Lil' Sparky said:Why is it that we must think of this hobby in these terms? It's really rediculous when you compare it to other hobbies you have. It's kind of like saying I spent $1200 in "labor" on a recent 3-day motorcycle trip I took (or ski trip, cruise, etc.)
Gas cost me a fortune and I ate through 1/2 a set of tires, paid for 2 nights in a hotel, bought some grub, and HAD to buy some good beer to relax with in the evening.
I would never try to add in $ for my time, and even though my MC gets 40+ mpg, I'm not trying to calculate how much $$ I saved (spent) based on the distance we rode. We had fun. What else is there to say?
That's really an entirely different equation.
To have that be an accurate analogy, it would have to be in terms of comparing a purchased 3-day motorcycle trip experience vs your self conceived, provide your own equipment 3-day motorcycle trip.