I was JRA today, and thought about how I and riding companions have just stopped and set up camp on the roadside here in Australia. Well, except in one case, not quite right on the roadside.

I still often ride along looking at potential camping sites, even though I am not right into touring at the moment.Fencelines here are generally set back 20 yards or so from the road.

That leaves gullies, the tops of road cuttings, and various other odd spots where I have free-camped, as I call it.

The tops of cuttings are great because none of the drivers has a clue you are there, but you are looking down on them.

In other cases, I have ventured a little way down side roads (usually gravel). You know they are going to be really light with traffic, and often are access roads to properties.

Provided I am not going over the fence, I can often find some neat copses, or even be in the complete open. I have never been disturbed in these cases.

State forests are great because they offer some facilities in an excellent environment without all the baggage (including fees) that come with national parks here.

Australians are a little more relaxed about these things, and outside major cities and big rural towns, it's not so difficult to find free camping spots. I've even set up a tent in town parks, or dossed down under the barbecue shelter with just my sleeping bag and mat.

I'm there for all the world to see, but at the same time, I don't overstay my welcome.

Oh, and the French, especially in villages, seem to be pretty relaxed about people camping when it is obvious they are cycle-touring as opposed to being itinerants.

Great photos, by the way.