Advice on Bike Camping
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Western New York
Bike camping
Here's another thought to go along with all of this, that would be KOA! I've done very well in what they refer to as "Kabbins",(log style cabins) First of all fairly priced in most locals,most have electric heat,when it gets frosty.Since you mention that your tripping this spring you gotta know that spring nights in most parts are DAMP along with being cool.My body got real tired of that crap after a few nights of that stuff.Take a look at their web sight, might find something there that appeals to you!
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 207
Likes: 0
From: Dallas / Ft. Worth, Texas
Don't forget to get or make a good tent footprint (or ground cloth). In some parts of the country there are thorns that will work their way through your tent floor and into your Thermarest pad. Next thing you know, something is poking you in the butt. For years I used a footprint I made out of construction grade plastic. It did the job but was somewhat heavy and bulky. I now have a Tyvek footprint that is much lighter and packs into a smaller package. I have not tried the Tyvek on Texas goathead thorns yet. Oh, and remember, the footprint should not extend beyond the tent floor. If it sticks out beyond the tent perimiter and you get rain, the rain will run down the tent sides, hit the footprint and travel under your tent. The right size or slightly smaller is better.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 207
Likes: 0
From: Dallas / Ft. Worth, Texas
Some of my most memorable nights while touring happend in campsites with complete strangers. You meet incredible people and share magic moments. That does not happen when you slam the door on your hotel room. With a little practice (and the right atitude) tent camping can be very comfortable. I can't begin to tell you about the beautiful vistas that can greet you when you crawl out of your tent. I've never been struck by the beauty of a hotel parking lot.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 362
Likes: 1
From: Corpus Christi, Tx
Try out your gear on a weekend ride before you hit the road on an extended trip. I've found some things that work for others don't always work for me.
The first tent I had was too small for me and my gear (ended up with a 3-man).
I also didn't sleep well on the self-inflating mattress (ended up with a single inflatable that's 6" thick and very comfortable).
A small 12v air pump is a worthy investment (a foot pump works, but they are not all that small and can end up being the most work of setting up).
A good sleeping bag isn't expensive. A mummy-type works better for me in cold environments, but some people find them too restrictive.
A cheap tarp can help keep mud and debris off things and can be trashed if it gets too messed up to repack.
LED flashights (I always keep a spare at the the door).
The more you camp, the more you'll tune your gear to your needs.
The first tent I had was too small for me and my gear (ended up with a 3-man).
I also didn't sleep well on the self-inflating mattress (ended up with a single inflatable that's 6" thick and very comfortable).
A small 12v air pump is a worthy investment (a foot pump works, but they are not all that small and can end up being the most work of setting up).
A good sleeping bag isn't expensive. A mummy-type works better for me in cold environments, but some people find them too restrictive.
A cheap tarp can help keep mud and debris off things and can be trashed if it gets too messed up to repack.
LED flashights (I always keep a spare at the the door).
The more you camp, the more you'll tune your gear to your needs.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Grants Pass, OR
Try a tent trailer
There's a few small tent trailers you could haul behind you...easy to set up and keep you off the ground. or try a Little Guy Rascal; a teardrop that can be towed by a bike ( I towed one from LA to Laughlin with a SoftTail)...just a thought.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,521
Likes: 15
From: Bremerton
Lots of good advice.Look at REI for good backpacking equipment-might be pricy but packs small.For something to put under your tent go to your local Home Depot etc and ask for the cover off of plywood(tyvek and its free-trim to fit and throw away when damaged) Buy waterproof stuff bags to put your tent and extra stuff in.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,121
Likes: 13
From: NWFL
Oh yea, the easiest way to waterproof your sleeping bag is to put it in a plastic trash bag and stuff it in your duffel. Get a down or stuffable sleeping bag that stuffs down to about 6 " dia by 14-18' long.
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 964
Likes: 243
From: right outside of town
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 328
Likes: 1
From: South Central Virginia
some of my bros take a blue or silver tarp and lay it out folded into a managable size to strap on the bike and inside this they roll up their sleeping bags and a couple of extra blankets. Roll it up and whalah instant bed roll. Works good on those nights you dont need a tent, if you do sleep in a tent just unroll it inside there. if it is unfolded you can lay on half of it and use the other half to cover you. Also it will keep the dew/frostand rain off if not in the tent. I got some good ideas out of this thread going to change the way I camp this fall on our annual run to Ohio (October )gets chilly sometimes