Forest survival specialist, explorer, adventurer, trainer, speaker and author
Don't be offended. You're absolutely right. But what I want to talk about is a slightly different activity. This one will be special in these ways:
- The road used will not be paved.
- The mount will be different, more robust, like a mountain bike or a Fatbike.
- The route taken will not meet any refueling point or city.
Basically, you go on a bike tour in forest roads or trails in complete autonomy, in search of beautiful lost corners.
Ohhhhhh!!!
So, apart from the bike, it all looks similar. The bike should be equipped with racks and panniers to hold your gear. But very sturdy, it can get shaken up a lot.
It is at this point that you will have to plan the route very well and the equipment necessary for the trip... light, compact and minimalist. Some people excel in this area. It will be necessary to consider these six points. That is, clothing, hydration, shelter and sleeping, food, tools and orientation.
So, here are a few tips regarding these points before you embark on this great adventure.
The Clothing
They should be selected to face any weather encountered and divided into two categories. Either, I ride (shorts, raincoat, etc. ...) or, I am at camp (washed, changed and dry) ideally multi-layer.
Hydration, therefore, water supply
In this activity, the weight is the nerve of the war and hyper important. Considering that one liter of water weighs one kilo, I can't see you carrying four. Your trip will turn into an ordeal. So, you will simply need your regular water bottles and a filter to purify your water collected from the streams you encounter.
The shelter and the sleep
If you are already cycling, this point remains the same. That is to say, an ultra light tent or a tarp (that's what I use), a ground mattress and a sleeping bag. As a pillow, stuff a T-shirt with clothes. A headlamp will also be welcome for your little night trips around the camp.
The food
I suggest that you go for dehydrated or freeze-dried food. Light, compact and long lasting. But when the time comes to eat, you will have to rehydrate everything. You will need the most compact stove you can find. Simple to use and efficient. The bowl will need to be just large enough to hold your burner set or the amount of water needed to rehydrate your meals.
The tools
In complete autonomy, it will be necessary to think about potential breakages, punctures and to be able to face them. A minimum of wrenches, pliers, puncture kit and pump will be essential. Tools for the camp will also be necessary such as a pocket knife, saw, lighter, etc.
Orientation
When you think of forest roads, you think of a labyrinth. Therefore, a good preparation will be necessary not to get lost. The means are very varied nowadays to face this task. Map, GPS, satellite photos, etc... take into consideration that the cellular network will probably be absent. So, don't forget to tell your friends and family before you leave about your intentions and your route. Who knows!
That's the generalities.
I hope not to discourage you with these technical points, but they remain the most important ones in order to realize your journey with ease, with this minimum required.
I wish you a good ride in this new adventure!
Forest survival specialist, explorer, adventurer, trainer, speaker and author
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