Motorcycle Camping

Have you ever camped out on motorcycle trips and packed all your gear on your motorcycle? If so, tell us how you did it. Where did you camp? What gear did you pack? How did you pack it on your motorcycle? How did you use it in your campsite? What did you eat?

This post has been moved to "Off Topic" because it is not about what we focus on here at Trailspace. We are focused on hiking, backpacking and climbing, not motorized sports, even if they do involve a certain amount of camping.

Well Frazier, I have never motorcycle toured, but I have bicycle toured. Not much differance except the panniers you'd use.
I made my panniers from two square Mayonaise/pickle buckets after seeing some online that a guy was offering for $250. I have been in the restuarant business for 35 years so I knew I could make 'em cheaper. My cost was about $11, as the buckets were free and I spent all the money on brackets, dayglow paint and reflectors. Not sure if you can adapt them to a motorcycle or not. And they make great seats and tables. Also can hold 5 gallons of water.
As far as packing, I basicly take the same things I would carry backpacking like my tent, sleeping bag, stove, cooking gear,and all my other normal camping gear.
I buy easy to prepare cooking foods like Top Ramen, Mac & cheese, Lipton noodle mixes, granola,etc. The camping stuff like the freeze dried galore is good, but can be expensive. The foods I carry listed above are easily prepared on the campstove as it is at home.
I substitute dry milk for the liquid stuff, instant butter (like Butter Buds) or carry liquid oil in a small bottle.
In camp its just as easier if not more to unpack and set up for each night.
My brother has tried to get me to buy an motorcycle for 30 years. But I have never driven anything motorized since I was 16 when I had a 49cc Moped on my paper route. I still like cycling tho as it beats hitchhiking and its nice to be on the open road as well as the trail.

Thanks for helping me find a permanent home for my topic. When I first decided to post this topic, I considered posting it on the “Off Topic” forum and I see that it really is a more appropriate place. Your comments reminded me that the term “motorcycle camping” could have several different meanings, so let me explain my own personal use of the term.

I consider myself to be an outdoor enthusiast/environmentalist who happens to ride a motorcycle rather than a car or SUV to the campsite or trail head. Since I ride a motorcycle and sometimes have a backseat companion, I am constantly searching for better gear that packs into a small space yet is very functional in the campsite. In this regard, my gear needs are very similar to those of backpackers. After setting up my campsite, I frequently engage in a variety of recreational activities including hiking, trail running (when I was younger and thinner), and canoeing. One of my favorite activities is using field identification guides to learn the names and habitats of various trees, wildflowers, and birds.

I know there are other outdoor enthusiasts who also ride motorcycles to their campsites or trail heads and I hope they will share some of their insights and experiences

Gary, Thanks for your reply. Using food buckets as panniers is a great idea and could easily be adapted for motorcycles. Being able to use them as stools and water containers in camp is a big plus.

I used shelf brackets to mount them on my rear rack. I am sure with a little thought one could adapt them to a motorcycle rack. You can buy the macho leather panniers for motorcycles but other than looks they are very funtional to me. I adapted the buckets as I often use them for long distance hiking as food caches. Other than in bear country they are very sturdy and keep mice and other rodents out.
Most resturants go thru many a week and often when asked will simply give them to you. Where I work we go thru about 10 a week, as mayo,fruit salad and pickles all come in them.
I imagine motorcycling to your campsite would be just like bicycling to them. I like the cycle as I can go father faster and not have to carry all the weight on my back.
Another option is a motorcycle trailer?

Frazier -
The wording you used in your original post put your "motorcycle camping" into the same category as "car camping", "RV camping", "house boating", and other activities where the motorized transportation was primary and any on-foot activities were very secondary.

Your explanation above moves it into a whole different category. Many decades ago (the 1960s), some of us dirtbag climbers used whatever we could afford to get to the climbing areas. A climbing partner of mine (sadly left this world when his car rolled over on return from a climbing trip - more climbers are killed in car accidents returning from climbs than are even injured climbing) and I used to head for the hills on his BMW (acquired very used and patched up with his very considerable mechanical skills). It was exciting to say the least clinging to the back of the machine, wearing a pack full of ropes, carabiners, pitons (yes, that was when we were still using pitons), and with the sleeping bags and camp cook gear strapped to my legs (well, actually attached to the over-full paniers). There were a few trips made in late fall, winter, and early spring where I almost succumbed to hypothermia, plus trips in rain and snow (talk about getting the adrenaline going). Basically we just strapped the gear on the bike and outselves. Sort of like the VW bugs, where we piled in 4 or 5 people with all our gear, or my Mini Cooper S (acquired very used and required an overhaul every thousand miles). A few had VW campers, which would carry 8 or more climbers with all their gear.

But I imagine you want to be a bit more comfortable.

Great that you are taking the high-mileage route to the trailhead. It would be good if more did that. But do remember that as far as trip reports on Trailspace are concerned, stick to the "human-powered" part of the trip, and leave the motorized part to only incidental comments.

I used to know a lot of the climbers in Yosemite back in the spring of 1980. There was one guy "Warren" a deaf/mute guy who often climbed solo. He lived in his VW van in the parking lot of Camp 4. It had a woodstove in the back with the stove pipe sticking out of where one window had been replaces with a board and metal.

Frazier, Thanks for the explanation. I've not done any motorcyle touring, but have been bicycle touring, which isn't that much different, except you have to be even lighter since you are pedaling. I had four lightweight panniers-front and back and a rear rack that held my tent and sleeping bag. I took my pack partly apart and rolled it up. My kit was basically my regular camping gear, plus some tools and spares for the bike.

I've seen people motorcycle touring with a sidecar or towing a little trailer which gives you lots of room for gear.

I have toured for 27 years and once met a couple from Germany who had 120 pounds of stuff and their tandem bike not including themselves. They had been 6000 miles around the USA and were planning to tour back in Europe when they went home.
I usually have about 10-15 lbs on my bike and only buy extra food when the distance to the next grocery store is a long way off.

Gary, Bill, and Tom, Thanks for your suggestions and support. It sounds like you all have experiences with bicycles or motorcycles that allow you to understand my unique packing needs.

The main problem I am wrestling with this winter is finding a comfortable 3-season synthetic sleeping bag rated to about 20 degrees that can be compressed into a small space. I am a big guy (6'2, 250 pounds) and need a lightweight bag (less than 4 pounds) that is wide in the shoulders. I currently have a Kelty Lightyear Long but cannot lie flat on my back comfortably because it is so tight around the shoulders. I have rulled out Slumberjack bags because many people report they are not warm and Big Agnes bags becaues they require a 20" pad and I already have a 25" Therm-a-Rest pad. It looks like my choices are The North Face Mammouth or Big B, Marmot Trestles, or MontBell SS Burrow #2.

Do you have any suggestions regarding the three brands I am currently considering? Do you know of other bags I should consider? Thanks for your help.

Frazier, I'm not familiar with any of them, but in general, Marmot, Montbell and TNF have good reputations as brands, although some people think the quality of TNF has gone downhill over the years. Could be, but I have two TNF parkas and like both of them.

The common complaint about Slumberjack is that the temp ratings are inflated. Synthetic bags are going to be heavier and bulkier than a down bag, but cheaper and possibly better in wet conditions.

My first good bag was a TNF Cat's Meow synthetic bag that I still have. It's lost some of its loft from being stored improperly by me (in the stuff sack) for too long, but it still is okay for summer. TNF still makes the bag using something called Climashield for insulation. The long bag is bigger in the shoulders, so take that into consideration when buying (62 v. 64 in.). The bag rating is 20F, but I don't think my bag was ever 20F even when new. I froze by butt off in it a few times around or just below freezing. Maybe the new one is better. They have a bigger bag, the Goliath, that is 66 in. across the shoulders and rated to 0F for just a bit more money. It is right hand zip only though if that makes a difference to you.

Kutenay can probably recommend one since he uses synthetics in BC.

Gary, my bike and gear weighed about 75 lbs altogether. I figured out a little trick to cut down on the weight-NZ had a great bus system that went everywhere. I found out I could pack everything I didn't need (hiking boots, etc.) into my pack and send it ahead about 50 miles or so by bus for a few bucks, then pick it up when I got to my next planned stop. When I was hiking, I did the same thing with my bike. Worked out great.

Frazier,
Take a look at Integral Designs Primaloft bags. Primaloft is the closest synthetic at present to down (compressability and warmth), but like most synthetics doesn't hold water (you can squeeze it out if the bag does get dunked) and retains its loft and some insulating power when wet (unlike down). My ID compresses to about the size of a soccer ball and is rated at 20F (ID is pretty dependable in their ratings, though, of course, everyone is a bit different in their cold tolerance, as well as personal cold tolerance depending on fatigue, how recently you ate, how chilled you are before getting into the bag, etc).

Their Renaissance http://www.integraldesigns.com/product_detail.cfm?id=721&CFID=390019&CFTOKEN=57629441&mainproducttypeid=1 is a 20F/-5C bag with several more here http://www.integraldesigns.com/product.cfm?id=5&CFID=390019&CFTOKEN=57629441&mainproducttypeid=5

Tom and Bill,
Thanks for the great suggestions. I have been considering TNF bags and wondered how others rated them. Today, I found the ID Renaissance on the Web and think that it may be my best choice. ID makes a broad long model that weighs less than other models I have considered. I couldn't find a retailer that sells the broad long model so I'd probably have to order it directly from the manufacturer. Thanks

Frazier, I've never had an ID bag, but the company is very well-regarded. I think Kutenay has some ID gear, including a winter bag.

Frazier,
ID has very few retailers in the US. Occasionally REI has one or two items (ID was the first to make SilCoat compression stuff sacks, so REI had them for a while, but since then they have been imitated by Granite Gear and a bunch of others). Neptune carries a lot of ID gear (in Boulder), but that's an exception (Gary Neptune's shop is pretty exceptional by any standard - it is worth a trip to Boulder to visit his climbing gear museum). Generally you have to order direct. Good bunch of folks, and you will often talk directly to the owner.

I just ordered a ID Renassiance broad long bag from the manufacturer. I liked the personal down-to-earth service and look forward to camping with the bag soon. If everything goes well, I am leaning in the direction of an ID Primaloft insulating jacket. Any thoughts?

I think Kutenay has one of those, or something like it. Primaloft is supposed to be a close second(if I remember Bill's evaluation correctly) to down and if it gets wet, it will still keep you warm.

Here is Bill's comment on Primaloft from a couple of years ago-
http://www.trailspace.com/forums/backcountry/topics/32092.html

Thanks Tom,
That link had a lot of good information.

Hello Frazier. I am a biker that camps. I carry everything and then some. I mostly camp at rally's because I do ride my own rather than trailer my bike to them. There are so many options on where to camp. There are motorcycle resorts scattered all over the county, state parks, biker friendly camp sites, KOA's, Good Sam etc. I have the luxury of being able to use the whole bike to carry my gear since I don't carry a passenger when I am on a camping trip. Here is a list of the stuff that I always carry and the brand. I'm not concerned with weight like a backpacker because the Hog is able to handle that and more. On the luggage rack all packed in a SeaLine 55L waterproof bag strapped down using Roc Straps: Tent: Atuffy Apache Tent (because it goes up in less than 60 seconds) (approx 9x20) with ground cloth etc.; Sleeping bag: Currently Slumberjack but I am buying the Montbell U.L. SS Down Hugger #3 because it does stretch to an amazing width without the bulk and heat loss (5.4x10.7). I also carry the Sea to Summit Reactor bag (3x5) in the event that the temps drop below the rating of my current bag; Luxury Low Rise Cot (4x16) I LOVE this cot; Wal-mart half size fold up chair with umbrella (5x20); Snow Peak Titanium 3-piece cookware; Snow Peak Titanium Double Walled Mug; Snow Peak Titanium Giga Power Stove; Snow Peak Fuel Canister; Brunton My-Ti fork, knife and spoon set, coffee steep. On the seat is my luggage. I use the Moto Fizz extra large bag because it is absolutely awesome. I pack the usual stuff like several days of clothes, shorts, jeans etc., personal hygene items, shower shoes, sandals etc. but of note are the following: Sea To Summit large Tec Towel (full size towel that takes up about 4x6 inches of space, Sea To Summit water bag (flat when empty, Sonic Impact P-23 for my Ipod (4x9); tent fan with light (6x9) that I hang in the tent; headlamp flashlight; regular flashlight; ziplock bags of coffee, sugar, cream, seasoning, spare batteries (I try to choose items that use the same size battery although it doesn't always happen). For food there are always options like stopping to eat, buying prepared foods at the destination or packing any dry compact food that can be cooked with the Snow Peak. I have cooked complete normal meals such as rice, eggs, sausages, porkchops, vegetables etc. and it turns out fantastic. On the outside of the Moto Fizz bag I strap down a collapsable cooler that absolutely comes in handy when I arrive at my destination. In my saddle bags I carry the usual stuff that I carry everyday like my rainsuit, tools, extra jacket or sweatshirt, knit cap, etc. On the handle bar I have my very favorite gadget, the Garmin Zumo 550 that shows me the way to wherever I want to go. I'm sure that I'm forgetting something but this should give you a very good idea that I can do what car campers and backpackers can do and do it all on a Harley Davidson Heritage Softail. So get out there and enjoy the wind and the journey.

If it hasn't already been mentioned, www.advrider.com has a lot of threads on camping in the equipment forum.

There's a great DVD called "Riding Solo to the Top of the World", by www.dirttrackproductions.com, if you need some inspiration lately.

All the best.

KatPink, You need to post a pic of your bike with all that stuff on it! The one time I took a folding chair with me I thought it was the height of luxury. When I camp off the back of my FXR I usually don't carry much more than when I am backpacking. My small pack gets strapped to the P pad sideways, my tent, sleeping bag and pad go on top of that and my saddlebags have my tools, some food and some books.

KatPink,

You provided an impressive list of items. My companion and I pack many of of the same things but different brands. We use a Pocket Rocket and MSR cook set to cook our meals. We typically make grocery store runs after setting up camp and buy whatever we are in the mood to eat. I nest a plastic tumbler mug (for my companion) inside my Snow Peak titanium cup and the two mugs require only the space of one mug. We only pack headlights and small micro lights that we wear on a lanyard around our neck. We pack a set of Crocks as our leisure and shower shoes. We pack one set of compressible clothing (socks, underwear, and t-shirts) inside a flannel pillow cover and two more sets along with our thermal underwear inside a small soft side cooler.

I considered a Slumberjack bag for a while because it is bigger than most mummy bags but eventually decided on an Integral Designs. I looked at the MontBell SS bag for a long time. Please let me know what you think about it.

The one thing we differ on is the tent. Yours is much larger than ours. We use a 3-person backpacking tent (Mountain Hardwear Lightwedge 3) As a result, we don't have room for cots. Instead, we use large thick Therm-a-rest pads. I'm curious as to why do you like your cot so much? Isn't it cold?

Where do you camp? east coast? midwest? rockies?

Thanks for all the detailed information.

DM1333

I first started camping on a FXR about 11 years ago. My gear was very large and I tied much of it on the back seat. I also had saddle bags and a Tbag. I tried packing a folding chair and just couldn't find the room. I looked at those Kermit Kamping chairs but finally decided to use the piknic table in the campsite or a hammock for sitting. If I am going to stay in a base camp for several days, I may go to a store and buy a cheap folding chair. Before leaving, I give the chair to another camper. My Web site www.motorcyclecamping tips.com showss pictures of my bikes and gear. PS Where do you camp?

Hello Frazier, thanks for the complements. Everyone is always in shock and awe when I start pulling things out of the 55L Sea Line bag. If you check out the Moto Fizz bag (my luggage) on Aerostitch.com you will see why it holds so much stuff. I'll take a picture of the bike packed and strapped the next time I head to a rally. I live in the southeast so I hit rallies from GA, AL, FL and SC. I've considered on getting one of those ultralight tents but so far my tent is good enough since I don't have to carry it on my back. I too usually eat enroute and buy food and bottled water once I arrive at my destination versus carrying it. Food takes up too much space that I need for all of the important stuff that I can't just stop and buy. On the subject of T-bags, I personnally think that they don't hold enough. They look great and they strap on the bike they way they are supposed to but not enough room in them for all of my stuff. I don't know how you manage to take as little as you do. I'm all about being comfortable and having choices in what I want to wear. Yes, KatPink is a woman. Thence the half size wal-mart chair works for me. You ask about my cot and if it's cold. Not for me. If you stuff your stuff like clothes etc under it, it stays comfortable and it also frees up a lot of space in the tent by using the space under the cot. I actually have a Pacific Coast mattress that would do the same thing but I haven't had a reason to take it along yet. I think the cot is comfortable without it and because I am only 5'2 the cot fits me well. You can check out the Luxury Cot on the Aerostitch site also. Lastely, I don't do cold weather camping. I live in the south and winter time is the time to stay near heat.

Well, I'm glad that you've benefited from the dialog and the list of my neccesities. Gotta go! Enjoy the ride!

Frazier,

I'm in the Coast Guard so I have had the chance to camp on the east coast in VA and NH and then I transferred to the west coast. Eastern WA, OR and CA are my favorites, especially around Joseph, OR and the Eagle Cap Wilderness. Right now I'm in Michigan and my bike is in parts but hopefully this summer or fall I'll get to take at least one trip in CA or NV. As far as backpacking goes you can add GA, ME, VT, CT, NY, NC, and CO to the states mentioned above.

You were asking about Mont Bell SS bags. I have one that is rated down to 30 degrees. For me that is a bit optimistic but it is a very comfortable bag that packs very small. It weighs something like 1 lb 7 oz. I tested it in late April last year, the low was 30 degrees but I was a little cool. Since my temp normally runs in the low 97's I think the problem was me and not the bag. Since then I've bought some heavier thermals and think with them on the bag would suit me right down to 30. My sleeping pad was a regular old Ridge Rest. My inflatable Therm A Rest probably would have been better in those temps.

Hey guys, thanks for the replies.

When we ride two-up, we don't have room for many luxuries but we are very comfortable. We always bring a tarp to rig over our picnic table, two collapsible tarp support poles, and a plastic table cloth. Our picnic table becomes our den as well as our kitchen and dining room. We also pack a hammock or two for lounging.

When I ride solo, I take a lot of extras like books and a six pack of beverages. Sometimes I take a portable TV or DVD player if I think I will have elcetricity in the site (state park).

Hello Frazier. I received my Montbell U.L. SS Down Bag #3. I wish that I would have bought this bag from the very beginning instead of spending roughly the same amount on a Wiggy's 20 degree bag which I've never used because it feels too big for me. The terrible thing is that I ordered the Wiggy's because of the extra space to sprawl but in reality it's an overkill for someone my size. The Wiggy's absolutely has a reputation for quality and without even using it I believe that it really is a bag that a person could take to 20 degrees and maybe lower depending on what one wears to sleep in. By the way my Wiggy's bag is up for sale in the Trail Space classified section for anyone wanting a good deal on a brand new Wiggy's. Anyway, back to the Montbell. So far I think that I'm in love. The U.L. SS Down #3 bag is rated only to 30 degrees but since I don't do winter camping I'm sure that it will work for a full 3 seasons for me. Atlanta had a rare occurance of snow this weekend so I took the opportunity to test the bag in my yard. I used it in my Apache 2-man tent on a Ultralite Low Rise Cot with a Pacific Outdoor air mat. I wore a long sleeve T and cotton lounge pants, no socks. The tempurature dropped below 30 and I got cold so I put my Sea To Summit Travel Sheet on the outside of the bag and pulled on my Sea To Summit Thermo Reactor bag over me and got back in the Montbell. That made the difference between going back in the house or staying in the tent. I would have liked to be a little warmer on my arms but I was not at all miserable and was able to sleep until morning. I'll bet that if I wore a fleece shirt instead of the cotton long sleeve T it would have been exactly right. If I were a winter camper I would certainly go for another Montbell U.L. SS Down bag that handles lower temps. So, bottom-line, the bag is everyting that I've been looking for in a sleeping bag. It's super comfortable, it has plenty of room to move without feeling constricted and the stretchy stuff really works. I suspect that the #3 bag would have been plenty warm down to 30 if I were to have slepted on the tent floor without the cot and used the air mat only. It really does pack down to an unbelievable small size. Because I am so impressed with Montbell I ordered a Montbell U.L. Inner Jacket today. I plan to carry that jacket with me everywhere since it packs down to 4x5 or something rediculous like that. If the tempurature here drops again after I get the jacket I'm planning to try it inside the bag to see if I can turn that 30 degree bag into a 20 degree bag! If there is a downside it would be that if you are tall and like to sleep way down in the bag like I do and not use the hood the way that it is intended, it may be too short. For me, I'm only 5'2" so I am able to get way down into the bag, close off the top leaving enough open to breath and I'm good. For me the Montbell U.L. SS Down bag rocks. OK, as usual I wrote a book when I could have easily said that I love the bag but then that would not be me. So, take care, keep the rubber side on the asphalt and enjoy the ride!

KatPink,

Thanks for the detailed description. I am a big guy and considered the Montbell Hugger #2 for several months. I needed a bag that had a little more room in the shoulders. I didn't know anyone who had used the Montbell super stretch bags and finally decided to buy an Integral Designs rated down to 20 degrees F. Based on your observations, I'll still consider the MontBell bag for a future purchase.

I took my new ID bag an overnight trip to a Tennessee state park in January. The temp was about 50 all day and droped to 45 degrees for most of the night. I slept reasonably well but was aware that my lower legs felt cool. I have read several times that the comfort rating of most bags are optimistic estimates. When the temp actually drops down near the rating, you will need clothes. I learned a long time ago to not wear cotton at all. In the future, I will wear a fleece jacket and pants on cool nights.

P.S. I live in north Alabama (Huntsville) and frequently ride and camp in Georgia. On Memorial weekend, my family and I will be camping at FD Roosevelt State Park south of Atlanta. I plan to ride down Thursday to secure our sites and the rest of my family will arrive Friday or Saturday.

Hey Frazier. I suspect that the Montbell will have enough shoulder room and stretch to keep you comfortable but again, the length may be an issue. I don't know how tall you are but if you're 6 foot or more the bag may not be long enough for true comfort. Anyway, that's just my take on it.

Huntsville huh? I don't know if you attend wild biker rallies but there is one coming up in AL next weekend. The Bama Bike Fest. Nobody under the age of 18 allowed. No exceptions, everyone gets carded and tagged. So far my plans are to attend. There will be several members of the Southern Cruisers that always attend. My preference for camping is actually normal camping such as what you spoke about that you and your family have planned for Memorial Weekend but camping at rallies is fun also. If you don't mind my asking what area at Roosevelt park are you planning to set up your camp? Who knows, I might see you all there. That is if all the nearby spaces are not already booked and I'm not booked up.

Wow Frazier, it appears that I've struck a fear point in you. That's too funny. Well, Ride on Frazier, peace out and keep the rubber side down and the shiney side up.

Hey KatPink

I am about 6'2" and see that MontBell makes a long bag that should be long enough for me.

I don't know anything about FD Rosevelt park but read a book called The best in Tent Camping in Georgia by Johnny Malloy. The book says that the campground has 5 loops. One or two are suited for RV's and about two are suited for tents. I will try to find two relatively large adjacent sites in the tent area. Where in Atlanta do you live? North, south, east or west? One route I am considering is US 27 that runs a few miles west of Atlanta. Do you know that highway? It goes almost to the entrance of the park.

PS, I have never attended a wild biker rally. when and where is the Alabama one?

Hey to you Frazier. US 27 doesn't ring a bell but that's not a surprise. I have rode through Pine Mountain, Callaway Gardens and Warm Springs. All of which are near Roosevelt park. It's a very nice ride and totally worth doing. For me it's more like an all day trip to do the whole circle. I live right outside of Atlanta off of I-20 going west.

It's hard to believe that you've never attended a wild biker rally. The one that's coming up next weekend is known for being one of the wild ones. I attended the summer Bama Fest last year and it was interesting to say the least. Just do a google search on BamaBikeFest and it should get you to a link that will take you to the home page. It's next weekend, Friday-Sunday in Forkland, AL If you get offended by almost or completely naked drunk people and the sound of loud southern rock till midnight I wouldn't go. Don't say that I did't warn you.

Later!

Hello Frazier,

The closest I can come to this topic is bicycle camping. I did this years prior to me entering the backpacker/hiking scene.

Most of my chosen campsites for the night were churchyards, with permission of course. Never forgot my trip to Salt Lake City Utah from Akron Ohio. Camped the entire length of the trip, using my first "real" tent, my Diamond Brand Free Spirit two-person model. That tent really held up to say the least. One instance in particuliar was when I was camping in Palisade Nebraska. Come that night a really nasty storm blew in. They were calling for tornadoes. Needless to say this tent held up. Peeking out of the same I could see the trees quite literally bowing down to the ground! The wind most violently buffeted this tent mind you. However it never collapsed and I stayed completely dry during the duration of this most powerful storm.

Hey ministercreek,

Your post is very inspiring. Many years ago, I rode a bicycle often and considered bicycle touring/camping. But I quickly decided it was too dificult. You have to be very young/healthy, be very independent (because who else will go with you?) and have lots of time. It seems like you can only go about 50 miles a day (right?) and you may have difficulty finding suitable campgrounds (thus church yards?) Plus, it is difficult to pack much at all on a bycycle. I finally turned to motorcycles because they can haul more gear and get me from one campground to another.

By the way, I love the state of Wisconsin and have camped at Devil's Lake several times. I have a great photo of my companion standing next to standing rock. For the past 13 years, we have spent our vacations at Peninsula State
Park in Door County. In fact, the WDNR Peninsula State Park Website [url=http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/parks/specific/peninsula/]www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/parks/specific/peninsula/ features a photo she took last year.

Good luck with your travels and be careful - especially in storms. Perhaps our paths will cross some day.

Frazier,

Thanks for the kind reply.

I work at Devil's Lake State Park, as an LTE (Limited Term Employee) seasonally at the same. Go back up there in May for another exciting season!

I have been bicycling touring/camping long distance since I was 11, but "legally" since turning 18.

I bicycled to Salt Lake in May of 1991. I camp in church yards for several reasons. For one thing one can find a suitable church yard to camp at in almost every small town, where I prefer to set up camp for the night. Plus they tend to be a "safer" place to spend the night. Plus often the minister will offer you things like a shower or place to wash up and sometimes even something to eat. I never ask for these things however. http://sports.webshots.com/album/548294413ZdOUDg

http://sports.webshots.com/album/547550425HdoGXw

Maybe we will "cross paths". Right now I am camping here in the Wayne National Forest in southeast Ohio, at the Lamping Homestead Picnic Area www.fs.fed.us/r9/wayne/recreation_sites/trails/lamping_homestead.html in Monroe County. Very scenic place to say the least.

Helen 2 Wheels bags, bought from Helen back in the day.

My BMW R1100S with system cases and H2W bags.

Someone mention bicycle touring? Here's my site: www.fullyloadedtouring.com Lots to look at, and the whole world is tuned in.

[edit by moderator to remove quote box from what I assume was intended from Miles2go as the reply to Frazier]

Frazier said:

" Many years ago, I rode a bicycle often and considered bicycle touring/camping. But I quickly decided it was too dificult. You have to be very young/healthy, be very independent (because who else will go with you?) and have lots of time. It seems like you can only go about 50 miles a day (right?) and you may have difficulty finding suitable campgrounds (thus church yards?) Plus, it is difficult to pack much at all on a bycycle. I finally turned to motorcycles because they can haul more gear and get me from one campground to another. "

Most of this isn't actually the case at all. There are countless folks who decide following their retirement that they want to bicycle tour, self supported from coast to coast in the US. Many of them haven't even ridden a bike since grade school. The majority probably start riding again once they've decided to do this but I've met some that just opted to tour themselves into shape.
My wife and I average about 50 miles a day but we've done as much as 103 in a day with fully loaded bikes over mountainous terrain. Many tourers average more than we do but we're out there to enjoy ourselves and meet the people of the areas we're riding through. That said, it's not hard to go out an put in 60-80 miles over the course of a day.
Even if you tour by yourself, you will meet others and local folks come out of the woodwork to see what your story is. If you want to tour with others then that's not usually hard either. As an example, I have some friends that are going on a 12-14 day tour in CO this summer. It'll probably be up to around 10 riders, self supported.
If you want to hook up with someone on a grand tour and see what's up: http://www.adventurecycling.org/mag/companions.cfm is a good place to look. Note that there are many people beyond 60 years old that are out there, even on the more adventuresome routes like the divide trail. The Adventure Cycling site is a big resource for route maps for several big tours in the US and more.
Since I tour by both motorcycle and bicycle I'll ad that yes, I can carry heavier gear on my BMW without taxing myself but the stuff I bring along is often the same as what I have on the bicycle. I've toured on bicycle through the Rockies and Alps with about 70 pounds of gear (cameras and computers add weight fast) which means my total bike weight was at or over 100 pounds. No problem.
Touring an area on bicycle is a very unique experience. It's fast enough to get somewhere but at 10-12 miles an hour it's also slow enough to really see and experience the place you are in, unlike zipping by in a car or on a motorcycle. Once you pull that motorcycle helmet on and roll on the throttle, you likely won't meet anyone until you stop for gas or get to where you are going. On a bicycle, I'm more apt to mingle with the locals along the way.

Miles2go

Thanks for all the information. Bicycle touring is looking more fesasible. I'm getting mine tuned up as we speak. How do you haul 70 pounds of gear on a bike? Do you use a trailer? paniers? Do you wear a backpack? What type of tent and sleeping bag do you carry and how do you pack them?

I tried to look at your photo gallery but my computer is moving very slow today. I did see your home page. Very impressive. I'll try again later tonight.

Frazier said:

Miles2go

Thanks for all the information. Bicycle touring is looking more fesasible. I'm getting mine tuned up as we speak. How do you haul 70 pounds of gear on a bike? Do you use a trailer? paniers? Do you wear a backpack? What type of tent and sleeping bag do you carry and how do you pack them?

I tried to look at your photo gallery but my computer is moving very slow today. I did see your home page. Very impressive. I'll try again later tonight.

Sometimes the photo host PBase.com is slow but it's the best one around for uncluttered, totally photo focused hosting that allows huge uploads. As the submissions page says, the gallery sees about 1 million page views each year and the photos are submitted to me from all over the world. A rough average is that for every one of the 306 photos, there are 7 others that did not meet the posting criteria.
We've used trailers, a trailer with front panniers and just four panniers. You can easily reach 70 pounds loaded on the bike if you're using a heavy two or three person tent, carrying clothing to get you through cold rains in the mountains, cooking gear with some food, perhaps a laptop, DSLR camera and so on. If you take an ultra light approach then your bike weight won't be anywhere near 100 pounds, even if you just have gear that's somewhat modern and you're traveling solo, you'd probably be at around 70-80 pounds for the bike. If you're going someplace where you surely won't need a sleeping bag and cold weather clothing then you could get away with only two panniers but I always urge tourers to use four and keep 60-70% of the weight in gear up front. This balances the handling of the bike out nicely, reduces wear on the rear tire and weight in the back which is already loaded up with the rider.
Since I load the lighter, fluffier stuff in the back, I stuff our three person tent in one rear pannier and my down sleeping bag usually rides on top of the rear rack in a waterproof Granite Gear sack. The other side on the rear has my clothes in it. The front is where the tools, cooking gear, food, chargers and rain/cold weather gear is kept. This is our system which works very well for us. YMMV.

The common way for cyclist to approach tent selection is to buy one more person's worth of space. So a solo rider will often be found with a 1+ or 2 person tent. This allows room to bring at least a couple of the bags in at night. We roll with a tent big enough to allow for all of our bags to come in with us.

On the motorcycle I'm usually traveling by myself or with riding buddies. I'll still carry the 3 person tent because it's what I have and it fits in one of my system cases. I usually don't put anything in with the tent while touring on bike or motorcycle, except for the ground cloth, poles and stakes. This way if I pack the tent wet or dirty, nothing else is effected.

Cheers.

Miles2go

I saw your Web site and was amazed - so many touring bicycles. But why didn't you include the riders in the photos? I bet they are an interesting group of people.

My packing system is similar to yours. My cooking gear and food is packed in one saddleag. My tools and some other gear are packed in the other. Our clothes and personal items are packed in the tour pack. Our tent, sleeping bags and air mattresses are tied on the luggage rack. I use a 3-person Mountain Hardwear tent when riding two-up and solo. You can see some photos at [url=http://www.motorcyclecampingtips.com]www.motorcyclecampingtips.com

Enjoy the ride and be safe.

Frazier said:

Miles2go

I saw your Web site and was amazed - so many touring bicycles. But why didn't you include the riders in the photos? I bet they are an interesting group of people.

When I started the website I included a couple of shots with people holding their bikes just to have a few more photos to look at. These images drew dramatically less hits than the others. Furthermore, a good deal of touring cyclist ride alone by choice so when they come across that stunning vista to frame their shot, no one is there to help get them in the photo. On the other hand, nearly everyone takes at least one shot of their bike set alone against the scenery during every tour.

The FLT website is dedicated to the bicycles that carry our gear and get us out there in the world. So the bikes and the world they have taken us to are the photographs.

Cheers.

Wow! Where do I begin? Bicycle touring has been a passion of mine since I started back in the early 80's and I had been motorcycle camping well before that. I still remember my buddy and me heading off with him wearing my dad's old Trapper Nelson pack with about 40-50#'s of gear in it on my Honda 305 Superhawk. Since then I have (with my first wife) made a year long trip with bicycles around the world covering approx. 11,00km and more recently taken my new bride on several motorbike trips of 3-5000 miles throughout the Western States. I was born to parents who met in the Alpine Club so the whole camping/backpacking thing is in my blood. I find that all these pursuits dovetail neatly around the gear. Looking ahead, I plan to hike the PCT, but to build up my ravaged and worn out knees (after 30 years of running) my doctor has advised that cycling is a good thing to do, so ... I plan to cycle to San Diego as strengthening/training and then walk back to BC. Anyway, I have lots to share when it comes to choices of gear, how to stow it, etc. I'll try to dig out some photos as well and post some more info in upcoming posts. Happy trails, and ... keep the shiny side up!

Mikedwin,

What make/model is your tent featured in your profile photo?

Hi again Frazier

I could go into exquisite detail about the specific gear I use and post photos (if I could drag and drop them in) but I will spare you. Instead perhaps I can share with you what I believe are the two most important points in my mind with regards to loading a two wheeled conveyance (self propelled or otherwise), and preparing for bicycle touring (especially at an *advanced* age.)

The single most important point about bike loading is to keep the weight as close as possible to the centre of gravity. Heavy stuff like stoves, tools, etc. goes down low and forward in the rear bags e.g., while larger, bulky, lightweight stuff like sleeping bags go higher up and can be placed further forward or aft.

As for cycling, absolutely the most critical thing is to get your bike properly sized and the components fitted to you. The frame size, handlebar stem length, seat post height, fore/aft seat location, crank length are all critical to most efficient pedalling and injury avoidance. I should also mention that learning to "spin" is key. Ideally you should be applying power all the way around the the pedal travel circumference and at a cadence. Do not attempt to "push" bigger gears as you will blow out your knees from the stress.

Hope this helps ...

Ministercreek

The tent is a Moss Hooped Outland. A couple of tent "generations" old by now and a little heavy, but the best quality and bombproof design. IMHO the best one person, four season shelter ever made. They're still around on the internet but command a good price if you can find one.

mikedwin

Sorry it took me so long to reply. My companion and I spent last week camping at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores Alabama. The weather was perfect. day time highs in the upper 70's and night time lows about 50. We spent a lot of time eating seafood and relaxing on the beach.

I am amazed everytime I hear stories like yours. How are you able to take all these trips? How are you able to bike to San Diego and walk back? I assume it will take two months or more? Are you retired? Will you go alone or have some one to meet you along the way for supplies? I assume you will buy your food along the way and wear the same clothes for several days?

I usually pack about 60 pounds of gear for a solo trip. These 60 pounds feel like a lot of weight on a motorcycle. It must seem like a ton on a bicycle.

Frazier

Glad to hear you're having great weather down there and getting out to enjoy it. Little brisk up here in BC still but we go anyway. :)

The BIG trip to San Diego and hike back via the Pacific Crest Trail is still some ways off. I need to set aside about six months total for the ride down, hike back and (my latest idea) run home to the Island from Manning Park. I guess when the time comes I'll ask for a leave of absence (like I did for the round the world trip in '83) or just take my chances and quit.

Anyway, what I wanted to say about (bi)cycle touring is that, to the best of my recollection, our base weight was around 30#. With the advances in fabrics and designs I'm sure that could be cut significantly, or on the other hand you could bring more stuff for the same weight. We had a tent, stove, cook set, and lightweight sleeping bags, a few tools for the bikes and our clothes. You don't really need much.

As to the motorcycle we pretty much take the same stuff maybe with the addition of a couple of Kermit chairs and a few other "luxuries" that don't have to be lugged by human power. I try to upgrade my gear a piece or two at a time every year and the older heavier stuff usually winds up on the motorbike. My wife and I a couple of years ago did 5000 miles in the western states on our old German tractor ('80 R80) and she learned to live out of one saddlebag! I'll post you some pix offline if you're interested.

Most unusual piece of junk she ever packed that turned out to be a almost life saver was her blow dryer! No kidding. We had crossed the Washington and aptly named Rainy Passes on hwy 20 eastbound to Winthrop in freezing rain and snow and she got hypothermic. We arrived at the KOA and she immediately headed into the second room and stripped down. Imagine my surprise when I heard a strange whirring sound and found her reheating herself with said blow dryer. Now we have heated gear to wear on the bike (wouldn't be without it!) but then it was pretty funny.

Miles2go :

Nice rig!

I'd like to see the photos of you motorcycle trip if you have them handy.

Did you see that website [url=http://www.longwaydown.com]www.longwaydown.com about Ewan McGregors trip on a motorcycle from London to New York across Europe east then across the USA?

15,000 miles and 20 countries...

Gary,

This site was very interesting! These guys are serious motorcycle campers. Thanks

I found it when a friend at work was asking for good books on motorcycle travel. I remembered hearing that McGregor (He played young OB1 on the Star Wars movie, Revenge of the Sith) , had done this ride after the movie came out.

And yes it is a very interesting website.

I used to know three guys from Wyoming who rode around the world on bicycles. When they returned to Jackson, they wrote a book called "The Two Tired Tour" and then opened Teton Cyclery. And a woman I read about ,rode a bicycle around the world and wrote "Miles from Nowhere"

Whats it like Frasier, to ride a motorcycle cross country? Have you been very far on your cycle? I have thought about it, but having never had a motor vehicle in my life of my own (other than a 49cc moped when I was 16) I am still wary of going so fast.I do about 15-20 on my bicycle and have done as fast as 65 going down a mountain highway in Wyoming.

Gary,

The longest trip I have taken was from Alabama to Wisconsin and back (about 750 miles one way). I have made this trip twice and plan to do it again this summer. I ride about 400 miles the first day and camp overnight in an Illinois state park. I break camp early so that I can get to a Wisconsin campgound the second day.

So far a speed is concerned, I usually ride on the interstate about 65 miles per hour. Many years ago, I remember being concerned about the pavement right under my feet, but now, I don't even think about it. In some respects my motorcycle is more comfortable than a car. But, if I haven't ridden much (like this past winter) my butt gets very tired after six hours in the saddle.

Riding a motorcycle is very relaxing - kinda like being outside in a choice campsite. You can relax and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells. The only time it is not relaxing is in the rain. Two wheels on wet pavement at 65 mph is not a good combination. On rainy days you have to decide whether to risk riding on wet pavement or cutting your milage.

The same goes for bicycle touring. I usually do a bike tour every other year. So when I do climb back on for a long tour my butt gets really sore for the first few days till I guess it conforms to the saddle. And being my saddle is much narrower than say your motorcycles seat I would guess your might be a little more easier to get used too?

My average tour is from Jackson Hole to Utah or back. maybe about 600 miles one way. Usually takes me about 9 days of riding about 50-70 miles day, depending on how big the mountains are and how much I want to ride daily.

I have tried getting others to go with me, but everytime they usually lag way behind by the third or fourth day. I keep thinking a tandem bike would be the trick for that, at least they would always be right behind me. I have met quite a few tandem riders over the years. They seem to enjoy it better that way.

But usually I go it alone, like I do my hikes cause I can go as far as I want, stop as many times a day as I want and don't have to keep up with the rare speed demon or have the slow rider keep up with me. I have tried the old hikers adage of letting the slowest guy go first, but I always get tired out trying to go so slow.

My longest bike tour was 7000 miles from jackson Hole to just east of Rochester NY, then south to Hope Arkansas, then west to Tucson and back north to Jackson Hole. That was in 1983-84. I have always since wanted to just hit the road and travel for many years and maybe go all the way around the country.

A couple years ago, I attempted to ride across Alaska, then planned to go down thru Canada and back to southern Utah. After riding across Alaska I made it to Anchorage and forgot to lock my bike up at the hostel and my bike was stolen before the next morning. All my gear was on the bike except my camera, laptop and maps which I took inside to download my pictures. I lost my camping stuff, extra lenses,camera batteries,a pair of binoculars, a new Leatherman knife and my bike panniers. All that I had left on my bike. I ended up staying in Anchorage planning to stay thru the winter to buy a new bike and gear and start again in the spring. But by mid winter when the sun was only up for 4 hours from 10 am to 2 pm I decided I had had enough darkness and flew back to Utah.

I have only recently in the last couple years replaced all my gear, bike and made some panniers.

maybe someday we will meet as you are motoring across country and I am bicycling my way too.

Wow, what a remarkable story. I am amazed that you are able to cover so many miles on a bicycle - and carry all your camping gear. Have any magazines published stories about your trips? If not, they should.

Many years ago, I drove a car through the state of Utah. I had camped at the Grand Canyon and then drove up to Logan. I camped in a beautiful park near Logan for several days. I wanted to check out Utah State University. I liked it but fate never led me to move there.

I know what you mean about people. I wish others would travel with me but I must be too independent. I want to go on my schedule. Not to fast and not too slow.

I'm sorry to hear about your gear being stolen. I know that empty feeling you have when you realize it is gone and you will never see it again. Many years ago my camping gear was stolen off the top of my car in a motel parking lot. I guess God was telling me to stay in campgrounds rather than motels.

Take care.