I’ve been wanting to do this for sometime and have finally got myself sorted out.

In summary I’ll be leaving work on the 17th July and heading to the club house for 7 o’clock (hopefully to meet up with other riders). Before heading off on a bike ride to find a nice quiet spot to bivi for the night.

Initial plan was to head for Conic Hill stopping at Drymen for a pint(s) and dinner before heading on to complete the journey and spend the night. This will be my 1st bivi adventure and am open to suggestions for better locations, tips etc from the more experienced masses. The emphasis is very much on it being a social ride and the more the merrier.

On the Sunday I planned to head back to Milngavie or extend the ride and return home just in time for the club BBQ, whatever the masses decide…

The weather at the moments not looking great but who knows what will change between now and then, I’ll make a call on this Wed/Thu next week.

If your considering this but unsure what you might need I’ve pulled a list of essential and non essentials equipment off the web for you so you can come prepared.

BASIC KIT LIST

• Bike
• Rucksac
• Sleeping bag
• Cheap orange survival bag
• Cheap foam sleeping mat
• Torch
• Rain coat
• Wooly hat
• Warm clothes for night (use a spare jumper as pillow)
• Food and drink that doesn’t need cooking
• Water bottle
• Toothpaste with toothpaste already applied and wrapped in clingfilm
• Matches to light a campfire
• Notebook – even if you never write a diary this is a really good chance to jot down a few observations, thoughts, resolutions
• Camera – for smug self portrait

NEXT STEP UP: TAKE ALL THE ABOVE PLUS…

• Camping Stove
• Pan
• Pasta and sauce / pesto, Super Noodles, Pot Noodle etc.
• Spoon
• Proper bivvy bag (instead of orange bag)

LUXURY ADDITIONS: TAKE ALL THE ABOVE PLUS…

• Inflatable sleeping mat instead of foam mat
• Espresso maker
• Pillow
• Single Malt
• Clean pants

I’m thinking start small and work up to this……….