Bikepacking on an e-Bike: A Wild Camping Adventure in the Woodland

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Jul 8, 2024

Exploring the Outdoors with an Electric Bike

As an avid outdoor enthusiast, I've always been drawn to the freedom and adventure that comes with exploring the great outdoors. Recently, I had the opportunity to embark on a truly unique and exhilarating experience – bikepacking on an e-bike through the lush, wooded landscapes of the UK. In this blog post, I'll take you along on my journey, sharing the highlights, the challenges, and the sheer joy of this unforgettable adventure.

Gearing Up for the Ride

Before setting out, I carefully prepared my trusty e-bike, ensuring it was equipped to handle the demands of a multi-day bikepacking expedition. The bike, a Rattan Pathfinder, boasted impressive features that would prove invaluable on the trail.

Massive, fat tires that provided excellent traction and stability on the gravel and woodland paths
A powerful electric motor that effortlessly assisted me up steep inclines, allowing me to cover more ground with less effort
A UK-legal design that restricted the motor's output, ensuring I remained in control and minimized any potential impact on the environment

With my bike fully loaded with all the necessary gear, including a Versabags for food storage, a Nomad's Kitchen setup, and a range of other essential camping equipment, I set out on my adventure, eager to immerse myself in the beauty of the great outdoors.

Discovering the Perfect Woodland Campsite

As I navigated the winding gravel paths, I kept a keen eye out for the perfect spot to set up my camp. After a brief reconnaissance, I stumbled upon a secluded area in a mixed woodland, with a combination of pine and broadleaf trees. This location offered several key advantages:

- The broad-leaf trees provided a safer environment for using my Stove and Tarp, as the thick layer of pine needles common in pine forests can pose a fire hazard.

- The terrain was gently sloping, with several flat plateaus that offered ideal spots for setting up my hammock and camp.

- The location was well-hidden from the nearby farm track, ensuring a high level of privacy and stealth for my overnight stay.

With my campsite selected, I set about the task of carefully concealing my bike, using DD 3x3 TARP and bank line to create a camouflaged hideaway, blending seamlessly with the surrounding woodland.

Cooking Up a Feast in the Wild

No outdoor adventure would be complete without a delicious, freshly cooked meal, and this trip was no exception. I had meticulously planned my menu, ensuring I had all the necessary ingredients and equipment to create a truly memorable culinary experience.

The centerpiece of my meal was a mouthwatering Bitty Big Q Tomahawk steak, seasoned with a blend of salt, pepper, and fresh rosemary. To complement the steak, I roasted some vine-ripened tomatoes and garlic cloves, creating a delightful flavor combination.

To bring it all together, I utilized my trusty Pomoly Stove and Tarp setup, carefully tending to the fire and basting the steak to perfection. The result was a juicy, flavorful masterpiece that I savored with great satisfaction, surrounded by the peaceful ambiance of the woodland.

As the evening drew to a close, I indulged in a delightful cheese and biscuit course, accompanied by a drizzle of the Versabags mango chutney and a dollop of the spicy hot honey gifted to me by my friends Sally and Ike. It was the perfect way to cap off a truly remarkable day in the great outdoors.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

While the overall experience was incredibly rewarding, I did face a few challenges during my time in the woodland. One of the most notable was the difficulty I encountered in getting a good night's sleep in the hammock. Despite my best efforts to create a comfortable setup, I found it challenging to find the perfect balance and position to achieve a restful slumber.

However, this experience has inspired me to explore alternative hammock systems, such as the Mock Droma hammocks that my friend Simon has used, which offer a more flat and stable sleeping platform. I'm determined to continue experimenting and finding the right hammock setup that will allow me to fully embrace the joys of woodland camping in the future.

Another lesson I learned was the importance of thoroughly cooking the steak to my desired doneness. While the initial attempt was a bit too rare for my liking, I was able to rectify the issue by returning the steak to the pan for a bit longer, basting it in the delicious butter and garlic mixture. This experience has reinforced the value of patience and attention to detail when it comes to outdoor cooking, ensuring I can consistently deliver delectable meals during my adventures.

Packing Up and Heading Home

As the sun began to rise the next morning, I reluctantly bid farewell to my woodland sanctuary. With a sense of satisfaction and a renewed appreciation for the great outdoors, I carefully packed up my camp, ensuring that I left no trace of my presence behind.

The journey back home on my trusty e-bike was a true delight, as the electric motor effortlessly carried me over the undulating terrain. The bright blue skies and the gentle birdsong provided the perfect backdrop to my reflections on the incredible experience I had just shared.

As I rolled up to my front door, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to immerse myself in the beauty of nature, to challenge myself, and to create lasting memories. This bikepacking adventure on an e-bike has undoubtedly left a lasting impression, and I can't wait to plan my next outdoor escapade.

Gear Recommendations

Throughout my journey, I relied on a carefully curated selection of gear and equipment to ensure a successful and comfortable adventure. Here are some of the key items I used and would highly recommend to fellow outdoor enthusiasts:

Rattan Pathfinder – My trusty e-bike that carried me effortlessly through the woodland terrain
Versabags – Reusable food storage containers that kept my provisions fresh and organized
The Nomad's Kitchen – A comprehensive outdoor cooking setup that allowed me to prepare delicious meals
Bank Line – Versatile and durable cord that proved invaluable for setting up my hammock and other camp tasks
DD 3x3 TARP – A reliable shelter that provided protection and camouflage for my hammock setup
SOTO Windmaster Stove – A compact and efficient stove that kept me warm and fueled throughout the adventure
Enlightened Equipment Quilt – A cozy and lightweight sleeping system that kept me comfortable in the hammock
Camping Pillow – A small but essential item that enhanced the comfort of my hammock setup
Pomoly Stove and Tarp – A versatile and reliable cooking system that allowed me to prepare delicious meals in the wild
Bitty Big Q – The perfect tool for grilling my Tomahawk steak to perfection

By carefully selecting and utilizing this gear, I was able to maximize the comfort, convenience, and overall enjoyment of my bikepacking adventure in the woodland. I highly recommend these products to anyone looking to embark on a similar outdoor exploration.

Conclusion: A Transformative Outdoor Experience

This bikepacking adventure on an e-bike through the woodland was a truly transformative experience that has left a lasting impression on me. From the exhilaration of navigating the trails to the serenity of camping under the stars, every moment was filled with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world.

The challenges I faced, such as the difficulty in finding the perfect hammock setup, have only served to deepen my commitment to continuous learning and exploration. I'm eager to apply the lessons I've learned and continue refining my outdoor skills, all while embracing the freedom and adventure that comes with exploring the great outdoors on two wheels.

As I reflect on this journey, I'm filled with a renewed sense of gratitude for the opportunity to immerse myself in the beauty of nature, to connect with the elements, and to create lasting memories. This experience has undoubtedly strengthened my passion for outdoor adventures, and I can't wait to embark on my next exciting expedition, whether it's on an e-bike, in a hammock, or exploring new and uncharted territories.