If you're thinking of taking a bicycle on a trip, this is the person you should talk to.
Conor Macfarlane - A mountain bike rider based in New Zealand.
From trail building (digging) to jumping and camping, he's known for his free-spirited, wild outdoor style.
Many people have used FELDON SHELTER roof tents on many trips, and they truly embody the concept of "dig, run, sleep."
Here are his tips on camping, motorcycling, and a little digging.
I love camping, of course, but having another excuse to explore new places makes it even more fun.
Time to get away from everyday life and get some exercise. Without that, I might be a bit of a nuisance to the other members (laughs).
That's why camping and riding a motorcycle go hand in hand. And if you ride a motorcycle, you also need to dig to create jumps and lines.
Here are some tips to make your digging, running and camping adventure even more enjoyable.
Feldon Fact #1 – Research the area you want to camp in advance.
Finding a good spot isn't as easy as it sounds.
There are places to ride wherever you travel, but finding a "fun place" requires some research.
Before you set off, do a bit of research about the area.
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Where was the gold mining once?
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Are there any scree slopes?
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What is the quality of the soil?
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Deep forest or grassland-like terrain?
You can find this information to some extent by searching online or asking someone who is knowledgeable in the area.
Of course, the final decision will depend on where you are, but it's a good idea to have a rough idea of whether the area is right for you.
Also, it's important to have a decent camping spot.
Feldon Fact #2 – Bring only the essentials and more.
The tools you need will depend on your location.
I bring a variety of construction tools with me.
You can get by with just a shovel and a pick, but having the right tools for the job will make the job much easier.
Feldon Fact #3 – Before you start digging, choose your spot carefully.
When creating a jump or section, it's important to carefully consider where you want to create it.
When you start digging on a whim, it's common for things to not work as expected or to take longer than expected to complete.
If possible, choose a location that takes advantage of the natural terrain (slope, steps, etc.) to reduce the amount of digging required.
In places like scree slopes, you can sometimes have fun without having to dig.
Feldon Fact #4 – Work is easier with a teammate.
Bring along some good friends.
The more people who help, the quicker the digging will be done.
Feldon Fact #5 – Try new jumps carefully.
When you create a jump or section that challenges your limits, be careful and don't push yourself too hard.
In many cases, you may be in an area with no mobile phone reception or quite far from the hospital .
Before I actually take off, I run the approach many times to get a feel for the speed.
In preparation for unexpected situations, we also simulate where we can escape and whether there are any other exits.
If you are heading deep into the mountains, it is recommended that you bring a personal beacon (PLB).
Feldon Fact #6 – Bring plenty of food and water.
Eating and hydrating after a full day of running is essential.
I eat pretty much anything, so I always bring a little extra food with me.
It's much better to have a surplus than not enough.
Whatever the reason, just get outside.
I hope these tips will help make your next adventure just a little better.
Text: Conor Macfarlane
Photo: Callum Wood