MISSISSAUGA, ON — Touring by bicycle and “stealth” camping probably epitomizes the essence of self-sufficient, low-cost travel for many HPV adventurers today.
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To this end, MODS enhancing the touring capabilities of “Mia Bella” would be incomplete without a quick, efficient and comfortable “stealth” camping option (see My DIY 50 ¢ent solutions: Getting the job done without breaking the bank).
Experienced campers know that a tarp is the “Swiss Army Knife” of shelters which can be configured many different ways for protection against the elements, e.g. as an emergency roof in a downpour, shelter from the sun, an awning, ground sheet, lean-to, etc.
Despite this versatility and ease of use, one critical limitation when using a tarp for shelter in some situations is the absence of mosquito netting.
Fortunately, today’s lightweight bivouac sacs provide a ready-made solution — in addition to the bivy’s attractive “plein air” sleeping options.
Without at least two points of attachment for a ridge-pole, line or some form of “tent” pole(s), the absence of a self-supporting structure can also limit the use of a tarp in open areas.
By utilizing the parked and strut-stabilized recumbent itself as the “ridge-pole” and optionally attaching a pair of segmented, flexible, FG tent poles perpendicular thereto, a stable and roomy tarp shelter is quick and easy to set up.
A suitable “camouflage” tarp enhances the shelter’s “stealth” quality.
This configuration has an approximate 10×10 feet footprint.
This tarp shelter protects (and hides) the bike while providing access to the panniers. NOTE: When cooking, etc. and outside the bivy sac, a bug hat/jacket will be useful in black-fly/mosquito country.
Adjusting left/right spacing provides ample room for storage and a second sleeping area.
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Thank you to the many people who contribute their time and expertise to improve the cycling experience for those who follow.
Here are a couple of links to the resources I used to get up to speed on the world of “bent” riding:
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com
http://www.bentrideronline.com