Has anyone here taken their bike camping? Especially on the IOM? I'd be interested in any tips you'd care to share as its my first time for both (just over 1 week to go!!) It'll be a 10 day trip in all - over race week. What to take/what not to take? How to pack? Where to go? What to see? You get the idea ...
Isle of Man TT Glamping - IOM TT Breaks This any better Dave Scroll down a bit for glamping at the TT
Tyre Canister just in case Waterproofs is a must on the Isle of man Small Gas stove if possible and lots and lots of Beer
Nice idea but they take 3 working days to get it there and I don't think I'm going to have time to get packed, weigh and measure my luggage that far in advance. As usual I'm going to be doing it the night before I leave!
When I was there last year I noticed a group of German bikers that had just got off the Ferry, they went straight to the charity shop in Douglas and sorted out some jeans & T-shirts for the week, saves them carring anything. I normally take a Kriega R25 back pack with 2 pairs of jeans, some Y-fronts & I buy a few TT t-shirts when I get there. I get all my toiletries at poundland on arrival. Some chaps buy a cheap tent in "Mountain warehouse" in Douglas shopping centre and then leave it behind at the end of their stay.
A puck for your side stand on soft ground. Pillow (or at least a pillow case, can stuff it with hoody). No matter how hard the ground is having something soft or your head is a must. Head torch. I fell in a river a few years back when pissed trying to take a leak in darkest Wales. A little mini LED lamp to hang in tent is good too. Wooly hat, hoody and waterproofs. Jeans. Pair of shorts, they dry quicker. I find flip flops or sandals better than putting shoes on in middle of night to take a leak. Water bottle for inevitable middle of night extreme thirst. Cork screw for the run up to middle of night extreme thirst. Ibuprofen. Self inflating 3/4 length roll mat. Decent sleeping bag. Throw the lot in a 30l kayak dry bag and bungee it along with tent on the back.
Thermorest roll mat, decent sleeping bag, head torch, water container, wash kit, brew kit and gas stove(VERY important! ) Decent tent, a few wayfarer meals (These are the same as ration pack meals, not bad)knife/fork/spoon/mug, basic first aid kit with paracetamol and ibuprofen, and ear plugs + eye mask for a decent sleep! A small folding camp chair is a bonus. Plus a waterproof holdall to fit in it and strap it to the bike Clothing and bike kit are all down to you.
and if you want to be that really annoying person take an Air Horn and blast it off at 3am or do what will happen at this weekend Mugello GP and rev the hell out of your bike at 3AM just outside the Paddock area where most riders will be sleeping, On a serious note - Puck stand is a Must or a crumpled beer can or bean tin should suffice if it rains she will sink
I think that all covers it. A Thermarest is essential along wit a decent 2/3 season sleeping bag. Lightweight climbing type kit is better, but more expensive, than cheap and cheerful. Less is more when camping, and there are shops if you forget anything vital. Finally make sure it is securely fastened to the bike and nothing can come loose and mingle with wheels, chain, exhaust etc !
Didn't have room for the picture of the Duke ... Bum Bag ---------- Puncture repair kit Side stand puck Chain lube Phone Wallet Ear plugs Left Pannier -------------- Sleeping bag Sleeping mat Towel Wooly hat Sun hat Sunglasses Glasses and glasses case Helmet Balaclava Glove liners Wind stopper top Clothes pegs Clothes line Right Pannier --------------- Pillow cases Pillows (luxury!) IOM OS Map Performance Bikes mag Mug Socks Trainers Hayfever drugs Ibuprofen First aid kit Spare bungies and straps Sun block Bike cleaner, sponge & micro fibre cloths Chain cleaner Tail Pack ----------- Bike over-suit Waterproofs iPad Tent lantern Head torch Cutlery Micro stove & gas Kettle Lighters Leatherman Phone/iPad charger Speaker Engine oil Sockets for rear wheel T-shirts Thermals Underwear Jeans/trousers Waterproofs Tail Pack Side Pockets -------------------------- Mini portable radio Powermonkey charger Camera Binoculars Tail Pack Rear Detachable Pocket --------------------------------------- Wash kit Shave kit Contact lenses
