Long Ride Help...
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,973
Likes: 9
From: Colorado Springs CO
When you get to a small town ask the locals about tenting in the area. Even if they dont have a park some towns will let you camp in certain places. I have found many small towns let me tent for free in some pretty neat places. I have a small one man coleman tent and sleeping pad that I take when its just me.
Remember also that as well as the Mom and Pop places to eat the Mom and Pop motels are much cheaper than any chain hotel. I've had some really nice places to stay in little towns that you would not have thought had anyplace to lay your head!
Remember also that as well as the Mom and Pop places to eat the Mom and Pop motels are much cheaper than any chain hotel. I've had some really nice places to stay in little towns that you would not have thought had anyplace to lay your head!
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 107
Likes: 1
From: NC
There are lots of good suggestions here. One thing I haven't seen mentioned is sleeping in a hammock.
For me, the worst part about camping has always been sleeping on the unforgiving, and often uneven and unlevel, ground. The great thing about a hammock is that you will get the same level of comfort each night. I camp frequently. I've tried going back to a tent, and I will never do it again.
My hammock is as comfortable as my bed and packs into a tiny package. It can even be deployed in the pouring rain, and the sleeping area stays perfectly dry (every time!). This can't be said of a tent. In fact, I have spent 4 days in the pouring rain and my hammock stayed perfectly dry.
I have this Hennessy Hammock (Link: http://hennessyhammock.com/catalog/s...rer_ultralite/ ). I recommend them for first time hammock users because they include everything you need to start hanging.
There is a very informative hammock forum. There may even be members near you willing to let you try out their hammocks. Link: https://hammockforums.net/forum/content.php
Here is another link to a site that lists free camping areas: http://freecampsites.net/
Good Luck!
For me, the worst part about camping has always been sleeping on the unforgiving, and often uneven and unlevel, ground. The great thing about a hammock is that you will get the same level of comfort each night. I camp frequently. I've tried going back to a tent, and I will never do it again.
My hammock is as comfortable as my bed and packs into a tiny package. It can even be deployed in the pouring rain, and the sleeping area stays perfectly dry (every time!). This can't be said of a tent. In fact, I have spent 4 days in the pouring rain and my hammock stayed perfectly dry.
I have this Hennessy Hammock (Link: http://hennessyhammock.com/catalog/s...rer_ultralite/ ). I recommend them for first time hammock users because they include everything you need to start hanging.
There is a very informative hammock forum. There may even be members near you willing to let you try out their hammocks. Link: https://hammockforums.net/forum/content.php
Here is another link to a site that lists free camping areas: http://freecampsites.net/
Good Luck!
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 367
Likes: 8
From: Pa, USA
sorry to hear about that and hope it does not impact the ride nor your life for a long time. With that said, I give you credit for doing this ride. I am honored. Yes, you will have good days and bad, but the memories will last a life time.
BTW - before anybody says it, I am a guy and have ***** that hNg down between my legs.
Sent from my iPhone using IB AutoGroup
BTW - before anybody says it, I am a guy and have ***** that hNg down between my legs.
Sent from my iPhone using IB AutoGroup
Thank you for your kind words. I too hope that where I am heading holds off long enough, as this is one of the few things I really want to do in my life. But if life says no, I will enjoy what I can do.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 367
Likes: 8
From: Pa, USA
Wow, I was just sent the link to that company last night by a FB friend. He also spoke highly of them. Thanks
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 367
Likes: 8
From: Pa, USA
Many Thanks for the link, I will join it and start reading for information that can help me.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 367
Likes: 8
From: Pa, USA
Look at rei for equipment. Not the cheapest but they carry some good stuff. The web site http://www.recreation.gov/ is full of cheap or free campgrounds all over the country. Avoid the RV places like the KOA's, you can get a cheap motel for less.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 367
Likes: 8
From: Pa, USA
I couldn't disagree with you more.
To the OP - you've gotten plenty of good advice on gear. If you think you'll worry about gear getting wet, the stout lawn and leaf trash bags hold up well and hold a lot. Hell, if worst came to worst, in a quick snap you can darn near cover almost 2/3 of your body just standing or sitting with one over your head if a downpour caught you unawares somehow.
As for the rain...just watch the horizon and *never* second-guess yourself into thinking you have a few more minutes (or a half hour, etc) until that rain cloud hits you. Find a good spot, set up the tent and await it and ride it out in the tent. Personally, any halfway decent tent that can be put up in five or ten minutes will work just fine (make sure it has a rainfly!!).
To the OP - you've gotten plenty of good advice on gear. If you think you'll worry about gear getting wet, the stout lawn and leaf trash bags hold up well and hold a lot. Hell, if worst came to worst, in a quick snap you can darn near cover almost 2/3 of your body just standing or sitting with one over your head if a downpour caught you unawares somehow.
As for the rain...just watch the horizon and *never* second-guess yourself into thinking you have a few more minutes (or a half hour, etc) until that rain cloud hits you. Find a good spot, set up the tent and await it and ride it out in the tent. Personally, any halfway decent tent that can be put up in five or ten minutes will work just fine (make sure it has a rainfly!!).
I have the bags and am having a cover made to cover them as mounted on the bike. As to rain and me, one thing I have learned, as long as it is warm, I enjoy riding in it. Being wet means I am still alive and for that, I am grateful and try to enjoy all of it, as it comes. Thanks for the advice.
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Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 367
Likes: 8
From: Pa, USA
In my early times I wore all my leather gear and slept in it too- a breakfast Marlboro, cup of coffee, and a donut got me through to the first drink at a bar-that was in California though.
It's not about a daydream of camping on the loose- it's about common sense.
Weather plays a big factor in riding longevity on a trip. If you get wet and the temps are in the 40s you need to restore your core temp to prevent hypothermia which will kill you untreated and without sufficient heat. I've gone on a trip from here in June with a lowland temp of 60 degrees only to find myself surrounded by snow in the summits. Altitude is just as important in camping decisions.
Heat is in those factors just as critical- blowing down the road in 70-80 degrees can give you a false sense of temperature that promotes heat stroke, and on a bike you'll slide down the slab without knowing why.
We talk about average bike rides but compare that with standard military equipment for the same purpose, what's the weight and size of an average infantry pack?
I'd rather 50/50 my plans about camping, but I'm more inclined to just Best Western it to: A. Reward myself. B. To be well rested for the next leg of the ride. C. Most BWs have morning breakfast for free and it saves me in cooking gear.
I sense this is going to turn into a "Real Bikers Camp" thread.
It's not about a daydream of camping on the loose- it's about common sense.
Weather plays a big factor in riding longevity on a trip. If you get wet and the temps are in the 40s you need to restore your core temp to prevent hypothermia which will kill you untreated and without sufficient heat. I've gone on a trip from here in June with a lowland temp of 60 degrees only to find myself surrounded by snow in the summits. Altitude is just as important in camping decisions.
Heat is in those factors just as critical- blowing down the road in 70-80 degrees can give you a false sense of temperature that promotes heat stroke, and on a bike you'll slide down the slab without knowing why.
We talk about average bike rides but compare that with standard military equipment for the same purpose, what's the weight and size of an average infantry pack?
I'd rather 50/50 my plans about camping, but I'm more inclined to just Best Western it to: A. Reward myself. B. To be well rested for the next leg of the ride. C. Most BWs have morning breakfast for free and it saves me in cooking gear.
I sense this is going to turn into a "Real Bikers Camp" thread.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 367
Likes: 8
From: Pa, USA
When you get to a small town ask the locals about tenting in the area. Even if they dont have a park some towns will let you camp in certain places. I have found many small towns let me tent for free in some pretty neat places. I have a small one man coleman tent and sleeping pad that I take when its just me.
Remember also that as well as the Mom and Pop places to eat the Mom and Pop motels are much cheaper than any chain hotel. I've had some really nice places to stay in little towns that you would not have thought had anyplace to lay your head!
Remember also that as well as the Mom and Pop places to eat the Mom and Pop motels are much cheaper than any chain hotel. I've had some really nice places to stay in little towns that you would not have thought had anyplace to lay your head!
This was my thought also.. One thing I remember from talking to the gentleman that wrote Ten Million Steps on Route 6, was the difference when he got to western Pa till Cali. He stated that he was not offered a ride till he was in western Pa and once he got past the Pa/Ohio line, many people sropped to ask if he needed a ride or any help. I am hoping that same kindness is still in our nation's heartland.