For our Bordeaux to Bilbao Cycle Surfari we will be cycling to a different campsite every day and we have decided to do this because camping through South West France and Northern Spain is an incredible experience, a right of passage for any UK adventure enthusiast.
Learning great camping tips on how to set up a comfortable, secure and downright epic camp, is a rewarding skill, that like surfing and cycling, takes practice, and the lessons I’m about to share come from over 15 years of camping all around Europe. Yes I’ve camped in a tiny sleeping bag aka The Coffin, with snapped poles and nothing to repair them in torrential rain in Northern Spain, and yes I once slept in my sleeping bag on the beach in Biarritz because it was a beautiful Autumn evening, only to absolutely freeze all night because sand not only contracts heat but it keeps the cold in too. But you don’t have to go through this stuff if you read on.
My experience is pretty old school with a fusion of welcome new school luxuries, but it follows a pretty basic principle of just being aware of the location and conditions and not making it too hard on yourself.
For those of you joining us on the Cycle Surfari, you don’t need to take heed of the following advice as our camp manager and chef will be setting up the epic camp for us and prepping the all-important cycle fuel. But feel free to read on so you know what to expect.
Location
First things first, whether you’re at a smart camp site in Hossegor, or graveyard in Bilbao (we didn’t know, it was dark) the location of your tent is crucial. So find level ground, next to a natural wind shelter like a bush or some trees and set the tent down. Camping on the beach is slightly different as your tent will act as an oven when the sun rises and the sand will get everywhere, but it will be comfortable… We won’t be camping on the beach.
Sleeping
Having an uncomfortable sleeping arrangement can really take the fun out of camping. On my cycle tour a couple of years ago, I went as minimal as possible and had the most lightweight self-inflating bed I could find. It popped on day two and was completely useless. If you’re going minimal use a decent sleeping matt, or one of the half foam/half inflating camping mats. They are self-inflating and if they ‘pop’ there’s a comfortable layer of foam left to keep you off the ground and the cold.
You’re also going to need a good sleeping bag. It’s responsible for keeping you warm, comfortable, safe, and will help your body get the rest it needs. Don’t get that one on offer in the supermarket, find something with the balance of warmth, weight, comfort and functionality, for your price range.
However, a decent bed, raised off the ground with an actual duvet and pillow is the one. Something you can actually sit on and it not topples over. Something you can go from sleeping on your back to your belly without waking yourself and the whole campsite up on. For the cycle surfari we have the luxury of a support vehicle and will be bringing top of the range camp beds, snuggly duvets and fluffy pillows. GLAMPING OR WHAT (I hate that term).
Social
Now for me creating a decent social area is crucial. Not as crucial if you’re camping solo, but when you have the choice between standing up outside, squatting or lying down in your bed to eat your dinner and drink your night cap you’re still going to want to have thought about this one.
Firstly let’s get that campfire pit in the centre. This will be the focal point of your camp and will keep you entertained for hours. Also the smoke will scare off mozzies etc. Then make sure you have chairs to put around the camp fire. As previously mentioned you don’t want to spend the evening squatting or standing. Now you’re going to need some music. An iPhone will do the job if you have one of those Bose speakers, or similar. Now you’re going to need a large universal adaptor to keep your entertainment charged (only if you’re at a campsite with hook-up of course). Whilst the fire will set the ambience, you will also need an LED lantern so you can actually see. And when we come to the evening’s beverage of choice to get thecampfiree yarns spinning, boxes of wine are probably the best best. They are cheap, easy to carry, the box when finished can be burned and the plastic bag can simply be recycled. Ethical and environmental responsible drinking.
A fire pit is essential for creating a good camp vibe
Kitchen
As well as the social area, the kitchen is crucial. Preparing food on the ground is really hard and if you’re on the beach you will get sand in your sausage sandwiches 100%. A camp table, some sort of tarpaulin cover (or gazebo), double hob burner and some pans and cutlery will create a kitchen. However, if you’re going feral, or minimal, use your environment cleverly. Use an upside down surfboard as a table, or set your kitchen up near some flat rocks/ piece of driftwood etc.
Essentials
The following are just some of what I would call essentials, regardless of the duration of your trip.
- Matches, lighter and candles: Self-explanatory.
- Wet wipes: A wet wipe shower after a sticky days cycling or whatnot will give you the illusion you’re clean and help you sleep and a refreshing morning wipe down will leave you feeling ready to take on the day.
- Good Pocket Knife or Multi-Tool. Self-explanatory, there’s always a tin/ bottle to open.
- Clothesline: Extremely simple, a piece of cord or rope tied between two trees or something, perfect for keeping your clothes etc aired out and organized.
- Food storage containers: Just good. For leftovers, keeping pickled beetroot from spoiling stuff and great for keeping rodents at bay.
- First Aid Kit: Ibruprofen, bandages, plasters, creams etc, WILL always come in handy.
- Plastic bags: For carrying stuff and your rubbish.
- Insect Repellant: Mosquitos live off campers.
- Laundry: Like a bag or something to keep your dirty clothes away from your clean clothes. Or if you’re at a camp site, just make use of the facilities whilst your there. Wash every evening if you have to, it will cut down on your luggage. We will be washing lycra every day for riders on the cycle surfari.
- A bit of glam
Now these aren’t essential but a few things can pimp your camp out a little and you know what, your camp kitchen doesn’t need to be just functional. So why not get some solar powered fairy lights and tea-light lanterns to make your camp lit. Or even festoon lighting, you know those big bulb garland lights you see hanging at fairgrounds and in old American movies, they will add a wonderful metaphorical warmth to your vibe (this is what we have got for the cycle surfari).
Even a bit of good old fashioned bunting is great for adding character, showing your neighbours you’re clearly British, as well as acting as a border of your territory.
Attitude
Now a good attitude when it comes to camping is as important as all of the above. If you go through some hardship that isn’t fatal, just roll with it. Appreciate the environment you are in. The fresh air, the simple life, the lack of 3G. It’s liberating. If you’re moaning because the crickets are too loud or the sunrise was too bright, check yourself.
If you want to experience an epic cycling camping adventure through the Basque Country with zero hassle, check our our Cycle Surfari going from Bordeaux to Bilbao this September. Good vibes guaranteed.