What on earth is bush-biking ?

That’s a question I’ve been asked several times since publishing my column in the local paper. If you Google for bush-biking you probably won’t find a definition. It’s a phrase I use to describe my combined passion for cycling and bushcraft.

I initially likened it to Bear Grylls on a mountain bike, but have since decided it’s more like Ray Mears on a mountain bike. The reason being that Bear is all about surviving to escape the wild, whereas Ray is about embracing and living in nature.

In some ways, bush-biking is similar to bicycle touring and bikepacking. Both of which use the bicycle to travel to multiple destinations. Bicycle touring brings up images of a bike loaded with four large panniers on a long distance trip.

Bikepacking is the lightweight version of bicycle touring and is usually done off road. Cycling with minimal gear packed in a frame bag, seat pack, or handlebar bag allows for fast and streamlined riding on the trails.

Bush-biking, on the other hand, is about selecting a place to camp and using a bicycle to get there. The location is usually in the middle of nowhere, away from people, and where you can enjoy nature undisturbed. Camping and bushcraft are the main focus of the trip. Cycling is the enabler.

What bushcraft is about, is learning and using wilderness skills. Learning to live in, and appreciate nature. Learning how to forage from the wild. It’s about learning the skills that our ancestors used every day to stay alive. And most of all, it’s about having fun while doing so.

Imagine falling asleep next to the campfire gazing up into the starry evening sky. Then waking up as the dawn breaks to reveal nature in all her glory, with the birds singing and the mist rolling over the hilltops. That’s what I’m talking about.

A beautiful evening view

Mythbusting

Over the next few months, I’ll be writing a number of posts on bush-biking. But first, there are a few myths about bushcraft that I’m going to bust:

• You don’t need to be kitted out in full camo gear
• You don’t need to be ex-forces, Bear Grylls or Rambo
• You don’t need a huge knife
• You don’t have to drink pee or eat crazy stuff (unless you really want to!)

What equipment do you need ?

Let’s start with the basics. As a minimum, I suggest you have a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, camping stove, pot and mug. If you’ve got these at home already, you’ve got enough to start with. You’ll also need to carry your kit. A rucksack will suffice, but be aware that carrying a large rucksack while cycling is not that comfortable.

A simple two man tent

You don’t need to spend a lot of money on additional equipment, but like most activities you can if you want to. Bushcraft kit is available from a number of stores at prices ranging from reasonable through to eye-watering. Alternatively, there are many Internet forums on how to make your own or adapt existing items for use in bushcraft.

A must is a first aid kit. I take one with me whatever type of outdoor activity I’m doing. There are plenty of small and reasonably priced kits out there.

I also carry the following depending on length of trip and location :

• Basic bike tools including puncture repair kit – enough said
• Torch and spare batteries
• Folding saw – great for cutting firewood
• Gloves – needed if your handling / processing firewood. They prevent a lot of cuts and splinters
• Fire-steel – for lighting a fire
• Spirit cook set – alcohol burner and cooking pot set
• Folding wood burner
• Multi-tool, knife or axe

As you get more experienced and focusing on new skills you’ll probably collect more kit. And if you like your comforts, and I do, you’ll definitely take more kit.

What bike ?

You can use any bike as long as its capable of going off-road. And it helps if it’s reliable. Any mountain bike should do. I usually take my Surly fat bike which I’ve adapted with rack and fork mounted carry cages. (I’ll do a future post on this). I also have a bike trailer which is great for carrying equipment.

For load bearing, you can also use bikepacking carry gear such as a frame bag, handlebar roll, and seat pack. Equally rack and panniers work fine. I’ve tried all of these including some home-made options and have yet to find a setup that doesn’t work. My preference is usually the trailer though, as its quicker and easier to load up.

Mountain bike with rack and panniers

Bikpacking type setup

Where to go ?

The Million Dollar question is where do you go ? If you haven’t camped before or haven’t camped in a number of years, I suggest you camp in your back garden. You have a known and safe environment and if you have to bail-out, there’s not far to go.

Learn how to put up your tent, inflate your camping mat and learn how to pack everything back in the bags it came out of. This is an often overlooked part of camping and one which causes a lot of frustration. Practice makes perfect.

And for your next trip, I suggest you go to your local campsite. It will give you a good feel for how your bike handles when loaded, and what to expect before venturing out in the wilds for real.

Once you’re comfortable camping out, it’s time to head out into the wilds. In Scotland, you can wild camp in the countryside but there are some limitations. These being mainly in enclosed areas with livestock or crops. I’ve put a link to Wild Camping in Scotland at the end of this post.

I’ll let you in on a little secret. It’s one thing camping on your own, in your garden or local campsite. It’s something completely different camping on your own in the middle of the woods.

It takes a lot of getting used to. Your mind will play tricks on you. Adults can get frightened too. It’s the human fight or flight instinct kicking in.

What to do there ?

My main reason for bush biking is to enjoy nature’s surroundings and learn new skills. If I go by myself my kit includes a book, notepad and occasionally some wine. I try and learn new bushcraft skills, or improve an existing one. I use the time to learn about the plants, wildlife, and history of the area. And I use the solitude to contemplate.

One of the most useful things I’ve learned is how to safely light and cook on a camping stove and wood burning fire. It takes a lot of skill to cook sausages, eggs, steak and mushrooms and make a pot of tea, all at the same time and without burning anything.

Bacon and eggs (almost)

Safety

Safety is always top priority when out in the wilds. We don’t have many dangerous critters in the UK , but there are other things that can make for an unpleasant trip. To stay safe follow these simple steps.

• Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return. If you’re new to bush biking, check in at regular times with someone by SMS
• Weather – Check the weather forecast for the location you’re camping at. Be prepared
• Sleeping bag – Your sleeping bag should be rated for the coldest temperature expected on your trip. Hypothermia is a real risk in Scotland
• First aid – Carry a first aid kit with you and know how to do basic first aid
• Mobile phone – Carry a mobile phone and USB battery pack with you. There are no power points in the woods
• Sharp things – Know how to safely handle a saw, axe, and knife. The last thing you want is to cut a finger off or worse ! Accidents do happen
• Fire – Don’t light a fire unless you are experienced in fire safety and conditions are safe to light one
• Hidden dangers on the ground – Broken glass, wasp and hornet nests. Be aware of these as they can all inflict nasty injuries
• Countryside code – Always follow the countryside code

It may seem daunting venturing out into the wilds, especially if you go on your own. But once you have the first trip under your belt it’s great fun.

Enjoy bush-biking and connecting with nature. Take the opportunity to learn new skills and relax in quite surroundings. Go on your own, go with friends, or take the kids with you. It’s a great way of bonding.

….and remember to leave no trace. Your camping spot should look like no one has ever been there.

Links

Wild camping in Scotland
The countryside code