Solo Moto-Camping

As I get older, I enjoy more and more taking my old 1986 BMW R80rt (Airhead) out for short two to three night motorcycle camping trips.  Maybe it’s a passion, but I’m lucky enough to have most of Idaho, Wyoming and Montana within range for these short trips, and good chunks of Colorado and Utah, to boot.  I sometimes venture further, but three days riding per trip is my norm.  This year (2024) I did ride 1600 miles in four days to see my son in Oregon, but head-down 400 mile days in the saddle are not my style.  I prefer quiet two-lane mountain twisties, where most of the day is spent taking photos and looking for a good place to spend the night.

For many reasons, I always ride solo.  I still use paper maps, no GPS; with nothing playing in my ears but the wind.  I ride a quiet bike and wear a loud shirt.  I like to think, and I like to explore; I prefer the roads less traveled.  I carry an old digital camera in my tank bag so I can stop and take photos without getting off the bike.  But for that same reason I don’t tend to log the photos I shoot!  My ‘old fart’ golden pass, or whatever it’s now called, gets me into all the National Parks for free, and lets me camp in USFS campgrounds for half price.  I sometimes moto-camp dispersed, and I can cook and make coffee off the back of my tail box, but given a choice, I prefer having the pit toilets and picnic tables at the USFS CG’s.  

I don’t own a smart phone, and don’t carry anything that would be considered ‘high-tech.’  I do bring a small 12VDC jump-starter, should I wake up some morning with no battery.  And I carry two solar rechargeable flashlights/lanterns that I strap atop my tail box.  The flashlights recharge during the day while riding, then provide light for camping, cooking and reading at night.  I always have a book to read.  I also carry a small 12VDC inflator for the tires.  If needed, either of the flashlights or the jump-starter can charge/power my old flip phone so I can call home.  

I don’t have any high-tech riding or camping gear, either; just the old stuff I’ve always used.  But I do pack a tent tall enough to take off and put on my pants while standing, and a cot, sleeping pad, goose down bag and pillow, so I can get a good, warm and comfortable night’s sleep.  At 70, I leave all the ‘roughing it’ to the younger crowd.  In general I’d say: ‘old, low tech, well-used and showing the miles,’ is a fair and apt description for the bike, gear and rider.

Below are some miscellaneous photos from moto-camping trips in Idaho, Wyoming & Montana.  You can Click on any photo to launch a slideshow starting at that point.  If you have any questions or problems, or if you just want to chat about moto-camping, Contact Me.