Motorcycle Mama
By Christine Weaver       

Christine’s mission is to unite women who ride or want to ride motorcycles for recreation, education, mutual support, recognition, and to promote a positive image of women motorcyclists.

Hey there. In this issue I would like to discuss camping while out on your motorcycle. Mention a motorcycle camping trip and I’m in! My mind starts to spin about what gear I will need to bring… like how much stuff do I need to take and where can I camp? Do the campgrounds allow motorcycles? I also think of all of the rallies that are out there. There are so many that I still have not attended.

You often will see the campers with their tents pitched right along the side of their road weary bikes. I must say that you certainly would get the whole rally experience if you camped right on the rally grounds. You could walk over to the beer tent or enjoy the entertainment, and then in the morning take a walk over to the coffee vendors when the aroma wakes you up...without even getting on your bike! Everything is all in one place, and is a memorable experience! I’m sure most people would look forward to reaching the hotel at the end of the day, but I recommend you give camping onsite a try.

Last year my husband Joe and I attended the Mountain Fest Rally in Morgantown West Virginia and what a great time we had! I must say that the thought of pitching a tent and sleeping on the ground was not very appealing, but it definitely was worth it! While sitting around the campfire we got to meet new friends and shared stories, enjoyed meals, and sang. We even went riding with our fellow campersthrough the beautiful rolling hills of West Virginia.

Since then I’ve been looking forward to planning another motorcycle camping trip, perhaps along skyline drive. I put together the gear that you will need to make your camping trip a little easier. Is that possible? The most important is a portable, easy to put up tent that is small enough to fit on the motorcycle. They are very easy to find anytime of the year at your local Wal-Mart. Second is a warm, comfy, and again portable sleeping bag.
It can get really cold in some neck of the woods at night! Third is a waterproof ground cover such as a tarp. You definitely don’t want to forget this! Fourth is cooking items such as portable stove, cookware, coffee pot, and camping utensils. Motorcycle mama’s most favorite part of a camping trip is smelling breakfast cooking outside her tent!

Most likely if you are going to be camping at a motorcycle rally, there will be food vendors, but if you end up at a campground, you may need fire, so include a fire starter and hope that you will be able to find wood nearby. Include a couple of plastic water bottles, some basic toiletries, bug spray, first aid kit, a change of clothes, and hope for the best! Also, for night time, make sure to bring a flashlight or lantern.

Other tips for motorcycle camping are to plan ahead if you intend to camp at a campground. Not all campgrounds welcome motorcycles and ask if you need reservations. Make sure to learn the campgrounds rules for noise restrictions. The campgrounds at rallies can get a little loud at night so look for a quiet camping section if you intend to turn in early. Be prepared for foul weather. Your tarp will help keep you dry. Make sure you know how to put your tent up properly ahead of time and arrive early in the day to set up. Make sure that you carry a map at all times. Make sure to check to see if your campground has showers and laundry facilities. My list is complete......camping is roughing it after all, right?

Future articles to look for are Biker Babe of the month, Christine’s favorite spots to eat when biking for the day,and upcoming biker events.

Christine Weaver
mrschrisweaver@yahoo.com