Tarp

[jogler]

I recently acquired a new toy & played with it over the weekend.Here it is in A frame configuration for the wet & windy overnight weather last night

http://www.flickr.com/photos/67610004@N03/6254080356/in/photostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/67610004@N03/6253551671/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/67610004@N03/6253553513/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/67610004@N03/6254086828/in/photostream/

[Oscar's dad]

Interesting.  What advantages is this set up offering over a lightweight (say sub 2kg) tent?  My question doesn't infer a criticism I'm merely intrigued 

[Wowbagger]

I'd suggest that you wouldn't want to use that in Scotland in July or August if the weather was calm, and not at any time of year if it wasn't!

[Polar Bear]

I like the idea and have done something similar myself in the past.   I'm seriously back to wanting a nice cotton 2 man ridge tent now. 

[Basil]

Where's the door bell?

[jogler]

I have a notion to do some S240 camping.I expect the tarp will give me a nice view of the stars & bright moonlight as it did last night & possibly wildlife all of which is less likely to be seen from within a tent.The tarp weighs less than a kilogram.It's also likely to be cooler in hot weather than a tent of synthetic materials.It's large enough to accommodate my bike if required.

[Oscar's dad]

Ah yes, I see your logic now. Most excellent!

[Chris N]

 

Try to get the tarp as taught as you can - any loose material will flap about and it drives me nuts.

You might not even need poles.  Tied to a tree one side, looped over the bike saddle (with a clove hitch) the other:

P5290035 by cnarborough, on Flickr

One end pegged to the ground, and over the saddle at the other end.

Outside by cnarborough, on Flickr

Learn how to tie a tautline hitch: http://www.netknots.com/html/tautline_hitch.html - saves mucking about with toggles and stuff on guy ropes.

[Charlotte]

So the bike is supported by the tarp and leans over to keep it taught?

[Riggers]

Tautline Hitch. Nice knot, Thanks for posting it.

[jogler]

thanks for that chrisn

[Chris N]

So the bike is supported by the tarp and leans over to keep it taught?

Yep.  The weight of the bike and tension in the guy line pull the bike one way, the tarp pulls it the other.  You can also use a bit of velcro/toestrap/whatever to pull one of the brakes on to stop the bike rolling away.

[Chris N]

My favourite setup is like this:
http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/upload/gallery/656/530_E.jpg
http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/upload/gallery/656/529_E.jpg
http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/upload/gallery/656/528_E.jpg

but using the bike at the open end (where the tree is) and your front wheel as a single lifter at the other.  That way you've got protection from the weather on two sides, room to sit up (just) and space for your feet under the tarp.  You only need 6 pegs and two or three guy lines to set it up.

[jogler]

^^^^^
tarptastic

[Regulator]

I presume that a certain grand-daughter was involved in your tarp adventure....


...whilst Marj tutted from the kitchen.   

[jogler]

 To be precise Marj's comment was...

"you want your bumps feeling"

spoken,as you say,in the kitchen

9 out of 10 for Mr. Regulator
 

[Canardly]

Never mind the tarp who does the garden?

[jogler]

Never mind the tarp who does the garden?

Not I 

ETA
I did the path & patio laying,erecting shed,greenhouse & gazeebo.I do sometimes cut the lawns but everything else was chosen & nurtured & maintained by Marj

[Canardly]

Well Marj should be proud of herself.

[jogler]

Marj has recently done her autumnal horticultural-kill.Up to a few weeks ago the borders were rammed full of all sorts of growythings.*

* can you tell I'm not into gardens,other than doing enough to generate cycling-brownie points

Marj does enjoy gardening & appreciates positive comments relating to her endeavours.Her green finger genes have been inherited by our son & my garden?whatgarden? genes have been passed onto our daughter