Newbie Motorcycle Tripping Questions

[trasko]

The trip is in eastern Ontario. Not too far from civilization, and stopping at campsites. Honestly not that remote. Eating at gas stations isn't much of an option. Up there, lucky to find a bag of chips that isn't stale. A tent and sleeping bag are mandatory. Temps could be below freezing at night, probably 45-50 degrees at the highest. Rain is almost guaranteed at least one night. And the bugs in late may will extract 1 pint of blood per hour you are exposed and not moving.

Stove sharing, yes, that could be done.

Last time I shared a room with somebody I didn't know, I ended up sleeping beside Darth Vader with one of those anti-apnea breathing things, it was nuts. Sharing a small tent is a bridge too far.

I'm just going to take the truck.

Well that's a solution I didn't think of. I bet you will make some friends carrying other people's junk if you've got your truck Hey, maybe you should just convince someone else to drive your stuff for you! :victory:

Anyway, I hear what you're saying. I wouldn't tent-up with someone else unless it was an emergency.

If you are ever going to be near an REI store, see if you can arrange to get in on the "members only sale." (You'll need to be a member which isn't much at all). They sell returns at very reduced prices. All my tents, bags, thermarests, lanterns, boots, cookware, (keep going) are all returns to REI. They have good stuff -- perhaps too expensive at full price but they are a darn steal at 50 - 60 - 70% off.

Lastly, if you've got 14 hours to kill try and tackle this thread at advrider.com:

Minimalist Touring Thread (250cc and under)

Lots of good info there and all over that site.

 

[Paladin]

Lastly, if you've got 14 hours to kill try and tackle this thread at advrider.com:

Minimalist Touring Thread (250cc and under)

Lots of good info there and all over that site.

Cool, thanks.

MEC is almost exactly like a Canadian REI. Good gear at good prices.

Turns out there will be one other truck there. A 2WD Ranger built like a pre-runner. Should be interesting. It's probably for the better anyway, I was worried this ride was too early in the season. It's been a really wet spring so far, here's part of the route in April 2009.

 

[Ozarker]

Don't want to hyjack or kill your thread, but reminds me packing my bike for a summer Army Reserve Camp to San Antonio. It was 100+ degrees in late july so I wanted to take a box fan. I tied it on a sissy bar with all my stuff and cruised down I 10. I got constant stares, and heads turned along the way. I didn't realize it, but that fan was spinning like an airplane prop and it looked like it was pushing me along! :Wow1:

I'd suggest you go with soft bags. I use to go for a couple weeks out with everything in an Army Alice pack and the bedroll above it. I have worn it while riding, but carry it low on the back with the bottom resting on the seat. I have seen people wearing backpacks on bikes as if they were hiking...must not have been going far holding that upwith their arms!

I also tore an old coleman stove apart and took the burners out. Took the bottles and hooked them up on the ground with rocks supporting the burners and put a smaller grill over them, don't need that cabinet of a stove.

I used MREs and just heated them up, for that I have also used sterno, much smaller and lighter. I also have a backpacking stove, but haven't used it yet.

Go light, have fun! :bike_rider:

 

[Paladin]

Wow, that thread is interesting.

 

[Paladin]

Ok, I decided to have another look at this and see if I can make it work without luggage. I really surprised myself. I gathered my things, just the bare essentials... but not super radically highspeedlowdrag. This is all quality equipment, robust, and comfortable. Everything I need, nothing I don't need, for 3 days camping from the bike. The only things I'm missing here are the tent, and food. Food could be pretty small. 4 packages of instant oatmeal, 3-4 packages of freezedried food.

It almost all fit in a drybag. Just need to figure out what to do with the stove, pot and food, probably a second small dry bag. The electronics will stow somewhere on me or the bike. Tools I usually carry in a dromedary bag. Not sure if I do that, and enduro fanny pack or what.

I don't really need luggage. Just need to figure out how I'd secure it all to the bike.

 

[trasko]

Sounds like you're on your way then. Let us know how it goes. Damn that's a good looking bike.

 

[Paladin]

Thanks. I'm a bit 'meh' about the fairing thing. Better than some I've seen, but ultimately it's a stopgap until I can do better. First time I've ever had a bike with a fairing before, and man is it nice!

I've got a Scott's steering stabilizer on the way. Going to order the IMS 4.8G tank in a month or two. I'll be converting much of the plastic over to blue.