Bike Camping

[Sean]

try Natnl forrest campgrounds

For one or two people spliting gear is a great idea.

That's why I've got a girl with a nice set of saddle bags (if ya know what I mean )

I was thinking something easy for the middle/end of May. Leave friday night, hit Grand lake/granby for a camping spot. The next day do some riding and stop in steamboat for lunch while making our way up to Routt natl park. Back down via Poudre on Sunday. Nothing huge, nothing stressful, and just under 500 miles. This way I can enjoy some down time of just hanging out too. But it would be a good way to get my feet wet with this idea. Just an idea. Then in June get a loop towards Durango that's a little longer?

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sour...6,2.416992&z=9

Thanks again for all of the tips

[Sean]

Here's an idea for June mid/end. Camping around points B and C.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sour...7,9.667969&z=7

[CHRISTIAN COWBOY]

I just picked up a set of saddlebags from craigslist and was planning on the same route with a couple of others too. Let us know when you are going.

[GixxerCarrie]

Yupper...cause I got my saddlebags last week! he.he!

[honey]

http://micapeak.com/checklists/mclist.html
Great link.

Couple of other things to consider:
Benadryl or Zyrtec
Benadryl (itch soothing gel) for: insect bites, minor burns, sunburns, minor cuts/scrapes, rashes to poison ivy, poison oak
jumper cables
plastic forks/spoons
small mirror (if lighter is out/matches get wet)
medical id cards

A car (the transporter) is a not a bad idea, you will definitely want ice cold beverages. Sounds like fun.

[sugarrey]

This sounds like fun....I would love to see the state of Colorado....But being from Chicago I am afraid I will be eaten by some of the large game I have seen traveling this great state.

[R6biker122]

Dont forget a handgun! Who knows animals and some people out there...

[asp_125]

I just picked up a set of saddlebags from craigslist and was planning on the same route with a couple of others too. Let us know when you are going.

I'm doing a version of that (more direct out/back to Durango) in early June, but might want a second trip to do the Gunnison and grand mesa.

[Think]

Dont forget a handgun! Who knows animals and some people out there...

Not sure if that's a joke or not, but I would definitely add that to the list.

[Sean]

Yupper...cause I got my saddlebags last week! he.he!

Nice. Yeah, those are going to be the ones I pick up as well. I have the blue tail bag and love it.

Not sure if that's a joke or not, but I would definitely add that to the list.

No thanks. Not on my list of necessities.

[GixxerCarrie]

Nice. Yeah, those are going to be the ones I pick up as well. I have the blue tail bag and love it.
No thanks. Not on my list of necessities.

Yeah.....Motorcycle Superstore had them for $116. Free Shipping.

[SaShWhO]

the saddle bag virus is spreading I see.
thanks Aracheon!

[denver_whitest185]

im going to be doing a week long trip down to southern utah in mid-may (19th through 25th) if anyone is interested

[bodhizafa]

Cool thread, thinking the same thing (bike camping). If you need any camping gear let me know, got lots, mostly light stuff.

[Sean]

the saddle bag virus is spreading I see.
thanks Aracheon!

These bags will only be used for camping, not trying to look cool in front of my WOW friends.

If you need any cross-dressing gear let me know, got lots, mostly light stuff.

What does this have to do with anything? What you do on the weekends is your own business, Jay. Yeah, let's work out something.

[mtnairlover]

I was thinking something easy for the middle/end of May. Leave friday night, hit Grand lake/granby for a camping spot. The next day do some riding and stop in steamboat for lunch while making our way up to Routt natl park. Back down via Poudre on Sunday. Nothing huge, nothing stressful, and just under 500 miles. This way I can enjoy some down time of just hanging out too. But it would be a good way to get my feet wet with this idea. Just an idea. Then in June get a loop towards Durango that's a little longer?

Nice idea. I think you will still come across some cooler type weather at the end of May. I mean, Trail Ridge isn't open until Memorial Day, so ya gotta think that there's still gonna be snow up in the higher elevations. If you stay in the lower elevations, like around Steamboat, you might still have some ok temps at night.

I'm kinda old, so sleeping in a tent is kinda scary for me, cuz the ground is not my fave place to snuggle up to. These days, if I spend time out and about seeing the sites and mountains, I try to find places like Bueller was talking about. Not only cuz I don't like the hard ground anymore, but because I don't like that not-so-fresh feeling if I don't get a shower. Used to be...many eons ago...I'd clean up at the water pump in a camp ground (whatever I could clean without taking my clothes off)...I'd even stick my head under the pump and wash my hair in the freezing water. I dunno if anyone has ever done that, but scalp freeze is so different from brain freeze.

Anyhoo, I'd suggest checking out Colorado campsite websites, national park websites and state park websites and also check out websites that'll show you the average temps for the time of year you want to do your camping.

Just an idea.

http://www.idcide.com/weather/co/grand-lake.htm

http://www.mpei.com/new-averagegranbytemp.htm

http://www.allstays.com/Campgrounds/...ampgrounds.htm

[Scer]

Ok, so this is something I might sound stupid, well stupider, for bringing up. But wouldn't the bikes kind of need some sort of spark arrest installed?
NN did have a point by saying you might need insurance for burning the hills down...

spark on sparkas

[Airreed]

This is the CSC...everyone brings guns camping!!!!

[Sean]

. I mean, Trail Ridge isn't open until Memorial Day, so ya gotta think that there's still gonna be snow up in the higher elevations. If you stay in the lower elevations, like around Steamboat, you might still have some ok temps at night.

Yeah, I thought about that after I posted up. And that's IF it does open. I'll def plan a different route, but I'll keep that one open for July Thanks for the tips Cathy!

But wouldn't the bikes kind of need some sort of spark arrest installed?

what is that? If N-N has it, I dn't want it

[Bueller]

stock can(s) would be ok but a Ranger might have an issue with a straight thru, if provoked.

[Sean]

$65 on fleabay and I'm ready to go. I'm gonna look like a big freakin blueberry. Sweeeeeeet. I'm planning a May trip, let me know if anybody is interested. Gonna try and keep it 5-6 bikes only. No need for a shit show. I'm also looking for a good spot to camp in Paonia.

[GixxerCarrie]

Hell ya...looks great!

[asp_125]

I've got a set of Fieldsheer Rio saddle bags, and a Cortech tail bag. Unfortunately they were purchased at different times, so they don't snap together. Looking to trade one or the other with someone who's go matching brands.

[Sean]

Yeah, that's why I stayed with Cortech. I also have their tailbag. I could have gotten some others cheaper, but this way it's all one set and as you said, it snaps together. Keep an eye on ebay, like I said, mine was on $65, I'm sure you could sell your other bags pretty easy