Long term update: We're off on an adventure

I’ll admit it, I’m a control freak who just loves lists, planning and knowing exactly what I’m doing and when I’m doing it. But I love the fact that bikes make me do impetuous things every now and again. On the morning of the MCN Festival, with sunshine forecast, my other half and I decided it was a great opportunity to go on our first camping trip for six years and the first where I’ve carried the overnight gear on my bike.

I usually leave the packing to Mark, but it was high time I took the lead. With sleeping bags and a change of clothes packed in my Kappa WA405F rollbag (£46.27, www.kappamoto.com) and secured to the bike, I used the bag as the base to strap the tent to. I wondered if it would make any difference to the bike’s handling, but with the tent being so compact I didn’t notice it was there. 

On arrival at the campsite I was my usual cautious self when riding over the uneven grass to our pitch for the night, remembering to use just the rear brake. The Triumph Street Triple Rx inspires confidence when riding at low speed and in tricky situations as my feet can firmly touch the ground when needed. When parking up for the night I had a slight battle with the stand, which can be irritating. It looks great for being smooth and sleek, but when trying to put it down I find my foot sometimes slips off it. Lots of stands have those little tangs for you to hook a boot around, but mine doesn’t.

I also found that I’d turned the parking light on when removing the key from the ignition, which seems to happen regularly as the key whips round to the parking light too easily for me. I’ve not flattened the battery yet but it feels like it’s only a matter of time. I am going to take the advice of a colleague and make it routine to turn the key all the way to parking light then back to the steering lock position.

With the bike secured we set about tackling the tent. Three poles and four tent pegs later we were set up for the night. My luggage had ample space to bring ready-mixed gin and tonics, so with decadent tinny in hand it was time to watch bands, eat burgers and have a fun evening.

Our only regret of the whole camping experience was pitching under a lighting rig. It was great from a security point of view, but not so great when Mark woke up in a bit of a haze, thinking it was morning, when it turned out to be 2.52am!