A bothy adventure and two Munros
OS GetOutside Champion Cat Webster takes us on a two-day bothy adventure, taking in two Munros along the way.
A lockdown guide to cycle-touring
By Debs Butler
The sun’s out and it’s time to start adventuring! Here’s how to recreate the excitement of a bike tour whilst sticking to the government social distancing guidelines.
For Spring bank holidays, we would usually be off on a walking or bicycle trip and crossing our fingers for sunshine. This year though, life is a bit different. For those wondering how to have a holiday adventure, here’s a quick guide to how you can complete your very own cycle tour from home.
1. Bike ride
One afternoon go out on a local bike ride for your daily exercise session. To plan your route, think about the enjoyment of the least confident rider – will this be a good route for them? Is there something to look out for on the way?
Top tip: Check the wind direction and ride into the wind on the outward leg if you can. Then you’ll get a push home.
Authenticity bonus: Try a new route, or that hill that’s usually a bit too hard.
2. Dine outside
Cook your dinner that evening outside on a camp stove if you have one, or have a one-pan special on the hob indoors.
Top tip: Sit on the floor to have your meal – it’ll feel more like camping.
Authenticity bonus: Four ingredient limit! You could even carry them with you on your afternoon ride in a pannier or small backpack.
3. Add the outdoor fun factor
For your evening entertainment read stories, play a card game, or other no-tech games. Write a short diary entry about your ride (and your dinner).
Top tip: Small games that you could fit on a bike definitely work well – we usually carry scrabble letters and play speed scrabble.
Authenticity bonus: Torchlight only!
4. Sleep under the stars
Have a sleep out – tent or homemade den in the garden, sofa cushions on the living floor or whatever suits.
Top Tip: Go to bed when it gets dark – you might wake earlier than usual with the sun.
Authenticity bonus: Use a sleeping bag, and roll up some clothes for your pillow.
5. Breakfast with the birds
Breakfast should be another one pot wonder – porridge maybe, or a no-cook banana sandwich. Pack up your bed and get ready for your morning ride.
Top tip: Plan for a bigger breakfast than usual if you’ve been sleeping outside.
Authenticity bonus: Eating outside always seems to taste better, so have your breakfast outside – even if it is just sitting on your doorstep.
6. Get back on your bike
Head out for your day two ride, staying close to home again. Plan a different route to yesterday, see if you can try riding somewhere new in your local area.
Top tip: Imagine you are riding to a UK or world landmark that is available for ‘virtual’ visits – check it out online when you get back. If it is overseas, you could theme your meals too.
Authenticity bonus: If you can do so safely, pack everything you have used in the past 12 hours into a pannier or rucksack and carry it with you! (Please don’t take your duvet on a bike ride…!)
Click for more ideas to get active at homeHave a great ride!
Published 12/05/2020
By Debs Butler
About:
Debs is a cyclist, teacher, walker; lover of maps, coffee and cake.
Find out more about Debs Butler.
