There's No Place Like A Few Miles From Home
Grant Petersen's Simple Approach To Bikes and Camping Out
Grant Petersen is no magician. When we asked the Rivendell Bicycle Works founder about his role in the utility biking revival he said, “I, personally, am a big nothing. I feel like the Wizard of Oz [pay no attention to that man behind the curtain].” The self-effacing Petersen, who ran the American marketing and design division of Japan’s Bridgestone Cycles from 1984 to 1994, is referring to the hype that can surround a relatively simple thing, like a well-made bicycle.
In 1994, when Petersen founded Rivendell, the company stood out for doing things simply, and for making simple bikes exceptionally well. Rivendell is known for its beautifully precise, handmade, lugged steel bicycles; its catalogue of pricey yet practical and enduring cycling gear; its Rivendell Reader newsletter (a wealth of cycling knowledge, advice and opinion), and its thousands of loyal customers/devotees.
Petersen is also a proponent of the “sub 24-hour overnight” approach to bike camping, which eschews long hours on the road, weighted down with an extended journey’s worth of gear, in favour of quick bites of adventure, close to home. In Petersen’s words: “Bike camping emphasizes the destination and what you do once you get there, and you just happen to get there on a bike.”
What inspired your approach to bicycle camping?
I used to spend a lot of time in the mountains, and then I got a full-time job, got married, had children, started Rivendell, and that cut in. I missed it a lot, so one night at about 7:30 pm I said, “You know, I think I’m going to sleep in the hills tonight... nothing bad, I’m not mad, and I’ll be back in the morning.” And I was back in the morning – before everybody woke up. That’s how it started.
How many S24Os have you taken over the years?
About seventy-five. I still leave happy and am happy to come home.
How many people do you camp with?
Usually one or two, often three, now and then by myself. I prefer company.
What foods do you pack when camping?
When the hills are brown we don’t light stoves. We bring peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, brown bread in a can, black licorice, and fruit. When the hills are green, it’s split pea soup with corn, bread, and maybe a can of salmon or some kippers. But one night it was ostrich burgers and coconuts; another night, take-out burritos. It all depends.
What is the biggest mistake people make when bike camping?
Thinking about going but not actually going. I understand that doesn’t actually answer your question.
What’s the second biggest mistake?
Over-planning, then overpacking. It’s only over-night. And not bringing reading material, or a light to read by.
People are embracing baskets on bikes again, partly through your influence. Baskets are great for city riding. Should people consider them for camping and touring?
Heck yes. A 13” x 18” x 6” basket holds a ton, lets you pack sloppy, makes you look homeless, and puts you in the right frame of mind for the trip. Viva baskets!
What bike camping moment stands out for you?
Five of us, one March, headed up the mountain. At about 2,300 feet it started to drizzle, and by the time we got to camp, about 2,900 feet, it was still drizzling and the wind was gusting about 40 miles per hour. One guy bailed when he couldn’t set up his tent, and rode home in a black rainstorm. Another two got theirs up fine. I pitched a single-pole floorless tepee; and me and another guy slept under it for about an hour, until a stake pulled. I was still fine in a bivvy sack, but he got “soaked to the bone,” as he put it, and then we both hopped in our bags over to the tiny tent, where four of us spent the night hoping it wouldn’t get destroyed. I’ve done a lot of mountaineering, even in the winter, and that night on the mountain ranks among the most miserable. Of course in retrospect, it was neat to have gone through.
Visit Rivendell’s website: www.rivbike.com
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