Join CAT for a first-timer-friendly bike camping trip!
CAT’s team of ride planners and leaders is very excited to bring a variety of overnight rides to the community this Summer and into the Fall. If you are brand new to self-supported bike touring, this is a great ride to start with. We will assist with getting both you and your bike in shape for this two-day ride. Of course experienced bike tourers are welcome too!
Our route is about 50/50 on trails and on roads, starting from Bethlehem and going to Green Lane Park in Montgomery County, covering a total of about 32 miles. We’ll ride to Green Lane on Saturday, camp out Saturday night, and return to Bethlehem on Sunday. We expect to go rain or shine, barring extreme weather conditions. We’ve secured a group campsite at Green Lane Park; the camping facilities include showers and restrooms, as well as provision for a campfire.
We will ride as a group, with a number of ride leaders, for the entirety of the trip and we will also provide the route ahead of time through Ridewgps. Our ride leaders can assist with most mechanical challenges on road. We expect to provide some vehicle support for those who are not able to carry all of their own gear on their bikes and in the event of any medical emergency.
In the weeks before the ride, we’ll provide equipment suggestions (including some extremely thrifty options for those who prefer that way), packing lists, nutrition ideas, safety and riding skills tips, via both in person and electronic sessions. We’ll do our best to answer your questions throughout our weeks of preparation with a goal of allowing you to ride with comfort and confidence. To the extent you need mechanical assistance, and as time permits, we can work with you and your bike at the CAT bike co-op to assure that your bicycle mechanics are in good shape.
At a minimum, you will need to have a bicycle that is capable of operating on well-maintained trails (Southside Bethlehem Greenway, the Saucon Rail Trail, and the Upper Bucks Rail Trail) and paved roads, while carrying you and your overnight gear. All riders are required to wear a helmet.
We will provide breakfast on Saturday morning, and we expect to handle the rest of our food through a combination of food you bring for yourself, refreshment stops along the route, and shared cooking/camping equipment. Note that our campsite is within a few easy cycling miles of several restaurants.
We are capping the number of new riders on this trip at twenty-five. CAT members get first priority in signing up over non-CAT members. As with all CAT rides, we don’t particularly care about speed, and we will focus on safety and comfort for the long haul. We are excited to hit the road and we look forward to riding beside you.
Dates: July 19-20
Locations: Start at CAT, 1935 West Broad St, Bethlehem, camp at Green Lane Park,
Cost: $50 suggested gift to help cover costs, $100 is appreciated!
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