Camping Out By Bike For Beginners

For many there is nothing more liberating than packing up the camping gear, jumping on your bike and taking off for or weekend. Many are put off this style of camping and biking because they imagine it is too difficult. A bike is made to carry a person, not a plethora of pots, pans and sleeping gear.  It is a common misconception that camping with your bike is difficult.

The only must have items that you need to transport with you on your bike is a sleeping bad and a tent.   Of course, there are many other ‘luxuries’ you could take such as a thermal pad, but these, while nice are not necessary.   To transport your tent, sleeping bag and other essentials, you will need to hook up a rear rack and side panniers to your bicycle.  Secure everything with bungee chords, just to be safe!  Touring bikes are designed to carry panniers so that your heels do not make any contact with them when cycling.  These are far better for camping than racing bikes.

Use the pannier to carry clothing, bike tools, spare tubes and of course rain gear if required. Position your tend and sleeping back on top of th rear rack.  If you are really stuck for space or a touring and camping for a long period of time you might consider a trailer for your bike. Bike trailers are becoming more and more popular, especially if you are riding a recumbent or tandem.  .

Those new to camping by bike may get surprised when they first mount the bike after it has been packed up. Be prepared to adjust your body to account for the amount of weight on the back.  Typically you will find that the front wheels rise up and twist quite suddenly when your first try to mount your packed bike. Once you are actually on the bike and riding you will find this far less of a problem and your body will automatically adjust itself to carrying the extra weight on the back.    Those who camp regularly with their bike will often have a lowrider rack mounted on the front with a set of small panniers attached.  This distributes the weight more evenly and makes for a far more comfortable ride.

New bikers will also need to be aware of the excess weight when it comes to increased speed and acceleration. You will need to ride more slowly to take account of this. You will find it more difficult to accelerate.  Riding in the hills will be hard work but touring bikes have lower gears to help with this.  Generally, it is not much more difficult riding a bike carrying your camping gear than riding a regular bike.   If it all gets too much, sometimes the best solution is to get off and walk. Avoiding an injury is priority and nothing is worth the risk.

One final piece of advice … if you are camping out, invest in some high quality rain gear. Any experienced rider will tell you that this is one area not to skimp on.   At some point during your journey you are bound to be hit by a mass of gray clouds reading to rain down on you.  Having quality rain gear means you can cycle through it relatively comfortably, without having to run into the tree for shelter or suffer a cold or flu.