Twice a year - Primer camping events.. ????

[Mellow]

I had an idea today.... There are lots of people that would consider camping but
don't have all the information at hand, or good advise, to get them to take the plunge.

So, I was thinking, at least here in Texas, having two camping events. One near the
beginning of the riding season and one towards the end. For Texas, both could be in
the Hill Country as there are several and we shouldn't have a problem with people getting
reservations or sharing sites.

The purpose? To give a little push to those that have thought about camping but never
knew anyone else to camp with so were somewhat afraid or just reluctant to give it a try.

Even though this is just a simple camping event to us. To those that have never camped,
it gives them a chance to see what others bring while camping and get some great advise.

Obviously, those people will come here to get as much info. as they can but making the
event a 'primer' or 'training' event means everyone there will be there to help and show
others what makes their camping successful.

What do you think?

[sandman]

Sounds like a good idea, Joe.

You gonna see if Keith will do the stove design seminar?

[Tx White Knight]

What do you think?

I like the idea but having to work sat from about 12 to 1 and then from about 4 to 5 puts a kink in things unelss I can find a handheld device that does cisco, 3270, access, and excel applications :confused:

[motomac]

I like the idea but having to work sat from about 12 to 1 and then from about 4 to 5 puts a kink in things unelss I can find a handheld device that does cisco, 3270, access, and excel applications :confused:
I don't know what all you can load into a Motorola Q, but check it out. I use mine for internet and e-mail everywhre I go.

[Tx White Knight]

I don't know what all you can load into a Motorola Q, but check it out. I use mine for internet and e-mail everywhre I go.

Do many campgrounds have wi-fi, is their a listing of them? I can always use my laptop

[motomac]

Do many campgrounds have wi-fi, is their a listing of them? I can always use my laptop
Most of the KOA's have WIFI, but the Motorola Q is broadband and wherever you have a phone signal you have internet access. A lot of Good Sam parks have WIFI also. Some private sites have it, but they are usually the ones that cater to the big RV's and Snowbird types.

[Mellow]

Sounds like a good idea, Joe.

You gonna see if Keith will do the stove design seminar?

That would be cool.. LOL.. we'll need a tig welder. :takepics1:

[Mellow]

Do many campgrounds have wi-fi, is their a listing of them? I can always use my laptop

+1 on what Mac said. Also, some people just ride into a hotel parking lot and pull out their pda to see if it has a secured or non-secured connection. I cannot condone this activity of course, but I've seen it done before. I'm sure more and more hotels are password protecting their wifi so it's not a guarantee and not sure it's worth paying for a room just for that.

I haven't seen any state or national parks with wifi yet.

Hey, this is a cool site I just found.. this link shows free wifi hotspots in kerrville... however, I'm thinking they are still protected, just free if you purchase a site or room:
http://www.openwifispots.com/FinderDirectoryCity.aspx?City=Kerrville&State=TX

[motomac]

So back to your original thread. The idea would be great for those living in and around TX. If I still had my little place in Bulverde it would be convenient for me too, but alas that isn't the case any more. Unless you go to the eastern section of TX, it's a long run for us Ohioans to get to the Hill Country. But then I guess I would fall under the experienced camper catagory rather than the duffer catagory. So I'll take my stuff and go to Alaska with Gene and ya'll play around TX!!!!

[sandman]

Mac,

I think the point of the trips would be to learn from people like you, Joe and Rick that have spent alot of time traveling around the country setting up camp andtearing down on a day to day basis.

Hey, maybe Joe can schedule it around an existing event that will already have you down there.

[Mellow]

Mac,

I think the point of the trips would be to learn from people like you, Joe and Rick that have spent alot of time traveling around the country setting up camp andtearing down on a day to day basis.

Hey, maybe Joe can schedule it around an existing event that will already have you down there.

The idea here is that the events are somewhat 'local'. So, maybe Mac can do one in OH, sandman in AL.. etc.. one thing I think new campers need is a close local ride / camping event to get them used to the idea.

Most new campers aren't going to go 1000 miles to see if they like camping. Well, not most of them but most here probably would.. LOL

[Trailace]

I like the idea and someday I might just have one at the farm. (Free)

[Mellow]

I like the idea and someday I might just have one at the farm. (Free)

Hey, if you do it now, we could help you burn off brush... :fire3: :fire2: :fire2: :fire2:

[BJFazio]

Joe,
That is an excellent idea. It's 400 miles from DeRidder to Fredericksburg, so it's a nice one day trip. Arkansas, however, is still my favorite.

[Tx White Knight]

That would be cool.. LOL.. we'll need a tig welder. :takepics1:

I have a Mig, but no gas bottle yet to burn aluminum up :D

[Trailace]

Joe,
That is an excellent idea. It's 400 miles from DeRidder to Fredericksburg, so it's a nice one day trip. Arkansas, however, is still my favorite.

I'm thinking about going to Arkansas in late Jan or early Feb. That might make a good first 2008 camp out. What do you think Joe?

[Mellow]

I'm thinking about going to Arkansas in late Jan or early Feb. That might make a good first 2008 camp out. What do you think Joe?

Done...

Pick a date. I'm sure it will be cold but that just means a bigger fire. :fire2:

:twisty1: :map2: :tent2: :watch1: :sb1: :food1:

[ParkerBill]

Great idea, Joe! I think a lot of non-campers would realize just how simple camping can be and how little gear is really needed to sleep well and have fun. They could learn the various ways to load camping gear safely on their STs, GWs or whatever, too.

[motomac]

Are there any motocampers on this board from PA, OH, MI, IN, KY, or WV that would be interested in a c;ping excursion in SE OH?

[Mellow]

Great idea, Joe! I think a lot of non-campers would realize just how simple camping can be and how little gear is really needed to sleep well and have fun. They could learn the various ways to load camping gear safely on their STs, GWs or whatever, too.

Those are my thoughts... I never would have even thought about camping if not for meeting up with Trailace during a Valkyrie get together in Hot Springs AR one year. I was complaining about how I was splitting a room with two others and it was still $50 and they snored like out of control chainsaws... He said he was paying something like $12.

I think there are also people that try to camp without all the info they need and after one botched attempt they give up on it thinking they are too old or too sore or it's too cold or hot.

Obviously, everyone has their comfort level with temps. I did an experiment during the FL-STOC event. The outside temp was around 35 I think. I put my travel clock w/temp gauge on the ground inside the tent, it was about 45 degrees. Then, I placed it in my sleeping bag but not touching me. It was 80 degrees.

The KEY for these Primer events is for helping the newbies learn as much as possible before, during and after the event. Helping them get as prepared as possible, helping them cope with the actual experience and then helping them tweak their gear after the event. Basically, something most of us do on a continuous basis after every trip. The same questions always come up. How can I make my gear lighter or how can I get more from my gear or pack it differently? How can I bring more or bring less?

The initial cost seems high to most people and it can be in the $400 range depending on how much money you want to spend but in touristy areas a cheap hotel room can be $50 plus tax and other fees. So just 4-10 overnight trips can pay for all the gear.

Given the resources we have here, I think we can help anyone have a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience. There are many that just have to have their TV or hotel room so, we won't be able to save everyone. :eek:

[Trekker]

Maybe this could be tackled a couple different ways?
1) A camping event like you suggest here at a campground w/ an overnight.

2) A "packing & gear" event that does not include an overnight. This would be for the absolute novice type that are in need of seeing gear setup & used, and seeing how it is all packed on the bike.

[Mellow]

Maybe this could be tackled a couple different ways?
1) A camping event like you suggest here at a campground w/ an overnight.

2) A "packing & gear" event that does not include an overnight. This would be for the absolute novice type that are in need of seeing gear setup & used, and seeing how it is all packed on the bike.

We might be able to handle #1 with pics here on the site.... here's my Wing, here's all my gear layed out in the garage, here's the bike packed.

The only problem with a non-overnight event is it has to be even more local.. good if there are many near you. So, still a good option. We'll need to see what the interest is. Me being in DFW, might be as simple as a lunch run w/gear on the bike. I do like that idea.

[Trekker]

A non-overnight event could be like a RTE. Folks from all over ride to some central park location: the "instructor" rolls in with the gear packed on the bike, unpacks and sets up a tent, sets up the cooking system and makes some tasty treat! Then packs it all back onto the bike before everyone rides home.

[Mellow]

A non-overnight event could be like a RTE. Folks from all over ride to some central park location: the "instructor" rolls in with the gear packed on the bike, unpacks and sets up a tent, sets up the cooking system and makes some tasty treat! Then packs it all back onto the bike before everyone rides home.

That's cool.. except for the cooking part, I could do that.

I just prefer to not bring food most of the time. I'll bring some hot dogs for Garner but most of the time we just get something in town and bring snacks back to the site. Just another example of the spectrum of camping we're dealing with. I'm also not a big coffee drinker but most people are so having at least a backpacking stove would be a good idea when showing the gear off.

Great Idea!..

[ParkerBill]

I agree with you 100%, Joe. One thing I've learned from so many years of backpacking and reinforced on the big, cold mountains where gear can mean the difference between life and death, is to buy the best quality gear you can afford. Note I said "best quality you can afford", not necessarily the most expensive.

You can buy quality tents, sleeping bags, etc., that will keep you dry, warm, protect you from the elements and let you get a good night's rest without paying a fortune (although I have paid that fortune :D ).

What I've seen or heard too many times is that many people don't know if they'll like camping or not, so they don't want to invest a lot of money to find out (understandable, I guess); thus, they purchase the cheapest stuff they can find. Now that may work when the weather is fair, but once the first heavy rain or wind rolls through, or the temperature dips substantially, and they are MISERABLE, they swear off camping.

With the right gear just about any condition can not only be endured, but enjoyed for what it is, nature! I learned this several years ago, on a 14'er mountain in Colorado in the dead of winter. I was standing in a strong wind, snow howling all around me and temps down around zero dg F, when I turned into the wind and started laughing. Why? Because not a bit of that cold wind or snow was getting through the Gore-tex shells and insulation I had on! I was (seemingly) impervious to the weather.

The best way to approach outfitting for camping if money is a problem, as it is for most of us, is to keep it minimal, but comfortable. Start out buying only what you truly need, then add to it and/or upgrade it as desired. About all one really needs to moto-camp are a good tent, a sleeping pad, a sleeping bag and a flashlight or better yet, a headlamp. Everything else is "extra" and may be important to some, but excess to others. Of course we all have our own thoughts on what we need. That's the fun of it, isn't it?

While I always carry a small stove, cookset and a couple of meals (just in case I get "rained in" or don't want to go out), other than my morning coffee, I rarely cook in camp when moto-camping anymore on a regular basis. I eat at a restaurant. I do carry a few snack items in case I get hungry later in camp, though.

Of course a lot of us are "gadget freaks" (I tend to be one, too) and are always experimenting with different stoves, cooking gear, etc., etc., but that's fun for us and we can pass along the knowledge we gain from using these items.

[Mellow]

Yes sir, well said.

[medicpm]

Are there any motocampers on this board from PA, OH, MI, IN, KY, or WV that would be interested in a c;ping excursion in SE OH?

I'd be interested.

[motomac]

I'd be interested.
Well that's a start!!!!

[crazymactech]

I'd be interested.
I'm interested in an OH camping event.

[JCS]

Are there any motocampers on this board from PA, OH, MI, IN, KY, or WV that would be interested in a c;ping excursion in SE OH?


Mac, Ohio here. My wife and I motocamp and could always pick up a few tips. Maybe even share a couple.

[JCS]

Maybe tie it in with Mid-Ohio Vintage Motorcycle Days.

[Mellow]

Maybe tie it in with Mid-Ohio Vintage Motorcycle Days.

When is that?

I'm trying to put an outline together to cover some common points and then the presenter can feel free to elaborate on their specifics/experiences.

[mongo]

Are there any motocampers on this board from PA, OH, MI, IN, KY, or WV that would be interested in a c;ping excursion in SE OH?

I would be interested as long as it doesn't affect my on call scheldule. I need to meet a few more moto campers anyway. We need to try to scheldule a camp out for our region.

[Gene McCall]

When is that?

I'm trying to put an outline together to cover some common points and then the presenter can feel free to elaborate on their specifics/experiences.

Joe, I am not sure of the exact date but this year (07) it was the same weekend as the Honda Goldwing Homecoming. I went to the homecoming after being rained out at VMD, dropping my St in the mud (twice) and being unable to locate my camping buddies! I ended up in a motel, next day off to the homecoming.

BTW the cardiac rehab is coming along and I have ordered a Hannigan Motorsports hack for the ST. It will in mounted Feb. 28-29, at which time I will pick it up at the factory, near Murray, Ky. Until then my heart doc has banned me from riding, can't risk even a bad bruise with this cumadin I am taking. Hope your holidays are great!
Gene:bike1:

[Mellow]

Thanks Gene, hope your holidays are great as well. Keep up the good work, no reason to rush things.

[Diggers1300]

I haven't seen any state or national parks with wifi yet.




Just to let you know, Blanco State Park in (where else) Blanco, TX has WIFI available. First TX state park to install it (3 years ago). There may be more by now.

Back to topic. Sounds like a great idea to me! I'm there! I'm always looking for some new tips, even though I've been motocamping for years. Even though I pull a trailer now when I camp (mama wants her amenities), I have motocamped two-up comfortably without a trailer.

So when and where is the first one in TX, Joe?

We could even pick a place where a motel is close by for those that would like to examine gear and packing strategies BEFORE taking the plunge. You know instead of having the motel as headquarters for an event and people riding to a campsite, let the campsite be the headquarters and the motelers come check it out.

[Mellow]

I'm waiting on REI and Cabela's to call me back.. I'll bug them some next week and if they don't bite I'll do something here in Carrollton.

[B&BHarley Riders]

I think that would be a good idea. We are new to the site, we have a bunkhouse we pull behide our Harley. Would be great to get together with some more campers, that ride Bikes.Or that just like to camp. So let us know if you decide on a trip.
B&B Harley Riders

[Mellow]

I think that would be a good idea. We are new to the site, we have a bunkhouse we pull behide our Harley. Would be great to get together with some more campers, that ride Bikes.Or that just like to camp. So let us know if you decide on a trip.
B&B Harley Riders

Welcome to the site!.. I just posted about a lake Tawakoni overnighter on 2/2.

[lesjohns]

mac,
where in SE Ohio were you looking, Coming up from Alabama I would interested if I can get in on Friday night and get back Sunday evening. It is a couple of hundred across TN and KY. Love to camp and camp simple. Minimal camping is a challenge and enjoyable. Taught sandwich bag camping to scouts for years. (all you get for a weekend has to fit in a standard sandwich bag.)
Let me know and I will try to head north.
les

[traveler]

Good idea on the primer events. However, I feel it would be best to hold it in Idaho, as the scenery and roads are worth the trip. BTW, I grew up in Texas.:D

[Ironheadziggy76]

I'm keeping my eye on this post........

[orchardrt]

I'm watching too
Riding out of WI or central IN. Slow process of selling and moving.

[braindead0]

Are there any motocampers on this board from PA, OH, MI, IN, KY, or WV that would be interested in a c;ping excursion in SE OH?The wife and I would be. We're actually tentatively planning a trip down to Wayne N.F. for some free camping on the way to WV for some more camping and hopefully dirt road exploring.

[GulfXray]

I'm still teetering on the fence regarding moto-camping - ParkerBill kind of summarized where I am at. How do I make smart choices BEFORE spending my limited budget $$$. I have zeroed in on a tent, but the whole sleeping pad concept is foreign to me. And what temp degree of a bag do I need if my camping will manly be from early spring to late fall? I have some ideas, but are they the right ones? etc...

You guys have already put up a lot of good information on the site and I thank you for it and sort of expect more! ;)

I'ld be interested, schedule permitting...

[Mellow]

I'm still teetering on the fence regarding moto-camping - ParkerBill kind of summarized where I am at. How do I make smart choices BEFORE spending my limited budget $$$. I have zeroed in on a tent, but the whole sleeping pad concept is foreign to me. And what temp degree of a bag do I need if my camping will manly be from early spring to late fall? I have some ideas, but are they the right ones? etc...

You guys have already put up a lot of good information on the site and I thank you for it and sort of expect more! ;)

I'ld be interested, schedule permitting...

How about making a separate post in the general forum, list everything you have or are thinking of buying. Place cost as a number 1 factor and we'll help you decide. Sleeping bags can be the toughest choice... but, think about when YOU are planning to camp and WHERE, then research the average temperature in those areas. You can always bring extra and affordable stuff to add a few degrees to whatever you buy.

[GulfXray]

How about making a separate post in the general forum, list everything you have or are thinking of buying. Place cost as a number 1 factor and we'll help you decide. Sleeping bags can be the toughest choice... but, think about when YOU are planning to camp and WHERE, then research the average temperature in those areas. You can always bring extra and affordable stuff to add a few degrees to whatever you buy.


Thanks Joe! I was trying to avoid cluttering up the site, but you guys are awfull helpful -- I appreciate the offer ot help spend my money too! ;)

[Mellow]

Thanks Joe! I was trying to avoid cluttering up the site, but you guys are awfull helpful -- I appreciate the offer ot help spend my money too! ;)

Clutter-away, we love helping when we can and there's so many different approaches to camping you never know when you thought of something none of the rest of us did.

[Roseknight]

I like the idea.. of the camping primer event... I've done camping... and I've done motorcycle trips.. haven't combined the two.. and well the reason for signing up on this site is I was thinking it would make the motorcycle trips cheaper and thus happen more often.. :)
oh and as for WiFi.. some Texas rest stops have it

[Mellow]

I like the idea.. of the camping primer event... I've done camping... and I've done motorcycle trips.. haven't combined the two.. and well the reason for signing up on this site is I was thinking it would make the motorcycle trips cheaper and thus happen more often.. :)
oh and as for WiFi.. some Texas rest stops have it

Welcome to the site.

Your reasons are the exact ones that got me looking into camping back in 2001. I met Trailace and he helped me pick out some gear and we did a trip to the Smoky Mtns. I was hooked after that.

Now, you couldn't pay me to sleep in a hotel in the rain. I'd rather be in my tent and out in the open.

Hopefully, once some personal family issues are on track I can re-focus on getting some events going. Mr Guy proposed one in OK in Oct which would be a nice time of year and close enough to DFW that you could head out there after work on a Friday. Keep your eyes peeled, I'll post it in the events section once it materializes.

So... what bike are you on?

[TFee3]

Since today is the 19th, I'm sorry for the late post. I think cost can be minimal to start with. I started out with a $179 tent, a $19 sleeping bag, and a $4.95 air mattress. It was more than sufficient to stay overnight. Now then, I admit that if I were going to cook, I'd have to buy a heating element of some type, but for just me, I'd get a 1-burner coleman stove. After I cook coffee (most important), I can go ahead and cook my bacon and eggs for breakfast. After that, I don't worry about meals, because by noon, I'm back on my bike motoring down the highway. If I were to get real serious about cooking all three meals, I'd buy a cheap trailer frame, mount a car topper for a box, get a hitch for my bike, and have plenty of room to bring anything I wish. So, my point is that it's not as expensive as one might think starting out buying gear. It's up to the individual just how expensive it gets buying only the best and most convenient equipment.

[Silsvee]

I would love to be a part of a event like this. I have been M/C camping for a year now and just can't get enough of it. All of my camping has been Solo, so for me it would be a great time to meet fellow campers and see some of the equipment that is being use. I have people all the time question me about M/C camping and just can't believe that I go by myself. If these events do happen I would ask that the dates be set eary were I can schedule vacation.

Harold from Silsbee,TX
K6 DL1000

[Mellow]

Looks like we will be getting together in OK per this event:
http://www.motocampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1377

The more the merrier.

[ImRubicon]

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