Stealth Bicycle Camping and Bicycle Touring

[bewaretheintertubes]

Hey man. Just had to mention I dig your channel. I've watched several of your videos not realizing it was the same person until I've already loaded it. Thanks. Keep up the good work.

[cyclist01222]

@bewaretheintertubes Thank you so much my friend. I'm glad you stopped by!

[TheTomorow]

Have you ever ben outside US for camping?

[cyclist01222]

@TheTomorow Nope

[cgptsnaz]

By the way I stealh camp 75% of the time. I choose routes that take me thru areas with woods and natural landscapes. I rarely stay in camprgrounds as the cost is not within my budget. I never stay in motels! Too expensive. I choose areas that are off the road or along roads that are traveled lightly. I also call my tours bike/hiking as I stop along the way to hike for a weekend to a week away from my bike that I have left locked to a tree a ways off the closest roadway. I pail panniers I made.

[cyclist01222]

@cgptsnaz Wow! That's absolutely awesome my friend. Certainly a different lifestyle than I am able to live... you know, wife, kids, grandkids, house, cars and all that stuff. I would love to know or see more about your adventures. Are you going to post any vids or do you have a blog somewhere?

[cgptsnaz]

@cyclist01222 My home made panniers are made from 4 ExMayonaise buckets from a resturant I worked at in Zion Nat Park in 2006. I currently don't have a blog or videos of my tours. My longest bike tour was in 1983-84 I rode from Jackson Hole WY to Rochester NY, then down to Hope, AR in the fall of 83. In the spring after working the winter I rode to Tucson, AZ and back to JH,Wyoming. I went 7000 miles. I rode down Alaska from the Arctic Ocean at Prudoe Bay to Homer Spit 1000 miles in 30 days.

[cgptsnaz]

@cgptsnaz I travel very light with les than 15 lbs of gear. I use a rear rack on the front to make my pail panniers fit better. My total gear is Tent 3.5 lb,sleeping bag and pad 4 lbs, cook gear 1-2 lbs, I wear on set of clothes, have extra socks, I use old 2 liter water bottles and the panniers are sturdy so they come in handy as other things like seats, table,ice chests,gear and food caching when doing extended long backpacking trip near road areas. I also can carry water from water places.

[cyclist01222]

@cgptsnaz I would say that was ultralight for living on your bike. This must be a very hassle free way to live! I think so many cyclists could learn a lot from your experiences and would encourage you to share them in any way you can.

[cgptsnaz]

Hello Cyclist1222,

I have been bicycle touring for 30 years come September. I did my first ride from Jackson Hole, WY to Hope, AR. 1800 miles in 19 days. Since then I have lived on my bike for means of transportation every year. I am 56 and have never driven a car, the only motorized vehicle I ever had was a Moped when I was 16 in 1972.. I have probably pedaled about 75,000 miles all over the USA since 1982. I find bike touring very pleasant. I designed my own panniers about 6 years ago.

[insidethefall78]

I did a bike tour of the UK a little more than a year ago, I couldn't find the courage to stealth camp even though there were a couple of times that I really had to push myself and scramble around to find a legal place to sleep. I'm about to do another tour in Europe and will try and be a little more daring (I spent way too much money paying for it). Some people have told me that farmers, firehalls, police stations and churches are good at letting you pitch your tent for free.

[cyclist01222]

@insidethefall78 A little research and planning can turn up lots of free camping spots, meals, showers etc... that's the best way to go. But don't be afraid to stealth, after you camp alone for the first time you'll be over it. If you choose a good spot you will sleep comfortably. Good luck my friend!

[MikesLeTour83]

What do you do with your food when stealth camping? Do you use bear cans/bags? Do you just hang it from a tree? How far away from your tent do you hang your food?

[cyclist01222]

@MikesLeTour83 If I was in bear territory (black, eastern woodland) I would hang it at least 100 ft away, otherwise it just stays packed in my pannier. I would only have enough unopened, fresh food to eat before bed. I've never seen a bear in my lifetime, even after living in alaska for 3 years. Lots of sign though.

[james2bond]

what do you do with your bike while steath camping? where do you lock it up?

[cyclist01222]

@james2bond If I'm in a proper spot I just lay it down as close to me as possible... no worries. If I feel like I would have to lock it up I move on to a better spot.

[greenlight1981]

long live 1222!

[greenlight1981]

i love you man.my spirit has re-awakend! it is good to know that there are others out there that like to do this sort of thing.

[cyclist01222]

@greenlight1981 Well thanks for such a flattering comment my friend. Do everything you can to promote cycling and safe roads to enjoy! Thanks for stopping by.

[drunkenp0t]

i wanna go on a bike road trip but i'm afraid of ghost so i'll need a partner

[WheelsAcrossCanada]

As well, make sure your spot is shielded from above--rocks down mountainsides, branches from trees, avalanches, flowerpots and bricks.

[cyclist01222]

@WheelsAcrossCanada Great tips, thanks for sharing!

[WheelsAcrossCanada]

These are all great tips! I'd add a few things to improve your safety and security. Be close enough to the road to summon help if needed, yet just out of sight of casual passersby. Choose a spot where a heavy, solid obstacle will shield you from cars driving unexpectedly off the road. Choose a site in the concave of a bend where vehicle lights will miss your reflective tape and colourfull fabrics. Cook your dinner before the last 25km of your campsite so as to be scent-washed and not attract an

[phillywrap1]

Nice video. Great insight to camping, and moving around with your bike. Hope you are still enjoying the road!

[ministercreek]

I camped in alot of church yards. Took bird baths to keep clean. I never forgot my ride to Des Moines Iowa from Akron Ohio.

As for stealth camping, I camp in city parks and along bicycle trails

[ministercreek]

What tent do you use?

[cyclist01222]

@ministercreek For bicycle touring I use the Ascend Hiker 2 from Bass Pro Shops. I have the older model which was quite cheaper than the new ones. Works great.

[ministercreek]

@cyclist01222 Awesome! I use the ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr tent. Lightweight and compact

[ministercreek]

@DirtyNinja69 What does colour have to do with bicycle camping?

[mhankuki]

@DirtyNinja69 you will see one asian soon.

[cyclist01222]

@DirtyNinja69 you should check out crazyguyonabike

[cyclist01222]

@DirtyNinja69 I really don't know bud.

[zekehooper]

I thought that for a hiker or biker that the cost at a camp ground was cheaper? It is here in Oregon.

[cyclist01222]

@zekehooper some campgrounds are cheaper but not most in virginia.

[NohbdyThere]

I'm trying to save up for a LHT and a camping hammock. Then I'm going from Houston to San Francisco.

[TheVet1971]

@NohbdyThere I'm looking into the LHT also for a Houston to Seattle trip next year.

[NohbdyThere]

@TheVet1971 What part of Houston you in?

[TeslaCoil20kV]

there is many small islands at Greece , one spesial is Agistri and Syros!! I visit Agistri every year , its very easy and you can do free Camping at the beach! Syros has one Camping , clean , kichen inside , and not many people go there , basic italy and greek with bicycles or bikes!! if you want more info ask me!!

[rollyrama2009]

im wanting to do my first big trip i live in china at the moment! Would you recommend going through Russia first and heading over to europe or through South America? i also want to know. is it ok to cycle alone?

[cyclist01222]

@rollyrama2009 I have never been robbed while cycling. I can't answer about China, Russia or SA since I've never been. I would recommend much research and thought before choosing. Where I ride in the U.S. solo is fine but again, can't speak for these other areas. If you feel unsafe I wouldn't ride alone.

[rollyrama2009]

have you ever been robbed?

[berryvox1973]

Great video! I went on a bicycle trip around Lake Michigan a few years ago. The only time I stealth camped was when I was forced to. (Cheapest hotel room I could find was $200/night.) Gonna try to do some more of it on my next trip.

[cyclist01222]

@berryvox1973 God luck on your next trip and thanks for the compliment!

[budedees]

very nicely done!

[cyclist01222]

@budedees Thank you.

[FixedByDoc]

thanks planning my first big ride for this summer.

[biglandfarm]

You look like Steve Jobs

[cyclist01222]

@biglandfarm Thanks... I think.

[biglandfarm]

You look like Steve Jobs

[gamesbok]

If you wait until about eleven or midnight, then get arrested, a dry night is assured. As that tends to happen to me anyway....

[cyclist01222]

@gamesbok Bummer dude, sorry to here that.

[reuntes]

How do you like your Giant? I ride the same bike.

[cyclist01222]

@reuntes Love it! Well made frame with standard components for a great price... can't beat it. The wife has one also.

[jasonplape17]

schools in summer, cemeteries, golf courses, churches, fire house, beaches

[wwood14]

I paid 14 bucks for a campground in Texas, and in the same state I found a VERY cheep motel for 21 bucks.. Stealth camping is the way, or church camping. Some churches have nice yards and if you quietly show up after dark and quiety leave in the early morning, you may be able to camp without hassles..

[cyclist01222]

@wwood14 Good ideas and thanks for sharing!

[kayakbruce1]

@wwood14 ya, don't build a fire! don't call attention to yourself.cemeteries a nice. Most cops are nice, nice and lazy, they do not want to get out of their cars. I have done stealth camping for 40 years.

[plutoplatters]

if no one knows you're there and after you leave you can't tell you were there...it makes NO difference whatsoever.

[cyclist01222]

@plutoplatters Now, that's true stealth! Thanks for commenting.

[cyclist01222]

@huntdogg1 Good ideas and thanks for watching. Keep riding and stay safe!

[foxdhmtbike]

like your vids, keep up the good work. I plan on starting some vids soon about my prep trip for the c&o from DC to Pittsburgh, Pa.

[camfromgm]

I like your vid - it's good info. I tend to stay in campgrounds when on the trail but agree the costs are annoying. I am interested in touring for a cause but don't know how to go about it. My causes are many and aren't the issue, but what or how do you get people to pay??? - .25 cents a mile? And what about sponsors? Informative vid!

[KiGonz]

@camfromgm Thank you. I carry a business card indicating my sponsorship of my charity and how to give. It includes my name and prior career occupation which is the same field as my charity. This adds legitimacy to what I'm doing. If your cause has a website most will allow you to set up a sponsorship. Mine allows me to send mass emails and track giving. I'm not really an expert in fund raising but at least I'm out there raising awareness even if no funds comes in. Good luck to you.

[redsully]

26.50 to camp? Try $35 in any California state park... Next time you're heading up the 101 near Hearst Castle, check out the destitute putt putt golf course just on the turnout parkside... great place to sleep!

[cyclist01222]

@redsully $35! That's crazy. I remember we used to take the kids camping in NY State back in the 80's for $6 a night with full facilities. Those days are gone. Don't know why more campgrounds don't have some cheaper primitive sites for $5. It must not work for some reason. Oh well, free camping works fine with a little bit of planning and ingenuity before you have to "play through" some thoughts on a stealth location.

[ThreeWheelJourney]

@cyclist01222 You make a EXCELLENT point. In the United States, our State and Federal governments should be doing EVERYTHING POSSIBLE to encourage people to recreate outdoors. In the US, most states have now surpassed 30% obesity rate and one of the reasons why people do not get out and bicycle and hike is because the States charge $30 to camp, which effectively stops people from camping

[ThreeWheelJourney]

@redsully The State Parks in California have "Hiker Biker Campsites". Any bicyclist traveling and camping are charged $5 to camp at a California State Park. (When I pedaled down the Pacific Coast from Seattle to San Diego, only 3 state parks charged more than $5). I stayed in probably 45 state parks in Oregon and CA. 99% of them charge $5, all of them have coin op hot showers. When I bicycled from from San Diego to Miami, I stealth camped almost every night

[cyclist01222]

@ThreeWheelJourney Wow! That's cool. Wish there was more of this in Virginia. I did find a $6 primitive site but it's more than 3 hours away near Harrisburg.

[ThreeWheelJourney]

@cyclist01222 cyclist01222, there are VERY few people talking about stealth camping and I think you did a really good job. I tried to talk about stealth camping in one of my vids, but I just didn't do it well. I hesitate to talk alot about it because.... well let's face it..... "stealth camping" is what touring bicyclists call "trespassing"

[talkingradiorarjr]

VERY good video and very informative. As a stealth camper while touring I thought you hit every major point!

[cyclist01222]

@talkingradiorarjr Thanks... it was fun making it!

[ThreeWheelJourney]

@talkingradiorarjr Yeah, I thought so too. And I bet because of the title, and tags on this video.... it's destined to receive 2000 views a year for a long time. I think there are going to be a lot more people interested in bicycle touring as gasoline becomes more expensive. I've spent the last 3 months stealth camping almost every night.

[cyclist01222]

@ThreeWheelJourney Thanks for the kind words but I'm certainly not an expert and still a newbee at this. Yeah, lots of cyclists represent stealth camping as sort of a "thrill sport" while purposely trespassing and bragging on it. This is the wrong thing to do... with a bit of planning and ingenuity I think free camping is the best option. I haven't stealthed as much as you and would only do it when my safety is at risk and there are no other options. Touring sure is fun though!

[ThreeWheelJourney]

@cyclist01222 My favorite free camping is "Dispersed Camping" in National Forests. I made a video describing "dispersed camping", but I don't think most people know that you can camp anywhere in a National Forest FOR FREE, with very few exceptions. Go to the official website of the National Forest you plan to visit and search for "dispersed camping"

[cyclist01222]

@ThreeWheelJourney That's what I'm talkin' about. Good tip!

[bettytoo2]

l enjoyed your video. good luck with your bicycle tour. l want to bicycle on day

[cyclist01222]

@bettytoo2 Thanks... I'm glad it was helpful to you. I plan on a video about my bike and how I converted an inexpensive hybrid/comfort bike into a worthy touring machine.

[bettytoo2]

@cyclist01222 . O that would be great video. I want to bicycle tour but l only have mountain bicycle . l was worried that it would be to heavy to tour with. so your video would be dead helpful

[AbdMalil1]

Good video & content. Thank you.