Louisiana is hot, so our adventures have been reserved mostly for the winter. My boys love camping. I think the word love is an understatement! All I have to say is camp and they all have their backpacks packed and are ready to go. They are also full of energy so I decided that we would ride to the campsite. Some call it bicycle touring, some call it bikepacking. Call it what you will but we loaded up our rides and went. The first attempt was a little over the top. But I wouldn't expect anything else from the Tsunami.
A little over the top!
To begin with, Newbie keeps track of camping by number, as in Camping part 1. He is up to camping part 5. Camping part I involved me loading up the BOB Yak trailer. The BOB trailer is a great way to haul gear. It is very stable when moving, aside from the weight of the gear, I barely notice it is there. The trailer can haul a lot and I pushed it beyond reason. When loaded properly it is smooth. It was not smooth. The draw back is when stopped, it is hard to park and tough to turn around in tight places.
It just so happened that when we arrived at our destination, I put my foot down on a fire ant home. I will spare you the gore and detailed photo of what fire ants can do. In a panic I lost control of the BOB and bike. Needless to say there was some carnage there with a bent deraillure hanger. There was also a need for benedryl and some days of pain to follow, the swelling of my ankle was intense. But this isn't about me, so I powered through.
Vance is a lucky young man with a Porcelain Rocket Booster to haul his sleeping gear. A shout out to Glenn Charles who donated it to the cause
Diga loves the out doors. He finds toads and bugs fascinating. I personally hate catching grass hoppers. Diga, no issues. This is why we do it though. I would rather have them running around outside exploring nature than sitting around the house.
Vance found a stick bug. It is hard to see but it is there. The boy loves bugs.
Camping part two was a little different. I loaded up the Mukluk. Admittedly a slower ride with a 1x10 30 tooth crank. But I was riding with an 7 year old and 10 year old. I carried almost as much stuff and it is extremely stable. The Mukluk is an amazing bike and the Old Man Mountain Phat Rack and Porcelain Rocket handle bar bag are delightful. I have always loved the Jeff Jones Loop H-Bar on that rig.
The area we went camping had done some tree maintenance and there were some large limbs strewn about. They were green still and wouldn't burn well but the boys didn't know that. They spent time gathering these limbs.
Team Work!
I suppose in a few years, if they read this, they will find out these wouldn't burn.
And more team work.
House Hold 6 brought Newbie out. They all ran around and then we started the fire. I allow them to poke at it. I don't know anyone that isn't mesmerized by a fire. In case you are wondering, she brought the chairs, those were not in the panniers. The run around until they absolutely crash. Newbie is usually the first to tap out and go to bed.
On morning of Camping part two there was a soul crushing wind so only Diga and I rode home. Nater and Newbie hitched a ride. I really only think Diga did it for the snack at the half way point. He is an easy one to bribe. A slice of pizza and some root beer and he is in.
Using the drops to get out of the wind! I love this guy!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment