Deeper and Deeper

[bigdoghd]

Well, think I've been bitten by the bug. Spent hours last night looking at camper trailers and cargo trailers E-Bay and Craigs List etc. Then tonight the wifes going shopping and I said....drop me off at Dick's Sporting Goods and I'm looking at tents and there packability? Then I woundered over to the cooking area and sleeping bags..............deeper and deeper!

Most of the crowd I ride with are more bar hoppers and Sturgis crowd. I told them about Motocampming and they thought I flipped my mino! Two reasons I heard, why stay on the ground when you can stay in a perfectly good hotel and the others were sayimg they spent enough time in tents in the army?

Maybe I need to find a new riding partner and that would push me over the edge to go. That same weekend was a trip to Memphis in May and BBQ Comp. I'd probably enjoy the camping more.

I will say they make some stream lined cargo trailers and you sure could make your camping stay very comfortable then. Plus packing would be a breeze.

[Mellow]

There's nothing like sitting around a campfire on a dark, cool night... and looking up in the sky to see all the stars...

Army camping, is nothing like what most of us do here...

Camping alone is okay but a lot better with at least one other person.

Looks like you are 600 miles from Hunt's Lodge in TN, if you can... join us at the Cherohola Chill Out... We don't get drunk but we might have a beer or too.. no burn out contests but we might see who can burn a marshmellow... no, we don't have all the flash of those other events, but we have tons more quality..

If you are interested, I'll give you my phone number and we can talk through some gear options, there's a lot out there and most of it is just fine.

[Ironheadziggy76]

Most of the crowd I ride with are more bar hoppers and Sturgis crowd.

You need a new crowd! I bet they don't ride in the rain either do they? :p

Seriously though, a lot of people don't like to camp and that's okay, but I like being out in nature. I also like knowing who slept in my bed the night before.

For a short while I hung with the bar hopping crowd, but ended up getting bored very quickly as they were more concerned with "being seen and making noise" than riding. Nothing wrong with that I guess, but it just wasn't my idea of riding.

Start out with just a tent, bag and a pad and see how you like it, you may be surprised at how much you like being more adventurous, and getting off the beaten path! P^

[Mr. Guy]

Sounds to me like your begining to make the cross over that I call from "biker" to "rider".

For me, it always seems you close yourself off in a hotel room, but you hang out around the camp fire with either old or new friends when camping. How often would you talk to a stranger at a hotel, but you always do in a campground. That's what it means to me anyway.

Guy

[Ironheadziggy76]

This is a family site, so I'll PM you a link to a rally I go to in June and October, if that doesn't want to make you camp nothing will!

[bigdoghd]

I should have mentioned I don't drink, well will have a beer or two but very rarely. I have experienced the dark nights around a camp fire and stars so bright it looks like you can touch them. I love being around people and never have really done a ton of solo riding.

Ahhh, burn outs and crazy people, must say I do like people watching, but enjoy a great converstaion also. The burn out part to me is a waste of money. So with the camping group I'd have bo trouble fitting in.

Is far as motorcycles go....well I'm in the custom business. So needless to say my HD has 21" frt Foose wheel and a 18" rear foose wheel, 8 speaker 100 watt stereo, Satelite and Nav system Also heated grips and plug for clothing. Not quite your touring machine, but it was very comfoartable on that 18 hr straight 1200 mile run.

Mellow, thanks for the offer to call you that huge! I really appreciate that.

So somebuddy mentioned campfire and family thing...so the wet T-shirt things is out I guess or at least we may not want to see a bunch of beer belly, marshmello stuffed old men with wet T-shirts on ehh?

Thanks a bunch guys.....lol I need help through this tuff time! Mid-life crisis and I'm suppose to be looking at Corvettes and women half my age and I'm looking at tents, pull behinds and camping gear and likeing it :)

[Mellow]

LOL.. the camping gear is a lot cheaper...

[Ironheadziggy76]

We need pics of that bike, it sounds like a sweet ride.

[bigdoghd]

Ziggy were doing a 48 Pan/shovel right now that is awesome. Check out my web site some time www.hollywoodcycles.com. I also have a need for speed, the motor is built on the Ultra, a long with diamond cut heads and cylinders.

As far as speed, both my boys stunt rode and I have a built 180 rear wheel HP Yamaha RI full carbon fiber with ultra light wheels etc. Had that at the Dragon with both my boys and my shop foreman.......wow I feel the need for speed!!

I would really like a sport bike sport touring bike for being with this group, maybe like a ST1300 and trailer like Mellow has except in black. I had a Gold Wing 10 yrs ago before the custom business, what a machine!! Just wouldn't fit in with my business, I'd have to sneak out the door with it. Just feel that those bikes are more dependable.

[Ironheadziggy76]

Just wouldn't fit in with my business, I'd have to sneak out the door with it. Just feel that those bikes are more dependable.

A friend of mine who runs an indy Harley shop told me to bring my tires and wheels off of my Suzuki out and he would mount them up for me before I left for AK. He told me we would do it after hours. :p

I went on and did it myself so he didn't get caught working on something other than a Harley! :D

Your bikes look great! I have a cousin who is looking to buy a chopper in the near future and I'm trying to talk him into a Big Dog. I'll send him your link! P^

[Black and Blue]

bigdoghd;

Just jump in and do it. It's a world of fun. Sitting here right now in a campground looking at our bikes. Not having to peek out of a motel window every 30 minutes making sure nobody is screwing with them. Bed is mine, cooking gear is mine. My cooties and nobody elses.
Of course, the tent just about blew over last night in a Texas windstorm - it's hot and humid with no air conditioning - windy - cross winds galore....oh wait, I'm supposed to talk you INTO this, right?
Let me get back to you...

Colleen

[Mr. Guy]

SHUSH, Lay low with the bad stuff. He'll find out about that soon enough. :rolleyes:

We gotta get him hooked first. :D

Guy

[Trekker]

So somebuddy mentioned campfire and family thing...so the wet T-shirt things is out I guess or at least we may not want to see a bunch of beer belly, marshmello stuffed old men with wet T-shirts on ehh?

Thanks a bunch guys.....lol I need help through this tuff time! Mid-life crisis and I'm suppose to be looking at Corvettes and women half my age and I'm looking at tents, pull behinds and camping gear and likeing it :)

LOL NO WET T-SHIRT CONTESTS PLEASE !! :eek:

LOL.. the camping gear is a lot cheaper...

Hoo boy! There is some truth.

SHUSH, Lay low with the bad stuff. He'll find out about that soon enough. :rolleyes:

We gotta get him hooked first. :D

Guy

True!! He'll find out on his own!! LOL

Dog, sounds like you would fit right in. It's really a frame of mind, eh? Camping out is all part of the adventure! Campfire, stars, some sodas or beers, laughing with old & new friends..... just can't be beat.

[dan1551]

We bought a little tent to go to a family thing with future hopes of a toy hauler someday After we got home afew days later Wife met me at the door ......said "I hope I didnt do bad " She had a bigger tent......4 or 5 campouts later We decided to forget the toyhaulerIt was WAAYYYY too much fun to just camp...hence the Aspen Classic.....Easy to pack for spur of the moment trips..... We love it......So I`m guessing we will be seeing you at a Motocamper event soon?

[bigdoghd]

Well I said in another post, I was looking and some type of trailer. Can't believe I just said that? A trailer behind my Ultra, omg, what next! The biggest thig is I like riding comfort and sleeping comfort. So a bigger tent and having the cooking gear is a plus. I think going solo I can handle that, with out an issue. My next thing would be to maybe meet up with another rider.

I'd twist my wifes arm into, but without a trailer that would be a suicide mission. Extra cloths and not having at least a six pack of mountain dew or I'm in trouble. She love the out doors, we use to camp all over in the motorhome. Indiana cover bridge festival, Turkey Run State Park and Potato Creek.....ya it was a gas!! Yep 40" flat screen, A/c and hot shower, dam it was fun!!Hehehehe

I got it , homemade cargo trailer, flip up top, 110 converter with invertor, flat screen mounted under top.....ya I'm getting it now.

[Maryland Roger]

Over the years I've had friends who ride for a variety of reasons and in a variety of styles. One common theme that I've seen from many of the "biker" types is that they are usually decent folks. I've never had to look very deep beneath the surface of the colors or the leathers and patches to witness a genuine selfless act of helping a fellow rider beside the road, or pitching in to help out someone who had a mishap. There are always going to be people in every stereotype that behave mean or badly. Or, people who ride for "show". But I like to think I have something in common with anyone who saddles up and rides. I consider riding a life-long evolution. I am always learning, always trying to maintain humility, always respecting mother nature, always respect others on two wheels who are experiencing the freedoms, challenges and adventures that are inherent with traveling by motorcycle. Regardless of what they wear, what they ride, where they sleep, or why they ride, I hope they're enjoying it as much as I am. I have grown to love motocamping. But, I didn't start here either. I hope you decide to go for it. It opens up a whole new way to appreciate riding and the adventures, smiles, and friendships that go along with it.

[bobalou]

bigdoghd, These folks are really laying it on and pushing you. Of coarse, they're right on in their knowledge and skills. Many have had, do have, or, wish they could get a HD. Heck, I even have a '84 Lowrider laid up for the future when my grand goes off to college. Well, I think he will look really snazzy with the old apes flying around campus in 12 years or so.
Now onto camping. When you camp you've got to have the fire, marshmellas & 'stuff (graham crackers and Hersey chocolate bars included). One time my buds stopped by a cake/pie auction. Well those ol' buzzards bought the biggest dang ol' German chocolate cake ever seen. We sit it down in camp and visited the top of Mt. Nebo. On the way back I picked up a gallon of ice cream and whole milk. Later, we got busted by the local deputy (public camp ground...Lk. Darndenell (sp?) they couldn't believe we had cake 'n cream w/whole milk. I wonder who got the last laugh! Now don't let anyone on this site know this but I've had many o' wet t-shirts contests. It's just a part of riding...could be a song in their somewhere.
Stop by one, some or all campouts and enjoy! I dare ya! Start small and grow into it if'n ya like it. Be warned though, once bitten the bug to go camping just grows.

[bigdoghd]

Over the years I've had friends who ride for a variety of reasons and in a variety of styles. One common theme that I've seen from many of the "biker" types is that they are usually decent folks. I've never had to look very deep beneath the surface of the colors or the leathers and patches to witness a genuine selfless act of helping a fellow rider beside the road, or pitching in to help out someone who had a mishap. There are always going to be people in every stereotype that behave mean or badly. Or, people who ride for "show". But I like to think I have something in common with anyone who saddles up and rides. I consider riding a life-long evolution. I am always learning, always trying to maintain humility, always respecting mother nature, always respect others on two wheels who are experiencing the freedoms, challenges and adventures that are inherent with traveling by motorcycle. Regardless of what they wear, what they ride, where they sleep, or why they ride, I hope they're enjoying it as much as I am. I have grown to love motocamping. But, I didn't start here either. I hope you decide to go for it. It opens up a whole new way to appreciate riding and the adventures, smiles, and friendships that go along with it.

Amen to that, that is so true. Alot of bikers are some of the biggest hearted people I know. No questions asked, someone is always there to lend a hand. The biggest thing for me, like I said is having a comfortable place to stay. I don't mind tenting at all, as long as they have decent showers and enough gear. I found myself this morning going through the parts book, looking at hitches. So I have one foot on the grave and the other on a banana peel.I have a buddy that wanted to camp, but I'm not sure if he can get off, that's another issue. I'm not a huge solo rider. I love people and love to BS, 600 miles solo is a long ride.Plus being new to the camping thing, that far away.

The support has been awesome, what a great group of people!!

[Trekker]

I think some folks here are having some fun poking at some silly stereotypes, eh? ;)

Look at the rides a lot of these guys have.... you'll see American v-twins well represented. It's all good! What ya ride isn't the big deal.... it's that you ride. I'm envious of the folks with off-road gear doing the TAT !!!

[G wizz]

I'm not a huge solo rider. I love people and love to BS, 600 miles solo is a long ride.Plus being new to the camping thing, that far away.

The support has been awesome, what a great group of people!!

If you are refering to the Chill Out being 600 miles away, and you not wanting to go it alone ... I'm thinking that there may be others in your area that are going, that you could maybe hook up with.
It's not too late ... Just ask ...

G wizz

[Timmer]

When my wife and I are travelling 2up, there's really nothing quite like having a trailer. I'm definately more the camper than she is, but she's fine with it. If we encounter extremes, we're not afraid to motel it if necessary. Fortunately the Escapade can hold a guitar, a 3 person tent for extra room and lots of other gear. And then there's the 48 qt cooler on the tongue.

[dan1551]

Hey you can go with us But we dont know when were going cause of a new grandson on the way..And for that matter were not sure when were coming back either! lol New grandson already a troublemaker!!

[Tumbleweeds]

Bigdog, we bought a cargo trl last year. Ended up selling the 32' 5th wheel. No regretes,just keep your mind set backpacking. That way you won't run the weight up so fast. Wife and I wished we would have done it sooner.

[aysrav]

So what in the world do you do when you spend the night in a hotel? Most people get themselves right up into the bed, take hold of the clicker and proceed to flip around the boob tube. Exactly what they do when they're home! Camping offers so many other options. Making a fire, fishing, hiking, stargazing, etc. It's a no-brainer for me. Even when I'm on a business trip and need to wear suits and ties to work, I throw a tent in the back of the car and camp out. And by the way, I'm a Harley guy too. There are plenty of us! Your bike is great for motocamping.

[bigTom]

Heyyyyy, what's going on here??? You mean you guys sometimes camp together??? How come nobody told me about that????

But seriously, folks....

My last two runs have been strictly Motel trips, and I didn't like it. Well except that I got lots of soap (the little ones pack so well) for camping, and it was brutal cold on my trip back from Washington, it was even cold in my room in John Day, OR:)

My next two will be CreSToc camping with the guys:o and a trip to Missouri that will end up being some each way, Motel when I run low on soap...

Anyway, BigDog, welcome. I think you'll like it here....

[Mr. Guy]

You know, you can BUY a big bar of soap a lot cheaper than paying for a motel. :rolleyes: ;)

Guy

[George]

'Dog, sending a link to your site to my sport-bike boys in Chicago-land. Someone there might be interested in yur R1.

As to an ST1300 and your business: Sonny Barger (look it up in his bio!) said he would rather have an ST1100 than a Harley, wishes they would'a gone with Jap back in the day but Harley has become so ingrained with the Outlaws they can't change now.

Ziggy were doing a 48 Pan/shovel right now that is awesome. Check out my web site some time www.hollywoodcycles.com. I also have a need for speed, the motor is built on the Ultra, a long with diamond cut heads and cylinders.

As far as speed, both my boys stunt rode and I have a built 180 rear wheel HP Yamaha RI full carbon fiber with ultra light wheels etc. Had that at the Dragon with both my boys and my shop foreman.......wow I feel the need for speed!!

I would really like a sport bike sport touring bike for being with this group, maybe like a ST1300 and trailer like Mellow has except in black. I had a Gold Wing 10 yrs ago before the custom business, what a machine!! Just wouldn't fit in with my business, I'd have to sneak out the door with it. Just feel that those bikes are more dependable.