It’s National Picnic Month which obviously means a bike ride! As if I needed another reason to go for a ride, now I have one and I want to share some tips on making your picnic a success.
Just go already!
Don’t over think this. The goal of a picnic is to have fun, so have fun! It can be as simple as a putting some crackers, jam, cheese, and a knife in a backpack or you can go all out with recipes and stuff. Whatever suits your fancy. You could even do like we did and stop by the store on the way.
If you need to keep things cool, try to find a small cooler that will fit in your backpack or pannier. “A pannier is a basket, bag, box, or similar container, carried in pairs either slung over the back of a beast of burden, or attached to the sides of a bicycle or motorcycle. The term derives from the Old French, from Classical Latin, word for bread basket.”
Find a shade-tree
Again, don’t over think this. I have more than 10 parks in a 4 mile radius of where I live. You’re already dealing with a beast of burden here; you don’t need to ride to the next state over to find a shade-tree. The goal is to have a grassy spot in the shade. We picked a nice area along a stream close to the grocery store, to keep it simple.
I would also suggest bringing something to sit on, like a tablecloth or a sheet.
Keep it clean!
If you pack it in, pack it out. Be sure to throw away any trash you create while picnicking. I would suggest packing an empty bag to stash your trash for the ride home — just in case your particular shade-tree doesn’t have a trash can.
Make fun
Not of people — bring music or games to make the fun keep going beyond just snacks and drinks. Franklin Sports
sells a super portable version of washer toss which happens to be the perfect grassy-spot-in-the-shade kind of game. Picnicking by bicycle is a fun way to get outside and enjoy the summer. It can be pretty easy and the best way to picnic in my opinion. Whatever you do, do it on two wheels. Happy riding.
Comments