of those occupations that gets people's attention. It conjures up images of busy book signings, thought provoking lecture series, and a glamorous life of penning deep thoughts in far off places.
It was 5:15 in the morning, and I just couldn't get the second chicken into my saddlebags. I'd managed to cram the pre-roasted bird in among the vegetable scraps, cooking utensils, and whole potatoes I'd brought with me from back East the day before, but the second chicken - the raw one - just wouldn't fit. I fumbled around in the dark, not wanting to wake my CouchSurfing host, but I knew I needed to get that slippery yellow fryer stowed pronto or I'd never have time to bicycle the 12 miles across town for the "cheapskate cooking" demo I was scheduled to do live on San Diego Living that morning.
With the stance and determination of an Olympic shot-putter, I grabbed the bird in my right hand and pushed with everything I had. The plastic wrapper snagged on a metal rivet on the inside of the saddle bag, and a geyser of cold, gelatinous chicken juice squirted over my hand and ran down into the pack, the same compartment that would carry all my clothing and other gear in the days and weeks to come. Ah, the enchanted life of an author ...
Click here to read the rest of the story on WiseBread.com
http://www.wisebread.com/chicken-guts-author-glory-tales-from-my-cheapskate-book-tour#comments
(To Catch a Cheapskate)San Diego, CA I wasn't just crossing a state line - but the entire country - to rendezvous with total strangers I'd met over the internet. And, yeah, our email banter had been plenty explicit. Eventually, inevitably it ended with an exchange of real-time address info for the big night we planned to meet for the first time and spend together.
I buzzed the security gate at LD's condo in a leafy San Diego neighborhood and heard a voice hidden by the courtyard foliage say "Jeff, is that you? I'll be there in a minute. Just wait by the gate."
A wave of deja vu wafted over me. Was that Chris Hansen from Dateline NBC on the other side of the gate, or was I really about to lose my CouchSurfing virginity?
(Click here to read the rest of the story on WiseBread.com http://www.wisebread.com/wise-bread-author-launches-cheapest-book-tour-no-cars-no-hotels-no-problem#comments
Can You Put This Cheapskate Up for the Night?
The first leg of the Tour de Cheapskate, a series of book-tours-by-bicycle, came to a close as author and Ultimate Cheapskate Jeff Yeager pedaled into Tucson, Arizona on January 25th, 600 miles and 11 days after striking out from San Diego.
"My blisters have blisters," Yeager commented, but smiled when he went on to explain that by riding his bike and staying in the homes of kindred spirits along the way, he'd already saved more than $1,000 which he donated to local libabries along the way.
Tour de Cheapskate South Florida
The Tour de Cheapskate continues, with the second leg in South Florida:
(All itineraries are subject to change.)
2/11/08 - Arrive TAMPA, FL
2/12/08 - Book Signing 6:00PM: Inkwood Books, 216 South Armenia Avenue, TAMPA, FL
2/13/08 - Cycle to BRADENTON, FL
2/14/08 - Cycle to SARASOTA, FL
NEW DATE/TIME!2/15/08 - Book Signing 6:00PM: Sarasota News & Books, 1341 Main Street, SARASOTA, FL 34326 Ph. 941-365-6332
2/16/08 - Cycle to FORT MEYERS, FL - Book Signing 2:00PM: Borders Books & Music, 10037 Gulf Center Drive, FORT MEYERS, FL 33913
2/17/08 - Cycle to Lake Okeechobee, FL
2/18/08 - Cycle to FT. LAUDERDALE, FL
2/19/08 - Cycle to BOCA RATON, FL - Book signing 7:00PM: Barnes & Noble, 1400 Glades Road, University Commons Shopping Center, BOCA RATON, FL 33431
2/20/08 - Cycle to WEST PALM BEACH, FL
2/21/08 - Book Signing 7:00PM: Barnes & Noble, 10500 West Forest Hill Blvd., WELLINGTON, FL 33414 Ph. 561-792-1292
2/22/08 - Cycle to SEBRING, FL
2/23/08 - Cycle to TAMPA, FL
******************
In addition to traveling by bicycle, Yeager economizes even more by staying with fellow cheapskates along the way (only if he's invited, that is). Being a big-hearted cheapskate, he donates what he saves in expenses to local libraries along his route. Other possible tours are being researched in the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and other regions.
If you have room in your heart and home to put the Ultimate Cheapskate up for the night, email him at UltCheapskate@aol.com or post a message below. (He doesn't require much bed space, and he'll even help with chores around the house. Honest.)
posted by Jeff Yeager at 12:05 PM
24 Comments:
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Fer sure, good buddy. If you peddle your buns to San Diego, I can give you a bed for the night. I'll even sleep in the other one.
Thanks Georganna - I don't need much space, just a little corner some where and maybe a roll of paper towels to use as a pillow. I promise to help around the house and put the toilet set down. See you soon.
Stay Cheap!
- Jeff Yeager
Hey Jeff,
I have a bed and beers with your name on them when you pedal through Harrisburg PA, though I may have to assign you a small chore as per Hosteling tradition.
If you want, you can sleep in your old sleeping bag that you sold me back in 1987. I'd even air it out for you.
Maybe I could talk you into picking up a passenger? I'd love our 8 year old to see the country on the cheap. He has a 3rd wheel that could attach to your bike and he even chips in on the pedaling. Perhaps you're destined to be his role model during his impressionable years...
Hey Brian -
Thanks for your ever so kind invite. You know the free beer does it for me; I'd rather have a bottle-in-front-of-me than a frontal-labotomy, as I like to say.
I'd love to meet your son. He sounds like a natural born cheapskate, and of course, having no children of my own, I've been looking for a chance to raise - or at least significantly influence - an Uber-Cheapskate, the likes of which the Dollar Store has never seen.
I'll let you know at least 5 minutes before I land on your doorstep.
Hey Cheap Jeff, I'm the queen of frugality in Central Florida and I welcome you to spend a night on the futon. Didn't want to spend for any big fancy guest bed...they stay too long that way. heh heh
No need for sleep meds. My 17-year-old cat will keep you company and purr you to sleep. She may also serve as light-blocking eye shades.
I have lots of leftovers in the freezer in need of appreciation, and I can show you my all-time best cheap move. You know those huge/wide rubber bands that come around bunches of broccoli? A sharp pair of scissors around the circumference renders one big band into two thin ones (three on a good day)! Oh, the joy of the savings there!
Mirth
well, color me miffed. Tour three you need to come to NH. It IS the "Live Free" state after all--and we Yankees are well-known cheapskates. So, if you're ever up for New England, you can stay with...my mom. She'd love to have you. Just remind me. I'll have to let her know.
If you make it as far as NH, stop in MA first and I'll put you up. Plenty of room. Love to have you.
Jeff:
You need to come to Milwaukee! It's the cheapest place in the Midwest, people say. Even the Chicago signs advertising some "great" deal say: "Chicago style: Milwaukee Prices"
Milwaukee here I come! Plus you have great (and cheap) bratwurst, as I recall.
Hello Jeff, I enjoy your articles at www.stretcher.com. (I'm the book reviewer at Book Buzz) You can stay with us in Miami, although we are sort of way out west, convenient to the Everglades, if you want to bike out there. We have a guest room with a daybed. We also have 7 cats, so I hope you're not allergic. We both work at FIU (astronomer, librarian) and are not serial killers or anything. (not yet anyway)
Hey Jeff, do you know about these folks? http://www.nationalbicyclegreenway.com/
They may have some good pointers for routes...
If you make it to the San Francisco area at some point, do look Ann and I up. We'd love to put you up in our modest cheapskate houseboat. :-)
- Fred Ecks
Hey Jeff...
We'd be happy to put you up in Phoenix...we are about a half hour away from the Tempe Changing Hands bookstore. We are working toward "cheapdome" everyday and would love the conversation. My husband is a mountain biker and can help you with street routes, etc. Let us know!
If you need a second night in San Diego, just let me know. Miriam
If you were going to be making this trip in one year I'd be there in Indiantown FL right off Rt 710 to offer you a couch. Wont be there till next year though. Wish we could put you up. We have a lot in common. Bernd and I have been doing Ultralite and Ultra Cheap camping and bike touring here in Germany for 5 years. Even wrote a book about.
" The book for long distance bicycling, ultralite camping
and touring Europe on pocket money, written by Bernd
and Barbie, the bike-europe-ultralite experts!"
Hope we can catch you next year perhaps.
Barbie
Hey Jeff-Just wanted to let You know that if You want to see some beautiful country...Where the community is wonderful, And the price is in Your range, come on up to Montana where You will meet some honest souls Who not only live cheap but Happy, We would Love to put You up!
Jeff - Please come stay in Western, PA! I am just north of Pittsburgh in a suburb called Cranberry Township. I'll gladly provide you with FREE AIR for your bike tires, a warm bed to sleep in (by yourself, of course! but I'll toss in the slightly - used - but - still works - Body buddy pillow so you can have sweet dream of wife while you are away from home.
Jeff,
You are welcome to stay in our guest house on Feb. 15, 2008. You will be in Ft. Myers, Florida. We are in Naples, Florida. Only 20-30 miles apart. Great job today on the Today Show! We went to Barnes and Noble tonight to read your book! It is great.
Hey Jeff,
If you do a New York State tour one of us from the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library would be happy to put you up. We'd also like you to do a book talk.
Ann
Hey Jeff! If you decide to visit Milwaukee, you can swing down into northern Illinois and we'll put you up! Crystal Lake Public would love to host you, and my bunnies will keep you company overnight!
Hey Jeff,
How 'bout coming out to Texas? The staff and Friends of the W. Walworth Harrison Public library would love to host you and have you as a speaker! We have plenty of southern hospitality...including sweet tea and chicken fried steak. We can even scrounge up a bunk for a night or two! No chores required!
Let us know when you're in our neck of the woods...
Sylvia Rodriguez
Adult Services Librarian
Jeff~ We have a large family and can put you up almost anywhere in Missouri, in Kansas City, KS or in Memphis, TN. So let me know if you need a bed in (MO) at St. Louis, Jefferson City, Columbia, or Sedalia. These locations will take you quite a distance! Good luck!
Hey, Jeff! Caught you on the Today show again this morning and posted the clip on my website so the 4 people who visit me will know to watch it.
WHEN you head through Austin, we've got a comfy place to perch your blistered feet and a box of wine with your name on it.
Peace,
Cindy aka gooblink
Jeff Yeager, how the past comes back to haunt us!
You were my "boss" back in the 80's with AYH. I was the "Tall Texan". Remember?
Mitch and I have reunited and she led me to you!
I remember you as a really fun guy and have wondered "What ever happened ..." Now you are a famous author and I can say that I "knew you when".
I now live in Michigan, just NW of Detroit. My son has a soccer game in Sylvania, OH tomorrow.
You are welcome in our home anytime. You would be a great role model for my overconsuming oldest son.
Warm regards, Peggy
Thanks all for the well wishes and offers to loan me your couch for the night. When I hit the road again later this year, I may show up on your doorstep yet!
And, hey, Peggy "The Tall Texan" - How great to hear from you. Email me your contact info a UltCheapskate@aol.com and we'll get together next time I visit family back in NW Ohio.
Stay Cheap Everybody!
-Jeff Yeager