Traveling on a bicycle allows you a certain sense of freedom that does not come along with a gas-powered automobile. You can get as far in one day as your own legs will take you, and you never have to rely on the mechanics of an engine to get wherever you want to go. This is why bicycling and camping seem to go hand-in-hand. While you are taking a tour on two wheels, you can stop off and enjoy the freedom of sleeping beneath the stars. Here are a few answers to the most common questions concerning bicycle camping that you should know to help you get started.
How do you know where you will be able to camp before setting out on the road?
There are places across the country that allow campers in. Most state parks and nature preservation areas have some type of campground nearby. However, if you are looking for free-camping sites, you may not have to do a lot of planning at all. Just make sure you are always respectful enough to ask before you set up camp on someone's property, and leave the property the same as it was when you arrived for the night.
It is also a good idea to talk to the owners and customers at a bike shop to find out about camping sites they would recommend. A lot of frequent bicyclists have experience with camping while they are on tours and trips, and will be happy to offer helpful insight about specific campgrounds and spots to pitch a tent.
What should you have your bike fitted with to carry your items for a camping trip?
If you are planning a camping trip on your bike, it is not feasible to carry the weight of your gear on your back or in a backpack for several bicycle miles. It is a good idea to visit a bike shop and have your bicycle fitted with a bike trailer of some sort. These come in various sizes, but keep in mind if you are pulling a trailer for long distances, it will add to the heft of what your body will have to pull. Therefore, you should look for a trailer at the shop that is small and lightweight. Titanium and aluminum trailers are usually much lighter, but you could also go with a small pull-along cargo container with a canvas cover.
When you have the right gear, a comfortable bike, and an adventurous spirit, a bicycle camping trip can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Stop in at a bike shop near you to discover a full line of bike accessories and camping gear that would be perfect to help you make your trip enjoyable.
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