Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Rides and Touring => Topic started by: Charlotte on 03 April, 2008, 10:04:52 am

Title: The S24O
Post by: Charlotte on 03 April, 2008, 10:04:52 am
After Chris's post here (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=463.msg6053#msg6053), I was wondering what he meant by a S24O, so I Googled it.

It would appear that a S24O is a sub-24 hour, overnight bike ride.  You leave on one day, returning the next, with an overnight stop somewhere.  Not really an overnight ride, like the Dun Run or the FNRttC, where you don't sleep - but one that involves camping out somewhere.  Preferably wild camping or bivvying.

Kent Peterson (http://kentsbike.blogspot.com/2007/06/calligan-lake-s24o.html) (he of the Great Divide Race onna singlespped fame) is an enthusiast of this kind of riding and there's a good piece on gear at the Rivendell (http://www.rivbike.com/article/bike_camping/camping_vs_touring) site.  I suppose it appeals to a lot of people in the US because they have so much less annual leave there and to get out camping for a few days requires much more forward planning.

Anyway, reading round the subject I think I really like the idea.  Get on your bike onna Friday afternoon (I can often knock off at midday) and ride as far as you can.  Fifty miles, seventy miles, whatever you can manage.  Go somewhere different.  When it gets dark, find somewhere remote and safe and sheltered and set up a really lightweight camp.

Get up the following morning, brew up, have breakfast and ride home, maybe by a different route.

I'm finding this strangely alluring.  One of the things I'm not too crazy about with bike camping are multi-day trips where I get dirty and stinky and have to haul a load of crap round with me just to cope with it all.  A S24O gets away from all this.  You don't need much and you don't need to worry about the long term picture.  All you need is what will keep you fed and warm and happy tonight and nothing more.

I think I may be having one or two of this little adventures this summer.  Anyone fancy joining me?
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: Julian on 03 April, 2008, 10:16:41 am
Definitely.  :)

Camping of any description always appeals to me (well, apart from Camp Trench Foot).
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: juliet on 03 April, 2008, 10:21:02 am
doop & I are doing something a bit like that in a fortnight.  Leave first thing Saturday, with a map, and head off at random.  Ride until we're bored, find somewhere to sleep, head back on Sunday.

The original plan was to find a B&B rather than camp up, but since I will have newtent (hurrah!) to play with, if the weather's nice, & it looks like two people prepared to be friendly* can fit in it for a night, we might camp instead.  Won't be bivvying-level lightweight, mind. 

So yes!  I am up for adventures.  But likely to be lightweight-tent rather than bivvy (do not have bivvy bag & don't want to buy one atm).  It'll be good practice for Australia, though :) 

* doop only had a single bed for the first six months we were going out, so we are used to this :)
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: alan on 03 April, 2008, 10:23:06 am
The S240 principle is very interesting.I might try this  into the Peaks or Welsh borders later in the year.
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: Chris N on 03 April, 2008, 10:31:54 am
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: hellymedic on 03 April, 2008, 10:39:12 am
doop & I are doing something a bit like that in a fortnight.  Leave first thing Saturday, with a map, and head off at random.  Ride until we're bored, find somewhere to sleep, head back on Sunday.

The original plan was to find a B&B rather than camp up, but since I will have newtent (hurrah!) to play with, if the weather's nice, & it looks like two people prepared to be friendly* can fit in it for a night, we might camp instead.  Won't be bivvying-level lightweight, mind. 

So yes!  I am up for adventures.  But likely to be lightweight-tent rather than bivvy (do not have bivvy bag & don't want to buy one atm).  It'll be good practice for Australia, though :) 

* doop only had a single bed for the first six months we were going out, so we are used to this :)

There's a lot more headroom in a single bed than in a JetPacker Plus.
Having another occupant would be a challenge. I hope you are able to breathe and can organise where you'd have specs if you wear them...
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: juliet on 03 April, 2008, 10:41:21 am
Oh well, if it can't be done then we'll stick with the B&B option.  Which might be for the best anyway in April :)
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: andygates on 03 April, 2008, 10:42:32 am
That sounds bivvylicious. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: hellymedic on 03 April, 2008, 10:45:27 am
You'd be welcome to put the tent up on my lawn to assess its dimensions, if you wish.

I agree a B&B might be preferable.

I gave away my Hilleberg Nallo last year...
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: juliet on 03 April, 2008, 11:05:55 am
Well, when it's just me (which will be the case when travelling), a one-person-size tent will be fine.  I'm just keen to try out exciting new thing, but will have to contain myself in patience till I can take a weekend off by myself!  Ideally when it's a bit warmer.
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: bikenerd on 03 April, 2008, 11:44:38 am
I'd certainly be interested in doing this.  I have the gear and did a couple of similar overnighters last summer but walking rather than cycling.  Doing it in a walking style is very liberating, as you can pack everything into a 30L rucksack, including 2 days food, rather than having to use 45L one, which is neccessary if I take my tent.
Mind you, I was glad of the tent when I went hiking in the Black Mountains last year and it rained for two nights and one day solid.

You'll all be setting off from London, though, innit?
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: Charlotte on 03 April, 2008, 11:46:13 am
Dunno yet.  Probably.  Depends if I just go on my own or if we gather up a posse of like minded types.

We could always converge on a particular area?
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: Phil on 03 April, 2008, 12:24:08 pm
I'd be up for this - I have a half-formed plan to take myself off for a week over the middle of the summer and do a JoGLE as fast as I can carrying just a bivvy and standard audax gear, and some practice would be nice. 
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: scott on 04 April, 2008, 04:17:50 pm
Although I haven't been able to try this yet, I hear about it quite a bit. The term was invented (I think) by Grant Peterson of Rivendell Bicycles, formerly of Bridgestone Bicycles back when they made some interesting stuff. I'm on an e-mail list elsewhere that originally sprang from GP's snail-mailing list at Bridgestone, and has evolved into a list for mostly noncompetitive, mostly steel-riding cyclists. People talk about S24Os on there quite a bit, and occasionally link to some nice ride reports or photostreams.

I'd love to try it, but it's a long way to any public land that involves camping here. And with our different traditions of land access, "wild camping" on private land is much more of a transgressive thing here. Plus, in my case, since I work in land-use planning for the government of our surrounding county, trespassing could be blown up into a much bigger thing. So I'd have to find somebody with farm who would give permission, or ride 60+ hilly miles to a public campground (or a bit shorter, but crossing the Blue Ridge  :P  :sick: ). In the western US, this idea works better, because there's more public land. And I'd really have to wait until I get a tandem and take Anders along, because just disappearing from family activities on a weekend is not a recipe for tranquility.

Anyway, the whole idea just makes me want to jump on a bike and go, but I'm not there yet.
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: mark on 04 April, 2008, 05:05:07 pm
I'd love to try it, but it's a long way to any public land that involves camping here. And with our different traditions of land access, "wild camping" on private land is much more of a transgressive thing here. Plus, in my case, since I work in land-use planning for the government of our surrounding county, trespassing could be blown up into a much bigger thing. So I'd have to find somebody with farm who would give permission, or ride 60+ hilly miles to a public campground (or a bit shorter, but crossing the Blue Ridge  :P  :sick: ). In the western US, this idea works better, because there's more public land.

More public land,but there are still restrictions on where one can camp on Forest Service and/or National Park Service land. There are lots of very nice Forest Service campgrounds tucked away in very scenic spots around here, but they tend to be heavily used by people towing gigantic 5th wheel trailers behind gigantic pickup trucks.
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: scott on 04 April, 2008, 05:43:30 pm
That's true--especially on NPS land, the options can be pretty limited. You can probably get away with more on USFS land, I'm guessing.

Where (roughly) are you, btw?
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: IanDG on 04 April, 2008, 05:51:43 pm
This sort of ride was part of British cycle club culture too. I used to do the Walsall Roads 'Moonlight' years back (70's/80's) which also involved a lot of drinking.

Meet up at about 4pm on a Saturday, cycle till about 9pm, stopping at a pub and calling at a few pubs on the way. Have drinks and a meal at the last pub. At chucking out time cycle a few more miles to a suitable (pre-determined) barn to sleep.


In the morning breakfast on camping stoves then cycle to a lunch time pub close to home, and after a few more drinks depart and head our separate ways home to arrive mid afternoon (approx 24 hrs after we started)


The good old days   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: scott on 04 April, 2008, 06:16:06 pm

cabin-fever meter is at redline....
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: Wowbagger on 04 April, 2008, 06:46:41 pm
I'd like to have a go at this.

I must see what my tentworthiness is like. The last two or three times I have attempted to sleep in a tent, I just haven't. Mind you, a lot of that has been down to the rain and wind lashing down against the flysheet. However, I've got a load of good camping gear and fancy a bit of this.

I also quite like the thought of just setting out one day with the gear and cycling in a fairly unplanned way.
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: Chris S on 04 April, 2008, 09:38:08 pm
I'd better start swotting up on my Ray Mears - I quite fancy a go at this too.
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: Wobbly John on 04 April, 2008, 10:11:06 pm
It's something I used to do quite a bit. Set out on a Friday after work, camp when it gets dark, then up early in the morning to get lots of miles in before breakfast. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: chris on 04 April, 2008, 10:14:24 pm
I like the idea of this. How about a YACF S240 'arrow'. i.e. we select a venue, all ride there from our own homes / work, put up tents, have a bit of a social, camp, breakfast, ride home.
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: Chris S on 04 April, 2008, 10:22:55 pm
I like the idea of this. How about a YACF S240 'arrow'. i.e. we select a venue, all ride there from our own homes / work, put up tents, have a bit of a social, camp, breakfast, ride home.

I think this is what Charlotte was mulling over. Somewhere NW of Londinium maybe - SW/W of here (Norfolk) and S of East Midlands.

Of course, wherever you choose, it's going to be wrong for some...
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: IanDG on 04 April, 2008, 10:25:16 pm
don't think I could make the south, after work, before dark  ;) ;D
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 04 April, 2008, 10:39:34 pm
don't think I could make the south, after work, before dark  ;) ;D
yebbut if you left after work in midsummer you could get an awful lot further before dark!
Mebbee we should have one further north, I bet Pingu would be right up for it.
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: border-rider on 04 April, 2008, 10:44:43 pm
I like the idea of this. How about a YACF S240 'arrow'. i.e. we select a venue, all ride there from our own homes / work, put up tents, have a bit of a social, camp, breakfast, ride home.

That'd be good :)
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: Charlotte on 04 April, 2008, 11:42:24 pm
I'm definitely in.

Tonight, I have been playing with fizzy drink can stoves.  So far, I still have both my eyebrows...

Where are we going then?
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: scott on 05 April, 2008, 02:47:39 am
both my eyebrows...

< looks at avatar > Whaddya mean "both"?  <runs>
 ;)

Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: Valiant on 05 April, 2008, 03:45:12 am
Sounds like something even I can do :)
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: LEE on 05 April, 2008, 10:09:46 am
If the date and venue are convenient then I reckon that me, Chill_moister, Urban_Biker and Keeks could be up for this.  It's pretty much what we do anyway.

PS.  As much as I love camping, we had a superb 'S240' using a Youth Hostel last year.  The fact that the YH was also a pub may have contributed to the overall effect.

September would be perfect for me.

For anyone wondering whether this sort of thing can be enjoyable:

(http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u249/freddered/Clyffe%20Pypard%202007/SavernakeForest1.jpg?t=1207386413)

Apologies to those who find the smell of cooking bacon offensive (and apologies to those who don't and are now drooling)

(http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u249/freddered/Beer%20Camping/Breakfast.jpg?t=1207386523)
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: IanDG on 05 April, 2008, 10:55:29 am
don't think I could make the south, after work, before dark  ;) ;D
yebbut if you left after work in midsummer you could get an awful lot further before dark!
Mebbee we should have one further north, I bet Pingu would be right up for it.

About 160 mile Aberdeen to Ullapool? About 80 mile each. And the more southerly scottish members could head north. It's a possibility  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: Si on 08 April, 2008, 12:11:55 pm
I've been planning to do something similar to a S24O for the last four years - my mate keeps trying to organise it and then he backs out when he realises that it would require actually riding a bike.

But the plan was to do an off road one as we know the location of a bothie hut in Cambrian Mountains.  The start was to be from Builth or similar (on the railway line from Bham) go off round Llyn Briane (off road version of Devil's Stair case for all you Elenithers), the amazing Dothie Valley single track (6km of natural), and various other local treasures, spend the night at the bothie and then ride home via a similar type of route for late breakie/early lunch at the Neuadd Arms.

My "mate" seems to have given up biking all together now so I'm looking to do the ride alone, but would welcome company should anyone fancy it.  No great MTBing skills called for as the route has thrills but nothing overly technical.
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: scott on 08 April, 2008, 02:54:39 pm
That sounds great! That's the kind of thing I would want to use a mountain bike for, if I had one.
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 08 April, 2008, 03:05:22 pm
When single, I used to do these sorts of trips. Sometimes (if tired or in bad weather), I'd stop at a youth hostel.

My preferred dinner option was to stop at a pub, eat, drink, then ride a few miles into the night and camp. That avoided needing to carry a stove.

Yeah, it's fun.

Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: David Martin on 08 April, 2008, 03:40:57 pm
Motivated by this thread I have been thinking of doing some overnight trips with the kids in the summer. We'll be doing the York Rally, but I am also looking at local campsites about 20 miles or so away (an easy day's ride) and we'll do an out, overnight, then meander around a bit before coming home. It would be really cool to meet up with others who are of a similar intent (pun intended).

..d
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: PH on 08 April, 2008, 08:48:10 pm
It’s my favorite sort of camping, one or two nights, maybe with an Audax in between.  The joy is not needing to take much, my level of comfort for one night can be a lot less than for a week or two.  I saw the Rivendell article a while ago, it’s encouraging that despite their bike prices they recommend a $100 tent, it demonstrates how simple this can be. 
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: mark on 08 April, 2008, 09:39:51 pm
It’s my favorite sort of camping, one or two nights, maybe with an Audax in between.  The joy is not needing to take much, my level of comfort for one night can be a lot less than for a week or two.  I saw the Rivendell article a while ago, it’s encouraging that despite their bike prices they recommend a $100 tent, it demonstrates how simple this can be. 

They also offer a $50 titanium pot and a $100 hatchet, just in case you don't want to keep it too simple.
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: scott on 08 April, 2008, 09:54:36 pm
Yeahbut, the $100 hatchet is really rustic-looking.  ::-)
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: teethgrinder on 08 April, 2008, 10:56:32 pm
I'm surprised at the sense of revelation on this thread. I do this several times a year if I get the chance. I just call it freelance touring.
I go where I fancy. I have an idea of area, such as Welsh Mountains or whatever. Then I just finish work and get riding. Maybe I'll sleep, maybe not. Maybe in a B&B, Youth Hostel, bus shelter, field, whatever I feel like. It's great, just go wherever. See a road that takes your fancy and follow it. I pretty much did this for the best part of 5 months in 2005.
I like the idea of us meeting up at a given location for a weekend.
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: LEE on 09 April, 2008, 08:35:06 am
Charlotte

If you contemplate anything in late summer, west of London, let me, Urban_Biker, Chillmoister and Keeks know about it.  I'm sure we'd be interested.

My bike is perfectly adapted to camping of this sort

(http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u249/freddered/IMG_5629.jpg?t=1207726475)
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: Charlotte on 09 April, 2008, 08:38:07 am
If anything's going off, Lee - you'll see it here.  You and your fellow winos would be more than welcome  ;)
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: LEE on 09 April, 2008, 08:42:28 am
If anything's going off, Lee - you'll see it here.  You and your fellow winos would be more than welcome  ;)

None of that was for my fellows
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: urban_biker on 09 April, 2008, 08:45:47 am
yep - he makes us bring our own.  :'(
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: Deano on 09 April, 2008, 11:10:58 am
I'm surprised at the sense of revelation on this thread. I do this several times a year if I get the chance. I just call it freelance touring.
Yeah but you didn't give it a name or a philosophy - Teethgrinder Weekend Epiphanies, maybe?
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: Really Ancien on 09 April, 2008, 11:41:10 am
Rivendell, that's from Tolkein isn't it. Some controversy surrounds the inspiration for this locale, but of course the Ribble Valley or 'Ribblesdale' has a claim. http://www.travellady.com/Issues/Issue64/64E-hobbits.htm
So the stamping ground of so many Lancashire cyclists has been mytholigised, inspiring a bike company in California which repackages tradition as its own wisdom. I've got a lugged steel bike, I might occasionally take a ride over a weekend. Slaidburn would be a good destination, there's a Youth Hostel and a river and a village green and little stone houses and all that sort of stuff.

Damon.
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: Chris N on 09 April, 2008, 12:05:36 pm
I've been planning to do something similar to a S24O for the last four years - my mate keeps trying to organise it and then he backs out when he realises that it would require actually riding a bike.

But the plan was to do an off road one as we know the location of a bothie hut in Cambrian Mountains.  The start was to be from Builth or similar (on the railway line from Bham) go off round Llyn Briane (off road version of Devil's Stair case for all you Elenithers), the amazing Dothie Valley single track (6km of natural), and various other local treasures, spend the night at the bothie and then ride home via a similar type of route for late breakie/early lunch at the Neuadd Arms.

My "mate" seems to have given up biking all together now so I'm looking to do the ride alone, but would welcome company should anyone fancy it.  No great MTBing skills called for as the route has thrills but nothing overly technical.

That sounds like a great idea.  Trains to Builth (Not Builth itself, but Builth Road.  Llanwrtyd Wells is probably better) aren't that great, but it's a lovely line.  It's the same area that I'd been planning for my bivvying experiment, except I'd be heading over Drygarn Fawr towards Abergwesyn and Llyn Brianne from Rhayader.

I'm surprised at the sense of revelation on this thread.

I'm not - I think that people need to be told that it's possible to do this kind of thing.  I'm all for it.
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: clarion on 09 April, 2008, 12:27:02 pm
Rivendell, that's from Tolkein isn't it. Some controversy surrounds the inspiration for this locale, but of course the Ribble Valley or 'Ribblesdale' has a claim. http://www.travellady.com/Issues/Issue64/64E-hobbits.htm
So the stamping ground of so many Lancashire cyclists has been mytholigised, inspiring a bike company in California which repackages tradition as its own wisdom. I've got a lugged steel bike, I might occasionally take a ride over a weekend. Slaidburn would be a good destination, there's a Youth Hostel and a river and a village green and little stone houses and all that sort of stuff.

Damon.

Tolkein certainly had a connection with Leeds (did he teach there? </toolazytogoogle> ), and knew the Dales, which do seem to pop up occasionally in  LOTR.  It occurs to me that there is a section in the Mines, which may have been inspired by the rapid exploration of Dales potholes round about the time of writing.

Rivendell could well be Ribblesdale, which is a great place to ride.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: mark on 09 April, 2008, 04:01:55 pm
Rivendell, that's from Tolkein isn't it. Some controversy surrounds the inspiration for this locale, but of course the Ribble Valley or 'Ribblesdale' has a claim.

Grant Petersen says he named his company after Rivendell Mountain Works, as described here (http://www.rivbike.com/rivendell_trivia). Rivendell Mountain Works was presumably inspired by Tolkien's work.
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: clarion on 09 April, 2008, 04:35:42 pm
btw, there's a Rivendell in Sheffield...
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: Soaplady on 09 April, 2008, 05:37:43 pm
There's certainly a Riverdale in Sheffield, 'cos my friend used to live on Riverdale Road, and it's just across from Endcliffe Park where I used to spend more time than was seemly in my youth...

Never heard of a Rivendell in Sheffield, though, but I haven't lived there for 30 years, so things may have changed!

Sara
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: teethgrinder on 09 April, 2008, 08:26:54 pm
Yeah but you didn't give it a name or a philosophy - Teethgrinder Weekend Epiphanies, maybe?

Why do I need any philosophy or a name for it? It's just riding my bike for the fun of it, not knowing exactly where I will go or end up. That's how I started cycling and what really got me into it. Seeing new places and not knowing what to expect.
I did it when I went to France for 3 weeks in 2005. I ended up crossing the Italian border.
I am thinking of having a fortnight in Ireland doing this over Christmas this year.
Company would be very welcome. I intend to sleep in a bed though. Or at the very least, my tent.
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: donpedro on 10 April, 2008, 11:22:21 pm
http://www.rivbike.com/article/bike_camping/camping_vs_touring
http://www.rivbike.com/article/bike_camping/a_kit_for_one_night_out
Now get on with it!  ::-)
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: Chris N on 17 April, 2008, 11:21:10 am
Interesting article on getting started with wild camping: http://homepage.mac.com/simon.willis/site/newspapers/wildcamp.htm
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: donpedro on 17 April, 2008, 07:23:09 pm
Chris, Lots of good reading there!
Have any of you signed the petition for leagalising wildcamping in England and Wales?
http://www.legalisewildcamping.com/ (http://www.legalisewildcamping.com/)

My solo UL-gearlist is less than 6kg, and would work for month long summer rides to. It's really about what comfort-zone one is prepared to accept and planning the route accordingly! This printable gear weight calculator is great for getting a grip on what to bring:
http://backpacking.net/featured3.html

Remember this report from a couple touring France for 3 month on SS Pompino's carrying enough to fit in seat and handlebar bags!:
http://pompinos.blogspot.com/index.html#114959954098664545 (http://pompinos.blogspot.com/index.html#114959954098664545)
Sun is out so I might do this classic 350 km ride around lake Mälaren this weekend.
Here's a report some friends wrote in Swedish but with lots of pict:
http://www.herou.com/erik/blogg/?p=242

(http://www.mcm.se/malaren/bilder/karta.jpg)
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: Pedaldog. on 17 April, 2008, 09:49:02 pm
Peter... Have you got a link to the actual petition?
I want to sign it but know not how to find the thing.
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: donpedro on 18 April, 2008, 09:41:43 am
It's 10 Downing Street! ;)

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/wildcamp/
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: Paul on 18 April, 2008, 05:24:14 pm
I think that people need to be told that it's possible to do this kind of thing.

Or 'reminded'.

I think it's always been possible. Some people just forgot. I certainly did.

Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: scott on 18 April, 2008, 07:55:23 pm
Some people just forgot. I certainly did.

[resists urge to pull on elbow-patched jacket, light pipe, and start writing interminable dissertation on comparative land-access rights and the history of general wandering about, which would be much more interesting than what I actually need to write right now.]
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: donpedro on 25 April, 2008, 01:33:14 pm
S240 pictures:
http://flickr.com/photos/tags/s24o/
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: Polar Bear on 17 May, 2008, 11:59:08 am
I've decided to give this a go.   I've only previously bivvy'd or lightweight camped when walking.  The logistics of what to carry and how / what bike are taxing my cells at the moment. <edit>  We cycle camp quite a lot when touring but I wouldn't call it lightweight! </edit>

I've picked a spot about 1 hour from home for a practise run.  I intend to ride there late-ish one Friday evening, hunker down, wake with the dawn chorus and pootle back home.  If it all goes wrong I can easily pack and be home quickly, and without losing my sense of humour.

My steed options are the tourer with enough luggage-carrying capacity for an extended cycle-camping tour, the audax machine which is set up for a bar bag and something dangling from the saddle loops, or maybe the mountain bike and a rucksack.

I haven't yet figured out what I'm going to take with me either
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: TimC on 03 June, 2008, 11:07:31 am

Anyway, reading round the subject I think I really like the idea.  Get on your bike onna Friday afternoon (I can often knock off at midday) and ride as far as you can.  Fifty miles, seventy miles, whatever you can manage.  Go somewhere different.  When it gets dark, find somewhere remote and safe and sheltered and set up a really lightweight camp.

Get up the following morning, brew up, have breakfast and ride home, maybe by a different route.

Haven't read through the thread, Aunty C, so forgive me if I'm speaking out of turn.

We have a little water meadow next to the river Stour, a couple of miles south of Sudbury (Suffolk). It's about 70 miles from The Smoke, depending on your chosen route. If you'd like to use it for camping on one of these S24O's, PM me and we can sort it.

For that matter, any of you are welcome to use it anytime!
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: Charlotte on 03 June, 2008, 11:19:00 am
Ohhhhhh!  It's a bit far for the ZS24O, but maybe the next time, yes please, Tim!

By the way - I was dead chuffed that I got driven back from New York yesterday by a gurl.  Does the Bearded One have any bumpy chaps driving his kites?
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: TimC on 03 June, 2008, 12:12:20 pm
Absolutely, ma'am. And some of them are, well, quite cute. Not that that would affect your choice of pilot, I'm sure! ;D

Oh, and we have boats'n'everyfink ('cos the meadow's beside the river). And a pub.
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: Charlotte on 03 June, 2008, 12:28:53 pm
A pub, you say?

I think this calls for a discussion on dates.  I'm thinking either August or the first week or so in October when Liz and I get back from the USA.

Chaps - when's good for everyone for a trip to Tim's meadow?
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: TimC on 03 June, 2008, 01:20:01 pm
The meadow is here (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=co10+7ls&ie=UTF8&ll=52.013469,0.738015&spn=0.002014,0.00479&t=h&z=18). It's the one with the geometric pattern of willows in it. The pub (http://www.hennyswan.com/) is under the green arrow, bottom left centre.

Any date is welcome, but if we're not here we'll need to make prior arrangements with the pub for use of loos, etc.
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 03 June, 2008, 03:05:04 pm
Absolutely, ma'am. And some of them are, well, quite cute. Not that that would affect your choice of pilot, I'm sure! ;D

Oh, and we have boats'n'everyfink ('cos the meadow's beside the river). And a pub.

What sort of boats out of interest?  Are they for hire?
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: TimC on 03 June, 2008, 03:14:35 pm
Just a couple of rowing boats and kayaks. We also have a powered cabin day boat, but the engine's in need of serious TLC and so it's out of the water just now. There may be a dinky kid-sized sailboat later this year. They're not for hire as they're just our family's toys, but any visitors are welcome to use what we have!
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 03 June, 2008, 03:18:41 pm
Oh, thanks.  I'm an ex-rower* and always jump at the chance to row on a new river - haven't done the Stour, will gladly take up your offer if I make it out on the ride.


*was rubbish.
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: TimC on 03 June, 2008, 04:33:58 pm
You'd be welcome!
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: andygates on 03 June, 2008, 08:50:05 pm
Boats, pub, camping.  What could possibly go wrong? :D
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: Pedaldog. on 03 June, 2008, 09:18:38 pm
Having broken my brain in Sudbury back in '96 I would really like to have a wander back down there for a few days and see the place again. Camping would make it a good one to try for September time maybe if it would be okay with you all TimC
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: cycleman on 06 June, 2008, 07:52:46 am
i am defenaly up for this  :thumbsup:. a bit more the 70 miles for me but i can cope with 36 hours if i need to  ;D
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: TimC on 06 June, 2008, 08:15:26 am
Boats, pub, camping.  What could possibly go wrong? :D

Oh, the scope...! ;D


Oh - and September would be fine.
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: mike on 06 June, 2008, 08:30:06 am
The meadow is here (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=co10+7ls&ie=UTF8&ll=52.013469,0.738015&spn=0.002014,0.00479&t=h&z=18).

is that the start of the regatta course?  I remember there was a vicious LH bend about 10 strokes after the start, I won several races there because the oppo either oversteered or understeered and hit a bank.

It's ver' pretty if it is.
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: TimC on 06 June, 2008, 09:11:13 am
Don't think so, Mike. I suspect that was above Cornard Lock, a mile or so upstream (north). From there through and past Sudbury is a single level, and is where all the rowing takes place. From the lock (which is operative) to our place is very quiet, with just the odd  canoeist and the River Stour Trust electric trip boats to contend with. From just below us downstream to somewhere around Dedham, all the locks are derelict, so canoes and kayaks are the only traffic.

It's all ver' pretty though! :)
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: donpedro on 24 June, 2008, 10:30:34 am
Peter... Have you got a link to the actual petition?
I want to sign it but know not how to find the thing.

Just got a answer from Gordie!:
wildcamp - epetition response (http://www.pm.gov.uk/output/Page15826.asp)
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: rr on 24 June, 2008, 12:09:34 pm
doop & I are doing something a bit like that in a fortnight.  Leave first thing Saturday, with a map, and head off at random.  Ride until we're bored, find somewhere to sleep, head back on Sunday.

The original plan was to find a B&B rather than camp up, but since I will have newtent (hurrah!) to play with, if the weather's nice, & it looks like two people prepared to be friendly* can fit in it for a night, we might camp instead.  Won't be bivvying-level lightweight, mind. 

So yes!  I am up for adventures.  But likely to be lightweight-tent rather than bivvy (do not have bivvy bag & don't want to buy one atm).  It'll be good practice for Australia, though :) 

* doop only had a single bed for the first six months we were going out, so we are used to this :)

There's a lot more headroom in a single bed than in a JetPacker Plus.
Having another occupant would be a challenge. I hope you are able to breathe and can organise where you'd have specs if you wear them...

Sorry late to this thread; There is plenty of room for two in a Jet Packer plus, when I was a poor unemployed ex-student I used to hitch to Cornwall for easter to go climbing, I shared mine with my friend Kit. I was 6' and 90kg, Kit 6'2 and 110kg and although we had to take it in turns to move there was enough space to avoid too much unmanly contact.
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: bobajobrob on 24 June, 2008, 12:39:10 pm
I love cycle camping, but I usually take a tent. I have no problem lugging full cycle camping loads, but am looking for an opportunity to try out some lightweight camping with my goretex bivvy sack :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: andrew_s on 24 June, 2008, 03:01:00 pm
I love cycle camping, but I usually take a tent. I have no problem lugging full cycle camping loads, but am looking for an opportunity to try out some lightweight camping with my goretex bivvy sack :thumbsup:
I'd recommend taking a small tarp as well as the bivvy sack.
If it's raining properly, by the time you've unpacked the bivvy, taken your sleeping bag out of the pannier and put it in the bivvy sack, taken off your soggy raingear and got yourself in the sleeping bag, the sleeping bag is going to be pretty damp - not good if it's down.
As you may be able to guess, BTDTGTTS  ;D (evening thunderstom on a day that started out nice).

On the plus side, wild bivvy spots are much easier to find than wild tent pitches.
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: bikenerd on 24 June, 2008, 03:05:23 pm
I have a small tarp (Kathmandu Trekking basha) and groundsheet for sale if anyone is interested?
It measures 2.8 x 1.8m.  The groundsheet is big enough to fit a full size thermarest on it.  Both are new, having been pitched in the garden but nowhere else.
Send me a PM if anyone is interested.
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: bobajobrob on 24 June, 2008, 03:07:55 pm
I may be interested in the tarp. Question about tarps - do you get ones that are supported by poles? I suppose that otherwise a plastic sheet over your face would suffice ;D
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: bobajobrob on 24 June, 2008, 03:17:39 pm
On the plus side, wild bivvy spots are much easier to find than wild tent pitches.

Why am I imagining sleeping in a ditch and waking up with a badger in my bivvy bag? ;D
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: andrew_s on 25 June, 2008, 07:53:59 pm
Never had a badger, but I did wake up one morning to find a very large bull grazing 10 yards off after I'd just hopped over the wall the night before.

The idea of the tarp is to give enough shelter to the head end of the bivvy bag that you can get into it in the rain, and so you don't have to close the zip.
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: Wowbagger on 25 June, 2008, 11:33:05 pm
Does anyone else find that the average sleeping bag just won't zip up around their shoulders? It's not just that I'm a fat bastard - I'm just too wide.
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: annie on 25 June, 2008, 11:34:39 pm
Does anyone else find that the average sleeping bag just won't zip up around their shoulders? It's not just that I'm a fat bastard - I'm just too wide.

Try mine if you like?  I hate being wrapped up in a sleeping bag and always end up crawling out and sleeping on the top, hate to be suffocated like that.
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: andygates on 26 June, 2008, 12:15:16 am
I got worried by sheep once :)

What's all this about wild camping being illegal?  Pff.  Just use low-viz gear and be discrete, tidy and sensible.  O:-)
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: bobajobrob on 26 June, 2008, 08:30:50 am
Does anyone else find that the average sleeping bag just won't zip up around their shoulders? It's not just that I'm a fat bastard - I'm just too wide.

Some of the snugpak bags have an expansion system to make them a bit roomier.
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: TimO on 26 June, 2008, 08:52:59 am
Does anyone else find that the average sleeping bag just won't zip up around their shoulders? It's not just that I'm a fat bastard - I'm just too wide.

Some of the snugpak bags have an expansion system to make them a bit roomier.

Not sure if it was Snugpak, but I recently saw what was in effect a strip of sleeping bag with each gender of zip on it, so it expands the bit where the zip would be.  Of course, you then end up with two zips to roll over onto and find uncomfortable !
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: bobajobrob on 26 June, 2008, 12:06:57 pm
My softie has an elasticated baffle with extra zip. It runs right the way down and gives you about 9" of extra bag at the top.
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: David Martin on 26 June, 2008, 02:38:08 pm
Does anyone else find that the average sleeping bag just won't zip up around their shoulders? It's not just that I'm a fat bastard - I'm just too wide.

Some of the snugpak bags have an expansion system to make them a bit roomier.

Not sure if it was Snugpak, but I recently saw what was in effect a strip of sleeping bag with each gender of zip on it, so it expands the bit where the zip would be.  Of course, you then end up with two zips to roll over onto and find uncomfortable !

Tis snugpak and we have one. It is known as the python's sleeping bag cos you can connect the two sides together.

..d
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: juliet on 09 July, 2008, 09:21:36 am
Sorry late to this thread; There is plenty of room for two in a Jet Packer plus, when I was a poor unemployed ex-student I used to hitch to Cornwall for easter to go climbing, I shared mine with my friend Kit. I was 6' and 90kg, Kit 6'2 and 110kg and although we had to take it in turns to move there was enough space to avoid too much unmanly contact.

Blimey.  Doop & I found that it was definitely a bit of a squeeze.  I wouldn't want to be sleeping in it for more than a night with someone else, & if we go cycle camping again we'll take one of the bigger tents & live with the extra weight.

However, I was out Monday & yesterday on my own, & it is positively palatial for one.  Except for when you want to turn from having your feet out front to having your feet down back :)
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: alexb on 09 July, 2008, 03:24:55 pm
Incidentally, since we're talking about tarps again. I found a set of spoles and bungy on the Decathlon site for £15. Enough to make a decent length hoop.
I'd reckon that a bit of kite ripstop, plus some kite flying line (a very cheap way of buying the overpriced Spectra that the ultra-light backpacking companies flog off in short lengths) and an evening with a sewing machine could run you off a pretty repsectable shelter a bit like this:
BackpackGearTest.org Review - /reviews/Shelters/Tarps and Bivys/Tarptent Cloudburst/Steve Nelson/Long Term Report (http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Shelters/Tarps%20and%20Bivys/Tarptent%20Cloudburst/Steve%20Nelson/Long%20Term%20Report/)
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: andrew_s on 31 March, 2009, 11:39:07 am
Now it's coming round to an appropriate season, I thought I'd revive this thread.
I tried an experimental S240 a couple of weekends ago.

Packed, everything in a Camper Longflap, except what I was wearing.
(http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t207/andrew_sw/DSCF0729.jpg)

Pitched
(http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t207/andrew_sw/DSCF0728.jpg)

Kit List:
Tent: Hilleberg Akto  (might use a Laser Comp if I get serious about reducing weight)
Sleeping bag: PHD Minim 300 & silk liner (in an eVent compression sack)
Mat: Thermarest Prolite 3 3/4 length.
Off-the-bike clothing: lightweight trousers, warm thermal top, undies, Rab Generator jacket (http://www.alpinist.com/doc/web07f/ms-jn-rab-generator-jacket) (lighter/warmer/smaller-packing than fleece)
Brew kit: small (100g) gas cylinder plus clip-on feet, Optimus Crux fold-up stove, Optimus Terra Solo pan, fold-up spoon (a set similar to this (http://www.roughgear.co.uk/Product.aspx?product=184&utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=productfeed)), lighter, tub of powdered milk, 5 tea bags, 1 helping of muesli, fold-up mug and bowl (Orikaso). The evening meal was down at the pub. I didn't use the powdered milk, having stuffed a pint bought en-route into the spare bottle cage.
miscellaneous: mp3, paperback, toothbrush
2 tubes, normal touring toolkit (LH side pocket)
Waterproof jacket (RH side pocket) & hat

(Photos previously posted in gallery "Akto in the snow")
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: Chris S on 31 March, 2009, 11:43:19 am
 :o

How the bloody hell did you get all that stuff in that not-very-big bag?

Well Done  :thumbsup:.
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: Charlotte on 31 March, 2009, 11:49:47 am
The tent is small and the saddle bag voluminous, I'd say.

Nice overnight action there Andrew  :thumbsup:

The season is very definitely upon us and I'm itching to get my Terra Nova Laser out and about.  My kit is quite similar to yours, I'd imagine - I've also got a Prolite 3/4 and I picked up a fabby Snowpeak stove in the sales.

So when shall we schedule the first YACF S240 of the year, then?
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: TimO on 31 March, 2009, 01:55:15 pm
Oh oh, I've got a Laser which I need to try out.  I've only put it up in the spare bedroom, which doesn't really allow me to hammer the tent pegs in, so wasn't much of a test.

If you've got one, you can show me how to erect it! (mandatory "ooer missus").

I need to christen my Arkel panniers as well (although I guess I should only need the one).

I'm up for a wander somewhere, a la "Zombocalypse" (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=2180.0).  The weather shouldn't be too bad from this point onwards.
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: geraldc on 31 March, 2009, 02:09:03 pm
I'd be up for some S240 action. My Yuba is dying for some loaded mini touring action.

I was trying to think that with almost unlimited luggage space, what I would take that I wouldn't normally take when hiking/camping, and all I could think of (with the exception of weaponry) was a washing up bowl.
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: Charlotte on 31 March, 2009, 02:37:24 pm
I'd be up for some S240 action. My Yuba is dying for some loaded mini touring action.

I was trying to think that with almost unlimited luggage space, what I would take that I wouldn't normally take when hiking/camping, and all I could think of (with the exception of weaponry) was a washing up bowl.

You mean we can take weaponry?  :D

TimO - it's Liz who's the tent-putting-up expert.  On holiday last year, we had a deal; I did the cooking and she did the tent.  That way only one of us had to do without our eyebrows...

This thread is making me want a Camper Longflap saddlebag, dammit!
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: clarion on 31 March, 2009, 03:16:47 pm
Oh oh, I've got a Laser which I need to try out.  I've only put it up in the spare bedroom, which doesn't really allow me to hammer the tent pegs in, so wasn't much of a test.

We have a conveniently sized garden nearby yours with a teapot on standby.  Butterfly is an expert when it comes to tent erections.

Um... :-[
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: TimO on 31 March, 2009, 03:33:54 pm
I was trying to think that with almost unlimited luggage space, what I would take that I wouldn't normally take when hiking/camping, and all I could think of (with the exception of weaponry) was a washing up bowl.

I've got a suitable S24O lightweight one (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=4784.0)!

You can carry the barbecue. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: geraldc on 31 March, 2009, 05:09:55 pm
Now if I could get a hard case, I could take my old 5 string...
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: mark on 31 March, 2009, 11:22:17 pm
This thread is making me want a Camper Longflap saddlebag, dammit!

How about one of these?
Rivendell Bicycle Works: Bags and Racks (http://www.rivbike.com/products/list/bags_and_racks?a=1&page=1#product=20-185)
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: Charlotte on 01 April, 2009, 08:29:27 am
Nice.  But it's got to be Nelson's finest.  Accept no substitute!
Title: Re: The S24O
Post by: Chris N on 01 April, 2009, 01:52:45 pm
I will be S48Oing at Easter: train to Hereford on Good Friday, ride to Eardisland, camp for two nights - riding the Cambrian 200 on the 11th - then over to Rhayader on Easter Sunday.  I have a Super C saddlebag, but won't get all of my stuff in it - I'll have to strap the tent to my rack I think.

May do the same for the weekend of the Elenith later in April too.