I’ve heard many a cyclist whisper in dark corridors … that’s the first wash in a long time! 🧼

I can never fathom how you’d want to sleep while encrusted in grime and sweat. But, I suppose needs must at times! So how can you stay clean while out cycle touring, wild camping and have that grime free night in your clean sleeping bag.

Ideally, setting up camp next to a water source solves all one’s problems, washing and cooking. This can either be by a freshwater source, a stand pipe or public toilets 🚻 Nothing fresher than a river flowing from snow-covered peak … eecckk!

Second option would be to carry ample water before locating a wild camping spot 🏕️

My 3 water bottles hold 3 litres, along with an Ortlieb Water Bag, that’s another four litres, so 7 litres in offer. Also, a back up of a two litre hydration bladder (very rarely needed). So 9 litres in total for an evening if required. You also have to be aware of how far you’ve to cycle the next morning to the next water source. I like to have a litre before I set off the next day.

To wash in, I stand in a ten litre Ortlieb Folding Bowl. I can wash in one litre of water, but two is great and feels a treat! No matter if it’s been a hot day ☀️ the water will still be cold, but refreshing. If you can spare the fuel, boiling up a pot is a great idea, and makes for a more pleasurable experience.

On one occasion I stealth camped in a rugby changing room, so the use of a head-over shower came into play 🚿 No hot water though! If one’s after that really clean feel with hot running water, then a swimming baths/pool is the next option. In New Zealand: ranging from two to five dollars. Two will generally only get you the use of a shower and a fiver for the pool too. I never found them busy, and on one occasion, I had a pool to myself. Afterwards, I set up camp behind the pool.

If all else fails, and one wishes for permanent running water and hot showers, then it’s the dreaded commercial campsite. But, if carefully chosen, some offer great amenities at a low-cost. If it involves camper-vans and caravans 🚛 then I’ll give it a wide berth!

In Australia you’ll find road houses (truck-stops) that’ll offer showers for a few dollars. In New Zealand some I-sites (tourist office) will have showers for a small fee too. Coastal towns usually have cold showers on or near the beach. But, expect to see signs saying no freedom camping.

So, with a bit of forward thinking and planning, you can always have a good scrub before retiring. This’ll ensure a better nights sleep 💤 All psychological.

My only caveat, if there’s no water or in very short supply, then none of this applies. Back up: Wet-Wipes!.