HBurgNinja

HBurgNinja,

You have some nice camping gear - compact and easy to set up, too. Would you mind doing a post on what you have (tent, sleeping bag/roll, rain tarp, plus the little knick-knacks like the mini camp stove, etc.) with a photo, name/model, price & where you got it, and brief "customer rating/review"?

I'd like to do more bike camping, but the cheap gear I have is both bulky and not rain resistant at all. That doesn't make for a fun weekend.

Nice to meet you over at the WV Tag-O-Rama / Historical Markers Get-Together a couple weeks ago at Seneca. Hope our paths cross again soon. Probably see you Rella's, since that seems to be a favorite stop for both of us.

Thanks!

Of course! I know our paths will cross again

I will take some pics this evening of my gear setup and list them for folks. I have got it down to exactly what works for me...not always the same for others...thanks for the interest!

Gots to pass outside of the bound of wild west virginia..



There's some nice riding in western Northern WV, Western Maryland, and Southern PA...

Funny you mention that. My initial plan for this weekend was to ride north, camp on the C&O near Antietam and ride past all the battlefields and then into WV near Deep Creek. That will have to wait for another weekend

Future weekend rides (other than ADV Campouts) will be
1.) Visit all of VA's Covered Bridges
2.) Ride as far west as possible (and back...Mississippi River )
3.) Entire length of the original Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike

and many more not yet dreamt up...

Hburg - would you mind company for one or more of those trips? I need to get out more...

Not at all...keeping in mind it will be a long weekend of saddle time We'll discuss

So total mileage in excess of 1000 for the weekend. Here is a map I just drew up of my route (it is missing some of my misadventures)
MAP LINK

I will get an RR out early this week. Here are a few teaser shots:




And to end the day, my Valley. Home sweet home.

Living the dream HBN!! Truly enjoy reading your reports and gawking at the pics...

I need a road trip soon...may make time for a few hundred this weekend

Dude,
do you have like, a JOB, or some such.... ?

JOB : Journey Out and Back

I work all week so I can ride on the weekend. No more, no less. Got about half the RR done before work today. Hope to have it yo this evening

A few of you have asked for a detailed explanation of my compact gear setup. What works for me, may not work for you. In the winter time, I add the topcase since I am bringing bulier warm gear, extra heated items and other jackets.
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I.Riding Gear

• Helmet: Arai Corsair RX-7
• Gloves: BMW Atlantis II GoreTex
• Aerostich Roadcrafter (fading in progress)
• TCX Infinity Boots (GoreTex)
• Wool Socks…always wool socks…

II.Camping Gear

a.Rear Rack

i. Tent: Marmot Aesolos 2P
ii. 2 Ponchos
iii. Sportsman’s Guide: Guidegear Tarp (lightweight nylon 12x12 cover)
iv. CamelBack
​

b.Tank Bag

i. Water Bottle
ii. Extra Gloves
iii. Windscreen Cleaner/MicroFiber Cloth
iv. Extra Glasses and Extra Sunglasses
v. 3 x 12 V Charger for GPS and Cell Phone
vi. Zip Ties
vii. Granola Bars/Apple/TrailMix
viii. Pen/Pad
ix. Folding Maps
x. ShamWow Towel
​

c.Left Pannier

i. Sleeping Bag: Kelty Lightyear 20 degree Down Bag
ii. Sleeping Pad: Pacific Outdoor Inflatable Insulated Pad (EX6)
iii. Inflatable Coleman Pillow
iv. DeLorme Gazetteer (for whichever state I am in)
v. Crocs Shoes (waterproof in the AM dew and great for showering in nasty places)
​

d.Right Pannier

1. Old Trusty JanSport Backpack - Clothes all inside giant ZipLock Bag

4 Pairs Wool Socks
3 Pairs Underwear
Convertible Pants
Bathing Suit
2 UnderArmor Longsleeve Shirts
1 Wool Sweater
1 Knit Cap
Toiletries
Small Hand Towel
​

ii. Old Helmet Bag for Cooking Gear

Brunton Piezzo Stove
Butane Bottle
Trusty old metal camping cup for all cooking
Spoon/Fork (from thrift store grab bin)
Matches, Lighter, Fire Starter, Tea Candle
Food
Pack of Ramen (just to keep in case)
Rolled Oats
Small bottle Maple Syrup
Instant Coffee Packets, Tea, Sugar
Small Can Baked Beans
Can Tuna Fish
Ziplock bag of Rice
Granola Bars
3 Carrots
Apple/Banana
​

Could you describe your underwear for us?

Thanks for the equipment list. Do you have a mail-order place that you would recommend for tents and big stuff, or do you buy somewhere local?

Hppy, I get my underwear used from the salvation army. I like the preworn broken in pairs the best. No...actually I don't wear....oh nevermind

Pno, I buy much of my gear fromREIoutlet.com or check out steepandcheap or backcountry.com you may find some deals on FM

You could always ride up to camp SMIB and eat crabs with us.

*name courtesy of Bloochdog

My initial plan for this weekend was to ride up near the PA, MD, WV border to explore battlefields and tourist traffic in 90 degree weather. That changes once the Virginia Tag-O-Rama sat down in Austinville, VA.

Here is my RIDE MAP LINK

FRIDAY
I loaded the bike up Thursday night and departed work Friday around 3. I made the ride down to Austinville uneventfully. Somewhere around Roanoke, I'd noticed I forgot to reset my odometer before the trip. Blast...will remember that in the future. Grabbed the Tag at the Stephen F. Austin Memorial right on the New River. Nice spot and boat landing.




From here I shot back toward 77 to grab a beer at the gas station. I wanted a Yuengling but they only had lite beer and $9 six packs...so I opted for an Ice cold Bud Lite Lime...it might as well be juice and not sure I'd get another again. Think I'll stick to Orange Juice or something in the future.

I then set forth for Cripple Creek! (insert song lyrics) Very nice ride down there and it occured to me I had been here before two years ago when grabbing the VA Tag at the Byllesby Dam in Fries, VA.

After turning into the Raven Cliff Campground, I quickly stopped to take a snap shot of the neat rock cut through which the roadway continues. It looks mighty similar to one of advridgerunner's pic (though I don't think it is the same spot)


I pulled into the camping area and was immediately struck by how quiet and peaceful it was. There were no RV's, the sites were tucked off the road a bit and it was clean and private. Only $5 in a box...just my kinda place. With nary a chance of rain, I opted to leave my rain fly off the tent and dispatched with setting up camp.


Before cooking dinner, I went for a short walk to take advantage of the fading daylight. I discovered the Raven Furnace Trail near the campsite and took that. What a serene area with horse trails and a walking loop. Nice and cool, I took in the sights and smells in the "golden hour"

Cripple Creek


[


Spotted some deer in this field but was not quick enough with the lens

Picked up a few hitchikers along the way but got em all

Oh! whats this? MY FAVORITE!!! Snack time!



I assume this is the Raven Cliff; namesake of the campsite


And this would be the Iron Furnace


How is this for Cripple Creek views?


The sun was going down fast so I made the short walk back to camp, picking more raspberries


Once back to camp, I cooked up some beans and drank my beer while planning Saturday's ride with my DeLorme Gazetteer. My office:


After consuming my light meal, I went to bed around 9:15. It was still pretty bright out but I knew I would be awake early the next morning and needed the rest for the 600+ miles that lay ahead of me. I drifted to sleep with the sounds of squirrels rustling around in the leaves, snorting deer up the hillside, and some birds singing their goodnight song. Ahhhhh peaceful rest.


SATURDAY
I awoke at 4:50AM and immediately began packing up camp. I was extra careful to be quiet since a group of campers pulled in to the site next to me around 10PM while I was falling asleep. I had my gear packed and was on the road before 5:30AM. (note to self: Get one man tent to facilitate faster packing with less complication)

I shot back toward 77 with a brief photo op on the New River.


This is what the whole countryside looked like before 6:00. Just amazing with the dawn fog and colors.


I had always wanted to visit the Jackson Ferry Shot Tower after reading about it in a VA History Book my folks gave me for Christmas. It was just a mile or two up the road so I couldn't resist. Sure it was closed but I jumped the fence...who was going to be busting me before 6AM?


Saved me the $4 parking fee

I picked up Hwy 58 and continued on this route east. I knew this would take me clear to Suffolk and it would be a long day on the road. I also resolved to stop and take photos whenever the opportunity presented itself. This added a great deal of time to my trip but I always am rewarded by the countless shots of history and memories along the way.

Here we are in Hillsville at the Courthouse. There is a great story about the shootout here: LINK


And the downtown main street scape


From here I blasted down 58 at extra legal speeds...only fit for early morning pre-LEO hours with no traffic. What a swell road. It got even more twisty and then I started seeing signs for the Lover's Leap Overlook...JUMP!

I actually muttered a "wooooaaaahhhh" as I slowed to pull over for this shot. An amazing sunrise. I've always wanted one of those "above the clouds" sorta shots.


From Lover's Leap east, the road twists and turns out of the mountains until finally widening into a four lane divided highway. I zoomed into Martinsville and decided to check out the Martinsville Motor Speedway, just off 58 about a mile or less.


A VA Historical Marker I will have to add to their "find all 2200" game


And here is the speedway and its short track

View of the infield


There was a couple around waiting for the $10 Mustang track day


Then I went for a walk on the track.


I cooked a cup of coffee up and watched the Mustangs arrive


Finishing my coffee, I set forth for the town of Danville. Sorry, there are no shots along the way...not many notable items though. Coming into town singing "Virgil Cain is the name, and I served on the Danville Train..." I decided to meander my way to the old tobacco and industrial areas of town. There were so many photo ops that I could spend a whole day here with my camera and not be satisfied. Here goes a couple of the pics.

Huge old abandoned warehouse right on the river










I like this shot


They had a Flower Market of sorts set up down here.


And a historical wayside on the way out of town.


Jumped back on 58 and decided to ride till I found a suitable place to make some Oatmeal. After crossing the Occoneechee Bridge, I came to the state park. I just wanted to snap a photo and make some oatmeal but they wanted $ to get in. Just across the street I noticed this roadside curiosity so I crossed the median to see what it was.

Perfect spot for some breakfast!


Oatmeal with freshly picked blackberries and raspberries from the bushes nearby


Checked the tag games and the current Global Tag was "A Vineyard". First sign I saw, I turned and headed for the Rosemont Vineyard. Apparently they were having a huge festival that day but I didn't have time to attend (or the wherewithal in my stich)


Then placed the new tag: Hooves on the Roof


Continuing down 58, I came across a peanut stand. Remembering that Father's Day was tomorrow, I stopped in to buy a bag of Redskin Peanuts for Pops.


From here the road became continually more crowded until I was dumped into the "Bridge Zone of Hell" I did see my first Egret and Blue Herring of the trip so that put a big smile on my face! "I'm going to the BEACH!" I exclaimed into my helmet to nobody.

Traffic at the first Tunnel into Portsmouth area was dreadful and hot but I kept on it and was eventually taking the wrong turn into downtown I made my way out and luckily found my way back toward the Bay Bridge Tunnel.

TaDa! $12 later...I was cruising over the water. What a great sense of accomplishment knowing where I started earlier that morning.

Emergency Pull Off - Photo Op Time

Big Ships


Then took a quick break to stretch around the first tunnel entrance.

Did I mention it was friggin' hot!


Scooted my way over to the other side. The temp eventually dropped to about 81 somewhere in the middle of the bridge. That was welcome but I still wished I was riding a Harley in a T-Shirt...NOT

Once past Fisherman's Island


They have some information about the wildlife refuge


YAHOOO!!!!


I made it to the Eastern Shore


I didn't really have a new tag spot in mind yet. I took a side trip to go swimming at Kiptopeke State Park. I had camped here in the past with a former girlfriend but they wanted $5 to go in. No chance. Off I go. I saw a sign pointing toward the "Custis Tomb". I immediately recognized the name so figured I'd go check it out.

Yup...this will be the new Tag





And some information about the mansion





My oh My...what a view


This ones for you Ma


Rode 13 up into MD. Not much to see but large farm fields, seagulls flying around picking up seed and grubs, large combines and shanties

Then I crossed into


Made my way back up 50 then over to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and across into Anne Arundle County. Wanted to take a pic of the bridge but they wanted $ to get into Sandy Point(?) State Park. No Chance. Ya'll can google the bridge

Hopped on the speedway known as I-495 Beltway and the temperature immediately jumped to the upper 90's. Super hot but I kept pace about 85mph or so and just hummed my way toward the folks' place in Alexandria.


Happy Father's Day Pops!


They even had some leftovers ready for me. Great thing considering all I had to eat was Coffee, an Apple, Granola Bar and Oatmeal + gallons of water.


Enjoyed the evening at home chatting with the family then retired around 10PM to rest my bones. Had the NOVA Tag been within 30 min, rest assured I would have grabbed that sumofabitch

SUNDAY - Father's Day
Awoke at 5:30 and packed up my gear. Enjoyed some coffee with Mom and loafed around the kitchen. I was getting antsy to ride but this was not to be MY day...

Prism's in the kitchen...


Huge Strawberries were part of the big breakfast we enjoyed as a family. I also brought home some of the blackberries and raspberries from the ride.


After breakfast, I helped Dad set up a router for his internet then headed off to grab the NOVA Tag down near Stafford.

Gotcha Ali!


I'm a sucker for old gas pumps


And Opel's !


I placed the new tag at Chatham House down in Fredericksburg on the north side of the river.



Ali stopped to smell the lilies




I got a call from my Dad on the helmet bluetooth as I was leaving saying the family was just turning onto Rt 20 from Rt 3 headed for Montpelier. "I'm on my way!"

Met up with them near the entrance at the old rail station.


Notice the signs above each doorway.



Went inside to take a peak.

Very interesting...



Then the family and I toured the mansion


They did not allow photographs inside. I took a shot here from the Portico of the southern wing. This is where his parent's side of the home was.


There was an educator out there making period meals but somehow we missed lunch


Dad hanging out with 5'4" Madison. Dolly called him "The Great Little Madison"




This educator was demonstrating woodworking techniques.



This tree was a gift from the Marquis de Lafayette to Madison. It is a 200+ year old Cypress


And then we toured the gardens





I was most impressed with the virgin growth Landmark Forest. I just love trees


The family went for more of a walk around the grounds while I decided to go for a mile run in the forest. I came across many raspberries, a deer and almost stepped on a black snake! I also drank all my water. I made it back to the visitors center to find the family.

Happy Father's Day!






And here rests Mr and Mrs. Madison


It was already 3:30 so we decided to go out for a late lunch to the BBQ Exchange in Gordonsville. If you haven't been...WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!?!?!?!


My brother's: Pork Brisket


My Dad's: Beef Brisket


Mine: Small BBQ Sandwich


Mom had a salad. She is being good

After the meal, we went over to the old Exchange Hotel but the reenactors for the Civil War display were packing up their stuff.



So down the tracks walked our family.


Hi MOM!


My brother bringing up the rear


Father and son


All ABOARD!




After our adventure with the caboose, we bid farewell and they set forth back to Alexandria. I didn't know where the hell to go. Not home...too early. SOUTH!

Rode down 231 past Hardy's place then hung a left. He will probably kick me in the rear for not stopping by. Back to the best roads around...




Then I purposefully got "Lost". This is a relative term considering I usually know where I am. I was just on roads I had never traveled with no GPS or guidance. I went somewhere past Lake Monticello then south from there.


Picked some more berries


Muddy Waters


Under this bridge


Found a neat creek along Rt 712


And drank from a fresh spring nearby


Then I found this dinosaur and looked around to see if it could be a tag. Nope!


Made my way to North Garden then back up 29. I figured I'd drop by hppyfngy to see if he was around. Sure enough!


He gave me some refreshing tea and some squash from his garden


And I had some time getting reacquainted with my dubb Thanks for the spin!


After our visit, I set forth toward home. But not after a few more shots. This is near Mirador as the sun set over the Blue Ridge


And here is a shot from the BRP looking east toward the Rockfish Valley


Then up to Skyline Drive



For some sunset shots

View North


And the final pic of the day:


Slabbed it home to beat the fading sunlight and unpacked, had a small ice cream, poked around ADV for too long then went to sleep.

I love Virginia.

Hey Mike, NICE BIKE..................thanks for the ride along,looks like fun

Great report!! Thanks for taking me along

Awesome writeup

I'm cool with long days on the road, as long as it's mostly avoiding the slab I've done a few 500 or so mile days...one on the DR. As long as there was good riding, I wasn't thinking about the seat, haha.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardenin...-plants-Green-and-unpleasant-ugly-plants.html