Exploring by Bike

Big Van + Small Roads = Two Wheels – Why I Always Travel With a Bike: Life on Two Wheels From My Motorhome

There’s a particular kind of freedom that comes with life on the road in a motorhome. You wake up somewhere new, kettle on, door open to a different view every (or other) morning. But for me, that freedom is incomplete unless there’s a bike strapped to the back of the van – specifically, my trusty Dutch‑style bike.

Especially in spring and summer, when the days are longer and the air feels lighter, having a bike with me transforms the way I travel. It turns destinations into experiences, and small towns into places I actually get to know.

The Simple Joy of Parking Up and Pedalling Off

Anyone who’s driven a motorhome through narrow village streets or historic town centres knows the tension: tight corners, parked cars on both sides, low branches, and that quiet hope that nothing is coming the other way. Sometimes the stress of manoeuvring a large vehicle is enough to put you off exploring altogether.

That’s where the bike changes everything.

Once the van is parked up safely, we can hop on our bikes and be on our way in minutes. Local bakeries, corner shops, cafés, pubs, beaches, viewpoints – suddenly they’re all easily accessible without worrying about turning circles, parking restrictions or payments. I’m not rushing. I’m not stressing. I’m just riding.

Why a Dutch‑Style Bike Works So Well

My love for a Dutch‑style bike is practical as much as it is emotional. Upright riding position, comfortable saddle, sturdy frame, and built‑in practicality – it’s designed for exactly the kind of riding van life calls for.

My husband opts for a mountain bike. But I want comfort, reliability and the ability to ride in normal clothes. Whether I’m popping to the shop for fresh bread or cycling into town for dinner, the bike feels effortless and relaxed.

Add a basket and suddenly errands become part of the adventure instead of a chore. And I’m not chasing speed or distance… just happiness!

Health, Headspace and Mental Wellbeing

Van life can be wonderfully still – but that stillness can sometimes slip into stagnation. Long drives, sitting more than usual, and days where you don’t move much at all.

Cycling balances that out beautifully.

A gentle ride in the morning wakes the body up. An evening cycle clears the head after a day on the road. It’s movement without pressure, exercise without a gym, and time outdoors without needing a plan.

Mentally, it does wonders. The rhythm of pedalling, the quiet hum of tyres on tarmac or gravel, the feeling of being present in a place rather than just parked near it – it’s grounding in a way few other things are.

No Ubers, No Waiting, No Problem

In many of the places we travel public transport doesn’t always reach campsites or rural stopovers. Taxis can be expensive or unreliable but with a bike, none of that matters.

If I fancy a drink with dinner, I can cycle. If I want to explore without committing to moving the van, I can cycle. There’s a quiet independence that comes from knowing you can always get yourself where you need to go and back again, under your own steam.

A Personal Connection: Riding Runs in the Family

My love of bikes didn’t come out of nowhere. It’s something I inherited from my Dad.

Growing up, bikes were always part of life. They began as toys with training wheels, wobbling starts and the nervous moment when those extra wheels finally came off and Dad’s steadying hand let me glide solo. Suddenly there was speed, freedom, and the thrill of adventure on two wheels. What started in the garden and on the front drive soon stretched beyond the gate, into the neighbourhood, then further still. Until cycling became less about play and more about exploration, independence, and the quiet satisfaction of getting fitter with every ride.

Not ever nearly as fit as my Dad, who made me so proud completing the Cape Town Cycle Tour every year, for over THIRTEEN years. No mean feat, at 109kms for each tour! It was a quiet lesson in what you can do with years of dedication, training and testing both the body and mind.

When I ride now, especially on long, quiet roads, I feel that connection. It’s not about performance or proving anything. It’s about continuity. About choosing a simple, honest way of moving through the world.

Must‑Have Bike Accessories for Van Life

Having a bike on the road is even better with the right setup. A few essentials make all the difference:

• Panniers or a rear basket – Perfect for groceries, takeaway dinners or picnic supplies.
• A solid lock – Peace of mind when leaving the bike outside shops or cafés.
• Lights (front and rear) – Even if you don’t plan on riding at night, it’s good to be prepared.
• Mudguards – Especially useful in spring showers or on country lanes.
• Comfort upgrades – A gel saddle cover or ergonomic grips go a long way on longer rides.
• Repair kit – Spare tube, tyre levers, mini pump, and multitool.
• Phone mount – Handy for navigation without stopping every five minutes.
• Weather gear – A lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho lives happily in a pannier.
• Helmet – A must-have for safety on two wheels. I love this mint-coloured retro design.

More Than Transport – It’s a Way of Travelling

For me, a bike isn’t just something I bring along for convenience. It’s part of how I experience travel itself.

It slows me down. It gets me moving. It helps me feel connected – to places, to people, and to memories that stretch back years.

As long as I’m travelling in my motorhome, there will always be a bike coming with me. Because sometimes the best way to explore isn’t by driving further – it’s by parking up, getting on two wheels, and seeing what’s just around the corner. With a huge smile on my face!

#ad – This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.

My bike is a Pendleton Somerby Hybrid Bike, which retails for around £320, without the (additional £45) basket. These are a couple of similar more affordable options…