Motorcycle Camping – Tips and Equipment
Motorcycle riders know how exciting it is to explore the country. Having the right equipment for those long rides can make all the difference. A motorcycle camping trip allows you to spend the night outdoors enjoying nature. Camping is growing in popularity and using a motorcycle to get there is also increasing.
Before heading out on a motorcycle camping trip, you will need to research the activity you are about to undertake. Where will I go and what will I need to make this trip a successful one is at the heart of any motorcycle camping trip. Deciding where to camp is fairly easy, search the internet for campgrounds, state parks or ask fellow riders for recommendations. Choosing your camping gear is a little harder, but with a few simple tips, it will become second nature.
Ensuring you have the right gear, what you need:
Small lightweight camping tent:
Several manufactures offer tents especially designed for motorcycles. These tents are easy to setup, fit neatly on your bike and offer all the normal protection of a family camping tent.
Sleeping Bag:
A compact sleeping bag that offers the temperature rating necessary to keep you comfortable is all you need. A goose down bag is preferable for colder climates and roll up very compactly for transport. Hammocks can also come in handy as they take up very little room and can be setup almost anywhere you have trees.
Eating / Cooking:
For extended stays, a small camp stove, similar to the ones used for backpacking will work perfectly. A lightweight aluminum cook-set and utensils will be plenty for cooking meals.
Storage Bags / Saddle Bags:
No mater how you store or pack your gear, you will need some sort of heavy duty waterproof storage bags. Adding saddle bags to your bike is a great way to stow gear. A travel or duffel bag makes a perfect addition for storing your tent and sleeping gear and can easily be strapped to the rear of the bike.
Other Gear:
A few other considerations for gear include; a tarp for shade or to use as a floor protector for your tent. Change of clothes, motorcycle tool kit with multi-tool, tire plug kit and pump. Make yourself a three column check list, one for gear, one for short trips and one for long trips. This will help gather the correct gear to match the trip.
Ensure you have the right gear and no unwanted stuff you do not actually need for the trip. Choose the items wisely and buy only the ones that will fit comfortably on your motorcycle. Once you have put your motorcycle camping kit together, you can assure yourself many enjoyable camping trips on the open road.
About the Author
Next, find the perfect motorcycle camping tents with the patented Speedome integrated frame system made by Catoma Outdoors, available at PracticalSports.com
Author: Byron Tabor
The Tyligo trailer with Vanessa Fuel and Naomi Sareth Wood at the MCN Motorcycle Show 2011
|
|
… |
|
|
Secure Motorcycle Garage 5 x 9ft Dark Green (without assembly) £1,299.00 Our Motorcycle Garage is an excellent secure motorcycle storage unit for your motorbike or cycles. Built from our thick, heavy gauge galvanised steel panels, with a built in heavy duty metal floor and large double door access make the Asgard Motorcycle Storage unit perfect for keeping your motorbike and equipment safe and dry in or out of the riding season. This bike garage offers excellent motor… |
|
|
… |
|
|
Bike Cave – Green £38.95 # Its great for storing all manner of things: garden tools. # mobility scooters. # wheelchairs. # bikes. # lawnmowers. # bbq. # kids outdoor toys. # plant pots. # logs. # coal. # compost. # golf clubs. # surf boards. # push chairs. # prams. # wheelie bins. … the list goes on and on…. |
|
|
OXFORD OUTSIDE BIKE COVER AQUATEX MEDIUM £22.99 Double stitched nylon for strength and durability Complete EXTERIOR and INTERIOR protection Stores away compactly when not in use Heat resistant to 150degC Complete with an elasticated bottom that allows a snug fit Aquatex storage bag included Keeps moisture out Protects paintwork from scratches Dimensions: OF926 – MEDIUM Size: 190 x 85 x 145cm Compacted size when in storage bag is approximately 2… |
|
|
Bike Storage Shed 6 x 3 ft (Includes Assembly) – Secure bicycle storage from Asgard – The ‘Access’ Unit £550.00 The Addition metal bike store is an all metal bike shed providing secure outdoor storage of up to 3* adult cycles and bike equipment. This bike store is an ideal secure store for your mountain bikes, road bikes and general cycling equipment. Built from our thick, galvanised (weather proof) steel panels with an integral metal floor and convenient large double door access (Which you can hand for… |
|
|
Motorcycle Cover – Up to 250cc £9.99 Fits Motorbikes up to 6′ (1.5m) in length, guide engine size To 250cc. Assists In Providing All Weather Protection. Resistant To Wind, Rain Snow And Ice, UV light. Helps Protect Your Motorbike Against Dust, Dirt, Tree Sap, Bird Droppings, Industrial Pollutants etc… |
Bicycle Insurance For UK Cyclists: An Overview by Sally Thompson
Unlike car insurance which is a requirement in the UK – and most of the Western World – bicycle insurance, third party or otherwise, is not a requirement and cyclists can freely cycle without any kind of policy behind them.
Of course, with cars, the main reason for having insurance is to protect yourself should you insure someone else or damage their property. It is of course also wise to ensure that you are covered medically and that your car is insured should it get in an accident.
Bicycle insurance is slightly different. The main reason for insuring a bicycle is to protect it against theft. Bicycle theft in the UK is a huge problem and no city is immune.
If you have an expensive bike, the thought and possibility that it could get stolen is enough to deter many people from leaving their bike locked up. Bike insurance, and the knowledge that should something happen to your bike you’re covered, makes it easier for cyclists to enjoy biking round the city.
Of course bicycle insurance isn’t just about cover against theft, although this is a huge part of it. Damage cover is also another important factor.
There are two types of damage cyclists can expect, accidental and malicious. Accidental occurs when you damage the bike yourself, unintentionally. Malicious is another problem, almost on a par with theft. Many bike thieves, in an attempt to rob your bike, will end up damaging it which can leave you forking out a considerable amount of cash to get it fixed.
For those that cycle every day, the loss of a bicycle doesn’t just mean the financial problems in replacing it, but also the loss of mobility while you are waiting for a claim to be fixed. If this sounds like it could be a problem for you, it’s worth looking out for insurance companies who provide cover for bicycle hire. Essentially this covers you while your bicycle is being replaced, allowing you to hire a replacement bike in the meantime.
If you are thinking about getting your bicycle insured, then it’s worth paying attention to which companies in the best. In the UK, there are a handful of companies which insure bicycles, and there are plenty of review sites online which compare and rate these on both features and with reviews from current customers.
If you can’t find a review of the company you’re thinking of insuring your bike with, why not ask in a few different cycling forums? Most people will be happy to help and more than willing to give you recommendations on which companies to go with – and more importantly which ones not to go with.
To compare bicycle insurance online and to read reviews of products like Endsleigh’s bicycle insurance, visit compareaholic.co.uk
Article Source: http://www.earticlesonline.com/Article/Bicycle-Insurance-For-UK-Cyclists–An-Overview/831053