I started with one or two night bike camping trips because that was all my budget and schedule would allow. I wasn't any sort of cyclist, and I hadn't camped since childhood. The draw for me was to be able to travel and explore under my own power.

My first three trips where pretty rough - I had bad weather, a chilly hammock and wool blanket, inadequate maps, and as someone who does not drive, rather sketchy navigational skills. I also didn't think much of stealth camping, and felt that the only way to go was to dash from state park to state park with very little flexibility. About the only piece of equipment I did get right was the Ortlieb panniers, and having spent $160 on them, I felt I had made a commitment to keep trying until I could enjoy myself.


ANYWAY. If I can pull any lesson out that, it would be:

1. No matter how bad your first, second, or third experience may be, the fourth time might just make it all worthwhile.

2. Be flexible. If you're completely wiped out, pushing your bike up a hill covered in mosquitoes at 2am, you really should have just asked around and found a place to sleep a long time ago.

3. If your gear sucks, at least it will make for a funny story later. Cheer up.