I was reading Genevieve Schmitts' article about trikes and trailers for us boomers and how now she was going to get a Street Glide. I have always just had a sleeping bag and a few things with me to travel all over the country and camp in remote places. It sounds like everyone wants to camp in a camp ground with motor-homes and all the conveniences now. What happens when Genevieve stops on the shoulder of the road, puts down her foot and it slips. Down she goes and now how will she get back up? I see this all the time, I guess that's why they ride in groups. I must really be out of touch with the direction we are headed. Maybe that's part of the fun of being on the road now days but it all seems a little weird to me. Please, no offense to any one, it just seems strange.
When I did the Tail of the Dragon this summer, I saw a guy with a 100th Anniversary Road King and matching trailer running up the mountain. It was unreal to watch, he was scraping parts the whole way. I would like to have seen that shower of sparks at night...
Anyway, I have mixed feelings about trailers. I think it ruins the essence of motorcycling. We like to tent camp in the State Parks in Michigan off the bike; there's something about leaving it all behind that is cleansing to the soul. But, if I were out for two weeks, two up, I guess I could see the advantages.
Trikes? Another head scratcher for me. I guess if I couldn't hold my bike up any more, I'd downsize to a smaller bike. [...as long as it could pull a trailer? ]
Trigger, I am mostly in agreement about trailers but I have never owned one of my own. I do have plenty of friends who I ride with on tours who do own them though. So, slowly I am changing my mind about them so let me explain how I've given in to this trailer pulling thought.
Of course I love touring. And for years have loved camping. I've done extensive backpacking, camping, and all aspects from two weeks on the trail to river running in kayaks. And I have done my share of touring combined with camping but as I have gotten older/wiser I've just found that I am happier not mixing the two. I know how to pack tight for sure, and bring only what I truly need. I know about and own most of the highest tech miniature camping equipment if I wanted to use it. But the plain fact is that for even pretty primitive ruffing it you still have an entire load of just camping gear.
Lets look at it this way...You and spouse are touring for even a few days. Between the two of you you have bulky jackets on only at times, rain suits, gloves, assorted personal cold/rain weather protection and other riding clothes. This alone takes up mega space and fills saddle bags. You have the normal gear, tools, kits, extra clothes, shoes, toiletries, personal items, and you've got a load even with extra bag strapped on. Then you decide you are going to camp. Well, that means a tent, TWO sleeping bags or one huge one, sleeping pads if you don't like lumpy rocks under you, the basic camping necessities, and you look like a moped in China loaded up with furniture....that is IF you can get it all loaded LOL
I know the tail of the dragon is an extreme example of handling...for any bike. Sparks fly even if you aren't pulling a trailer and some of the best handling bikes made leave their sign or tough manuverability scattered all over the road sides in the way of plastic. But the truth is for normal touring on a big twin you can't even tell the trailer is behind you. You might not rocket through mountain twisties dragging your knee but that is not what touring is all about to begin with. So pulling a trailer doesn't hamper most of the rides you encounter nor take away from the feeling you normally have without it. It's amazing what you can do with a trailer with no negative effects of the feel.
I love riding far and fast. It's not the destination to me, it's the ride. But because the daily journey often turns out to be from early morning to wee hours of the morning, I had just as soon not mess with camping gear, setting up camp, the elements that I may have ridden in all day, and lack of comfortable facilities. There is nothing like a hot shower at the end of the day, a comfortable bed, and climate control to make you feel fresh and ready to do it all over again the next day. That's why I totally prefer motels/hotels as opposed to camping. But if I was really into combining camping and touring still..I'd have to have one of those trailers myself. They are GREAT! I've had my mind changed by seeing what they can really do for you.
My wife and I enjoy camping off the bike because of the minimalist experience it crerates. We can do a long weekend, or rally, complete with the necessities, with no problems. Like I said, it cleanses the soul, and gives new perspective to things. I will admit that more than three nights camping is too tough on the old bod, though.
However, we generally do not camp when we distance-tour. I agree with staying at a hotel; we generally find one with a pool, lounge and restaurant, hopefully within walking distance of the area's sights. Last summer we did 9 days, two up, out of the tour pak and saddlebags. I will concede that I've thought about a rack for the tour pak to add some extra luggage, but I have resisted the urge so far...
I guess we're on opposite ends of the spectrum. I guess I can see the value in the trailer, but its just not for me.
Wow... 9 days from the tourpak and no rack. I can hardly carry enuff stuff for me, and I ride solo with a dresser bag from kuryakyn. With a rack on the pak. And, ya'll are camping! Plus, my wife has her own bag on the heritage. I can pack down, but why? If I'm gonna be out there for several days I want to be comfy. I will concede that I carry way too many tools, which adds the weight up quick. I guess it makes me feel more secure.
I thought many times about a trailer, but I'll get a sidecar first.
As far as it falling over, you think it's easier for a man to set the bike up? I've been asked over to help right a bike a couple times, plus have had the task to do myself. By myself. I'm not a weak person, and let me tell ya, you will pay attention next time, and will most likely learn from your first experience. The easiest way is to avoid it all together. It's a problem for both genders...I do see your point, tho. One of the hardest things I've had to do, was watch my wife pick up one of her first bikes, and not help. Oh, she asked, but if yer gonna ride it, you gotta be able to handle each phase of the deal. I now know she can, and I of course help when she needs it, but she's very independent on it. I'm very proud of her two wheeled accomplishments.
One more thing, before I go... women have been riding dressers all along, just like we have, but not nearly as many. It cracks me up when guys are like "a girl rode up on a..." Most lady riders have taken the mrsf course, and are WELL educated on the complete operation of a motorcycle.
Wow... 9 days from the tourpak and no rack. I can hardly carry enuff stuff for me, and I ride solo with a dresser bag from kuryakyn. With a rack on the pak. And, ya'll are camping! Plus, my wife has her own bag on the heritage. I can pack down, but why? If I'm gonna be out there for several days I want to be comfy. I will concede that I carry way too many tools, which adds the weight up quick. I guess it makes me feel more secure.
I thought many times about a trailer, but I'll get a sidecar first.
As far as it falling over, you think it's easier for a man to set the bike up? I've been asked over to help right a bike a couple times, plus have had the task to do myself. By myself. I'm not a weak person, and let me tell ya, you will pay attention next time, and will most likely learn from your first experience. The easiest way is to avoid it all together. It's a problem for both genders...I do see your point, tho. One of the hardest things I've had to do, was watch my wife pick up one of her first bikes, and not help. Oh, she asked, but if yer gonna ride it, you gotta be able to handle each phase of the deal. I now know she can, and I of course help when she needs it, but she's very independent on it. I'm very proud of her two wheeled accomplishments.
One more thing, before I go... women have been riding dressers all along, just like we have, but not nearly as many. It cracks me up when guys are like "a girl rode up on a..." Most lady riders have taken the mrsf course, and are WELL educated on the complete operation of a motorcycle.
You are right, women have been riding touring bikes all along. But not just to be cool. That is where the problem lies. I don't mean only women either. People every day walk down to the bottom, or half way down, the Grand Canyon and either forget to bring water or wear high heels. Everyday they have to be rescued. It didn't used to be like that. Or they take off into the wilderness not prepared, knowing full well that some one will save them. Maybe I should not bring this up, but it really does seem strange the way we are headed as a society. I don't mean to belittle anyone, just something to think about. I always thought that riding a bike was "less is more" and to be more McGiever like and more resourceful what it's all about. Try taking less stuff and really thinking. I have gotten by with very little and camped right on the banks of a river or in the middle of no where with no one around and it is very rewarding. I know, times are changing, get used to it. This is only meant to be a counter point to Genevieves' article.
Yeah, that would be cool to do that. We almost rode that way on the sporty. By that I mean we minimalised, but stayed in fleabag motels instead of out in the wild. I am from the country, and have slept out alot. I do miss it, but also know how much hot water it takes to get me moving in the morning.
As far as taking less when I travel, it's not as if I grab everything plus the tv. Mainly too many clothes. My gerbing electrics will knock out a lot of the cold weather bulk. Like I said, I like comfy, and it's for fun. If I have to work, it ain't fun. I get to scratch my McGiever itch at work at least once a week.
Funny you said that about "get used to it" I almost put that in my post. It's stuck in my head, cuz this guy near me has a dumptruck with that painted on the tailgate!
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