Tent Camping

[Catrin]

I've never been tent camping, or at least not by myself and it has been 25 years since I've been camping at all! There is a charity ride this weekend in southern Indiana and I've decided to go.

I just found out they have free camping at the ride - apparently the entire town turns out to support this fundraiser for their food bank. So am borrowing a tent and sleeping bag from friends and drive up the evening before This has to be nuts - I've never done this on my own in my almost 51 years - but it sounds like fun!

They serve a nice breakfast and lunch the day of the event, so all I have to do is to stop for dinner on the way down. This will be an adventure - and a great way of de-stressing from the 30 hours of overtime (and counting) that I've worked since last Thursday!

Hopefully I won't be too stiff to ride Saturday morning

[jessmarimba]

That sounds like an awesome weekend!!

[MomOnBike]

You'll have a blast.

I will suggest that you set up the tent at least once before you leave, especially since you've never done it before. Tents have their quirks.

[spokewench]

Don't forget to take some kind of sleeping pad and pillow (you can use clothes to help for hte pillow)

[Catrin]

I just picked up a $20 1-person pup tent from Walmart - it is only 3 ft tall but it will keep the bugs off of me A friend loaned me pad and sleeping bag. I guess that I am actually going to do this! There won't be any time to set it up before I go though --- still have lots of overtime between now and Friday afternoon...

[indysteel]

How fun! Brian and I just started buying the things we need for camping. I wish we could join you, but we have a cookout Saturday to attend and we need to start getting ready for our trip to Oregon.

I don't have my CIBA ride list handy. Where are you campingn and what are the ride options? Who's the ride leader?

[kermit]

Bring a tarp, to put down before the tent, just in case of rain/bugs! Sounds cool, have fun!

[Tri Girl]

You'll have a great time!! I've camped out before triathlons before, and it's always been fun! My husband took me camping for the first time about 6 years ago and I've fallen in love with it (now I do camping tours, backpacking, etc).
I hope you have a GREAT time!!!!

[Catrin]

How fun! Brian and I just started buying the things we need for camping. I wish we could join you, but we have a cookout Saturday to attend and we need to start getting ready for our trip to Oregon.

I don't have my CIBA ride list handy. Where are you campingn and what are the ride options? Who's the ride leader?

This isn't a CIBA ride. It is a fundraiser by the Town of Hope to fund their food bank. More information here.

The three longest options are 50, 62, and 100 miles. Would love to go for the 100 mile option - but as 70 is the furthest I've ridden that is probably too much. Or not, will just see how my legs feel but am planning for the metric - I imagine that there will be hills They have bands at all of the rest stop, and they provide a nice breakfast and lunch as well.

Camping is at the high school where the ride starts from - apparently this is the 23rd year that this ride has happened. I like their ride descriptions:

* 13 Mile Li'l Calf Tour
* 25 Miles Riding in the Pasture
* 32 Mile Milk Cow Ramble
* 50 Miles of Dodging Cow Pies
* 64 Mile Mad Cow Metric
* 100 Miles of Bull

Got the tip about the tarp, will have to go back and get one, thanks! At least I don't have to worry about food!

[Irulan]

How fun! Brian and I just started buying the things we need for camping. I wish we could join you, but we have a cookout Saturday to attend and we need to start getting ready for our trip to Oregon.

I don't have my CIBA ride list handy. Where are you campingn and what are the ride options? Who's the ride leader?

I am a well seasoned tent camper... both car and rafting. If you need any suggestions on gear or how to do it stuff, fire away.

[indysteel]

This isn't a CIBA ride. It is a fundraiser by the Town of Hope to fund their food bank. More information here.

The three longest options are 50, 62, and 100 miles. Would love to go for the 100 mile option - but as 70 is the furthest I've ridden that is probably too much. Or not, will just see how my legs feel but am planning for the metric - I imagine that there will be hills They have bands at all of the rest stop, and they provide a nice breakfast and lunch as well.

Camping is at the high school where the ride starts from - apparently this is the 23rd year that this ride has happened. I like their ride descriptions:

* 13 Mile Li'l Calf Tour
* 25 Miles Riding in the Pasture
* 32 Mile Milk Cow Ramble
* 50 Miles of Dodging Cow Pies
* 64 Mile Mad Cow Metric
* 100 Miles of Bull

Got the tip about the tarp, will have to go back and get one, thanks! At least I don't have to worry about food!

Awesome. I didn't even realize they offered that. Don't forget to bring a camp chair and a towel or two. You might need a flashlight or latern, too. If you need any of that stuff, let me know. You can pick it up and drop it off on your way down there.

[AnnieBikes]

You can substitute a piece of heavy weight plastic for the tarp. It weighs less and does just as well!!! Also, you can use Tyvec if you know anyone at a constructions site! Have a great time. I have camped on many bike trips, but the first night is usually not very restful for me. I guess it is the excitement of the event! Have fun and catch up on your sleep after the big day. Wow, I wish I was going!

[PamNY]

Sounds fun! I've camped since I was four years old. It's great. Even if you don't have time to set it up, at least check to make sure your tent has all the parts it is supposed to -- stakes, poles, and such. I agree tents have quirks, and learning what they are in the dark isn't fun. But with a group, you will have lots of help.

You may not need an area light if you are camping at the high school, but you should take a flashlight or headlight.

Have fun!

[hebe]

How exciting! Have a great time camping and riding, I love those ride names.

[Catrin]

Breakfast is biscuits and gravy, and they have a rest stop every 10-12 miles with a live band and more food... I suspect I won't be losing any weight during this ride but it will be a great de-stresser

I am also quite nervous at the idea of hitting hills clipped in, so this will be a good chance to get over that. I NEVER stop that often, so the little 10-12 mile stops for food and music will be a good way to get myself 'over it'.