Where Do You Sleep On a Bike Tour?? - 5 Accommodation Styles on the Road

[@BRICOLAB]

I usually use a mix of all the solutions you have recommended. It always depends on how tired you feel or if you need to take a nice hot shower, if you lack a soft bed or if the darkness has surprised you in a place where you cannot find hospitality. The important thing is to try, explore and, above all, have fun !!!

[@radbikeadventure]

Yes! Yes! Yes! Thanks for sharing

[@geezers10]

In small towns I've found the pastors of the local church open to allowing me to camp discretely in the yard; avoid Saturdays or be up and out early before service starts. One of my fondest memories was a farmer rejecting my request to pitch on the outskirts of his land, I ended up in the guest room stuffed with his wife's cooking.

[@radbikeadventure]

So great. We've also had some experiences like this. Can we camp here? No, but you can come inside and stay!

[@geezers10]

@@radbikeadventure exactly! A big smile goes miles.....

[@cameronbryan5195]

Generally I've found people are interested in what you're doing and want to help :)

[@sspence65]

Wild camping (stealth) is my first choice

[@sleepwalkerbg1]

My prefferable option is either go full in or full out. There is a term "glamping" or glamorous camping, where you use all comodities of domestic technology in the wild. Staying in hotels, motels or similar is kinda like glamping. I would rather save cash for some decent sea type vacation , only plane, hotel and beach. On the other side, if i go with bike, i would go wild camping, i would go full nature without any Airb'n'b or anything similar. Nature, wilderness.. It is free (except food and basic needs) and very exciting. As for reach and fast travel, i bought veeery robust electric bike with powerful hub motor , so any destination and almost any amount of gear isn't so much of a problem. If i want to pedal, i pedal , if not - go throttle or both ;) Yes, i use technology on camping, don't get me wrong, but i don't want to pay for something that i can get for free. And , as of technology and security , i am planning one simple project - IR perimeter sensor on top of the tent (kinda these in LED sensor stair lamps). Anything warmblooded aproaches less than 10m , ton of alert. Me and my bike are safe. So, good , robust bike , good forest ground to pitch tent (near the river or stream is a plus) , some simple inexpensive gadgets and you are full ready for adventure. And, yes - that is no reason not to go with cash, maybe in some emergency situation you will need some accomodation or help , but just as a reserve option only ! Cheers

[@skidooomaas4296]

Public wilderness huts are also great if they come in your way. I've camped in several in Finland. Here they are called autiotupa (an uninhabited hut), päivätupa (a day hut), varaustupa (a hut which has to be booked), vuokratupa (a rental hut), kammi (a hut made somewhat under ground) and kota (a tipi-like or a wooden roundish house-like hut). Huts in Finland have a fireplace where you are able to cook with dry wood and have some kind of table and bench. Usually you can sleep on those benches if it's a day hut or kota. Some huts have proper beds, mattressess, a cooking stove, a well, an outhouse or a sauna (if you are very very lucky). I think lean-tos (laavu in Finnish) are more common to find. I like the fact that there are a fireplace and dry wood there but it isn't as nice as a proper hut. I think the easiest tool for finding huts is an app called OsmAnd which is an open street map. You can search there wilderness huts, shelters and public fire places.

[@skidooomaas4296]

It's a wikipedia arthicle en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilderness_hut

[@simaoduarte6861]

My primary worry on going into a biketouring trip: where do I stay for the night and how can I not expend to much money for 8 hours of sleep and not worrying about my bicycle overnight. Some good examples shown in this video ;) Greetings from Portugal!

[@rotovelo_naut]

Wild camping ALWAYS... I find being alone in Nature is comforting, away from the 21st century ... even if it's only 30 metres from the highway. My own private sanctuary overnight. There's plenty of room in Australia!!

[@radbikeadventure]

Totally agree!

[@CasperJLT707]

Wild/stealth camping is my favorite. Anywhere I can Aeropress some coffee from my hammock in the morning is a satisfying. Nature for the WIN!!!

[@dennisprice8798]

As teacher I had summers off and I completed eighteen 500-100+ mile trips including coast to coast in 47 days. However I was never a fan of sleeping under bridges or grave yards. I'd plan my 75-80 mile day to end in a small town with a campground, restaurant and bar. I'd also stay in a motel every week to do laundry and hang out. Another thing experience brings is how much to pack. I would limit my baggage to 25 ponds including super light weight tent and sleeping bag. The biggest challenge to long distance riding is to have enough money and time off, it's really not about physical conditioning. It's really not hard to get 80 miles a day especially because you have all day to do it. My average pace would average out to about 10 mph.

[@bruceforsman4812]

Instead of a tent I use a hammock and tarp in some parts of the country this may not work but anywhere with trees, I recommend this ultra-light and super comfy.

[@Jedi_Pimp]

This is exactly what I do very comfy 🙂 and very light.

[@hanskorff5469]

I'd sleep in the afternoon, especially when i'ts quite on the warm side in summer, for a couple of hours. Taking time to read, fall asleep and feeling refresed for the evening. Then after dinner cycling further on, only sleeping at midnight or later (in wildcamp-modus) up way early and cycle again, Furthermore, getting invited by locals means you have to be open towards people, not only chatting an answer some questions on your trip and bike, but really be interested in the people you meet. I got into some exiting hospitality visits.

[@radbikeadventure]

Love it Hans! Taking an afternoon nap is great. We did that a lot in SE Asia especially when the intense heat made it hard to ride then. Yes, we love meeting locals along the way. Highlights of our trip!

[@evanslagsvold]

I once read of a guy who was using Tinder while on tour. He called it Warmshowers Plus. Wouldn't work for me, but I admire his chutzpah. As for me, I prefer mostly wild camping, and mix in a hotel every now and then for internet and a shower. Established campsites, as other commenters have noted, are way too loud, and, as you noted, are far too expensive for what you get.

[@aaronfuentes5919]

🤣🤣much chutzpah!

[@Teapot-Dave]

I think that people don't really want to bother you if they see you setting-up camp in a remote place; certainly that has been my experience. One of the things that I have noticed, is when I have physically cycled as far as I can possibly go in the day, but have only found a really grotty place to stay for the night, I have looked around and thought to myself "is this really what I have come to?" Then I wake-up in the morning feeling completely refreshed after an unexpectedly good night's sleep, and feel that it's a real sense of achievement, but only people who have ever done it will know what I am talking about.

[@natema9352]

I know exactly what you're saying.. 😎..

[@radbikeadventure]

SO TRUE

[@rickhorowitz9312]

I just wanted to say that this was a lovely video. I really enjoyed watching it. My dream is to shut down my law practice for two-three months and ride "as far as I can." This was an excellent video for giving me ideas on how to do it. Thank you.

[@markfletcher4605]

There is one more potential negative to the friends option, which involves how you define friends and how reliable they are. For example, you might think someone is a friend and let you stay, only to later find out they have other issues where they forgot about your visit.

[@WildOutdoorLiving]

Great video! We’ve been warm showers hosts for several years. We took a break in 2020 and I’m not sure what we will do in 2021. I kind of feel like we have too many kids now haha they get way too excited when guests come over. We have had some awesome experiences like you said, and I highly recommend it. Personally Im all for “wild camping”, I’m pretty shy in person and it’s cheap! Though a campsite with a bathroom is the holy grail some times.

[@georgemacheel2039]

In hot weather, any place where you can wash the salt off. I prefer a site that is designated for bike camping, has potable water and is quiet. I wish that formal campgrounds would provide an unlimited-capacity common space for bicyclers with self registration. Instead I often have to reserve in advance for a designated campsite. Sometimes they enforce a two-night minimum. Sometimes they limit you to one tent per campsite. That is nuts. Bike the C&O Canal Trail where there is a wild campsite with a pump and a toilet every 15 miles.

[@susanjohanesen7820]

Yes, that's why I love the C&O trail -- have ridden it three timed now. However, the hiker/biker sites have a water pump, but it is not potable anymore. I bring a filter.

[@donaldwalter1317]

One thing I would like to add as an important preparation to a tour. If your using “credit card” to charge stuff to while in other regions clear it with your credit card company first so that they don’t place a freeze on it thinking it’s a bogus use. Having them trying to text or call verification while your in some remote non wifi locale for days doesn’t work.

[@radbikeadventure]

Yes definitely. Some cards aren’t requiring this anymore but always best to check! And to have more than one credit card. Visa tends to be reliable everywhere

[@grahambonner508]

Wild camping for me, with occasional camp sites near towns for showering and visit to the local pubs. If you are stealth enough and find the right secluded spot you can stay all day undisturbed, of course I would not want to leave my stuff unattended though.

[@ridetillidie8090]

Another great video. I love your hair. My lovely (passed) wife began with long hair like you and then chopped it all off and was even more gorgeous! Great overview of the ways to sleep while bike touring. I'm going to be mostly tenting and Warm Showers and TRUCK STOPS! People forget that truck stops have showers and plenty of room to pitch a tent! Plus food and drink and security! I've never heard anyone making videos on bike touring mention truck stops! Also, if you ask truckers, most likely they can get you a shower for free from their 'rewards' cards and you can avoid the $ 10 shower fee. I'm going across America from GA to CA to start and along US 82 (don't think many people follow that route) and there are many truck stops and smaller towns along the way with, hopefully, parks and nice cops. Again, great suggestions and a great video! Stay safe!

[@McSeverance]

When I Thru Hiked the Appalachian Trail we called "wild camping" "stealth camping". Interesting how different communities have different terminology.

[@JosRitter]

Thanks sharing, good information.

[@madisondeans5566]

Stealth camping is they way I roll most times,especially when in the country side! Urban settings of course you can do the motel/hostel. I have slept in medians if they have a bit of cover,though u do have to be aware of surroundings! Yes,believe it or not watch-out for human waste before bedding down!😂

[@radbikeadventure]

Nice! Yes, very true. We'll cover a lot of those tips in our wild camping video (sprinkler heads are another one to look out for 🤪)

[@donaldwalter1317]

My first early tours to Europe involved camping/hostels. I did price comparison of some local motels, B&B’s and often found they could be as same price as camp grounds. For that reason I elected to try a bike tour company on another sojourn to handle accommodations, meals and gear transfer between accommodations in Germany, worked very well. I even found that what Germans considered a 2 star accommodations was like 3-4 star here in North America! Bootleg camping was often a hassle in even areas where I thought was “wilderness”, wasn’t! I’ve been in some highly rated bike hostel locations which were very bad and would have preferred camping in back yard instead.

[@Minnesota_Matt]

LOVE this. Thanks for all the great info!

[@radbikeadventure]

Glad it was helpful!!

[@christieogdenadventures]

Your hair looks great short! Love the content

[@radbikeadventure]

Thanks! I already feel like I need a trim tho haha

[@bobbyolsen8362]

I tour with my brother and have used campgrounds and motels. Going to try wild camping this year too. Love your channel and looking forward to more videos!

[@radbikeadventure]

Nice! We’ll have a wild camping tips video soon 🏕 😃

[@johnhill9504]

Thanks for the video. Just came across it tonite. Been watching "where to wander", they biked all around the world. I like your vid, to the point! And I notice you're in beautiful sunny San Diego! I bet it's awesome to ride there! Cheers!!!

[@BrianRPaterson]

I just came across this channel in my quest for more info on bikepacking. It's entertaining and informative stuff that will come in handy. The Blackburn cages are now on my list. I'm surprised there aren't more subscribers. But you can add one more. Live long and keep pedalling! Cheers

[@radbikeadventure]

🤘 Thanks for being here Brian!

[@lesleyrobertson]

Good video, enjoyed it. As a single bike tourist safety is paramount so I have always shied away from wild camping. I have only done it where absolutely necessary (New Mexico and Texas). I think that hostels are a separate category from hotels and motels. They are much much cheaper than hotels/motels. Plus there is the social aspect. I would highly recommend hostels especially in New Zealand. Also I have found that you can only plan out 3 days in advance and even then the third day is iffy. I always want to know where I am sleeping and it gives me a goal for the day.

[@markperry4474]

Another very useful video on practicalities thanks. I saw one advantage of hostels when searching the other day. Hostels often have a laundry where you can wash your clothes. This may sound small beer, but in some countries (like China) laundrettes/laundromats are almost non existent, and there is sometimes the need to deep clean some gear. A luxury I know, but then so is a shower or hot bath.

[@radbikeadventure]

Yes true! Although we usually would just wash 2-3 items at a time in sinks or in the shower to save $$ but a proper wash in a machine is quite nice

[@Eric_Tennant]

Arizona is very open to wild camping.

[@playandteach]

In much of Europe wild camping is accepted above the treeline. So if you go high enough, I've always had no problem pitching late, leaving early. Great if you are just moving on quickly. Not for hanging around of course.

[@johnwelch557]

The hairdo is absolutely gorgeous! Very nice presentation with video examples. I like 'em all, but nearly always stealth camp for quiet, expedient touring. Thanks as always!

[@radbikeadventure]

Cheers John thanks for sharing! And thanks for the compliment 💇

[@Timberbeartrail]

Are you going to do any more videos? My other question is why did you stop?

[@dannyvasquez4099]

Great video Great tips!👍

[@1234superduper]

Good vid. Thanks

[@playandteach]

Really enjoying your content and approach. I can really recommend our local roads, Northumberland in the far north of England, just below Scotland. I know you've toured in the UK, but do come here next time.

[@tomsitzman3952]

Very informative as always. My main stay is traveling the side roads of America and staying in the city parks. Stop by the police station and find out where to camp in the park. Sometimes the automatic watering system comes on in the middle of the night. If there is a night patrol cop they will stop by to talk. In small towns they have a rest room often with hot water and electricity to recharge your electronics. Commercial Camp grounds can be noisy. Avoid them at all cost on the days on either side of July 4th. Also some have night lights that will light up your tent. Put your virus mask over your eyes. In the west there are public lands you can disappear into the trees or behind a low hill.. Instead of carrying a lot of water to a wide camp stop in late afternoon at a rest stop and prepare your meal and take off the road grime with a PTA bath in the rest room toilet stall. At some point a hotel or AirB&B feels good. Breakfast in a small town or the grocery store is a way to learn about the area and what to look for during the days ride.

[@radbikeadventure]

Yes agree with so much of this! Things we have done! I didn’t know about city parks though. Kinda surprised actually! So you just ask the police and they’ll let you camp?

[@CostinLemnaru]

great video, thanks for the info

[@arcoulant87]

The thing I like about touring in the USA is that in a lot of small towns is that you can camp in the city park if you ask the local sheriff and fire stations no way can you do that in the UK , best wild camp for me was in Kent Arizona in abandoned house .

[@samuelmjlfjell]

It's going to be my first time doing cycle camping this year June. I am going to wild hammock with tarp and bug netting. I have backpack camped a few times. And I have camped with a tent brought by the trunk of my car.

[@Vinaykumarel]

Very Nice Video, sometimes we feel shy to use anything at Warmshowers or Couchsurfing like laundry or a shower etc as it is free. not to take too much advantage of the resources. I would definately visit Irvine and stay/ride with you RaD.

[@calvinpenner5130]

Definitely want to wild camp to banff from bella coola. Hopefully in early summer. But i do like all parts of the bike travel where you can meet other people . I do host lots of people on warmshowers that are traveling Alaska to Patagonia where i live .

[@sauravbasu8805]

The real question (though perhaps an uncivilized one) is Where and how do you potty while on a bike tour.

[@steevoridgeline]

such a great complete video as always !!! For me, in my area, you have to deal with flies and mosquitos like no other places ! that s the bummer of wild camping, but so much peace though. thanks Ryan and you can also ask land owners if and where they can let you spend the night on their property which is probably the safest ways to wild camping.

[@radbikeadventure]

Ahh yes, true! BUGS and wild creatures are definitely a factor to consider w outdoor sleepin'. Asking permission to camp on private property is a great tip too. Thanks for sharing Steve

[@f86sabjf]

Love the new hair

[@sw8536]

Excellent information, fun to watch, and super cute do! Love!

[@nofixedtribe1158]

Wild camping. all the way. I do like to lie in though. (my routine is a bit strange when touring on my own. I like to start late. not stop long for lunch. finish around sunset or a bit later. owww I love cycling at sunset.) I've personally never had any trouble lying in, wild camping I think you just have to be prepared to be smiley and nice to any walkers passing or land owners saying hello. Norway was my best wild camping experience. I'm not sure but I think the rule was something like if your 150 meters away from someones property your allowed to camp there fine. Anywhere in the country and everyone was really nice and excited about you wild camping. great video!!!

[@radbikeadventure]

You inspired me to try wild camping in the first place Matthew I’ll never forget it so thank you! I agree with being friendly to strangers if you decide to sleep in. We’ve definitely had that happen a few times since we’re also late starters. People always seemed more curious than anything! Thanks for sharing your advice! 😃

[@nofixedtribe1158]

@@radbikeadventure aww thats nice. I.m really glad you enjoy wild camping now. No worries keep up the adventuring I love watching you guys do your thing.

[@michaeltattershall7566]

Nice hair cut. Your gunna love it in warm weather.

[@anthonywickham]

Good tips to think about.I`m planning on camping for most of my trip and staying at a B+Bs for a couple of nights just so I can freshen up and have a nice meal etc..I`m bringing a tarp and a folding chair too as I can make camp by the river and cook and relax. If it`s a rainy day I`m not confined to my tent.I`m a bit nervous about it as I`ve never done it before but it should work out ok.It`s only a couple hundred klm`s.

[@radbikeadventure]

You'll have an amazing time! Also totally normal to be nervous. Riding helps get some of the jitters out tho 😉

[@anthonywickham]

@@radbikeadventure .Thanks.Forgot to mention I`m bringing my cat "Ziggy" with me.

[@Korina42]

Have you thought about trying some S24O's as kind of shake-down rides before the big one?

[@anthonywickham]

@@Korina42 .Hi Korina .I don`t know what they are?

[@Korina42]

@@anthonywickham Sorry, they're Sub 24hr. Overnighters. Pack your bike in the afternoon and ride out, find a place to camp, and go back home in the morning. Coined by Grant Peterson of Bridgestone and now Rivendell Bikes. It's a good, low stress way to try out your camping setup; it's also a good way to just get out, by yourself or with friends, and have some fun. HTH.

[@mathewadams2929]

Really enjoyed this video. Liked and subscribed.

[@nomadbicycletours38]

Road signs on road have 110 at there base ,if light up, and most that don't

[@Timberbeartrail]

No, I think that you should do is create cycles stay, like there’s more than just Airbnb you know they got other ones like that, so why can’t there be other ones lifecycle stay that is a brilliant catchy name

[@radbikeadventure]

heey, now there's an idea. hehe

[@Galactico42]

I find there's a very common confusion between "wild camping" and "stealth camping". The "in late out early" recommendation here seems to apply to stealth camping - places where it's not technically legit to camp. But especially in the American West, there's plenty of US Forest Service and BLM land where wild camping is free, legal, and common. In these kinds of places there is no need at all to be careful about those kinds of things.

[@radbikeadventure]

A totally valid (and important) point! I should have clarified that.

[@johnbarnhart1244]

Yeah like your ides ! Warm showers I’ve used ! Nice but the name makes me think ya need a new water heater amongst other things 😊 hey ya guys are incredibly informative love ya ! Biking is Rad 🚴🚴‍♀️🚴🚴‍♀️

[@davidalderson7761]

UK you do need to book in advance, I have never managed to get a place by just turning up except out of season. Except in big scale hotels. Europe much easier and especially in Spain, easy peasy, and very cheap.

[@cameronbryan5195]

We have some walk in specific campsites :) they literally dont take bookings :)

[@steevoridgeline]

Nice your hair R !!!!! 💕💕

[@OlofLaurin]

Wildcamping or hotels. I host on warmshowers, but while I'm on tour myself I'm really exhaused from all the impressions and riding during a day that I really don't want to meet someone new. The only downside with wildcamping is the salt and sweat, it affects my sleep if I stick to everything.

[@radbikeadventure]

Totally get that Olof. Tip for being sticky is to wet a washcloth and do a sponge bath. No where near as good as a shower but it does help with some stickiness. wearing leggings to bed also helps :)

[@OlofLaurin]

@@radbikeadventure I was hoping that you would say "you get used to it" and "sticky is the new normal"... I've only done week long tours so I've definitely not gotten used to it.

[@natema9352]

🎶🌎 nice video, I am a stealth camper, 100%, I stay where the spirit guides me each night, I stay where others wouldn't.. no one ever sees me come in or leave, fisrt crack of light. " Bicycle ditch troll " ... yes even in ditches 🌵🌲🚴‍♀️🌴🎶🌟

[@radbikeadventure]

Love it. bicycle ditch troll. haha. just be careful of the rains

[@radbikeadventure]

Where do you sleep (or where would you like to?!) when on tour?

[@mysurlytrucker7510]

Prefer to camp but I'm the netherlands the people are so nice I was changing my battery over I have a E bike bad legs, and an amazing woman and family asked me and suggested I could get a shower lol ha ha ye probably needed one so nice I found the Dutch.

[@roryparlin2414]

Awesome video. Thanks

[@radbikeadventure]

Cheers Rory!

[@Bike-Junkie]

Sorry to side track abit.... nice hair cut!! =)

[@tomsitzman3952]

Hey it's 2024 Where the heck did you two go? we miss you

[@philiprayner1772]

CAMPING IN NOISY PLACESE EAR PLUGS ARE YOUR FRIEND

[@radbikeadventure]

TRUTH.

[@wzlwcg]

Have you used Warmshowers application to find hostess?

[@radbikeadventure]

Yes! We talk about Warmshowers as the 3rd accommodation option.

[@wzlwcg]

@@radbikeadventure I will watch the video again, sorry 🙈🤭

[@Bikepacking]

I think hotel good ever few weeks on the road .. special 5 star hotels lol i arrived at 5 star resort no booking just turn up.... When you book online The hotel has to pay commision like 18% to %25 to companies like agoda and they wait 2 months for that money.. so i never book i just arrive and get 20% cheaper than online as your paying there and then ..try it ...A door man at 5 star hotel didnt even want to let me in lol.. by time i checked into my king suit room i asked the Gm manager to ask that door man to clean my bike and bring it to the room as i feel he can be trusted around my expenives bike all 5 star hotels love kissing ass lol lol. Door man was not happy

[@radbikeadventure]

Haha Sometimes we do show up looking like vagabonds!

[@Bikepacking]

@@radbikeadventure and smell lol

[@Timberbeartrail]

Wild camping

[@Timberbeartrail]

Ryan are you raised in the northeast

[@radbikeadventure]

surprisingly i'm from southern california. born and bred. Then i left to travel! parents are midwesterners tho :)

[@pingpongballz5998]

I loved your long hair

[@hsager47]

CycleStay is a way better name than Warm Showers. I've never "warmed" to that name. Always felt off, right?

[@vijayanathanstephen9308]

💗💗💗

[@nomadbicycletours38]

Ex large pizza ohhh, cycling hounger , food

[@falconmoon2880]

How do you take care of 'when nature calls' on bike rides. are you allowed to pee on the side of roads

[@radbikeadventure]

I don’t know if you’re allowed to but we definitely did that on more than one occasion 😂. But usually can find a cafe, campsite store etc. Also the Pocket Earth app (see our video about our fave Apps) shows where all public toilets are. Very useful!

[@ellerybice3787]

Who the heck turned on the camera, after all you were fast asleep?

[@radbikeadventure]

Movie magic 😉 🪄

[@richardpolidore1702]

Stealth camping. Getting woken up by the cops. Isn't the way to start the day.

[@sheilastallard]

NEVER NEVER!! fall asleep in your videos!. First tour was "credit card" type. Keep Safe!

[@radbikeadventure]

😂 It was just a little nap. We definitely weren’t CC touring but we sometimes stayed at motels and hostels when we wanted a proper private rest and cleanup 💤 😊

[@StarEssences]

You are much prettier with your previous hair length.

[@radbikeadventure]

I’m not going for pretty so mission accomplished!