Suggestions welcome

[Mellow]

This site is very new and as such will be evolving over the next few weeks/months/years to provide it's members with the best possible format and content as it relates to Motorcycle Camping.

To do this, we'd like to ask for suggestions for things such as the format/content of campground and product reviews. We'd also welcome any suggestions that will make this site a better place to visit/participate.

Please let me know if you have any suggestions, if you don't want to voice them openly you can PM RickD or myself and we'll respond quickly.

Thanks!

[Doobage]

Here's an idea...

A single page with a breakdown of useful links. Upon browsing the site Mongo posted (bmwmoa) I noticed they had sporatically listed some of the sites we common refer to on this site (but the top level, not the direct link to a camp ground).

It might be a minor management fiasco, but listing the major links to quality sites that support our camping theme could be useful, such as:

National Parks link
State Park links
KOA link
other private park links?

And another section for common camping gear: REI, coleman...etc...

______________________________

Another idea would be a "food" thread. Since a large part of camping centers around eating at the camp, it would be interesting and helpful to see what people bring to cook, what tools they use, what recipies they have, etc... I know my wife and I have several standard meals we like to have while camping and are always looking for the next camp meal.

They might even be rated in the same form as the camp sites...

Difficulty (some meals are difficult to cook in the dark or are time consuming, require multiple burners, etc..)
Ingredients (sometimes ingredients can't be found in route, or require cold storage)
Required equipment (perhaps making waffles, while tasty, isn't the easiest thing to make unless you have a trailer to haul the waffle iron with you)
Clean up - this is one that I give special attention towards...is there left over stuff, does it make a sticky mess....sometimes in remote areas, it's good to have an eat and go.

[Mellow]

Here's an idea...

A single page with a breakdown of useful links. Upon browsing the site Mongo posted (bmwmoa) I noticed they had sporatically listed some of the sites we common refer to on this site (but the top level, not the direct link to a camp ground).

It might be a minor management fiasco, but listing the major links to quality sites that support our camping theme could be useful, such as:

National Parks link
State Park links
KOA link
other private park links?

Good suggestion - this could actually be in the tutorial section for 'Common/Useful Links'

And another section for common camping gear: REI, coleman...etc...

I'll think about this one and see the best way to organize it so it's quick and useful without being too 'busy', I see lots of 'busy' pages when it comes to lists like these. There is a links mod I can add that will allow everyone to post links to vendors and rate them so that's another option - I'll start with a sticky post and see how that works and go from there.


______________________________

Another idea would be a "food" thread. Since a large part of camping centers around eating at the camp, it would be interesting and helpful to see what people bring to cook, what tools they use, what recipies they have, etc... I know my wife and I have several standard meals we like to have while camping and are always looking for the next camp meal.

They might even be rated in the same form as the camp sites...

Difficulty (some meals are difficult to cook in the dark or are time consuming, require multiple burners, etc..)
Ingredients (sometimes ingredients can't be found in route, or require cold storage)
Required equipment (perhaps making waffles, while tasty, isn't the easiest thing to make unless you have a trailer to haul the waffle iron with you)
Clean up - this is one that I give special attention towards...is there left over stuff, does it make a sticky mess....sometimes in remote areas, it's good to have an eat and go.

Very good suggestion, we usually just grab a bite to eat in town and bring back snacks but that doesn't work in every camping scenario - I can add a Food Review section so you can post the food you bring and then rate it and let others rate it as well. The ratings are limited in that they can be numerical, 0 to whatever number. I may ask you to help me with what ratings make sense - beyond what you've already provided.

Thank you brother! Lots of good stuff there and I have no problem trying something out to see if it takes off.

[Mellow]

Oh, give me a little time to set it up, some of this is quick and some of it takes a little planning, especially the review sections. I'll add what I can quickly.

[Doobage]

Your welcome...thanks for hosting the site.

I agree that "link" pages can get out of hand (hence a mainenance chore)...broken links and questionable/off topic links are a nuisance. But for the novice computer user or camper, having a list of the "best" links could be a good place for them to discover stuff that hasn't been reviewed.

I have never really considered KOA camps because most of the ones I have been to in the past were RV plots that looked ugly, smelled bad and were high traffic. But I've never really explored their site...which made me wonder if there are other web sites like KOA that I have somehow mentally blocked instead of exploring.

Food: Being a novice Motorcycle camper, I wasn't really sure if people "cook" (unless somebody has a trailer). But it is certainly one way to cut down cost of a trip since the cost of a cooked meal can be easily under $3 (including fuel) vs. drive through or cafe which is usually $5 on up. Not a "big" difference in cost, but on a long trip could add up. And cooking your own food "can" be better and allow for more time to hang-out at the camp ground.

[Mellow]

I'll add a sub-forum for 'Food' and see where that goes, it could generate a nice tutorial on packing food or a review section if there's enough interest. For now, it will just be a discussion forum.

I can easily convert different formats.

[Mellow]

.....

I have never really considered KOA camps because most of the ones I have been to in the past were RV plots that looked ugly, smelled bad and were high traffic. But I've never really explored their site...which made me wonder if there are other web sites like KOA that I have somehow mentally blocked instead of exploring....


I've only considered KOAs when I was in a rush and couldn't find a State/Nat'l park nearby.

I've used them in Seligman, AZ, Moab UT (Arches was full), Asheville,NC and Amarillo, TX.

They were all okay, the ones in Moab and Asheville were far enough out of town that you didn't get too much traffic noise but they were always 'stepping stones' to a better locations.

[philip sikora]

I've written a couple of articles that have come out in club mags. Do I own those and should we post them here? One was a tent review and another was a stove review. There's been a number of trip reports. Just did one on modifying a seat. Ones coming up include a review of a face mask and making a "pizza box" to mount on a Givi rack when I don't want that big sail back there. I could always write something about my one of my bikes, Gigantor.:rolleyes:

later,
phil

[Mellow]

I guess you'd have to ask the mags but I think if it's your article and you didn't 'sell' it to them then you probably have the rights to do whatever you want.

We should have a forum for bike-related camping mods..... I'll work on that.

[Trailace]

I think Joe is right on this, if you did not sell the articles you can post them here. However if your not sure just do a draft of them here.:)

[number9]

Hey Joe - how about putting a Forums link on every page up by the HOME / USER CP / FAQ / SEARCH / etc.. so after you make a post/reply you don't have to go back out the Home and to get the Forum link.


By the way - really like the new layout of the forum - ie. the trip/reviews section. Much easier to follow and see what posts have been made.

[Mellow]

Hey Joe - how about putting a Forums link on every page up by the HOME / USER CP / FAQ / SEARCH / etc.. so after you make a post/reply you don't have to go back out the Home and to get the Forum link.


By the way - really like the new layout of the forum - ie. the trip/reviews section. Much easier to follow and see what posts have been made.

There one that's sorta built into the internal navigation... If you look above the blue nav bar where the 'home' is you'll see a tree of where you are, if you click the 'MotoCampers Forum' that will get you to the Forum Home. Does that help?

[number9]

Is there anyway to have the Trip Reviews / Campground Reviews / Product Reviews sections show up like the Main forum as links instead of Gallery view? I think it would make the site look cleaner and be easier to navigate.

Also, where did the link go State / National parks go? I can't find it now.

[Mellow]

Is there anyway to have the Trip Reviews / Campground Reviews / Product Reviews sections show up like the Main forum as links instead of Gallery view? I think it would make the site look cleaner and be easier to navigate.

I'll take a look and see how easy that would be... basically, making it all look like the main forum except the actual review posts that have all the extra rating stuff?

Also, where did the link go State / National parks go? I can't find it now.

The links are in the tutorial section, I stuck that thread so it should be right on top

Thanks for the suggestions and I'll see what I can do.

[motomac]

I would like to see lists of places to camp overnight for free. Like Joe, I use KOA's, but even with their Kamper Kard it is almost as much as Motel 6. I pull a Bunkhouse behind my Wing, so staying places other than established Campgrounds is a little conspicuous. I am leary of setting up in rest areas. I know a lot of people in hard sided camper trailers and motor homes camp exclusively in rest areas as they travel cross country. So if you have favorite "free" spots that I could use please post them. Thanks, dick McKechnie Canton OH

[Mellow]

Is there anyway to have the Trip Reviews / Campground Reviews / Product Reviews sections show up like the Main forum as links instead of Gallery view? I think it would make the site look cleaner and be easier to navigate.

Also, where did the link go State / National parks go? I can't find it now.

Okay, I think I got the settings correct... so it's all like the rest of the forum except the actual posts, they will look different depending on if it's a post, product review, campground review or ride report.

[Mellow]

I would like to see lists of places to camp overnight for free. Like Joe, I use KOA's, but even with their Kamper Kard it is almost as much as Motel 6. I pull a Bunkhouse behind my Wing, so staying places other than established Campgrounds is a little conspicuous. I am leary of setting up in rest areas. I know a lot of people in hard sided camper trailers and motor homes camp exclusively in rest areas as they travel cross country. So if you have favorite "free" spots that I could use please post them. Thanks, dick McKechnie Canton OH

The only 'Free' place I've heard of is the one Rick found in Arches N.P. in Utah.

Are there lots of places like that?

[Trailace]

So if you have favorite "free" spots that I could use please post them. Thanks, ick McKechnie Canton OH

I have lots of them but they’re hard to find.

Here is a free one N63 07.633 W146 29.830 or any place you can get of the road.:D

This one was also cool. N36 01.084 W106 27.708

This one is is easy to get to. N34 17.897 W108 08.262

I have more but if you go to these you will have a great time.

[mongo]

I would like to see lists of places to camp overnight for free. Like Joe, I use KOA's, but even with their Kamper Kard it is almost as much as Motel 6. I pull a Bunkhouse behind my Wing, so staying places other than established Campgrounds is a little conspicuous. I am leary of setting up in rest areas. I know a lot of people in hard sided camper trailers and motor homes camp exclusively in rest areas as they travel cross country. So if you have favorite "free" spots that I could use please post them. Thanks, dick McKechnie Canton OH

I haven't made it there yet but I am planning on seeing the Natches Trace Parkway. On the website they have 3 free campgrounds on this road, I am planning on using 2 of them this riding season and making my way to the Barber Museum on the same trip. I have read several articles that this is one of the most liked parkways (by riders) in the country.

http://www.nps.gov/natr/

You can always use the Hillbilly approach and find a deserted road, nice wide spot (preferrably away from said road and near a water source). This is usually found before dark so your lights won't give you away.

[Trekker]

Would there be any interest in a sub-forum for trailers or campers pulled by a bike?
I also like the idea of a quick list of free campsites. I think I know of one or two in the Finger Lakes of New York..... I need to find that info for future posting.

[Trailace]

Would there be any interest in a sub-forum for trailers or campers pulled by a bike?
I also like the idea of a quick list of free campsites. I think I know of one or two in the Finger Lakes of New York..... I need to find that info for future posting.

You know Joe had a trailers at one time. When I get back from Big Bend I'll see what we can do.

If you can remember the free campsites location I would like to add the to my GSP base map.

Rick

[Big Bandit]

I for one do not have GPS and do not want GPS. I am however interested in free campsites, so If the free campsite information could be communicated in english, I would appreciate it.

[mongo]

I do not have GPS either. Although I think Rick's GPS readings were campsites only a dual sport could get to, and probably hard to put on a map. That just from reading some of his trip reports.

[Trailace]

I for one do not have GPS and do not want GPS. I am however interested in free campsites, so If the free campsite information could be communicated in english, I would appreciate it.
Sorry man just having some fun. The first two are hard to get to. But the last one is in Pie Town New Mexico. One of the best free site near a pave road is in Utah here is a map.http://blink.smugmug.com/photos/51610438-M.jpg

[Big Bandit]

Thanks for the info Rick.

My post came across a little more harsh than I intended, sorry about that. I was frustrated when you posted all those coordinates, because I was really interested in free campsites. I figured you were having fun, but I was still frustrated.

Thanks, again for th info.

Rod

[Trailace]

Thats cool as I think or see any more on or near the pavement I'll let you know. :D

[Alan]

I have tried to create some campground threads, but when I try to upload my pictures, most pictures are refused with a message saying the picture exceeds the limit of 293KB. My pictures are from a low cost Fuji film camera without any real high pixel count so I wonder if your limit is too low.

[Mellow]

I have tried to create some campground threads, but when I try to upload my pictures, most pictures are refused with a message saying the picture exceeds the limit of 293KB. My pictures are from a low cost Fuji film camera without any real high pixel count so I wonder if your limit is too low.

Alan, how big are your pics? I just up'd it to 500k

[Alan]

I'll give it another try, I remember one was 311KB. There were not huge files.

Thanks

[headdoc427]

Is there a "Gallery" section for photos?

[Mellow]

Not yet, most of the descent galleries out there cost $$$, I'm looking into some options that are 'lite' versions of the larger ones that will allow us to store some pics. If we do add a gallery there will probably be some restrictions on size/dimensions as those take up tons of bandwidth.

It's been pretty successful at ST owners so I might go with something like that...

Again, I'm looking into what's available and will let you know once there's something out there.

[headdoc427]

OK, great. Are means available to offer donations or other monitary site support.

[Mellow]

OK, great. Are means available to offer donations or other monitary site support.

Yes sir, just added that last week... In the blue bar you'll see "Donate" in black and it gives you the option of donating via paypal as one-time or recurring payments.

Thanks for asking.

[headdoc427]

Thanks

[Mellow]

done.......

Thank you very much sir.. YOU are the first... hopefully not the last...

[headdoc427]

Yes sir, just added that last week... In the blue bar you'll see "Donate" in black and it gives you the option of donating via paypal as one-time or recurring payments.

Thanks for asking.
Done!

[Mellow]

Thank you sir!

[Trekker]

Here's another drop in the can. Thanks for such a great site Joe.

[Mellow]

Hey, thanks!... I'll do whatever I can to make this a great place and feel free to slap me around if I'm slacking off.

[STeveGray]

Hey, thanks!... I'll do whatever I can to make this a great place and feel free to slap me around if I'm slacking off.

Heck, Joe, if this group is anything like the group at ST-Owners we'll feel free to slap you around just for entertainment! ;) Somebody's always ready to jump in with a snide DQ (or other) comment, ya know. :p

[Mellow]

That's true... at least here I have some fellow-Wingers to stand by me and help out... LOL... actually, there were some on the ST board too and that didn't keep anyone from holding back...

Oh well, let the fun begin....

[STeveGray]

That just keeps it from getting dull ;)

[Mellow]

Well, I'm glad I can contribute to the non-dullness.. :confused:

[Trailace]

done.......
Thanks Tiny:)

[Trailace]

Done!
Thanks headdoc427:)

[Trailace]

Here's another drop in the can. Thanks for such a great site Joe.

Thanks Trekker. Taking the GS up the east coast in 2 weeks. Will tell more later.:tent7:

Rick

[TexasShadow]

Is Utah in the state campsites section?
Or am I missing something......

[Trailace]

Is Utah in the state campsites section?
Or am I missing something......
I added Utah Thanks. :D

[Lyle]

I added Utah Thanks. :D
You'll be glad you did!

IMHO.

:-D

[punk_emo_tx]

I came across a couple books last year called "Don Wright's Guide to FREE campgrounds". There are two editions, east and west. It also includes campgrounds $12 and under too.

[Trailace]

I came across a couple books last year called "Don Wright's Guide to FREE campgrounds". There are two editions, east and west. It also includes campgrounds $12 and under too.
Do a Product Review of the books over in the Product Review forum (http://www.motocampers.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=7) If you need any help let me know, looks like good info.:D

[Lyle]

Another idea would be a "food" thread. Since a large part of camping centers around eating at the camp, it would be interesting and helpful to see what people bring to cook, what tools they use, what recipies they have, etc... I know my wife and I have several standard meals we like to have while camping and are always looking for the next camp meal.

They might even be rated in the same form as the camp sites...

Also, some campsites serve food. Like the KOA in Ouray, Colorado, with it's "Texas-style barbecue dinners."

Nuts. Now I'm hungry, and dinner is hours away...

[TexasShadow]

Question: what category do riders fall under that trailer their bikes to places and camp and ride? I'm doing a lot of traveling with a 250cc either in the truck or sharing space on a trailer. I prefer camping and I've found a few places that are motorcycle specific campgrounds or places where hauling and riding a bike is welcomed.

I would especially like to write a review of a wonderful mc campground in Tennessee. If you would be so kind to add Tennessee to the list of campgrounds :)

Thanks.

[Trailace]

Question: what category do riders fall under that trailer their bikes to places and camp and ride? I'm doing a lot of traveling with a 250cc either in the truck or sharing space on a trailer. I prefer camping and I've found a few places that are motorcycle specific campgrounds or places where hauling and riding a bike is welcomed.

I would especially like to write a review of a wonderful mc campground in Tennessee. If you would be so kind to add Tennessee to the list of campgrounds :)

Thanks.

Should be there now.

[TexasShadow]

Should be there now.Thank you! I'll write up the mc campground in TN and post it in a few days.

[braindead0]

Couple of suggestions.

'General' isn't a good name for a forum...Everything will end up there.

I think the Packed Gallery should be a sub category of perhaps a Pictures forum?

Is there any way to change the way the main page lists the classifieds, trip reports, and other forums that show up looking more like a separator than a list of forums? I didn't even notice them until recently, also makes 'Tutorials' look like it's under Classifieds.

Might want to cull the number of sub forums in trip reports until the volume calls for it. I think it would be more useful to break it up into larger regions and make sure people put in the topic title a good description. Considering some people make trips through many states, it can be problematic trying to figure out where to put a trip report.

That's it for now.... ;-)

[Mellow]

Couple of suggestions.

'General' isn't a good name for a forum...Everything will end up there.

I think the Packed Gallery should be a sub category of perhaps a Pictures forum?

Is there any way to change the way the main page lists the classifieds, trip reports, and other forums that show up looking more like a separator than a list of forums? I didn't even notice them until recently, also makes 'Tutorials' look like it's under Classifieds.

Might want to cull the number of sub forums in trip reports until the volume calls for it. I think it would be more useful to break it up into larger regions and make sure people put in the topic title a good description. Considering some people make trips through many states, it can be problematic trying to figure out where to put a trip report.

That's it for now.... ;-)

I'm okay with 'General'... we don't have enough activity here to break it into other things just yet and we do have an off-topic.

You said the 'main page'... what do you mean by that, I assume Home Page as that is the main page to me.

Packed Gallery sub of a picture forum... that I like, I'll add it in a few.

I moved the tutorials up a notch.. should look more obvious now.

We have a Misc trip report section for

"For those multi-state rides with no particular destination..."

Thanks!

[braindead0]

I'm okay with 'General'... we don't have enough activity here to break it into other things just yet and we do have an off-topic.

You said the 'main page'... what do you mean by that, I assume Home Page as that is the main page to me.

Packed Gallery sub of a picture forum... that I like, I'll add it in a few.

I moved the tutorials up a notch.. should look more obvious now.

We have a Misc trip report section for

"For those multi-state rides with no particular destination..."

Thanks!If you click on 'MotoCampers Forum' or Forums from the main page, the list doesn't quite look right to me. Note the 'Main Category' in white text with the nice blue background. That seems like a section header, and all the forums listed under it. Easy to follow. When you get to Classifieds, Trip Reports, Campground Reviews and Product Reviews the sub forum listing is inside the blue background area. It looks at first list these are headings without any forums in them.

Its probably a setting (haven't admin'd vBulletin in a loong time).

Just MO of course, ymmv.

[Mellow]

If you click on 'MotoCampers Forum' or Forums from the main page, the list doesn't quite look right to me. Note the 'Main Category' in white text with the nice blue background. That seems like a section header, and all the forums listed under it. Easy to follow. When you get to Classifieds, Trip Reports, Campground Reviews and Product Reviews the sub forum listing is inside the blue background area. It looks at first list these are headings without any forums in them.

Its probably a setting (haven't admin'd vBulletin in a loong time).

Just MO of course, ymmv.

Yeah, it's a vb setting on how sub-forums look and the depth to look for sub forums, I'll mess around with it later and see if I can make it look better...

[braindead0]

Yeah, it's a vb setting on how sub-forums look and the depth to look for sub forums, I'll mess around with it later and see if I can make it look better...Works for me... figured you asked for suggestions... so I'd better come up with some

[braindead0]

Got another suggestion, how about a forum for information on vendors? The review on the Kelty Gunnison 4 is sorta turning into a cheering section for Mountain Sports (I made an order;-) perhaps having a place for people to post their experiences (good and bad) with vendors would be a good thing.

[Mr. Guy]

Hi Joe,

Could you put a Missouri sub-forum in trip reports. I like to ride there and have a few nice roads to report about. Mostly in SW Missouri. Oh, Oklahoma also please.

[Mellow]

Hi Joe,

Could you put a Missouri sub-forum in trip reports. I like to ride there and have a few nice roads to report about. Mostly in SW Missouri. Oh, Oklahoma also please.

You got it... here is MO:
http://www.motocampers.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=97

and OK:
http://www.motocampers.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=98

Empty and ready for all your reports.

[Mr. Guy]

Thanks Joe, Please stand by while my thought process kicks in for the reports.

Guy

[Gene McCall]

Joe, this suggestion is totally self-serving! What about a sub-forum for hacks or side car rigs. If you combined it with trikes you could get some traffic. There are probably a lot of folks like me who are forced into side car rigs or trikes due to health problems but since I was a camper before all this happened I am still a camper, just a little less so with the Lil Bunkhouse! As somebody used to say run it up the flag pole and see if anybody salutes!
Gene:tent8:

[Mellow]

Joe, this suggestion is totally self-serving! What about a sub-forum for hacks or side car rigs. If you combined it with trikes you could get some traffic. There are probably a lot of folks like me who are forced into side car rigs or trikes due to health problems but since I was a camper before all this happened I am still a camper, just a little less so with the Lil Bunkhouse! As somebody used to say run it up the flag pole and see if anybody salutes!
Gene:tent8:

I like the idea but the only problem is we start to get bike-specific. I'd like to stay away from that as much as possible. However, I will consider it and see what others think. I usually wait until there is a lot of activity in a certain area/subject before creating a new area just for that subject. I've created sub-forums in the past and then they had a few posts and died.