Maybe it's cabin fever, but I've been fantasizing about a longer
motorcycle trip next spring. But I'm not sure 2 weeks of sitting on my
bike would be fun for me.

I am thinking a fun type of trip might be a series of 2-3 day
backpacking trips connected by 1-2 day motorcycle rides. Compared to
motorcycling alone, this would add the tranquility and physical activity
of hiking. Compared to hiking alone, it would add the fun of riding
mountain roads, a greater variety of terrain (hitting several states),
and breaks from the deprivations of backpacking (with a hotel bed,
shower, and restaurant meal once every few nights).

Clearly the gear necessary for motorcycle camping vs. backpacking have a
lot of commonality. About the only conflict I see is nowhere to haul a
frame pack on the bike, which might limit the hiking to 1-2 night trips
(even assuming I can backpack for a couple days with just a day pack).

If you have done this, or ruled it out for some reason, please share
your wisdom.

On Jan 3, 12:16*pm, timeOday <timeOday-UNS...@theknack.net> wrote:
> Maybe it's cabin fever, but I've been fantasizing about a longer
> motorcycle trip next spring. *But I'm not sure 2 weeks of sitting on my
> bike would be fun for me.
>
> I am thinking a fun type of trip might be a series of 2-3 day
> backpacking trips connected by 1-2 day motorcycle rides. *Compared to
> motorcycling alone, this would add the tranquility and physical activity
> of hiking. *Compared to hiking alone, it would add the fun of riding
> mountain roads, *a greater variety of terrain (hitting several states),
> and breaks from the deprivations of backpacking (with a hotel bed,
> shower, and restaurant meal once every few nights).
>
> Clearly the gear necessary for motorcycle camping vs. backpacking have a
> lot of commonality. *About the only conflict I see is nowhere to haul a
> frame pack on the bike, which might limit the hiking to 1-2 night trips
> (even assuming I can backpack for a couple days with just a day pack).
>
> If you have done this, or ruled it out for some reason, please share
> your wisdom.

Not sure what you are riding but maybe you could attach the back pack
to a back rest.

Bruce

On Jan 3, 12:16*pm, timeOday <timeOday-UNS...@theknack.net> wrote:
> Maybe it's cabin fever, but I've been fantasizing about a longer
> motorcycle trip next spring. *But I'm not sure 2 weeks of sitting on my
> bike would be fun for me.
>
> I am thinking a fun type of trip might be a series of 2-3 day
> backpacking trips connected by 1-2 day motorcycle rides. *Compared to
> motorcycling alone, this would add the tranquility and physical activity
> of hiking. *Compared to hiking alone, it would add the fun of riding
> mountain roads, *a greater variety of terrain (hitting several states),
> and breaks from the deprivations of backpacking (with a hotel bed,
> shower, and restaurant meal once every few nights).
>
> Clearly the gear necessary for motorcycle camping vs. backpacking have a
> lot of commonality. *About the only conflict I see is nowhere to haul a
> frame pack on the bike, which might limit the hiking to 1-2 night trips
> (even assuming I can backpack for a couple days with just a day pack).
>
> If you have done this, or ruled it out for some reason, please share
> your wisdom.

Not sure what you are riding but maybe you could attach the back pack
to a back rest.

Bruce

On Jan 3, 9:16�am, timeOday <timeOday-UNS...@theknack.net> wrote:

> If you have done this, or ruled it out for some reason, please share
> your wisdom.

The motorcycle is too limiting. If you park a nice motorcycle at a
trailhead and go off for a few days, it's unlikely to be there when
you return. It would be better if you could park the motorcycle
somewhere secure, and take a shuttle bus to a trailhead and go for
your long camping trip.

On Jan 3, 9:16�am, timeOday <timeOday-UNS...@theknack.net> wrote:

> If you have done this, or ruled it out for some reason, please share
> your wisdom.

The motorcycle is too limiting. If you park a nice motorcycle at a
trailhead and go off for a few days, it's unlikely to be there when
you return. It would be better if you could park the motorcycle
somewhere secure, and take a shuttle bus to a trailhead and go for
your long camping trip.

On Thu, 03 Jan 2008 10:16:41 -0700, timeOday
<timeOday-UNSPAM@theknack.net> wrote:

>
>If you have done this, or ruled it out for some reason, please share
>your wisdom.

I've never done it but I'd say it's a darn good idea. Bring back lots
of pictures.


--
See Ya On The Road

2000 Yamaha Venture Millennium
2004 HD Road King

On Thu, 03 Jan 2008 10:16:41 -0700, timeOday
<timeOday-UNSPAM@theknack.net> wrote:

>
>If you have done this, or ruled it out for some reason, please share
>your wisdom.

I've never done it but I'd say it's a darn good idea. Bring back lots
of pictures.


--
See Ya On The Road

2000 Yamaha Venture Millennium
2004 HD Road King

"timeOday" <timeOday-UNSPAM@theknack.net> wrote in message
news:LLadnfQTm75m5-DanZ2dnUVZ_hmtnZ2d@comcast.com...
> Maybe it's cabin fever, but I've been fantasizing about a longer
> motorcycle trip next spring. But I'm not sure 2 weeks of sitting on my
> bike would be fun for me.
>
> I am thinking a fun type of trip might be a series of 2-3 day
> backpacking trips connected by 1-2 day motorcycle rides. Compared to
> motorcycling alone, this would add the tranquility and physical activity
> of hiking. Compared to hiking alone, it would add the fun of riding
> mountain roads, a greater variety of terrain (hitting several states),
> and breaks from the deprivations of backpacking (with a hotel bed,
> shower, and restaurant meal once every few nights).
>


I don't know where you live or what kind of bike you have so I'll just wing
it.

Your goal of "tranquility and physical activity" can be meet without a 2 day
hike into the woods. Going further does not necessarily mean better.

For example, Great Basin Nat'l Park. Set up camp in the campground at 10k
feet and hike Wheeler Peak. The second highest in NV at over 13k feet.

Or on the east coast I could reccommend a stay in Wallingford VT and hike
into Rock Pound on the AT.

Stay at some local motel / B&B. Call it a self guided luzury backpacking
motorcycle tour.

And despite Krusty's paranoia, your bike and stuff won't get stolen.

Oh yeah, In NoCal I reccomend Orr Hot Springs.

"timeOday" <timeOday-UNSPAM@theknack.net> wrote in message
news:LLadnfQTm75m5-DanZ2dnUVZ_hmtnZ2d@comcast.com...
> Maybe it's cabin fever, but I've been fantasizing about a longer
> motorcycle trip next spring. But I'm not sure 2 weeks of sitting on my
> bike would be fun for me.
>
> I am thinking a fun type of trip might be a series of 2-3 day
> backpacking trips connected by 1-2 day motorcycle rides. Compared to
> motorcycling alone, this would add the tranquility and physical activity
> of hiking. Compared to hiking alone, it would add the fun of riding
> mountain roads, a greater variety of terrain (hitting several states),
> and breaks from the deprivations of backpacking (with a hotel bed,
> shower, and restaurant meal once every few nights).
>


I don't know where you live or what kind of bike you have so I'll just wing
it.

Your goal of "tranquility and physical activity" can be meet without a 2 day
hike into the woods. Going further does not necessarily mean better.

For example, Great Basin Nat'l Park. Set up camp in the campground at 10k
feet and hike Wheeler Peak. The second highest in NV at over 13k feet.

Or on the east coast I could reccommend a stay in Wallingford VT and hike
into Rock Pound on the AT.

Stay at some local motel / B&B. Call it a self guided luzury backpacking
motorcycle tour.

And despite Krusty's paranoia, your bike and stuff won't get stolen.

Oh yeah, In NoCal I reccomend Orr Hot Springs.

In article <LLadnfQTm75m5-DanZ2dnUVZ_hmtnZ2d@comcast.com>,
timeOday <timeOday-UNSPAM@theknack.net> wrote:

> Maybe it's cabin fever, but I've been fantasizing about a longer
> motorcycle trip next spring. But I'm not sure 2 weeks of sitting on my
> bike would be fun for me.
>
> I am thinking a fun type of trip might be a series of 2-3 day
> backpacking trips connected by 1-2 day motorcycle rides. Compared to
> motorcycling alone, this would add the tranquility and physical activity
> of hiking. Compared to hiking alone, it would add the fun of riding
> mountain roads, a greater variety of terrain (hitting several states),
> and breaks from the deprivations of backpacking (with a hotel bed,
> shower, and restaurant meal once every few nights).
>
> Clearly the gear necessary for motorcycle camping vs. backpacking have a
> lot of commonality. About the only conflict I see is nowhere to haul a
> frame pack on the bike, which might limit the hiking to 1-2 night trips
> (even assuming I can backpack for a couple days with just a day pack).
>
> If you have done this, or ruled it out for some reason, please share
> your wisdom.

advrider.com is a BBS where people occasionally discuss such things. :-)

--
Timberwoof <me at timberwoof dot com>
faq: http://www.timberwoof.com/motorcycle/faq.shtml
Ten Steps to Fascism: http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,,2064157,00.html

In article <LLadnfQTm75m5-DanZ2dnUVZ_hmtnZ2d@comcast.com>,
timeOday <timeOday-UNSPAM@theknack.net> wrote:

> Maybe it's cabin fever, but I've been fantasizing about a longer
> motorcycle trip next spring. But I'm not sure 2 weeks of sitting on my
> bike would be fun for me.
>
> I am thinking a fun type of trip might be a series of 2-3 day
> backpacking trips connected by 1-2 day motorcycle rides. Compared to
> motorcycling alone, this would add the tranquility and physical activity
> of hiking. Compared to hiking alone, it would add the fun of riding
> mountain roads, a greater variety of terrain (hitting several states),
> and breaks from the deprivations of backpacking (with a hotel bed,
> shower, and restaurant meal once every few nights).
>
> Clearly the gear necessary for motorcycle camping vs. backpacking have a
> lot of commonality. About the only conflict I see is nowhere to haul a
> frame pack on the bike, which might limit the hiking to 1-2 night trips
> (even assuming I can backpack for a couple days with just a day pack).
>
> If you have done this, or ruled it out for some reason, please share
> your wisdom.

advrider.com is a BBS where people occasionally discuss such things. :-)

--
Timberwoof <me at timberwoof dot com>
faq: http://www.timberwoof.com/motorcycle/faq.shtml
Ten Steps to Fascism: http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,,2064157,00.html

BryanUT wrote:
> "timeOday" <timeOday-UNSPAM@theknack.net> wrote in message
> news:LLadnfQTm75m5-DanZ2dnUVZ_hmtnZ2d@comcast.com...
>> Maybe it's cabin fever, but I've been fantasizing about a longer
>> motorcycle trip next spring. But I'm not sure 2 weeks of sitting on my
>> bike would be fun for me.
>>
>> I am thinking a fun type of trip might be a series of 2-3 day
>> backpacking trips connected by 1-2 day motorcycle rides. Compared to
>> motorcycling alone, this would add the tranquility and physical activity
>> of hiking. Compared to hiking alone, it would add the fun of riding
>> mountain roads, a greater variety of terrain (hitting several states),
>> and breaks from the deprivations of backpacking (with a hotel bed,
>> shower, and restaurant meal once every few nights).
>>
>
>
> I don't know where you live or what kind of bike you have so I'll just wing
> it.

I live in New Mexico, it'll probably be a loop around the Southwest US
between here and California.

I'm (still) riding my '96 Bandit 600, which has 52K miles on it. Having
done a few overnighters on it, I think it would be OK for the trip,
though I'm considering picking up a used VStrom 650 by then. Another
idea is fly to the Northwest, buy the 'Strom there, and spend a couple
weeks riding it home and hiking. Not having to do a loop would get me
further into new (for me) territory. Bigger bike market in Seattle than
NM, too.

> Your goal of "tranquility and physical activity" can be meet without a 2 day
> hike into the woods. Going further does not necessarily mean better.
>
> For example, Great Basin Nat'l Park. Set up camp in the campground at 10k
> feet and hike Wheeler Peak. The second highest in NV at over 13k feet.
>
> Or on the east coast I could reccommend a stay in Wallingford VT and hike
> into Rock Pound on the AT.
>
> Stay at some local motel / B&B. Call it a self guided luzury backpacking
> motorcycle tour.
>
> And despite Krusty's paranoia, your bike and stuff won't get stolen.
>
> Oh yeah, In NoCal I reccomend Orr Hot Springs.
>
>

I will do some car camping, and some BB/hotels. Yet backpacking is
extra special. Getting out of the tent in the morning with a whole
mountain and lake to yourself, not a road in sight or even a sound, it's
great.

BryanUT wrote:
> "timeOday" <timeOday-UNSPAM@theknack.net> wrote in message
> news:LLadnfQTm75m5-DanZ2dnUVZ_hmtnZ2d@comcast.com...
>> Maybe it's cabin fever, but I've been fantasizing about a longer
>> motorcycle trip next spring. But I'm not sure 2 weeks of sitting on my
>> bike would be fun for me.
>>
>> I am thinking a fun type of trip might be a series of 2-3 day
>> backpacking trips connected by 1-2 day motorcycle rides. Compared to
>> motorcycling alone, this would add the tranquility and physical activity
>> of hiking. Compared to hiking alone, it would add the fun of riding
>> mountain roads, a greater variety of terrain (hitting several states),
>> and breaks from the deprivations of backpacking (with a hotel bed,
>> shower, and restaurant meal once every few nights).
>>
>
>
> I don't know where you live or what kind of bike you have so I'll just wing
> it.

I live in New Mexico, it'll probably be a loop around the Southwest US
between here and California.

I'm (still) riding my '96 Bandit 600, which has 52K miles on it. Having
done a few overnighters on it, I think it would be OK for the trip,
though I'm considering picking up a used VStrom 650 by then. Another
idea is fly to the Northwest, buy the 'Strom there, and spend a couple
weeks riding it home and hiking. Not having to do a loop would get me
further into new (for me) territory. Bigger bike market in Seattle than
NM, too.

> Your goal of "tranquility and physical activity" can be meet without a 2 day
> hike into the woods. Going further does not necessarily mean better.
>
> For example, Great Basin Nat'l Park. Set up camp in the campground at 10k
> feet and hike Wheeler Peak. The second highest in NV at over 13k feet.
>
> Or on the east coast I could reccommend a stay in Wallingford VT and hike
> into Rock Pound on the AT.
>
> Stay at some local motel / B&B. Call it a self guided luzury backpacking
> motorcycle tour.
>
> And despite Krusty's paranoia, your bike and stuff won't get stolen.
>
> Oh yeah, In NoCal I reccomend Orr Hot Springs.
>
>

I will do some car camping, and some BB/hotels. Yet backpacking is
extra special. Getting out of the tent in the morning with a whole
mountain and lake to yourself, not a road in sight or even a sound, it's
great.

On Thu, 03 Jan 2008 14:36:02 -0700, timeOday
<timeOday-UNSPAM@theknack.net> wrote:

>I'm (still) riding my '96 Bandit 600, which has 52K miles on it. Having
>done a few overnighters on it, I think it would be OK for the trip,
>though I'm considering picking up a used VStrom 650 by then. Another
>idea is fly to the Northwest, buy the 'Strom there, and spend a couple
>weeks riding it home and hiking. Not having to do a loop would get me
>further into new (for me) territory. Bigger bike market in Seattle than
>NM, too.

If you have 2-3 weeks, a trip from Seattle to NM could be very
relaxing.
just ride until you see a diversion and then stop.
If you make 100 miles for the day, so be it.
If you see less of interest and make 400 miles, that's good too, it
just leaves more time for looking around when you do find something.
The Bandit should be fine. Ari travelled from the East Coast to Texas
on a 700 Nighthawk a couple of years back doing a SS1000 each way.
The VStrom would be better for exploring back roads though which means
you might not need to actually backpack into the woods, you could ride
into them.
--
Bob Mann

Sex is like air; it's not important unless you
aren't getting any

On Thu, 03 Jan 2008 14:36:02 -0700, timeOday
<timeOday-UNSPAM@theknack.net> wrote:

>I'm (still) riding my '96 Bandit 600, which has 52K miles on it. Having
>done a few overnighters on it, I think it would be OK for the trip,
>though I'm considering picking up a used VStrom 650 by then. Another
>idea is fly to the Northwest, buy the 'Strom there, and spend a couple
>weeks riding it home and hiking. Not having to do a loop would get me
>further into new (for me) territory. Bigger bike market in Seattle than
>NM, too.

If you have 2-3 weeks, a trip from Seattle to NM could be very
relaxing.
just ride until you see a diversion and then stop.
If you make 100 miles for the day, so be it.
If you see less of interest and make 400 miles, that's good too, it
just leaves more time for looking around when you do find something.
The Bandit should be fine. Ari travelled from the East Coast to Texas
on a 700 Nighthawk a couple of years back doing a SS1000 each way.
The VStrom would be better for exploring back roads though which means
you might not need to actually backpack into the woods, you could ride
into them.
--
Bob Mann

Sex is like air; it's not important unless you
aren't getting any

Bob Mann wrote:
> On Thu, 03 Jan 2008 14:36:02 -0700, timeOday
> <timeOday-UNSPAM@theknack.net> wrote:
>
>> I'm (still) riding my '96 Bandit 600, which has 52K miles on it. Having
>> done a few overnighters on it, I think it would be OK for the trip,
>> though I'm considering picking up a used VStrom 650 by then. Another
>> idea is fly to the Northwest, buy the 'Strom there, and spend a couple
>> weeks riding it home and hiking. Not having to do a loop would get me
>> further into new (for me) territory. Bigger bike market in Seattle than
>> NM, too.
>
> If you have 2-3 weeks, a trip from Seattle to NM could be very
> relaxing.
> just ride until you see a diversion and then stop.
> If you make 100 miles for the day, so be it.
> If you see less of interest and make 400 miles, that's good too, it
> just leaves more time for looking around when you do find something.
> The Bandit should be fine. Ari travelled from the East Coast to Texas
> on a 700 Nighthawk a couple of years back doing a SS1000 each way.
> The VStrom would be better for exploring back roads though which means
> you might not need to actually backpack into the woods, you could ride
> into them.

My choice would be the BMW GS 1150 or equivalent. Brilliant bike.
A friend did Cape Town to Kenya and back in Africa on one some time ago.
No problems at all. Handles really well and is excellent off-road.
Comfortable too with low maintenance and just keeps on gooooooiiinggg.
120 MPH up hills, down hills, it doesn't do much above that,
but its wonderful for adventure riding.

--
Wolfie

Bob Mann wrote:
> On Thu, 03 Jan 2008 14:36:02 -0700, timeOday
> <timeOday-UNSPAM@theknack.net> wrote:
>
>> I'm (still) riding my '96 Bandit 600, which has 52K miles on it. Having
>> done a few overnighters on it, I think it would be OK for the trip,
>> though I'm considering picking up a used VStrom 650 by then. Another
>> idea is fly to the Northwest, buy the 'Strom there, and spend a couple
>> weeks riding it home and hiking. Not having to do a loop would get me
>> further into new (for me) territory. Bigger bike market in Seattle than
>> NM, too.
>
> If you have 2-3 weeks, a trip from Seattle to NM could be very
> relaxing.
> just ride until you see a diversion and then stop.
> If you make 100 miles for the day, so be it.
> If you see less of interest and make 400 miles, that's good too, it
> just leaves more time for looking around when you do find something.
> The Bandit should be fine. Ari travelled from the East Coast to Texas
> on a 700 Nighthawk a couple of years back doing a SS1000 each way.
> The VStrom would be better for exploring back roads though which means
> you might not need to actually backpack into the woods, you could ride
> into them.

My choice would be the BMW GS 1150 or equivalent. Brilliant bike.
A friend did Cape Town to Kenya and back in Africa on one some time ago.
No problems at all. Handles really well and is excellent off-road.
Comfortable too with low maintenance and just keeps on gooooooiiinggg.
120 MPH up hills, down hills, it doesn't do much above that,
but its wonderful for adventure riding.

--
Wolfie

Timberwoof wrote:

> advrider.com is a BBS where people occasionally discuss such things. :-)

Yeah, I've been there but not signed up yet.

The slide show on the homepage is great.

Timberwoof wrote:

> advrider.com is a BBS where people occasionally discuss such things. :-)

Yeah, I've been there but not signed up yet.

The slide show on the homepage is great.

Wolfie wrote:

> My choice would be the BMW GS 1150 or equivalent. Brilliant bike.
> A friend did Cape Town to Kenya and back in Africa on one some time ago.
> No problems at all. Handles really well and is excellent off-road.
> Comfortable too with low maintenance and just keeps on gooooooiiinggg.
> 120 MPH up hills, down hills, it doesn't do much above that,
> but its wonderful for adventure riding.
>

Ah, well, I'm not buying a bike *just* for the trip - it'll be my new
commuter as well. I do lust after the F800GS coming out in the spring,
but not at the price.

Wolfie wrote:

> My choice would be the BMW GS 1150 or equivalent. Brilliant bike.
> A friend did Cape Town to Kenya and back in Africa on one some time ago.
> No problems at all. Handles really well and is excellent off-road.
> Comfortable too with low maintenance and just keeps on gooooooiiinggg.
> 120 MPH up hills, down hills, it doesn't do much above that,
> but its wonderful for adventure riding.
>

Ah, well, I'm not buying a bike *just* for the trip - it'll be my new
commuter as well. I do lust after the F800GS coming out in the spring,
but not at the price.

On 2008-01-04 03:03:54 -0500, timeOday <timeOday-UNSPAM@theknack.net> said:

> Timberwoof wrote:
>
>> advrider.com is a BBS where people occasionally discuss such things. :-)
>
> Yeah, I've been there but not signed up yet.
>
> The slide show on the homepage is great.

I wouldn't go there. Next thing ya know, you'll be going places far
away for weeks at a time and plotting trips across continents. Trust
me on this. ;^) What every you do, don't go in JoMamma. The natives
are very restless and smell n00bs from across the web.
--
sleazy

R1150GSA - "Terminator"
Trophy 1200 - "The Fast One"

On 2008-01-04 03:03:54 -0500, timeOday <timeOday-UNSPAM@theknack.net> said:

> Timberwoof wrote:
>
>> advrider.com is a BBS where people occasionally discuss such things. :-)
>
> Yeah, I've been there but not signed up yet.
>
> The slide show on the homepage is great.

I wouldn't go there. Next thing ya know, you'll be going places far
away for weeks at a time and plotting trips across continents. Trust
me on this. ;^) What every you do, don't go in JoMamma. The natives
are very restless and smell n00bs from across the web.
--
sleazy

R1150GSA - "Terminator"
Trophy 1200 - "The Fast One"

On Jan 3, 1:36�pm, timeOday <timeOday-UNS...@theknack.net> wrote:

> I live in New Mexico, it'll probably be a loop around the Southwest US
> between here and California.

http://www.backroadsboogie.com/intro.htm

This is the late Craig Hightower's website. He was heavy into
adventure touring.

Adventure touring is like car camping, except you do it on a big
motorocycle that has *some* capability in the dirt.

An adventurer touring bike won't go anywhere that a two wheel drive
car can't go, but it will be able to negotiate hard packed single
track trails.

"Hard packed single track trails" may be an oxymoron, though. If brush
is growing in hard ground, they are spaced far apart so nobody has to
bust trails through the brush.

> I'm (still) riding my '96 Bandit 600, which has 52K miles on it. �Having
> done a few overnighters on it, I think it would be OK for the trip,
> though I'm considering picking up a used VStrom 650 by then. �Another
> idea is fly to the Northwest, buy the 'Strom there, and spend a couple
> weeks riding it home and hiking. �Not having to do a loop would get me
> further into new (for me) territory. �Bigger bike market in Seattle than
> NM, too.

There are a lot of bikes for sale in Los Angeles, too. You might think
about exploring
Yosemite's high country in Tioga Pass when the road opens in May or
thereabouts.

You can get shuttle busses to the trail heads so you don't have to
leave your motorcycle unattended at a popular trail head. That's what
my motorcycle riding friends do when they hike the John Muir Trail.

They don't even think about riding their motorcycle up to Tioga Pass,
they take the Greyhound to Fresno, and then take Grey Lines to
Yosemite and take a shuttle to Tioga. There's also a shuttle out of
Mammoth.

To give you an idea of how popular hiking in the High Sierras can be,
you need a reservation to climb Mt. Whitney, near Lone Pine, CA.

> I will do some car camping, and some BB/hotels. �Yet backpacking is
> extra special. �Getting out of the tent in the morning with a whole
> mountain and lake to yourself, not a road in sight or even a sound, it's
> great.

Solitude is wonderful, but you have to like yourself a lot and be
comfortable inside your own head, with no thoughts of home or marital
problems or problems at work.

A Baja tourer wrote about "stages of decompressions" on his trips down
the peninsula. The further south he got, the less he thought about
what was going on in his real life in Los Angeles, and the more he got
into the scenery of Baja.

That writer catalogued what was at every mile marker all the way up
and down "The Magnificent Peninsula".

People who are alone for the first time in the wilderness don't
understand what they are looking at, so they get bored and run back to
their familiar surrounding where they know what everything is.

It's nice to have a field guide to flowers, birds, fish, butterflies
or whatever turns you on so you can keep your mind busy identifying
everything around you.

It's not like the flora and fauna are going to cease to exist if you
don't identify everything, but it keeps your brain busy.

Camping and hiking is even better when you have a friend that likes to
do exactly the same things you like to do.

On Jan 3, 1:36�pm, timeOday <timeOday-UNS...@theknack.net> wrote:

> I live in New Mexico, it'll probably be a loop around the Southwest US
> between here and California.

http://www.backroadsboogie.com/intro.htm

This is the late Craig Hightower's website. He was heavy into
adventure touring.

Adventure touring is like car camping, except you do it on a big
motorocycle that has *some* capability in the dirt.

An adventurer touring bike won't go anywhere that a two wheel drive
car can't go, but it will be able to negotiate hard packed single
track trails.

"Hard packed single track trails" may be an oxymoron, though. If brush
is growing in hard ground, they are spaced far apart so nobody has to
bust trails through the brush.

> I'm (still) riding my '96 Bandit 600, which has 52K miles on it. �Having
> done a few overnighters on it, I think it would be OK for the trip,
> though I'm considering picking up a used VStrom 650 by then. �Another
> idea is fly to the Northwest, buy the 'Strom there, and spend a couple
> weeks riding it home and hiking. �Not having to do a loop would get me
> further into new (for me) territory. �Bigger bike market in Seattle than
> NM, too.

There are a lot of bikes for sale in Los Angeles, too. You might think
about exploring
Yosemite's high country in Tioga Pass when the road opens in May or
thereabouts.

You can get shuttle busses to the trail heads so you don't have to
leave your motorcycle unattended at a popular trail head. That's what
my motorcycle riding friends do when they hike the John Muir Trail.

They don't even think about riding their motorcycle up to Tioga Pass,
they take the Greyhound to Fresno, and then take Grey Lines to
Yosemite and take a shuttle to Tioga. There's also a shuttle out of
Mammoth.

To give you an idea of how popular hiking in the High Sierras can be,
you need a reservation to climb Mt. Whitney, near Lone Pine, CA.

> I will do some car camping, and some BB/hotels. �Yet backpacking is
> extra special. �Getting out of the tent in the morning with a whole
> mountain and lake to yourself, not a road in sight or even a sound, it's
> great.

Solitude is wonderful, but you have to like yourself a lot and be
comfortable inside your own head, with no thoughts of home or marital
problems or problems at work.

A Baja tourer wrote about "stages of decompressions" on his trips down
the peninsula. The further south he got, the less he thought about
what was going on in his real life in Los Angeles, and the more he got
into the scenery of Baja.

That writer catalogued what was at every mile marker all the way up
and down "The Magnificent Peninsula".

People who are alone for the first time in the wilderness don't
understand what they are looking at, so they get bored and run back to
their familiar surrounding where they know what everything is.

It's nice to have a field guide to flowers, birds, fish, butterflies
or whatever turns you on so you can keep your mind busy identifying
everything around you.

It's not like the flora and fauna are going to cease to exist if you
don't identify everything, but it keeps your brain busy.

Camping and hiking is even better when you have a friend that likes to
do exactly the same things you like to do.

In article <477e4d94$0$2941$ec3e2dad@news.usenetmonster.com >,
sleazy rider <none@nil.net> wrote:

> On 2008-01-04 03:03:54 -0500, timeOday <timeOday-UNSPAM@theknack.net> said:
>
> > Timberwoof wrote:
> >
> >> advrider.com is a BBS where people occasionally discuss such things. :-)
> >
> > Yeah, I've been there but not signed up yet.
> >
> > The slide show on the homepage is great.
>
> I wouldn't go there. Next thing ya know, you'll be going places far
> away for weeks at a time and plotting trips across continents. Trust
> me on this. ;^) What every you do, don't go in JoMamma. The natives
> are very restless and smell n00bs from across the web.

Seconded. "Don't go in the basement!"

--
Timberwoof <me at timberwoof dot com>
Official Reeky Nutter
faq: http://www.timberwoof.com/motorcycle/faq.shtml

In article <477e4d94$0$2941$ec3e2dad@news.usenetmonster.com >,
sleazy rider <none@nil.net> wrote:

> On 2008-01-04 03:03:54 -0500, timeOday <timeOday-UNSPAM@theknack.net> said:
>
> > Timberwoof wrote:
> >
> >> advrider.com is a BBS where people occasionally discuss such things. :-)
> >
> > Yeah, I've been there but not signed up yet.
> >
> > The slide show on the homepage is great.
>
> I wouldn't go there. Next thing ya know, you'll be going places far
> away for weeks at a time and plotting trips across continents. Trust
> me on this. ;^) What every you do, don't go in JoMamma. The natives
> are very restless and smell n00bs from across the web.

Seconded. "Don't go in the basement!"

--
Timberwoof <me at timberwoof dot com>
Official Reeky Nutter
faq: http://www.timberwoof.com/motorcycle/faq.shtml

ΓΔΘΛΞÎ*ΣΦΨΩ wrote:

> They don't even think about riding their motorcycle up to Tioga Pass,
> they take the Greyhound to Fresno, and then take Grey Lines to
> Yosemite and take a shuttle to Tioga. There's also a shuttle out of
> Mammoth.
>
> To give you an idea of how popular hiking in the High Sierras can be,
> you need a reservation to climb Mt. Whitney, near Lone Pine, CA.


I'm torn about doing much backpacking in California. On the one hand,
it's overcrowded. The idea of taking a shuttle bus to a hiking trail
seems paradoxical. On the other hand, there's a reason Colorado and
California are so popular - they're magnificent. I have climbed Mt.
Whitney and certainly enjoyed it. I haven't been to Yosemite since I
was a boy and would like to go back. I would love to ride my motorcycle
through the redwoods too.

Same with the roads, too. I really want to ride PCH, but I sure hope
I'm not sucking Winnebago exhaust the whole time.

> Camping and hiking is even better when you have a friend that likes to
> do exactly the same things you like to do.

My dad is retiring in the spring and I'm hoping he will come. Maybe one
of my brothers will come. But I'm going to stick to my general plan,
including going solo if that's how it ends up. One day I hope to do
these trips 2-up with my wife, but for now we have kids so I don't think
it would be responsible to take the risk of getting injured together.

timeOday wrote:

> including going solo if that's how it ends up. One day I hope to do
> these trips 2-up with my wife, but for now we have kids so I don't think
> it would be responsible to take the risk of getting injured together.

Simple solution to that:
Let her ride her own bike- but maintain your distance so you don't
crash into each other...

--
'01 SV650SK1 '99 EX250-F13 '98 ZG1000-A13
OMF #7

timeOday <timeOday-UNSPAM@theknack.net> wrote:

> I do lust after the F800GS coming out in the spring,
> but not at the price.

Me too, but I don't think the price excessive.


--
K1100LT 750SS CB400F CD250 SL125
GAGARPHOF#30 GHPOTHUF#1 BOTAFOT#60 ANORAK#06 YTC#3
BOF#30 WUSS#5 The bells, the bells.....
chateau dot murray at idnet dot com