Three Day Bike-packing Adventure. Woodland Tarp and Bivvy Wild Camp. Campfire Steak Dinner.

In this video, I head across the border to Suffolk, to meet up with Luke (Hippyswift) for a three day wild camping bike-packing adventure - self propelled and self sufficient. Travelling and exploring by bike is great fun - you can cover good distances in relative comfort (despite the hills!) and you can carry a good amount of gear without the aches and pains associated with backpacking.
We head off from Nacton on the River Orwell estuary and cycle north, passing the pretty town of Woodbridge and on up to historical Framlingham with its impressive, well preserved castle. After a break and well earned cold pint of beer, we continue to our destination for the night - a small woodland nears the town of Halesworth.
A steak and mash dinner, smothered in lashings of Steak Detective Liberation sauce and washed down with a beer or two and it was time to rest our weary heads for the night and dream about the adventures to be faced on day two!
Episode two coming shortly.
I hope you enjoy the video and thanks for watching!
Links
Luke’s Channel (Hippyswift) adventure biking and bushcraft.
/ hippyswift
Sonder Bikes
alpkit.com/pag...
The Steak Detective
thesteakdetect...
TJM Metalworks Mini Fire Anchor
www.tjmmetalwo...
Contact me at:
[e-mail]
Or by mail at:
Simon, a bloke in the woods
PO Box 384
Diss
Norfolk
IP22 9DB
UK
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Music
From Now Onwards - Mid Knight
In the Palm of your Hand - Lindsey Abraham
Room for Two - Dan Lebowitz

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hi folks, I forgot to mention Luke’s video - he was also filming the trip, Here’s the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2G9o4R5gtt8iKs - I’ve also put a link to his channel in the description box - he’s got huge amounts of excellent content on bike packing, cycle touring, bushcraft, kit and all sorts, so please head over and take a look. Cheers, Simon

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Thanks. Looking for some good bike packing channels.

[@cee8mee]

Very nice, Simon and Luke! Looks like you had a great first day!

[@BikepackingAdventures]

Thanks for this Simon. I've delved into Luke's video in the past, I've seen his name in my own channel comments. Always good to see fellow KZbinrs meeting up, something sadly missing from the last couple of years. Always love your videos Simon, both engaging, but also very relaxing!

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

@@AnvilAirsoftTV feel free to follow mine, as I do lots of bikepacking trips and going to be filming lots this year. I am new to youtube but have always done bikepacking trips across europe and UK

[@JakeMay]

Great to meet some fellow Smash-men

[@PmatWolf]

Awesome video Simon. i did a mtb climb camp and decend in Germany while i was serving there and one in Scotland they wherent solo but we did sleep under basha's Tarps) cooked on open fire, and enjyed a few wee tipples in the evenings as well as a rather random walk down to the local pub (which took a lot longer to get to than we'd have liked on our first night out in Bavaria) Anyways you truly can beat that soirt of thing the bike lets you get a lot further than you can in the given time on foot .... plus the decent takes a quarter of the time and its awesome fun. Great video mate well done

[@michaeldixon8817]

Simon, love the sound intro/exit. Your video quality is impressive. From across the pond I watch your videos every week. Thank you as well as Richard and Andy for redirecting my attention through the political hot mess these days.

[@markbewley4974]

Great footage, interesting places and great camping. Amazing all your gear goes into those small bags. Minimalistic 👍

[@mikedelacruz3135]

Awesome episode Sir Simon! Cant wait for part 2. The steaks and mash looked absolutely Stunning 😋👌! Cheers Brotha from across the pond, California 🇺🇸 👊🏼😎🤙🏼

[@haggis525]

I'm loving the channel! Of course; there are 2 ways to eat a good steak - rare, almost bleu and the wrong way! Greetings from Canada 🇨🇦 and well done! Oh dear! At 20:21 your steak looked over done. 😱

[@magnuskjellsson3524]

Hi . it looked like a nice trip, it was a nice castle,

[@kevinharmon480]

Another trip I wish I was on. I really love your portion size lol.

[@rukhsanaakram25]

Nice video and yummy dinner 🍽️

[@eddieallen6401]

I’m currently on the sofa feeling rough but inspired to plan my next bike overnighter as soon as I’m better. Brilliant. Can’t wait for part two!

[@llorylloyd]

What a great trip. Wonderful way to see the views.

[@MAXIMOUTDOORS]

I miss the old Kona!! The sender looks awesome though. Anyway brilliant film and loved all the effort into different camera angles. That's not easy constantly changes positions to film stuff whilst enjoying your break from modern life . Cheers

[@grantc5587]

Enjoying the scenery of my home county all the way from Canada. Thanks Bloke!

[@OvcharkaShepherd]

Beautiful country. Thanks for the tour.

[@mickreid7153]

Anothet cracking film Simon, always entertaining! Thanks for taking the time. 🖖👍👊😊

[@austinpackers100]

Great video as usual Simon. Thanks again and for introducing us to hippyswift.

[@tonystrange7224]

Cracking video Simon, wild camping and biking, what's not to like. Best of both worlds. Looking forward to the next episode.

[@TressaZimmerman]

Great time being had. So very awesome. Take care.

[@alexdetrojan4534]

Nice adventure, thanks for inviting us along. 👍

[@kingrafa3938]

I really like this video and so fun to watch.

[@magicdrshoon]

That is so me with the cramp! Great vid Simon!

[@scottrivas4261]

Love it Simon, great video and that castle was amazing. Can’t wait to see the rest. Really glad you got to enjoy some Black Rifle coffee. It’s a bit of a movement here across the pond. Owned, managed, and run by veterans. Loved seeing you have it over there.

[@kixb4632]

Loved this video man. Nice relaxing vibes. Just got into bikepacking a year ago and did a few overnighters. Working my way up to longer trips and this was very inspiring. Keep on rocking!

[@cgriggsiv]

Awesome video again and Simon you got yourself a new bike Totally awesome dude

[@uk-hon5769]

Of course 'Halesworth only half what you pay for it'. Lovely to se Adnams own country.

[@allthisuselessbeauty]

Cracking video Simon, looked like great Craic !... Roll on part 2.,!!

[@hippyswift]

What an awesome few days exploring the British countryside & who better to share that experience with than Simon. We had an amazing few days Bikepacking & wild camping around Suffolk, taking in the views, food & local historical places. too much to see in just one weekend, fingers crossed we can arrange another great adventure like this one soon. Massive thank you to Simon for joining me on this trip, it was an absolute honour to meet such a charismatic & humble guy. Peace

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you mate! I had a fantastic weekend - you are a great guide, knowledgeable, patient (with me and my slow trudges up them hills 🤣) and good company! Look forward to our next adventure!

[@funnybones6131]

I feel I’m watching my dream being played out for me in the real world, can’t wait to start doing exactly the same … Freeedommmm 👏🏼🤩

[@hughsmith9401]

2 legends

[@heathernisbet4136]

Fantastic video as always Simon 😁 I never really go to Suffolk, but it looks gorgeous ! This bike ride would be perfect for me, combining the coast with lots of historic interest along the way ! Part two looks like it's going to be great 😃

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Well worth a trip Heather - you’d love it with all the history 😃

[@RubberTramping]

Great video Simon a bloke on a bike and shout out to hippyswift watched both your channels for a long time 👍

[@steveroberts1422]

I am definitely getting the bike out for my next camp. Great video Simon, can't wait for part 2👍

[@jctothel]

Awesome! Can’t wait to watch this later. Looks like a good’un!

[@kennethkuhl1188]

Very nice trip. Thank you for sharing

[@denisroberts1206]

Woodbridge hey ! My part of the world, there this morning actually. Brilliant dog walking along the Deben .

[@foxpro62]

Brilliant video Simon! Your video brought back fond memories of my time in the UK while I was stationed at the twin bases RAF Woodbridge/RAF Bentwaters from 87 to 90. My family and I did a lot of bike riding and walking paths all over Suffolk and visited a lot of the areas you rode through! Just fantastic! My wife and I enjoy watching your video. Did you have fish and chips at the old Abby in Leiston? We lived in Leiston and loved it!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Ray! It’s a lovely area around there - we stopped at the abbey in leiston, but not for fish and chips - next time!

[@MyScottyboy1]

Expensive beach huts up that way! Looks lovely.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

They are the price of houses in other parts of the country - bonkers!

[@dschussler544]

Another enjoyable video Simon ! Hope you enjoyed the Black Rifle Coffee.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

It was very nice! 👍

[@neillambton4065]

Great vid Simon, as for the hills, a colleague of mine many years ago was an avid cyclist and cycled East Anglia. He said the hills are almost non existant, but the uphill gradients are very long and laborious. Long enough to be tiring, but not steep enough to have a rest going down.

[@chrisandsamlivingthedream]

Awesome buddy awesome… cheers Chris & Sam

[@phishermonjon]

Ha I got me an e bike for Christmas and I can't stop! Over 700 miles already and I haven't ridden a bicycle since the 90's when I was in high school! This is so freaking fun I feel like a kid again and the world is my back yard! My back can't handle hiking with a heavy bag long distance anymore 😭

[@fucktheworld1207]

The best way to see our country of England, by bike 👌🏻👌🏻

[@JackKlumpass]

Brilliant and has pushed me to get my bike out Simon. PS I really enjoyed the dig and in the film Ralph Fiennes character lives in your village.

[@antonexplores]

Another relaxing video Simon keep up the good work 😜

[@Zombiesheriff]

So excited to watch this 😍😍😍

[@rodbagley1686]

You sure do find some great places to go and site see. Like your camping setup. Not many places like that in Ohio to just pull off and camp.. looking forward to part two.

[@garymilnes4851]

Nice video, looking forward to the next instalment, really enjoyed the shots of the castle, felt a little homesick listening to the wood pigeons and the lone pheasant calling out. we dont get that here 28.02 minutes of pleasure, thanks

[@nathanmullins836]

I imagine it would be tough to experience leg cramps while in that bivy, they are bad enough in a hammock but a little easier to get out and stretch. Love the video.

[@robster985]

Enjoyed taggin along, I used to do quite a bit of biking here in Florida in my younger years, thanks. New bike after 20yrs., wow, better than a new pair of shoes I recon. Nice choice with the O-light its the best headlamp made and Black Rifle coffee will have you putting away the tea! Looking forward to part 2. Careful with everyone drivin on the wrong side of the road. CHEERS

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

😂😂 cheers Robster!

[@bazzookabod5250]

Melton Chippie👍best chips in Suffolk.

[@robertott2631]

Wow awesome Castle

[@perebird]

Nice one Simon 👍…..interesting as ever 👌

[@borg9of9235]

Got the bahco Laplander because of your videos. Just tried it out for the first time this week and it is amazing. Definitely getting another so I have one for my regular camp kit as well as my emergency pack.

[@norseman1137]

Think you should do a post about your bike set up n kit ... Would be good to see

[@tedsmith2150]

Great video, EXCEPT, haven't you heard of the Leave No Trace camping principle? I presume yo dig over that scorched section of ground where you had the fire?

[@mycowilderness3489]

Great video as always Simon, I do think you should come and cycle in the Brecons where the hills are less sneaky! 😁

[@diamondtbar9818]

At 16:23 for cramps: I give my husband pickle juice -- best cramp remedy ever.

[@thomaslover239]

Great job on B&G. Just a little salt and pepper b

[@MA-uu3sb]

Hi Simon this is Meg from upstate New York just want to say hello and I can’t wait to get into see what you’re doing. Haven’t seen you in a campfire for a while some so excited

[@UTAZCO.Overland]

Try to pat your steak dry before putting it over the fire (and season ~20-30 minutes before cooking it, if possible.) Leaving the moisture on the surface can steam the steak, instead of properly grilling/searing it. Sláinte!

[@stewartatwattinahammock1772]

Awesome !!!!

[@majingohan99]

I absolutely love bike packing, did a trip from Newcastle to Whitby a few weeks back and it was great to be back out in my tent again, although I was frozen shut in my tent on the first morning and almost broke the zip off xD Love doing river trips though as you know there is not as many hills :D

[@xaraxania]

I do like coming along on your journeys Simon, im isolating at the moment and im missing the freedom

[@davidoliver7199]

Luv it!!!

[@northwestolympics3001]

Just got a new truck with canopy. Churning it into a camper and fits mountain bike.

[@tomcatt998]

👍 hippie swift 👍

[@desmondbroad1305]

Still think Luke should carry all your gear just because he's younger 😂😂😂😂😁😎

[@davidlawrence503]

Get yourself powdered magniesium for the cramp .. brilliant stuff. Watching from NSW Australia

[@sjwillis1137]

This flat landscape is doing my head in . I shall drink myself to death!!!!!!!!

[@marksadventures3889]

Roll on part 2.

[@matsfrisk3653]

Very nice! :-)

[@dianejacklin4338]

Another interesting video. You forgot to say Framingham is famous for Ed Sheeran as well. Looking forward to part 2

[@radio-su6lh]

He probably wanted people to appreciate the town for what it is ;)

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Haha - even the castle has been made famous by him! Thank you!

[@mare2971]

Nice trip! But I prefer my canoe. Can't wait for better weather. Best regards from the 'producing area of the rescue tape for canoes' in germany!

[@danielholman7225]

Enjoying your video. I like bivy and tarp camping, however, I’am a vegetarian and don’t anything dead. Don’t drink either. Om.

[@ghostofkadesh9041]

🙂 nice 👍

[@riddimchef1]

Great trip and video. Love the Suffolk countryside. Just one thing. What is it with wild campers that they always have hunks of meat for dinner ? 😂 In the wild it would be fairly rare to have steaks of meat 🤔

[@marksadventures3889]

Rare to well done depending on your likes.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Steaks - food of kings! In the wild, venison steaks might have to do 😂

[@CustCareRep]

Cool campers show us their socks 23:58

[@jonfrance7201]

My mate had a question, then i wondered the same…what do you do about washing and clothing on a trip like this? Are you riding in yesterday’s clothes or taking spare?

[@tomchristman153]

Is there any where in Norfolk where I can buy a honey stove? been loving the videos by the way.

[@thomascraig7230]

Great stuff sir. Did you see and were you able to avoid the tic at 13:11? Looking forward to part two.

[@martinsnowden4926]

Loving the bike pal hopefully I will get my Sonder Frontier by the end of June. How you finding it?

[@Badboyrich1982]

Yes 👍🏻

[@cgriggsiv]

I remember the name of that 26-in front suspension it was a Sid and a poor broken Sid it was

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

😂😂😂

[@robertauld2242]

Black rifle coffee is good stuff; it is veteran owned and operated.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

Spring Pilgrimage Begins!

[@Tancrad]

Bro, brilliant, how have i not thought of flipping a horizontal bag, on the inside of the bars, instead of just mounting one on the outside of the flat bar. did you feel this cramped you at all while riding? potential game changer right there.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks mate - yes, it freed up space for my bar bag (full of filming gear), it didn’t get in the way at all and gave me a convenient place to strap a map, my camera (on a tripod) and my fleece 👍👍

[@CC-CODER]

Yay

[@scruffysod]

Surprised at how good those potatoes are , light years away from Smash - 95% like real spuds.

[@mattlast4093]

@28:02 does it get any better than that?

[@joseligeiro]

I need to know an important information. The size of your bike tyres, please. I am about to buy something identical, but in my country is difficult. Thank you.

[@Pushyhog]

oh yea, notha great one.

[@malcolmT]

Brilliant loved it your intro music always sets the mood, great camp set up looked like a very enjoyable trip looking forward to part 2 👍👍👍

[@devonbikefilms]

I wish it was that flat down here in Devon. You flat earthers don’t know your born 😂😂. Great video as ever cheers.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

😂😂😂

[@misolgit69]

Hi Simon any chance of a link for the Mylar bags ?

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

I found them on eBay -search ‘Mylar vacuum bags’ 👍👍

[@misolgit69]

@@simonablokeinthewoods Ta

[@ericvandruten]

is that gear ratio alright? seems like you're paddling like crazy in the highest gear...

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Only on the uphills 😂

[@marknthetrails7627]

A few years from now you'll be looking for an E-bike 🤣 👍✌🥃

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

(I’m looking for one now! 😂)

[@michaelnieves6632]

check your blood dugar Simon. I had cramps also, turned out I am diabetic.

[@teej008]

5:48 is that a ufo? :)

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

😂😂 Must have flown over from Rendlesham 😉

[@oddmanout98]

Brilliant trip so far Simon. I know the Southwold coast well walked and biked it quite a bit, so looking forward to that episode too. Quick question, did you filter water when you found it or buy en-route? Perhaps you can do a kit load out for us too? Atb. Paul.

[@perrybarnett5448]

Simon how is Maggie I am sure you miss taking her with you. I had a Sheppard that I took with me. I Lost her years ago. She was a very good and Loving companion

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

We bought water as we needed it - the good thing about a road based bike trip is that you are never too far from a shop 😁

[@oddmanout98]

Yes indeed. Good call. Cheers Simon.