So far my bikepacking experience… I was planning a 7 day trip in the Netherlands from Groningen to Nijmegen. I left yesterday with the train (15th of may) to Groningen and now already heading home (16th). This whole week it is going to rain and I notice my excitement is going down the drain. Biking was super for one day In Groningen but the night with only rain was terrible. Didn’t sleep as well because of it. This is my first time trying this thing out but my mental state with the rain can’t handle it. Especially now I know that most of the week is going to be like this…
I do want a rematch for this trip but I was wondering how you guys manage these kind of rainy trips. Any tips?
by Rdammertje_1908
12 Comments
I’m sure there’s lots of people who don’t mind or even enjoy bikepacking in the rain, but personally I would also wait until the weather improves before I head out with my bike.
Rain and cold means you will have less sunlight, you will get tired faster, you will be more uncomfortable, you will probably be wet in hands and feet, you need to carry extra layers which will also get wet, and in The Netherlands, it means big portion of the day will be gray and windy.
I live in The Netherlands too and have done a lot of cycling there. I usually do day trips with the train and no gear in The Netherlands, and save my bikepacking trips for nearby cities in Germany and Belgium.
Best
Same. Bikepacking should be fun, when it is raining to much, I often don’t enjoy it anymore. Maybe wait for next weekend, then the weather is gonna be great!
Yeah! And I sleep very light, so every noise wakes me up… But I do have earplugs with me just in case… For the rest the tent was also small. As we say in Dutch: “Ken er me reet niet in keren”. Might need a bigger one because a trekking tent for one person is not for me… 😅😅
I think it depends on what you think is most important: having a good tone or completing the trip
If it’s having a good time, it looks like you know what’s up, just bail if it’s not working for you. Plan with better weather, be better prepared, etc. This is a totally valid reason to bikepack! No shame in quitting, fun is a good reason to do this, and you can always try again!
If completing a trip is more important than you need to push yourself and plan trips that you can’t get out of so easily. I’ve done that by flying or traveling away from my home and biking BACK, so I have a clear end goal to keep me focused through the difficult days and I’m constantly moving towards a warm and comfy bed. Some days bikepacking fucking suck, some are amazing, and some are a mix.
I guess my main question is what would you have done if your rainy day happened 3 days in instead of the first day? I think it’s best to be ready for bad days.
Ik zou lekker terug gaan en donderdag een weekend tripje doen, dan wordt het weer lekker weer.
Yeah, the weather is going to be shit this entire week, but the weather is going to improve by thursday!
Still, when riding in the Netherlands, be prepared for all kinds of weather. Fenders are standard issue here for a reason.
I find myself being of two minds when it comes to rain, but fenders make it more bearable, even when wearing full rain kit. I did a 1 month tour 2 years ago and knew I would be having a lot of rain the entirety of the first week. I had sooooo many flats because of it and the bike paths I was riding (*tiny sharp split slate crumbs*) but after that first week I completely forgot about it. Didn’t install fenders for weight reasons.
Last year I had rain the first 2 days of a 10 day tour and that was fine. Kind of fun even. brought fenders. Didn’t really enjoy when my rimbrakes gave out in the mountains after pouring rain the entire day.
6 years ago I did a long weekend and got absolutely cold and miserable on day 1 and took the train back home.
But honestly, check how the weather is in surrounding areas/countries and just take a train to there. No need to punish yourself and you might just find a place you really enjoy,
Remember kids; the greener a place is, the more likely that it is *very* rainy.
I’m at the airport waiting for my flight to Amsterdam now. We’re doing a 12 day tour on the bikes, but we’re not camping on this one, so getting soaked is less of a problem when we have a hotel at night.
For local trips in Idaho, USA when we camp, it sometimes sucks when it rains the whole time (or it’s crazy hot), but we get through it by reminding ourselves that we’re having “type two fun” and just embrace the absurdity. Sure, we look and feel like a couple of mangy wet dogs, but that can be part of the adventure.
That said, there’s nothing wrong with backing off and giving it another go on a different day and my idea of fun definitely isn’t everybody’s. The important thing is that you got out there, learned some things and came back with a tale to tell.
Tell me more about your frame bag and everything
Showcase
Rain proves whether or not my gear works. Would I prefer to ride on a beautiful sunny day? Every time yes! But a small part of me does get excited to actually see my bags keep the water out and my gear to keep me reasonably comfortable. And if something doesn’t work, well it’s motivation to upgrade. Almost certainly would change my route choice, my distance goals for a day, and the amount of stops to places indoors I would add. I always feel like my vacation time is limited so I’d be making the best of it no matter what and pushing through. But I get it, it would be way way harder for sure. And if you have other plans you could easily be doing instead, it’s understandable to change course.
The first night I don’t sleep well… anywhere. If not home. Even at my sister’s house in a comfy bed, I cannot sleep.
Best wishes! You are a hero!
The biggest problem with constant rain is that it makes taking breaks so difficult. On the bike it’s not much of a problem as long as you are warm.