Camping and riding is the best.... as you can see i take my truck.

 

 

You read my mind, I want to go on a KLX camping trip this year, up to Alpine County, CA. I wanted to go last year but we had one of those summers where there were thunder showers near the crest each day. There is some good riding up there but it's too far for a day trip so I thought I'd camp.

I have a low buck luggage strategy that will work for a one off trip. I have a cheap cruiser type saddlebag that can drape over the rear of the seat with the bags resting on the plastics. This forms a platform that will support a duffel bag placed side to side right behind me. Tent, poles, and sleeping bag goes in the duffel, and everything else in the saddlebags. I used to backpack and I still have all the lightweight gear so I can do the trip without having to buy anything new.

There's gas and food in Markleeville so I don't have to haul much there. But having a campfire is a problem as hauling a load of firewood on the KLX poses some logistical problems. Of course, the bike would be stripped down for the days riding.

 

I did 3 days and 700 miles on my Vancouver Island trip. You can read about it here.

700 miles, 4 days, 3 bikes, 2 much fun--1 for the road home - ADVrider

 

Here is where they were befor the Cyclerack. They were out of the way and survived some nasty rock garden tumbles. I forgot that I had to remove them when I mounted the rack. I was planning on putting them in about the same location, just bolted to the rack instead of the plastic.

 

Well good to know I would of thought they would get hit bad on a lay down in that location but if it worked for you.

 

I have trouble fitting everything for a trip on my Vstrom and I wouldn't even attempt it on the KLX. Dunno how you can handle that, but thank you for reminding me why I keep the bikes for separate purposes.

 

Do you know where you'll camp or is it wherever you wind up?

 

That's what I was wondering...

 

^^^

"Dispersed camping" is allowed in the EDNF, if you can handle going without a shower for a couple of days and taking a chance with your neighbors. Theoretically, one can plop anywhere but people generally settle in areas where a dirt road and a year round creek intersect. In the entire EDNF there's probably only 20 - 30 spots which show signs of regular use.

But I was thinking of staying at a spot along the Carson River where I've car camped before. The land is owned by a resort about a mile away that has a couple of cabins, a shower shack, and a small general store that mostly caters to fly fishermen.

It's beautiful country on the east slope of the Sierras where the forest canopy thins out and starts to give way to desert sage dotted with altitude stunted pines and a lot of rocky outcroppings. If I do it I'll be sure to bring a camera and do a write up. The bike will be pretty comical looking on the way out of town because on top of the saddlebags and duffel I'm going to try and see if I can lash down a folding lawn chair.