Check out "Walking with Freedom" and its sequel. One was a hike on the Appalachion Trail, the other a hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. There are several videos on the web site http://www.walkingwithfreedom.com/wvideos.php

One guy, one camera - the Canon GL2.

Equipment: a camera and an external mic would be the easiest to travel with. Add a tripod and maybe even a set of wireless mics if you need them. For camera suggestions check these threads:
http://www.filmmaking.net/fnetforum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4527
http://www.filmmaking.net/fnetforum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4479
http://www.filmmaking.net/fnetforum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4183
http://www.filmmaking.net/fnetforum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4555
http://www.filmmaking.net/fnetforum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4586

Techniques: Shoot all the time and shoot everything. You never know when something interesting will happen and DV tape is cheap enough. Keep your equipment clean. Interview a lot of people along the way. Remember that the people watching a documentary are more interested in the people than in scenery. Scenery is beautiful to the person out there in the wilderness, but it doesn't translate as well to the person watching at home. Get lots of shots of the bikers and what they are going through.

Backing: Put together a great business plan that includes a detailed budget, a detailed itinerary and good a marketing plan. Many movie makers know why it's good for THEM to get the money - make sure your business plan shows why it will be good for the prodCo to back you. What's in it for them? That's what they are going to ask. Also don't forget sponsors. Present you business plan to bike or camping suppliers. they may offer you gear or even money.

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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)

I'd look at the Sony HC3 or the semi-pro version: HDV format, records to DV tape, small and light and with a big battery you should be able to shoot for about twelve hours between charges. It's not the best HD camera around but the better ones would be a real pain to carry on a bike ride.

Thanks guys thats some great advice. I checked out the hiking videos. They look really good. I think they are definitely the sort of thing we want to do. Thinking of the logistics of our trip, I think keeping it simple with the shots, filming as much as possible, filming whatever happens, crisises, etc, talking to locals, hopefully capturing the spirit of the trip and the emotions between people is the plan.

I have been collecting some rough notes for the trip on filming here http://biki.ride-earth.org.uk/Filming#Equipment

Cheers.
Andrew

Its actually http://biki.ride-earth.org.uk/Filming for the whole page. Thanks
Andrew