We are set up to trailer the Harleys. We prefer taking them over the car. We also have an open trailer that allows us to take the bikes and the kayaks or canoe on top. If we take the dog though we tow the car.
I also camp with just the bike sometimes. Have my backpacking gear so it packs easily on the bike. Having all the amenities of the RV including a warm comfortable queen bed is nice though.
I also camp with just the bike sometimes. Have my backpacking gear so it packs easily on the bike. Having all the amenities of the RV including a warm comfortable queen bed is nice though.
When you're packing a bike and carrying a passenger, your space is limited so a lot of stuff gets put higher than one would like. It's not the best way to do it, but sometimes you have no choice.
Circa 1975.
And besides, those are Harley's, no handling to worry about. ๐
Circa 1975.
And besides, those are Harley's, no handling to worry about. ๐
You'll probably carry more than you really need.
Invest in a good sleeping bag pad. I like Therm-a-rest, in at least a 2" thickness. If we wanted meat for dinner, we stopped before camping that night and cooked it right away. A collapsible cooler, slightly larger than a lunch-box size, works well for lunch sandwiches, cheese, milk, etc., when you feel the need to carry cold stuff. Beers stay chilly in a bag of ice, without a cooler, and we often leave the cooler at home for long weekends (vs. 5-10 day trips).
Our stove is a dual-fuel model, permitting the use of gasoline. A fuel bottle designed for camp stoves doubles as an emergency stash of gas. We never needed it for the bikes, but it's easier to refill the stove from a fuel canister designed for the purpose, too.
We started with a 7'x7' tent and went to a 9'x9'. The 7x7 was sufficient, but it leaves very little room for gear. A bigger tent and/or one with a vestibule would probably work well. Anything bigger than 9x9 will be too bulky and heavy on the bike. Some guys swear by cheap, dime-store tents, replacing them often. Our quality 7x7 lasted 15 years without fabric or pole issues (the door zipper started to malfunction). I'm very happy with the floor space and interior height of our 9x9. I still use the 7x7 when I solo-tour. Plenty of room for one person.
Mostly, we make it up as we go along. Feel free to ask questions.
My Dad never solved the problem of finding people to ride with while full-timing and towing a bike. He would make rare encounters in campgrounds, but mainly rides alone. He doesn't work too hard at finding riding buddies, unless he's near family members that ride.
I would think if you're in an area for a while, posting on Craigslist, finding a HOG chapter, local bike nights or contacting the CMA (Christian Motorcycle Assc.) would be a start.
Invest in a good sleeping bag pad. I like Therm-a-rest, in at least a 2" thickness. If we wanted meat for dinner, we stopped before camping that night and cooked it right away. A collapsible cooler, slightly larger than a lunch-box size, works well for lunch sandwiches, cheese, milk, etc., when you feel the need to carry cold stuff. Beers stay chilly in a bag of ice, without a cooler, and we often leave the cooler at home for long weekends (vs. 5-10 day trips).
Our stove is a dual-fuel model, permitting the use of gasoline. A fuel bottle designed for camp stoves doubles as an emergency stash of gas. We never needed it for the bikes, but it's easier to refill the stove from a fuel canister designed for the purpose, too.
We started with a 7'x7' tent and went to a 9'x9'. The 7x7 was sufficient, but it leaves very little room for gear. A bigger tent and/or one with a vestibule would probably work well. Anything bigger than 9x9 will be too bulky and heavy on the bike. Some guys swear by cheap, dime-store tents, replacing them often. Our quality 7x7 lasted 15 years without fabric or pole issues (the door zipper started to malfunction). I'm very happy with the floor space and interior height of our 9x9. I still use the 7x7 when I solo-tour. Plenty of room for one person.
Mostly, we make it up as we go along. Feel free to ask questions.
My Dad never solved the problem of finding people to ride with while full-timing and towing a bike. He would make rare encounters in campgrounds, but mainly rides alone. He doesn't work too hard at finding riding buddies, unless he's near family members that ride.
I would think if you're in an area for a while, posting on Craigslist, finding a HOG chapter, local bike nights or contacting the CMA (Christian Motorcycle Assc.) would be a start.
