Better Bike Camp

To paraphrase—or rather, modernize—Gus McCrae in the classic western Lonesome Dove, there ain’t nothin’ like ridin’ a good bike in new country. Throw in a simple, quiet, comfortable camp in the woods to enjoy afterward—well, that's about as close as one can get to mountain-bike heaven.

The trick is finding balance. A huge camper van or trailer spoils the experience, I've found; it contrasts with the natural landscape, offering an incongruous level of luxury. But a minimalist car-camping setup falls short on the other extreme. The sweet spot is right in the middle, which is where a few key pieces of gear come in.

First up is a swing-out bike hitch, to get your steeds off to the side and out of the way. I use the Kuat Pivot V2, which is both impressively strong and surprisingly simple. Kuat has discontinued this model, but its replacement, the V3 ($549) is even better. Either one allows unencumbered access to the back of the vehicle, eliminating frustration and ensuring equanimity for a glorious evening ahead. Unlike other swing-out adapters I've used, the Pivot series requires only a clamp and a press-in lock release—no annoying bolt to screw in & out every time. The design also allows for vehicle access when the rack is closed.

Next comes a camp table, for ample prep & cooking space, and there's nothing better on the market than the Pecos Outdoor Table ($700). It's tall, so no stooping over the stove. It's strong, so no shaking or worries of collapse. It's adjustable, so no chance of teetering or tipping over. The legs unscrew and store inside, and it comes with all sorts of attachments to make your camp kitchen convenient, without veering into the aforementioned scale-tipping extravagance. The Pecos is basically the John Deere of camp tables: sturdy, functional, reliable, without being fancy. Like a good range-ridin' cowboy, you might say.

Last but not least is good sleep, so you're refreshed for the next day's ride. Exped has set the new standard with their thick, comfy, self-inflating mattresses, and they went a step further with a battery-operated Mega Pump to top things off. The Megamat Duo ($400) is great for a two-man tent or six-foot pickup bed, with ample space for a cozy couple—or, in my case, one human & a furry friend. We both sleep like kings on this mat, waking up rejuvenated and ready to roll.

Of course, after many a Montana ride, you'll often eat & drink in town on the way to camp. Or you'll make do with a quick, prepared meal on the tailgate. But as Gus reminds us—in his own words this time—“Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.”