Bringing Your Bike Camping: What You Need to Know

Bringing Your Bike Camping: What You Need to Know Australia has tropical rain forests to explore, starry skies to sleep under, and gorgeous coastlines to admire. For both native Australians and visitors, there are many breathtaking camping locations to discover. Whether you’re looking for a quick overnight trip in a tent or doing a cross-country road trip in an RV, you’re sure to find the perfect camping location.

If you’re an avid cyclist or if you enjoy a good bike ride, you might also consider bringing your bicycle with you. A bicycle is a great way to explore a new location, particularly when there are trails involved that a vehicle can’t go down. Not only does a bicycle help with transportation, but it also comes with physical and mental health benefits.

If you’re planning on bringing your bicycle on your next camping adventure, keep the following tips in mind.

Bringing Your Bike Camping: What You Need to Know Bring the Right Kind of Bicycle

Not all bicycles are the same. There a number of different styles of bikes and you’ll want to bring one that meets your needs.

• Mountain bikes are best for those that will be spending time in the wilderness, whether it’s going down a rough trail or heading down a dirt road. These bikes are durable and well-suited for a number of situations.
• Road bikes can be used for riding around well-developed towns and cities. These bikes are commonly used for everyday riding.

Get Your Bike Checked Out Before Your Trip

If you haven’t had your bike checked out by a mechanic recently, schedule an appointment with one before your trip. Or, if you have the right skill set, do it yourself. You’ll want to make sure that your tires have enough air and that your brakes are working.

Get the Right Equipment

In addition to camping equipment, you’ll want to make sure you bring the proper clothing and accessories. Lightweight and breathable clothing materials are recommended. If you’re planning on riding at night, a reflective vest will help you be visible to others. Helmets are also mandatory by law in Australia for all cyclists.

In addition to proper clothing and a helmet, you’ll want to bring a water bottle so that you can stay hydrated.

If you’re planning on transporting small items on your bike while you’re riding, you might also consider buying some sort of bike basket or pannier.

Transport Your Bike Safely

Some individuals opt to travel to the camping location on their bicycle, which allows them to travel between different locations. Others opt to travel by car or RV, which allows them to bring more gear along.

If you’re traveling by car or RV, you’ll want to invest in a good bike rack. You’ll have limited room inside your vehicle. Affixing your bikes to the outside of the vehicle is easy with the right rack and there are several options available. Bumper mounted bike racks let you carry up to 2 bikes, a hitch mounted rack will let you carry up to 4 bikes, and ladder mounted racks let you carry up to 2 lightweight bikes.

If traveling in an RV, check out this guide to the best RV bike racks at Camperism to find the bike rack that best meets your needs.

Maintain Your Bike While on the Road

While you’re on the road, you’ll want to continue to make sure your brakes are working and your tires are filled. It’s recommended that you bring tools with you, such as a bike pump and patch kit. You never know what will happen to your bike while you’re riding and you don’t want to be caught unprepared.

In addition, you’ll want to avoid exposing your bike to rain for long periods of time. If you’re traveling in an RV, bring your bike in if it starts raining. If you can’t bring your bike inside, find a way to cover it up. A little rain won’t hurt, but leaving your bike wet for prolonged periods of time will eventually cause your bike to rust.

Plan Your Trip Accordingly

If riding your bike is important to you, make sure to choose a campsite that meets your needs. Think about whether you’re hoping to bike on nature trails or on paved roads before choosing your campsite. Keep in mind you’ll get extremely close to nature at some campsites. You’re likely to encounter Australian wildlife, such as kangaroos, koalas, and the occasional python.

Researching potential sites ahead of time will help ensure you find a campsite that best meets your camping and biking needs.