Hey, I'm looking for an inexpensive way to do longer rides. The main problem is I have to be home once a month for a doc appointment to refill pain meds. The other main problem is I have almost no money. I had to refi the house to pay for last years Milwaukee trip. Granted I stayed longer than I thought I would, but I had not been home in a very long time. I have a fairly low miles '04 RKC (well it was, getting close to 40k now I think), I've had suspension done, bars, things like that some engine work so I believe it is dependable. As my daily I don't have any issues other than I have a bit of a oil leak right now.

I don't know how many years I'll have to ride, I've had around 12 or 13 spine surgeries so far and I am getting older. I've done the math and for some reason I'm stuck at about 40mph avg. I don't know what gear to take with me for camping, and such. Some kind of decent quality fishing gear wold be cool and a way to camp that doesn't cost as much as a hotel. The wife doesn't mind if I take off, damned good woman, and I love riding. I was already 50 by the time I was able to get my current bike and spending as much time on it as I can is very important. If anyone can help with ride ideas and gear suggestions, even someone that may want to tag along once and awhile I'd thank you for it. Due to my pain issues I have to stop pretty often, so it really slows me down.

Anyway, I'm in the Dallas, Tx. area so that's my start and return point. Right now doc appointments are the end of the month. I ride rain or shine, prefer cold weather or night riding. Any advice or suggestions are greatly appreciated. Routes and destinations would be great.

Thanks

 

When traveling lodging is usually the largest (daily) expense followed usually by food/beverages and fuel and these days it seems that EVERYTHING is over priced.

Depending on "how you roll" the smaller "Mom & Pop" motels a better bet for lower rates if you can find one that suits you needs and IF you can find a riding partner(s) to share expenses can sometimes make more sense than even camping.
When we (three of us) rode to Alaska, even though we had two tents. air mattresses and sleeping bags. we only "camped" ONE night.

IF you're really into "roughing it" you can look into places like Bunk-a-Biker or other riders on this website that may offer free camping and with things being as they are these days I'd be very hesitant to "setup camp" in any area that I didn't think was really safe especially when camping alone.

As for "gear"....that depends on you.
I NEVER leave home without my helmet(s), leather jacket/gloves/pants AND rain gear, and in cooler weather my heated gloves and jacket.
Cold and/or WET makes for a lousy, uncomfortable trip.
For camping, a quick-easy setup tent (with a plastic "ground sheet"), a good quality sleeping bag and an inflatable air mattress are necessities!

Food and beverage costs (depending on your preferences) can also be an issue.
Even eating at McDonalds isn't cheap but a hot, light breakfast is a good idea (unless you can carry a small gas camping stove) and I keep a few non-perishable "snacks" (crackers, nuts, tuna/sardines) in my bags and I try to eat "out of the supermarket" with fruits and veggies, etc. as much as possible.
I do use a small, soft-side cooler for beer, pop and sandwich meat when camping.

 

Wildeturkey, I am envious of your enthusiasm. Have no answers for it however.

But for sure, welcome to the HDFORUM. And I sure hope maybe you can enjoy your ride here. Can't beat the price, that's for sure.

Only as a suggestion, by me as a USER just like you, make another new thread over in the newmember welcome area to say hello and stick around with us.

 

To determine what camping gear you desire, set up your tent in the backyard and sleep in it. If you do not have a ten, go to a camping store that has tents setup. REI is a good place for that. They also have good quality tents and footprints that will last 10+ years if taken care of. I have a 30 year old tent from REI that is still good and used once a year now. A solo camper will want a 2-3 person tent so you can have space inside for motorcycle gear.

Since you have a back/spine issues already. You will want a better quality sleeping mattress. Something to insulate you from the cold ground.

You will need a sleeping bag appropriate to your anticipated temperatures.

You will want a chair while camping.

I learned long ago to put all my camping gear into one bag and strap it to my bike. Easier to strap one (maybe 2) bags than several smaller items. I use straps because I had issues with bungee cords. Never had a strap break or loosen. Dumped $700 in new camping gear on the road once when a bungee broke.

Most camping gear from Walmart is junk. A seasoned motorcycle camper can find some good gear, but the novice usually doesn't.

Assuming you do not have any camping gear, you are looking at $500+ easily.

Now, for another option. Look up Bunk-A-Biker and learn about that system. That may be better for you than buying camping gear. Depends on where you are going. If looking to be one spot for camping for a few days, I used to arrive early at rallies, and/or stay after the event, and maybe you can camp free for a couple days. Look for ABATE and other local biker events rather than large crowded gatherings.

 

Hey thanks for the reply, there is some good info there. I'd like a partner but with my spine issues I never know how far I can go in a day, and I found out on my Milwaukee trip how fast lodging builds up. Milwaukee is home for me, but staying with relatives you rarely see is just as bad as staying with strangers, and I like my own spot. I get it about where you stop, but I can protect myself and I am a light sleeper, mainly due to the fact I don't sleep much due to pain issues. I just have to avoid a few blue states for safety reasons. I guess as the old saying goes it is only illegal if you get caught right? If I load out my suitcase for my bike I can carry quite a lot of clothes, but my leathers take up most of my saddlebags Being a single I have extra room for some bags and or rolls. The info about the small Mom n Pop motels is something I didn't think of.

Thanks again and any more input/ideas would be great! So if anyone has one please let me know.

 

IF......I was in the market for a new tent I'd seriously consider one of these.
Set-up and breakdown times are IMHO the worst part of camping and sometimes (due to weather) it can be a major PIA!

 

IF......I was in the market for a new tent I'd seriously consider one of these.
Set-up and breakdown times are IMHO the worst part of camping and sometimes (due to weather) it can be a major PIA!

 

There was a web site for Mom and Pop Motels ... When considering a tent consider height ... Taller is much easier especially considering you have a spine problem

 

Fight my friend. Push it for as long as you can. You’re an inspiration to me. I’ve had two back surgeries. I was close to bed ridden for three years and couldn’t walk in my late 30’s. Took me three years before I could work and make a living. 74k out of pocket up front with over 300k hanging over me in my late 30’s over my back. Now at 53 I’m so much better. I walk a mile or two every morning. I can hold my own with the twenty year old on prewires. But I know the clock is ticking. Now taking care of my parents I realize you push… use what you have to the fullest cause it’s not a bank that if you save up use you get to use it longer or later.