Winter Bike-Packing with a Hot-Tent.

It’s late December, Christmas is over, the urge to head to the woods is strong, so I decide to pack up my bike and ride down part of the ancient ‘Icknield Way’ long distance trail. After several miles of gravel, thick mud and rutted, sandy tracks I arrive at a secluded woodland and set up camp. My shelter of choice this time being an ultralight hot tent and titanium wood stove. The camp chores of setting up, collecting and processing firewood and lighting the stove done, I settle down to enjoy some well earned dinner, a couple of quality craft beers (thank you Bob!!) and soak up the sounds of the woodland nightlife all cozy and comfy in my heated home from home.

Morning brings the delightful sounds of the dawn chorus, a stunning sunrise, coffee and a breakfast of bacon and bannock before packing everything away to ride the 25 miles home.

It was a very pleasant night out – just what was needed to blow the cobwebs away and burn off some of that turkey and chocolate!

Thanks for joining me and Happy New Year!

Links

OneTigris Black Orca ‘Smokey Hut’ tent

https://www.onetigris.com/smokey-hut-chimney-tent.html

SeekOutside titanium ‘Cub’ stove

https://seekoutside.com/cub-titanium-wood-stove-stovepipe/

Kamui folding camp chair

https://www.amazon.co.uk/KAMUI-Camping-Portable-Compact-Light-Weight/dp/B06ZXV8WRZ/ref=asc_df_B06ZXV8WRZ/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309799295213&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12979379624664179395&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045084&hvtargid=pla-350502281683&psc=1

Thermarest Neoair Xtherm sleeping mat

https://www.thermarest.com/ie/sleeping-pads/fast-and-light/neoair-xtherm-sleeping-pad—classic-valve/neoair-xtherm-classic-valve.html?srd=true

Veloci Rapture and Reptile Dysfunction craft beers

https://www.staggeringlygood.com

Mountain House dehydrated meals

https://www.mountainhouse.com

Ortlieb Front bar bag

https://www.ortlieb.com/uk/ultimatesix-plus

Alpkit front handlebar dry bag

https://www.alpkit.com/products/airlok-xtra-dual-20-litre

Alpkit rear saddle bag

https://www.alpkit.com/products/big-papa

Bannock Recipe

1 handful plain flour
1/2 handful dried milk powder
1 tsp baking powder
1 handful raisins or sultanas
Cold water or beer

Put all the dry ingredients in a ziplock bag.
Add water, a bit at a time, mixing in the bag.
Keep mixing until you have a dryish dough, the consistency of playdough.
Flatten to about 1cm
Cook over a low heat (or next to your fire) slowly, turning often until cooked.
Delicious served with honey!

Merchandise

Simon, a bloke in the woods – Patch and Sticker

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ablokeinthewoods?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

Contact me at:

simonablokeinthewoods@gmail.com

Or by mail at:

Simon, a bloke in the woods
PO Box 384
Diss
Norfolk
IP22 9DB
UK

Facebook Simon, a bloke in the woods

https://www.facebook.com/simon-a-bloke-in-the-woods-636523033219227/?ref=br_rs

Instagram simon_a_bloke_in_the_woods

https://www.instagram.com/simon_a_bloke_in_the_woods/?hl=en

Music The Engagement by Silent Partner
Cowboy Lullaby by JHS Pedals