~ ~ Rev Up for Adventure ~ ~ How to be Ready for the First Motocamping Ride of the Year
In the Pacific Northwest, I learned as a child the first signs of spring are seeing a robin hopping around looking for worms or the crocus popping through the earth. While these are certainly terrific signs the thing that indicates spring for me is seeing the street sweepers out clearing the sand and gravel off the roads.
Once those street sweepers are spotted it’s time to get out and start riding. We are well into spring and it’s time to dig out the camping gear, dust off the saddlebags, fire up the engine, and head out on the first motocamping adventure of the year. Keep a look out for the spring flowers they are all around and add so much color to the ride.
There’s an undeniable thrill in hitting the road on two wheels, especially when combined with the freedom of camping. Temperatures can still be quite brisk during this time of year, but riding season is here and we need to be prepared. Come along as we get ready for an unforgettable motocamping adventure and discuss essential tips for riding and camping in cooler weather.
Preparation Tips:
Check Your Gear: Before that first ride, thoroughly inspect your motorcycle and camping gear for any signs of wear or damage. It’s better to find issues at home than be caught off guard during the ride.- Plan the Route: It’s fun to travel without a solid plan at times but it’s good idea not to do that on the first ride of the season. Have at least a rough idea of fuel stops, rest stops and campsites. During the cool weather knowing what’s ahead is a lot better than figuring it out as you go and taking a chance of riding a lot later than you want.
Once the sun sets it can get extremely cold while riding. - Stay Hydrated: It’s easy to overlook hydration when the temperatures are cooler, but staying properly hydrated is just as important in cold weather as it is in hot weather. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the ride. Adding electrolytes to the day often helps as well.
- Stay Flexible: Mother Nature can be unpredictable, especially in the mountains. Be prepared to adjust your plans accordingly if weather conditions take a turn for the worse.
Gear Essentials:
- Layer Up: When it comes to riding in cooler temperatures, layering is key. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat at bay, and followed by insulating layers like fleece or wool.
- Electric heated jacket liners make a big difference. Being able to adjust the heat, turn it on, or off as needed makes all the difference. There are also heated boot liners, pants, and gloves for a complete warming package.
- Gloves and Hand Warmers: Invest in a pair of insulated riding gloves to keep your hands warm and agile on the handlebars. Consider bringing along hand warmers for an extra boost of heat during chilly rides if your bike doesn’t have heated grips. There are disposable hand warmers and rechargeable handwarmers that can be used over and over.
- Have heated grips installed on the motorcycle. Keeping the extremities warm makes controlling the motorcycle easier.
- Boots: It doesn’t matter what the season is, good boots are essential. Nice warm wool socks help keep the feet warm and there are also heated socks powered by a battery.
- Top it off with a good motorcycle jacket and pants that include armor.
Headgear: A quality balaclava, neck gaiter, or buff can make all the difference in keeping your neck and face protected from biting winds. When buying one make sure the upper part that covers your head is light weight so your helmet will fit over it.- Don’t forget the raingear even if the forecast indicates there won’t be raining. Even if it’s not raining when you are cold with what you are wearing add the raingear and it will add more warmth.
- Warmth from Within: Don’t be in a hurry at fuel stops take a few extra minutes to enjoy some hot coffee, tea, or soup to keep you warm from the inside out.
- Emergency Supplies: Always carry a basic first-aid kit, emergency blanket, and portable phone charger in case of unexpected situatio
Camping Essentials:
Use at least a three-season tent, one that if the wind blows the breeze won’t enter the tent. A double-wall tent helps keep condensation at bay.- Sleeping Gear: Be sure your sleeping bag is rated for colder temperatures than you anticipate encountering. The rating is more for what will keep you alive rather than what will keep you comfortable. If you sleep cold you might want to go with even a lower rating than you think you will need.
- Another warming option it to put hot water is a tight sealing Nalgene or similar type bottle wrap it in a t-shirt and put it in the sleeping bag to warm the bag and you. Hand warmers in your sleeping bag help too.
- Use a good insulated sleeping pad. They are also rated so get one that is insulated well. Air mattresses will bring the cold from the ground up to you while the insulated pad keeps that cold air off your warm body.
- Put on clean, dry sleeping clothes right before crawling into your sleeping bag. Even if what you were wearing around the campfire feels dry it probably has a little normal moisture in it and it won’t keep you as warm as fresh dry bed clothes.
- Wear socks or down booties to bed. Warm feet will help keep you warmer.
Wearing a beanie hat to keep your head warm keeps heat loss from your head minimal. As a bonus if you wear a beanie with a light if you have to get up during the night you won’t need to look for your flashlight, it will be right there on your head.- Even if you don’t think you need to be sure to use the bathroom right before bed. By doing this, you save energy for other parts of your body, helping them stay warm throughout the night. While you sleep, your body directs energy towards keeping your bladder warm, don’t waste that warmth on a partially full bladder.
A Word of Caution:
As the riding season kicks off, it’s important to remember the risks of hypothermia and dehydration, which often get overlooked after the winter hiatus. While they remain relevant throughout the riding season, they tend to fade from our minds while we aren’t actively riding.
Don't overlook safety for the sake of pride
Hypothermia occurs when your body’s core temperature drops due to prolonged exposure to cold, leading to impaired brain function and bodily processes, and it can be fatal if not treated promptly. Symptoms include shivering, confusion, exhaustion, and slurred speech. Despite being commonly associated with extreme cold, it can happen in temperatures as high as 50°F (10°C), especially when exposed to wind or rain, such as when riding a motorcycle.
Dehydration results from the body losing more fluids than it takes in, often due to insufficient fluid intake or excessive fluid loss. Rehydration with water or electrolyte solutions is crucial. Symptoms include thirst, dark urine, dizziness, and fatigue. Dehydration is not exclusive to hot weather; it can occur in cold weather too, as riders may not drink enough fluids. Severe dehydration can be life-threatening and requires prompt attention.
The Bottom Line:
There is no shame in canceling plans if the weather shifts downward. It’s the smart thing to do.
Getting out for a ride after a long winter is exhilarating, and spring in the Pacific Northwest brings its own unique joys. Spring flowers are blooming everywhere, a sight that never fails to lift the spirits. Fields and open spaces that get brown in the summer are now showing green. The rivers are full of water from the spring runoff from the mountains. And don’t forget the waterfalls, holy cow, the water is rushing over them. The warmth of the sun and the crisp, fresh spring air creates a delightful atmosphere.
The first motocamping ride of the year is an adventure like no other. With the right gear, being prepared, and embracing the spirit of adventure, you’ll be well-equipped to make unforgettable memories. So, rev up your engine, bundle up, and set off on that first motocamping adventure of the year. It’s time to kickstart your riding season and enjoy your riding season in style!
Enjoy the season and enjoy the ride!