For cycling enthusiasts like Pascal and his family, a custom camper van is much more than just a mode of transport—it’s a lifestyle. Pascal, the owner of a custom-built Mercedes Sprinter 144 by Nav Camper, has covered nearly 30,000 km in just one year, exploring the roads of the United States andQuebec to fully embrace his passion for mountain biking, gravel riding, and even fat biking in the winter.
“For me, the greatest advantage of having a van as a basecamp for my cycling adventures is the complete freedom it gives me,”. Before getting his van, he always had to plan his trips around available accommodations, which often limited his choice of routes and itineraries. “Now, with my Nav Camper vehicule, I can literally go wherever I want, whenever I want. I park near the trailhead, get my bike ready, and I’m good to go,” he adds.
With his van, Pascal and his son can set off spontaneously, whether it's for a weekend of gravel riding in the New Hampshire mountains or along getaway around Lac Saint-Jean in Quebec. "On Fridays, we fill up with water and food, and off we go! All the other gear stays on board. We no longer have to worry about packing or booking accommodations," Pascal explains.
Pascal's van isn’t just a mode of transport; it’s a full mobile workshop, specifically designed to meet the needs of dedicated cyclists.“I had my van fitted to carry up to four bikes inside, complete with a repair stand for on-the-go fixes,” Pascal describes. “It’s super convenient to be able to come ‘home’ after a long day of riding and fix what needs to be fixed, while enjoying a good meal and a cold drink.”
He also made sure to include storage spaces for tools, spare parts, and other essential equipment for their cycling adventures. “Having everything I need at my fingertips allows me to focus only on the adventure and never waste time looking for something,” he adds.
“The van allows us to leave quickly and arrive late at night at race venues”. With their van, he and his son can participate in races and events without worrying about hotel schedules or restaurants. “After a long day of racing or exploring, coming back to the van, taking a hot shower, and resting is a luxury that really makes a difference.”
The van is equipped with a functional kitchen and comfortable beds, making every night on the road as pleasant as being at home.“Whether we’re in the middle of the mountains or near a lake, we have all the comfort we need. This allows us to recover and enjoy each day of riding even more,” says Pascal.
Winter doesn't slow them down. 'Even in winter, it's all about fat biking,' Thanks to their well-insulated and heated van, they can tackle snowy trails without hesitation. “After a cold day spent in the snow, coming back to a warm space, cooking a good meal, and being ready for the next day is an incredible feeling.”
Pascal highly recommends a custom camper van to anyone who shares his passion for cycling. "For someone like me, who loves both cycling and exploration, having a van is like having a home on wheels. It’s that perfect combination of mobility, comfort, and adventure,” he explains. Heal so advises thinking carefully about the van’s layout to maximize space and organization, especially if you plan to transport multiple bikes and a lot of gear.
