2 newbie questions, one potentially hot button

This thread is a bit schizophrenic. I appreciate the suggestions about camping gear and love the shots of people's trips. I think Sadlsor is correct in that no one is going to benefit from the gun debate. And it just seems to generate mis-emotion and bad manners. So I have no opinion to contribute on that.

I am interested in knowing what any accomplished bike campers think about having your own cooking gear. Is it worth it to carry supplies and food? Is it faster than just eating in restaurants? ( I imagine it is cheaper overall but then you are spending your time preparing, setting up and taking it down)

On my last cross country trip I was making a lot of miles a day plus was carrying all my wife's gear as she flew out to LA to meet me for a trip up the PCH. So I didn't have room for camping gear. I'm not sure I would have had the energy to set up a camp and then make my own dinner at that point after 7 hours or more on the road.
 
Highway STar said:
This thread is a bit schizophrenic. I appreciate the suggestions about camping gear and love the shots of people's trips. I think Sadlsor is correct in that no one is going to benefit from the gun debate. And it just seems to generate mis-emotion and bad manners. So I have no opinion to contribute on that.

I am interested in knowing what any accomplished bike campers think about having your own cooking gear. Is it worth it to carry supplies and food? Is it faster than just eating in restaurants? ( I imagine it is cheaper overall but then you are spending your time preparing, setting up and taking it down)

On my last cross country trip I was making a lot of miles a day plus was carrying all my wife's gear as she flew out to LA to meet me for a trip up the PCH. So I didn't have room for camping gear. I'm not sure I would have had the energy to set up a camp and then make my own dinner at that point after 7 hours or more on the road.
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I disagree, It may not change anyone's mind about guns but it's a good conversation to have. Way back when if you were clearly protecting yourself there were no consequences. Nowadays it,s the opposite. There are many well thought opinions written. So if you listen to all the different viewpoints it would be hard not to rethink your own thoughts and at least prepare to make some adjustments.
 
Highway STar said:
I am interested in knowing what any accomplished bike campers think about having your own cooking gear. Is it worth it to carry supplies and food? Is it faster than just eating in restaurants? ( I imagine it is cheaper overall but then you are spending your time preparing, setting up and taking it down)
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Whenever I camp, I always eat at restaurants or fast food joints, and spend the time in the campground relaxing and drinking. I don't like riding a bike loaded down like the Beverly Hillbillies truck with every convenience known to man. I bring the bare essentials, and that's always worked for me. Everyone is different in this regard, so there's no right or wrong way to do it.

Regarding the gun debate, either I've been really lucky in 40 years of riding and camping or you guys are quite paranoid. Its your right to feel that way, but I've never encountered anything in a campground that ever gave me even the slightest indication that my safety was in question. Maybe camping in the east involves living with tougher neighbors than we have here in the west. I'm a gun owner, carry one occasionally when I ride, but never because I feel its necessary for ensuring my safety.

I've encountered bears in the wilderness while backpacking, throw a few rocks at them and they'll run away, unless they already have your food, in which case the fight is over before it even started. The grizzlies in MT are a different story, they deserve respect, but generally will not be aggressive towards humans unless provoked. If you don't have any food around you (another plus for eating at restaurants), then their biggest reason for taking an interest in you is removed from the equation. If you ever do need to take a shot at one, I've been told to aim for their shoulder area, where a good shot will break a bone and prevent them from walking/running normally and give you a chance to get away.
 
Highway STar said:
I am interested in knowing what any accomplished bike campers think about having your own cooking gear.
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In my view, it's not camping if you're not cooking.

My cooking gear distils down to a pan, a spork and a mug. Oh, and a guaranteed source of ignition (matches with the head dipped in wax). I bring coffee and buy more along the way and that's where the mug comes in handy, but I'm not averse to pine needle tea either.

Food wise, the first day or 2 I'll bring with me, but after that, either buy it or catch it. If I'm catching rabbits etc, I'll catch one night, prepare the next morning, and then cook that evening. A couple of good blades help, at least one for meat, one hand saw for wood.

If I'm planning on staying in the same area, surplus catch can be stored while I'm out on the road, and have before now made temporary smokers for the days when I'm taking a break from riding.

Nothing better than stone cooked fish, right on the beach. Sure, it takes longer to sort a fire & cook your own, rather than going to a restaurant... but where I choose to camp, there aint many restaurants around.
 
I regret mentioning personal defense, although the thread might have headed that way regardless.

this has nothing to do with gun rights, please take 100% of that somewhere else.

if you would carry on a trip like this, fine, if you would not, fine. Just don’t debate it here.

Back to camping,

what have you found to be the cost differential between camping a new hotels? I’ve done x-country in hotels before, the camping sometimes thing is a little wild idea I’m having
 
I always bring my MSR Dragonfly multi-fuel stove with me (one of the few multi-fuel's you can actually simmer with), along with the smallest cook set GSI sells. Sometimes I drop by the grocery store before pulling in, sometimes I don't. If I don't, I use on of the 2-3 Mountain House meals I also always bring. I usually make coffee in the morning as well, using GSI's filter.

1615668990480.png

Fits on any cup. Bring a quart bag of coffee.

If you decide to cook, try to find the smallest, lightest equipment you can find.

Another piece of equipment I never leave the house with, is MSR's gravity fed water filter. Even if you camp somewhere that actually have a water spigot, this bag holds 4-5 liter, and I just hang it in a tree close to your tent.

1615669624638.png
 
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My hotels were between $50-$70 per night when I did Highway 50 from Ohio to Colorado and then down to LA. I usually spent about $25 a day on food. Most of them were extremely well kept and friendly places. Only the Knight's Inn in Flagstaff was a bit of a disappointment. Top marks to the Alpine Inn and Suites in Gunnison, Colorado and the excellent Tex-Mex restaurant in town.
 
STeveMcD said:
potential hot button - what is the collective wisdom about personal protection in these conditions? [camping]
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STeveMcD said:
if you would carry on a trip like this, fine, if you would not, fine. Just don’t debate it here.
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The discourse was thoughtful and respectful. I for one sure thought you were asking for opinions (“wisdom”), as I believe everyone that posted did also. I personally don’t carry. If you’re riding with me, as a courtesy please let me know if you are.

I’ve done a lot of moto camping. Lots of great info posted above. Just get the best basic equipment you can afford and GO RIDE*... you’ll refine your gear the more you go.

Regards, John
*Official motto of STOC
 
If you can think about it, stopping off at a grocery store for hot deli meals can be a good resource. You can get a half chicken or a rib dinner for a fraction of what it costs in a restaurant. Having an insulated bag with you can keep the meal reasonable warm till you get to place or campground to sit down and eat it.
Not that I like shopping on Amazon, but there are some deals on camping equipment, I picked up a butane stove for a good price, and it works extremely well.
We have senior rates at our provincial campgrounds and one can save 15-20% on those fees, they might be available to you. If you have a triple A card some hotels will give a discount, or ask for a seniors discount.
Do you have a motorcycle cover, I have a half one that I use on trips, packs small and keeps the rain and dew off your bike so you have a dry seat in the morning.
check out YouTube for what other people pack to go on a trip, though that can be a hit or miss too as people do reviews on product but really haven't really used them.
 
I don't camp many nights anymore but when I do carry my two man REI tent that packs short enough to fit in a saddlebag. In a 2500cc dry bag I carry one of two sleeping bags depending on time of year, an air pillow, one change of clothes, an MSR DragonFly to make instant coffee or an occasional dehydrated meal. If it is raining when stop for the day and I set up my tent I am assured of dry bedding and a hot drink. Before I strike the tent in the morning I repack the dry bag and toss it outside. The first guy I listened to, Fred, when I started motocamping in 2006 told me to ride at least 40 miles before stopping for breakfast and that's what I do. I'll make coffee at dawn and that's pretty much all I prepare in the campground. I eat in restaurants on the road or perhaps stop and pick up a sub sandwich late in the day and take it to the campground for the dinner meal. Fred also told me about the "three pile" method of sorting needs in order to cut down on stuff I need to make do. When I return home I sort into three piles. The first pile is stuff I used and will take next time. This includes clothing, tools, gadgets, maps, etc. In the second pile is the stuff I didn't use but think I might use next time. Into the third pile is stuff I probably won't ever use or if I do need it I can buy it in a town nearby. After a few trips I was down to stuff that fits in two saddlebags, the dry bag, and a few light things in the mostly empty topbox. The topbox will have enough space to secure my helmet and tank bag during breaks and time off the bike.
 
STeveMcD said:
I regret mentioning personal defense, although the thread might have headed that way regardless.

this has nothing to do with gun rights, please take 100% of that somewhere else.

if you would carry on a trip like this, fine, if you would not, fine. Just don’t debate it here.

Back to camping,

what have you found to be the cost differential between camping a new hotels? I’ve done x-country in hotels before, the camping sometimes thing is a little wild idea I’m having
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It's like John O said get some stuff and try it. Try to hit a STOC event they are pretty lay back and you can see if camping is for you. As far as hotel vs camping on a trip average hotel is $79 x 7 days adds up quickly. In some hi tourist area it could be as much $150 if you can get a room. A tent and a bag at least leaves you options.
 
STeveMcD said:
what have you found to be the cost differential between camping a[nd] new hotels? I’ve done x-country in hotels before, the camping sometimes thing is a little wild idea I’m having
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I camped last in Banff where cost differentials are huge. If Canada opens up in summer, I'm planning to "eat up" my savings again. I know some fine roof-top restaurants there. The scenery's superb. And my "liquidity" left-overs. :wine1:
 
dduelin said:
I don't camp many nights anymore but when I do carry my two man REI tent that packs short enough to fit in a saddlebag. In a 2500cc dry bag I carry one of two sleeping bags depending on time of year, an air pillow, one change of clothes, an MSR DragonFly to make instant coffee or an occasional dehydrated meal. If it is raining when stop for the day and I set up my tent I am assured of dry bedding and a hot drink. Before I strike the tent in the morning I repack the dry bag and toss it outside. The first guy I listened to, Fred, when I started motocamping in 2006 told me to ride at least 40 miles before stopping for breakfast and that's what I do. I'll make coffee at dawn and that's pretty much all I prepare in the campground. I eat in restaurants on the road or perhaps stop and pick up a sub sandwich late in the day and take it to the campground for the dinner meal. Fred also told me about the "three pile" method of sorting needs in order to cut down on stuff I need to make do. When I return home I sort into three piles. The first pile is stuff I used and will take next time. This includes clothing, tools, gadgets, maps, etc. In the second pile is the stuff I didn't use but think I might use next time. Into the third pile is stuff I probably won't ever use or if I do need it I can buy it in a town nearby. After a few trips I was down to stuff that fits in two saddlebags, the dry bag, and a few light things in the mostly empty topbox. The topbox will have enough space to secure my helmet and tank bag during breaks and time off the bike.
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I was told pack everything you need then put half of it back.
 
It's to getcher butt on the road, and don't dawdle around camp burning that daylight, when you could be munching miles.
What didja wanna see, anyways?
This vast great countryside, or the inside of yer eyelids? :rofl1:

EDIT: now, having said that, I WILL take the time to burn a cup of water for a coffee pour-over. I mean, hey -- let's be reasonable here.
 
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Bmacleod said:
I am curious as to the reason for this.
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I would have done this anyway. As my dad was fond of saying, "Come on son, we are burning daylight."

If you hang around the campsite and make or wait for breakfast you are 40 miles behind Fred and I.
 
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