Last camping trip I went for comfort, and took a six person tent, an armchair, a cot, lots of kitchen stuff, a big down bag etc. As you can see from photos of my 2011 trip, all I needed was a rocking chair strapped on top and you'd think I was one of the Joads coming out of Oklahoma into the LA Basin in 1930. This time, I haven't sacrificed any one element of comfort, but I'm downsizing. I'm taking a two person tent instead of a six. I won't be able to stand up in it, but it shouldn't be too claustrophobic for sleeping, and I can put essentials (like the guitar) in there with me to keep us out of the rain. I'm not taking an armchair, but a much more compact camp chair. I'm packing a 45 degree-rated bag instead of a polar quality down bag. This, together with a fleece blanket, should suffice for most reasonable weather conditions I'll encounter. Harsh, unexpected weather is what motels are for. The cot stays, however, as does the inflatable mattress to go on top of the cot and the pillow. I'm beyond the age where sleeping on the ground is fun.
After removing duplicate items and un-necessaries, I find I can get all of this on board with some room to spare. The Guitar straps right in where a passenger would sit and camera and long lens go in the right saddle bag where they are handy.
Here is my cool little tent, an REI HalfDome--
--and here is my entire kitchen. This little stove by Primus will boil a quart of water faster that you can say "where did I put the instant coffee"? Eggs for breakfast? No problemo--there's usually a little diner nearby. I do not plan on doing much food prep, but being able to sit back w/ a cuppa in the mornings and evenings is a must. (I am taking a spork in case the urge to cook becomes overwhelming.)
And, speaking of which, last trip I took along a french press coffee maker and some coffee beans. Now, I've discovered Starbuck's Via line of instant coffee, which is supposed to be good and sure packs easier than the french press. At less than $1/cup, its not a bad answer to one's need for civilized comforts.
So everything is smaller on this trip, and there's very little duplication of stuff: One all purpose vented and waterproof MC jacket, one light sweater, one heavy sweater, one pair of rain pants. Three pairs of gloves (very important, gloves). I'll be on the road for four weeks, so I figure about one week's worth of clothes will do if I stretch that a bit (after all, I'm riding by myself and by definition am upwind of myself) and plan on doing laundry at my cousin's place (about half way through the trip.) Shoes are a surprising problem, as they are a bit awkward to pack and resist multipurpose applications. I need two pair of riding boots, always a good idea on a long trip, believe me; a pair of flip flops for lounging around in, getting to the camp shower etc; and a pair of general purpose shoes. I am going to be around civilized people from time to time, and sitting in their living rooms in motorcycle boots or flip flops doesn't seem right. So call me Imelda if you will, I'm hitting the road with four pairs of footwear.
As far as the bike itself is concerned, all oils got changed out last week, steering bearings greased as per the manual for the miles I have on her (18,000 already!) and new tires were put on yesterday, along with new breakpads (rear). She's waxed and sleek and rarin' to go. Hope I can keep up with her. A trial packing up a few days ago was successful, but I didn't think to grab a photo--ah, cameras were packed...that's why! Next blog post will include pics of us both as we start her up and turn eastward.
Laissez le bon temps rouler!
