First bikepacking trip

[Callmedave]

Hello,

I'm new here and looking for advice on a route to take for my first bikepacking trip. In my mind, I imagine a 1 to 2 night trip with my son who is 14. I plan to go in the warmer weather so April/May time and ride a pretty trail with some stunning scenery. We will camp in a 2 person tent and cook or stop off at pubs/shops. I have a Genesis Croix De Fer TI and he has a CX bike. We live in Essex so would probably use public transport/ride to get to the start of the route and home. I guess the route could be circular or one way, it doesn't matter if there is available public transport. I don't want the route to be too tough as I don't want to put my son off and it will be our first trip so lots to learn.

What would recommend?

Many thanks,

Dave

[psling]

If you're looking to stay fairly local I'd be thinking a trip into Suffolk maybe. Hopefully someone more local will be able to give some route advice. There's a bit of info here: https://www.visitsuffolk.com/blog/cycli ... ffolk.aspx. It may not be the mountains or wilderness but it's a beautiful and scenic county.

[ssnowman]

Whereabouts in Essex are you? How far do you want to ride? How much off-road?

I've done quite a few rides into Essex from NW London and might be able to make some suggestions. I wouldn't have thought it necessary to take public transport.

[Callmedave]

Thanks for your help. Suffolk looks lovely. I don't mind if we have to travel a bit first, adds to the adventure. Although there is something to be said about just riding from the front door too.

Think I would prefer the majority to be off-road.

I'm in Billericay which is near to Chelmsford.

[ssnowman]

Thanks for your help. Suffolk looks lovely. I don't mind if we have to travel a bit first, adds to the adventure. Although there is something to be said about just riding from the front door too.

Think I would prefer the majority to be off-road.

I'm in Billericay which is near to Chelmsford.

Based where you are, I would suggest using National cycle network routes and add in a detour or two. Your neck of the woods is well served with the network.

[Callmedave]

Thank you, yes I thought about plotting a route and incorporating the flitch way. Staying near to home is probably a good shout for the first trip. Noddy question - how do I find where to camp? Should I just look for campsites in Essex and book in for the night?

[ssnowman]

Noddy question - how do I find where to camp? Should I just look for campsites in Essex and book in for the night?

It all depends whether you are comfortable with wild/stealth camping. On my first trips with my sons, I just did short overnighters in the Chilterns and stealth camped at places that I was aware of from previous rides.

[pistonbroke]

I'm in Billericay

Seems you chose the wrong forum name then
https://youtu.be/0jrkWygIqt0

[Callmedave]

Haha - I could have gone with Gavin from Gavin and Stacey too

[Chicken Legs]

Hi Dave,

I live North of Chelmsford and have several routes that would do the job.

If you pm me your email I will send you the gpx files for the routes.

Andy

[RIP]

Reading with interest. While waiting for my porridge to brew I dug out these threads which contain some excellent tips.

viewtopic.php?t=18057

viewtopic.php?t=18193

Have a great time! I wish I'd biked/bivvied more with my own kids .

[Callmedave]

Thanks for the offer for the gpx's (have msged you) and for the forum threads. Great reading the tips!

[Borderer]

There's quite a lot of routes that would fit the bill on our website, though they are not really local to you. I have been riding with my son since he was 11. If we are allowed by then, a great route to start with is Velodysee (see the European trips section).

https://www.weirdosonbikes.com/

[Callmedave]

Love the trips on your blog, very inspiring. He would love the idea of going abroad and riding. Think I'll start with something closer to home for our first trip.