Living the “Van Life” in the U.S.A…..

We are based in Colorado hanging out for the summer, indulging in all things triathlon related. We visit almost every year, spending time at altitude and exploring the mountains. We are very lucky to have met some amazing people whom of which we have created friendships that will last a lifetime.

 

 

 

That said those kind heart people who understand the demands of the triathlon world, offered their Ram Pro Master 1500 Van for us to take on an adventure….

 

 

 

With the XTERRA Pan Am Championships being held in Snowbasin, Utah we thought what a perfect opportunity to maximize the offer and try and capitalize on saving a few bucks in the process. So we loaded up the van with all the essentials, food, water, fuel, music, sleeping gear, cooking utensils and of course our “toys” to play with along the way.

 

 

The Van is well equipped and has all the gadgets you need for the “van life” we felt so spoilt and were loving every minute of the journey. We drove a few hours and then decided to stop and admire the surrounding mountains whilst taking in a bite to eat. This time of year in the USA is fall and the changing of the colors make for an amazing and picturesque landscape.

 

 

One thing we learnt about camping in the USA is that Walmart are friendly towards overnight camping. You can basically camp out in a Walmart car park for free. SOLD… It worked out so well for us as the Walmarts where situated perfectly along our route and we managed to find a quiet spot with other campers where we could pop the top, use the toilet and get a good nights sleep.

 

 

We met some van lifers along the way exploring the roads, venturing into uncharted territory and doing it with a smile on their faces. It’s a very different lifestyle, one that Jacqui and I could endure for a month, maybe two, however we do love our home comforts, but the love for outdoors is infectious.

 

 

 

Once we arrived at our destination (Snowbasin, UT) we got into “race mode” and got the job done! Jacqui produced the goods AGAIN, after an amazing performance at the ITU World Champs she finished 2^nd and me rounding out the podium in 5^th spot. It was great to see the XTERRA tribe again and spend quality time with likeminded people. Once the racing is all over it’s back to the “van life” exploring, searching for isolation and enjoying each other’s company in nature.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Living the “van life” isn’t for the fate hearted, but one thing I will say is that if you have time on your side you can live a pretty relaxed and stress free life. It is a great way to unwind and really connect with your partner and especially nature. You begin to appreciate the little things, it distracts you from the “real world” which I think sometimes is a good thing.

 

 

So we both give the van life a big thumbs up, although Jacqui would still like to have a shower and wash her hair, which I totally get being a women. All in all it’s a great way to travel, it was an adventure that we will cherish and look back and smile at.

 

 

BandJRacing Van Life..!