Camping? Well, yes I do!

[Varajim]

Hi all, just thought I'd post in to share my thoughts on camping (Scottish so expect cheap thoughts!)

I enjoy camping, be it here in Scotland or anywhere else in Europe. It's a cheap, relaxing way to enjoy touring on your bike and gives the added benefit of being able to stop anywhere! I personally use campsites, I prefer the comforts of a toilet and shower facilities. I do think it adds to the adventure to camp and would advise anyone to give it a try.

Regarding equipment, start cheap in case it's not for you! A tent and sleeping bags are essential, I use a 3 person tent and a double sleeping bag for both myself and Fiona. As you go along you'll notice other things that you would benefit from, like the toaster for criossants in the morning! Try to picture in your head a night camping and what you might need, coffee, cups, a kettle, gas cooker, sugar or sweeteners, milk, nice bit of shortbread,,,,, oh time to put the kettle on I think!
Breakfast, I usually have either fresh criossants, all day breakfast or bacon rolls, so plan this into your shopping list before the shops shut in the evening!

I was discussing tents at the XRV National meet this summer as my Vango was requiring replacement, five yrs of good service for ?30. A few folk there had Kyam bikers, a fine tent I'm sure, but over ?100? Good grief!  :rofl

The following month my Vango gave up the ghost at the Glen Nevis campsite forcing my hand! I purchased a Gelert Tornado off Ebay for ?29.99, bargain! I've tried it up once and seems easy enough to erect, a double skinned tent but after the first erection you leave the lining in so up in one! Large porch area, ample for two to cook, eat etc. I'll post up a review after a few trips next summer.

Happy camping all!

[LazyRider]

I agree with 'Varajim', I think that camping goes well with biking.  Good camping gear is now as cheap as chips.   A good set of kit can be put together for the cost of 2/3 nights in a hotel and will last for some years.

[jp]

while musing on the electric vara (lovely job, wonder how it performed?) it occurred to me that the camp site electrical hookup facility could be a way of touring with an electric bike.