We’ve still got a little bit of summer left, which means there’s still time for you to hop on your bike and get out into the middle of nowhere for a camping experience you’ll never forget.
The combination of motorcycling and camping can bring you closer to nature than you’ve ever been, and give you memories that you’ll cherish forever. Of course, to achieve the best experience possible, you’ll need to be fully prepared for everything you could encounter on your trip, and properly outfitted for both fun and comfort.
Here’s a quick overview of some tips to help you enjoy an awesome motorcycle camping adventure.
Get the essentials
Before you head out into the wild on your bike, you should make sure you have all the essential items to set yourself up for success.
Invest in high-quality riding and camping gear. This means good protective gear for while you’re on the bike, and a high-performance tent and sleeping bag that will keep you warm and dry. The better your sleep at night, the more energy you’ll have to ride and explore during the day. There are tents and bags specifically designed for bikers so you don’t have to worry about the items being too large or bulky for your bike.
Other essential items include first aid, lights, toiletries, solar chargers, clothes, basic cooking utensils, aluminum foil and food.
Pack correctly
When loading up your bike for your adventure, be sure to put the heaviest items as close to the center of gravity as possible. Keep the bags evenly balanced with their weight, and group similar items together as much as possible. Keep an extra bungee cargo net or cord around in case you need to do some extra item securing.
Find an ideal campsite
A proper campsite isn’t just one with great scenery. You should try to stay away from lower areas that are more likely to collect rain or fog, where bugs will be a problem and where moisture could build up in your tent.
Instead, look for areas that are higher, flat and don’t have a lot of rocks or high grass. The former are uncomfortable, and the latter could harbor a lot of pests.
Before you set up your tent, lie down on the ground and make sure it’s a comfortable area. Choose your campsite with plenty of time before dark so you don’t have to rush to get set up.
Inspect your bike before setting up
Before you pitch your tent and get set up, it’s a good habit to give your bike a quick inspection. Figure out where to park it so it’ll be out of the way of your camp activities. Make sure it’s got proper tire pressure, and that there are no maintenance issues you need to handle. The last thing you want is to have a maintenance problem go unnoticed, which could jeopardize your next day’s ride.
Protect yourself against pests
An otherwise great camping experience can be ruined by an abundance of pests. At the very least, you’ll want to have a high-quality bug spray to use on yourself. Avoid areas with standing water, as these spots attract mosquitoes and flies.
Keep your tent doors and screens zippered shut at all times to prevent pests from getting inside. Avoid using scented deodorants or hand sanitizers, as these can attract bugs and other animals. Clean up all food scraps, and if there is no garbage disposal area nearby, bury the scraps away from the camp. Never sleep with food inside your tent, as this could attract wild animals. Instead, seal it in containers that will not let smells escape.
Still itching to get out on the open road and take a camping trip with your bike while the weather still allows? Be sure to follow these tips so you can have an excellent time on your adventure!
