Tenting, or motels - discuss. [Archive]

98tls

6th July 2006, 14:01

i dont mind the tent at all its the other 1/2 that wont put up with it anymore...mind you a TL1000 isnt the most comfortable thing to sit on the back of for hours on end so i guess she deserves a bit of comfort at the end of the day...now you mention it i am not adverse to a spa myself.:yes: must be a middle age thing eh....

Mrs Busa Pete

6th July 2006, 14:02

i could sleep anywere but wendy needs power/hot water and a flush loo

kiwifruit

6th July 2006, 14:22

depends entirely on the budget

+1

i prefer to stay at a motel
im too soft to stay in a tent, unless its the cold kiwi or something....

Motu

6th July 2006, 14:25

Nights away are what friends are for.

Obviously I don't get out much.....

Biohazard

6th July 2006, 14:26

I'd do either Tent or Hotels ...

When we spent 2 months travelling beginning of the year, we did mostly tent, then now and then Hotels..

Normally though holidays are 5* Hotels all the way :doobey:

Macktheknife

6th July 2006, 14:35

I reckon I have got a bit too soft for the whole tenting thing, especially if my Mrs is there. Shower, loo, fridge, TV, spa if poss, makes the whole days riding just finish beautifully. (with a nice dinner and a couple of quiet ones)
Perfect.
We went away last Xmas/new years and did only Motels and Lodges, it was really nice to get somewhere and relax, not fart around putting up tents, avoiding dodgy camp-grounds, getting rained out/blown over in the wee small hours etc.
We came to the conclusion it is now the only way to go for us.

Robbo

6th July 2006, 14:36

Definately a Motel or a Cosy Cabin. Too much hassell to carry all the gear on the bike that is reqd for a reasonable night of comfort. Only exception is my annual pilgrimage to the Cold Duck Rally but that usually entails a night at a Taupo Motel with a Hot Spa on the way home, just to thaw out and ease all my body aches that i could'nt feel before because of the numbing effect of three days of bourbon consumption.
Mmmmm Guess i must be starting to show my age. LOL

Cheers

Robbo

Warr

6th July 2006, 14:55

Depends on how long you are away for.
Roughing it would be a $20 packpackers and not roughing it would be the spa.
Consider that taking the bike away, (which is usual) is saving $'s so spending for a nice bed etc is ok :)

Goblin

6th July 2006, 14:56

During the warmer months I like nothing more than to get out & tent it. Get back to nature & rough it. However winter turns me into a wuss and ya cant beat a nice warm lecky-blanket to snuggle into. Having seen those Target programs on telly :sick: I'm not all that keen to stay in any motel, no matter how clean they may appear to be. Wouldn't catch me dead in a motel spa! YUK! Soaking in who knows how many peoples bodily fluids:sick:

Squeak the Rat

6th July 2006, 15:00

I woke up this morning under a tent - [I]Huey Lewis & the News :shutup:

Normally I'd do the backpackers option. Going to spend a night or two at Peppers on the Point in Rotorua shortly though. May not be able to go back to the dorm rooms full of German farts....

James Deuce

6th July 2006, 15:00

Old - Motels

bobsmith

6th July 2006, 15:03

5* Hotels all the way :doobey:

Where the hell do you find those in NZ?

Usually my g/f and my travel plans revolve around where we can find the nicest accomodation at reasonable price. Any accomodation with a double spa usually does it...

Motu

6th July 2006, 15:25

We use cabins these days,some put motels to shame.Last one we stayed in had 2 rooms and 3 double beds,TV,shower and a full kitchen,a BBQ area out the back with a river by the back door....and they called it a ''cabin''.Things have changed over the years - I remember over 25 years ago getting a motel (on the way to Cold Kiwi),it was just a room,and they asked if we wanted a heater or a toaster,there was only one power point.No kitchen,no shower,worst ''motel'' I've ever stayed in.(Hamilton...figures)

rogson

6th July 2006, 18:54

Motels in the winter and..............

motels in the summer.

Crisis management

6th July 2006, 19:06

I used to really enjoy tents but the last time I was in one I was stuck on the saddle by Nguarahoe for 15 hours in a blizzard with 30 kids. We spent the entire time holding the tent down and saying "we are enjoying ourselves".

Any further explanation neccessary?

SPman

6th July 2006, 19:14

Spa bath.......spa bath..........
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Oakie

6th July 2006, 19:32

Communal spa pool at the motel we stayed at in Greymouth was a highlight. Well actually it was the young ladies who climbed into it while we were there ... oops, here comes Mrs Oakie ... goodbye...

Yeah, motels...

What?

6th July 2006, 19:54

Tenting is an idea about 20 years past its use-by date for me

Lou Girardin

7th July 2006, 09:04

Some people do tenting well. Eh Finn. But you'd never carry that much stuff on a bike.
There's nothing like having a half hour shower in a warm motel unit after you've done the Lewis Pass in 10 degree weather.

The_Dover

7th July 2006, 09:16

Bloody soft cocks.

I just pull over and crash in a bus shelter with a bottle of meths and a six pack of manfurly. But I'm cheap.

"D" FZ1

7th July 2006, 09:24

You can't beat a Motel with a hot spa after a long ride :yes:

James Deuce

7th July 2006, 09:34

Bloody soft cocks.

I just pull over and crash in a bus shelter with a bottle of meths and a six pack of manfurly. But I'm cheap.Surely you just crash into the bus shelter?

sAsLEX

7th July 2006, 09:38

Go tenting withthe Air Force! They use 11x11 for sleeping somethign a fucktin bigger as the mess tent, they take a full field kitchen , set up working hot showers the works!

The Army you get a glorified rag and a E tool!

Navy, well we dont do camping! Air con and 3 square meals!

Last time I was camping down at St Arnaud it was -12 overnight and the tent doors were solid with ice in the morning and you could swing them open!

And at Dip Flat out tent blew away and we got snowed on! Oh the fun!

The_Dover

7th July 2006, 09:38

Surely you just crash into the bus shelter?

Only if I've been tucking into the meths during the ride.

The_Dover

7th July 2006, 09:41

Lou Girardin

7th July 2006, 09:58

Surely you just crash into the bus shelter?

When Dover says he's going to crash. He's being literal.

Macktheknife

7th July 2006, 10:13

The navy don't do camping but they do indulge in a fair bit of cottaging by all accounts.
I thought it was pronounced 'frottaging' ? lol

Goblin

7th July 2006, 10:16

Some people do tenting well. Eh Finn. But you'd never carry that much stuff on a bike.

When are you going to find your way out of Finn's arse?

Motu

7th July 2006, 12:27

Finn has money - Lou will stay in there until the money runs out.....pick him up with some 3 ply when the time comes.

Lou Girardin

7th July 2006, 12:32

Finn has money - Lou will stay in there until the money runs out.....pick him up with some 3 ply when the time comes.

What are you trying to say Motu?
I have money. I just counted it, 5$ and a bunch of Euros at home.

Mrs Busa Pete

7th July 2006, 15:37

realisticly we should be staying with other kbers when out of town just post your dates of travel some one should offer

The_Dover

7th July 2006, 15:41

That was my plan too Pete.

Except when I go to the naki or west coast. I value my anal virginity at $1 meeellion dollars..

Maha

7th July 2006, 15:53

Motel for us, but dont care about the spa thing... i can make my own bubbles....:blip:

Biohazard

7th July 2006, 16:06

i can make my own bubbles....:blip: thats disgusting :sick:

The_Dover

7th July 2006, 16:06

I thought it was pronounced 'frottaging' ? lol

Hey man, I'm not expert on the subject.

Ask Alex :nya:

Lou Girardin

7th July 2006, 16:10

That was my plan too Pete.

Except when I go to the naki or west coast. I value my anal virginity.

Even a Naki boy can afford $1.50.

mstriumph

7th July 2006, 16:44

Do you like to commune with nature in all her discomfort?
Or does the thought of a spa bath make that last hour of riding fly by?

insufficient info
- does the hypothetical tent have a hypothetical en-suite, room service and minibar?

Finn

7th July 2006, 16:47

Some people do tenting well. Eh Finn.

Well last year we packed a lot lighter than usual;

Camp list;

1 x Fuck off tent with sunroom and kitchen
1 x Gas fridge / freezer
1 x Gas cooker with oven
1 x BBQ (normal)
1 x super delux bed with down underlay
1 x 17" LCD
1 x SKY decoder (for above)
1 x Laptop with wireless (porn)
1 x Combined shower & shitter tent
1 x Chemical toilet
1 x Shower
1 x Water pump (hooked into bore) with on demand gas heater
1 x 2.3 Mtr inflatable boat (2hp yamaha)
1 x Long line
1 x Lighting system (more on that later)
1 x Dirt bike

Now given we camp remotely, there is no power or facilities. So, you ask, how does he power all this shit?

1 x Covered trailer with 120 watt solar panels
3 x 120 A/H deep cycle gel batteries
1 x 1000 watt pure sine wave inverter
1 x Honda (the mighty) 2kw Generator (required for sound system - new years)

Nah, nothing like roughing it I say.

mstriumph

7th July 2006, 16:48

............. I value my anal virginity at $1 meeellion dollars..

........................... if that's an auction reserve, shouldn't this post be in the 'online trading' forum? :innocent:

Lou Girardin

7th July 2006, 16:57

insufficient info
- does the hypothetical tent have a hypothetical en-suite, room service and minibar?

It can have any hyothetical thing your little hypothetical heart desires.
Back to reality now.

Finn

7th July 2006, 16:57

Finn has money - Lou will stay in there until the money runs out.....pick him up with some 3 ply when the time comes.

Hey, Lou has never asked me for friendship money.

Lou Girardin

7th July 2006, 17:00

That was my plan too Pete.
I value my anal virginity at $1 meeellion dollars..

Another unrealistic vendor.
You'll eventually have to meat the market.

Robbo

7th July 2006, 17:14

Well last year we packed a lot lighter than usual;

Camp list;

1 x Fuck off tent with sunroom and kitchen
1 x Gas fridge / freezer
1 x Gas cooker with oven
1 x BBQ (normal)
1 x super delux bed with down underlay
1 x 17" LCD
1 x SKY decoder (for above)
1 x Laptop with wireless (porn)
1 x Combined shower & shitter tent
1 x Chemical toilet
1 x Shower
1 x Water pump (hooked into bore) with on demand gas heater
1 x 2.3 Mtr inflatable boat (2hp yamaha)
1 x Long line
1 x Lighting system (more on that later)
1 x Dirt bike

Now given we camp remotely, there is no power or facilities. So, you ask, how does he power all this shit?

1 x Covered trailer with 120 watt solar panels
3 x 120 A/H deep cycle gel batteries
1 x 1000 watt pure sine wave inverter
1 x Honda (the mighty) 2kw Generator (required for sound system - new years)

Nah, nothing like roughing it I say.

If you can figure out how to pack that lot onto a motorbike then i may re-consider my point of view on camping.

Cheers

Finn

7th July 2006, 17:16

If you can figure out how to pack that lot onto a motorbike then i may re-consider my point of view on camping.

Cheers

Thai people manage.

Oakie

7th July 2006, 18:21

There's nothing like having a half hour shower in a warm motel unit after you've done the Lewis Pass in 10 degree weather.

Yes there is. Maruia Springs hot pools for 40 minutes while doing the Lewis Pass. in 10 degrees.

Lou Girardin

8th July 2006, 10:47

Yes there is. Maruia Springs hot pools for 40 minutes while doing the Lewis Pass. in 10 degrees.

True. But you still have to get back on the bike instead of walking down to the 'Old Post Office' for a meal to die for.

Oakie

8th July 2006, 19:31

True. But you still have to get back on the bike instead of walking down to the 'Old Post Office' for a meal to die for.

Yes. Was a bummer having to throw all the wet weather gear on again and still ride half way across the island after the soak (and there were no 'hot' 20 yr old Brazilian / German / Californian women to share the pool with us at Maruia like there were at the motel. Just a 60 year old wrinkly ex hippie and her man-friend).

crusa

9th July 2006, 17:40

Looking at going through lewis pass and having a dip in feb 07 can anyone tell me if highway 70 is sealed road bettween kaikoura and waiau

Cheers

scumdog

9th July 2006, 21:17

realisticly we should be staying with other kbers when out of town just post your dates of travel some one should offer

Kinda my line of thought too.

But Cb and I tent in the summer months and motel/back-pack in winter.

Always look for a motel with a heated floor if you're sick of a long wet night and need somewhere to stop - you can dry your gear overnight on the floor.

Be wary of el cheapo cabins with a shower if you want to warm up after a cold wet ride - the hot water cylinder often appears to hold only 20 litres, not enough to get the circulation flowing again.:gob:

And tenting gear is: A tent (surprise-surprise) with a vestibule, a pair of self inflating 'poofter-pads' (a shitload better than those foam pads) and a pair of zip-together down-filled (down is MUST) sleeping bags, with that you can be pretty confortable and warm.

babyB

9th July 2006, 22:01

gez guys...are there no bike nomads left out there

ive been knowen to camp out with nothing but me helmet for a pillow & leathers for me blanky:doobey:

Oakie

9th July 2006, 22:21

gez guys...are there no bike nomads left out there

ive been knowen to camp out with nothing but me helmet for a pillow & leathers for me blanky:doobey:

What? Forgot to put your pack on the bike huh?

sAsLEX

10th July 2006, 09:05

(down is MUST)

pfft been to -17 in my Qaulofil bag and that was fine!

Finn

10th July 2006, 09:39

pfft been to -17 in my Qaulofil bag and that was fine!

pfft x infinity. -38 in Finland. Burn baby.

sAsLEX

10th July 2006, 09:55

pfft x infinity. -38 in Finland. Burn baby.

here you go

<img src=http://www.gruntsmilitary.com/ima/medals/purpleheart.jpg>

Goblin

10th July 2006, 10:09

gez guys...are there no bike nomads left out there

ive been knowen to camp out with nothing but me helmet for a pillow & leathers for me blanky:doobey:
I think we are the only ones to actually rough it. All the blokes need all the namby pamby luxuries....and call themselves bikers.:laugh: :nya:

Lou Girardin

10th July 2006, 10:39

Kind of on subject. Does anyone use www.wotif.co.nz?
There's some real savings on last minute accomodation.

Finn

10th July 2006, 10:49

here you go

<img src=http://www.gruntsmilitary.com/ima/medals/purpleheart.jpg>

Got one of those. Picked it up on Trademe.

Lou Girardin

10th July 2006, 12:10

Got one of those. Picked it up on Trademe.

That's nothing, I have a VD and scar.

inlinefour

10th July 2006, 12:21

Do you like to commune with nature in all her discomfort?
Or does the thought of a spa bath make that last hour of riding fly by?

A Tent is acceptable but a cabin means that I dont have to drag the tent around with me. My Mrs used to have the need to goto hotels or motels. I got pretty annoyed with that (Im not sure exactly why, but I did). I suggested that we bugger off home again because I did not feel that he was having any form of holiday. She now accepts staying in cabins, Im still working on her regarding tenting. Will organise a holiday just tenting down the beaches etc. Reckon I'll let her know about the time I c=want to ut the tent up? Yes I can put it up by myself.... :yes:

sAsLEX

10th July 2006, 12:36

That's nothing, I have a VD and scar.

Venereal Diesese?

shafty

10th July 2006, 12:36

We like both; Having 2 bikes helps heaps, with the tent going on the packrack, with the actual pack facing the front of the Meanstreak (over the seat), and with hard luggage on the ST, its super easy to camp; Fav spots include Tapu - in fact anywhere with a pub within a stroll - cheap meal and some coldies to soften the ground!

Another fav is country pubs - a great way to meet the locals. We did a month round the Sth ISland this way, had some classic nights and a room from as little as $30! Ofcourse, they know you are a captive audience for their food and drinks, but we were willing victims!! Also a great way to learn of magical biking roads.....

mstriumph

10th July 2006, 13:07

It can have any hyothetical thing your little hypothetical heart desires.
Back to reality now.

mmmm i suppose reality is niiiiiiiiiiice ........... but i wouldn't want to LIVE there :confused:

MSTRS

10th July 2006, 16:55

Old - Motels

to be read as "Cheap - friends"....:nya:

scumdog

10th July 2006, 17:00

pfft been to -17 in my Qaulofil bag and that was fine!

They may be warm but don't 'scrunch' down as well as down and make for a bulky bundle.

babyB

10th July 2006, 23:45

I think we are the only ones to actually rough it. All the blokes need all the namby pamby luxuries....and call themselves bikers.:laugh: :nya:
only way to go ay gal:niceone:
and second that:nya:

Kickaha

11th July 2006, 09:09

I think we are the only ones to actually rough it. All the blokes need all the namby pamby luxuries....and call themselves bikers.:laugh: :nya:

Really?, here's were I stayed in Wellington on more than one trip (ok it was a while ago) room service was crap though :lol:

Finn

11th July 2006, 09:24

Really?, here's were I stayed in Wellington on more than one trip (ok it was a while ago) room service was crap though :lol:

Are you a homeless person?

Let's all chip in and raise some money so Kickaha can at least have a nice warm cardboard box.

The_Dover

11th July 2006, 09:59

Are you a homeless person?

Let's all chip in and raise some money so Kickaha can at least have a nice warm cardboard box.

He'd have to make sure it was insured, just incase Motu decided to run it over in his kiddie killa Pajero.

Goblin

11th July 2006, 10:04

Let's all chip in and raise some money so Kickaha can at least have a nice warm cardboard box.
I can give him a ball of lint & a button.

Kickaha

11th July 2006, 10:28

Let's all chip in and raise some money so Kickaha can at least have a nice warm cardboard box.

If you raise enough can I have a wooden one with cardboard liner?

Finn

11th July 2006, 11:21

If you raise enough can I have a wooden one with cardboard liner?

Only if you star in my latest Bum Fight movie.

Edit: Wait a minute. You've still got the same bike. How do we know this photo wasn't taken today?

Goblin

11th July 2006, 12:21

Only if you star in my latest Bum Fight movie.

Kickaha v Colapop? Could be onto a winner here Finn.

Kickaha

11th July 2006, 13:07

Edit: Wait a minute. You've still got the same bike. How do we know this photo wasn't taken today?

Wasn't my bike, it was my Brothers RZ500, sold a long time ago and now owned by another KB member

merv

11th July 2006, 13:29

Are you a homeless person?

Let's all chip in and raise some money so Kickaha can at least have a nice warm cardboard box.

Didn't Motu find a box in his Pajero? Just as well Kickaha wasn't in it.

scumdog

11th July 2006, 13:47

If using underneath of a truck as 'accomadation' there are two things to be aware of:
(1) sleeping under stock trucks is a :nono: unless you enjoy getting in the shit more than normal.
(2) Always make sure you are not under the diff or gearbox 'cause the dripping oil will not enhance the insulationg properties of your sleeping-bag (if you have one) and it stinks. (but not as much as (1)).

Ixion

11th July 2006, 13:54

When young , I used to overnight on the bike by lying a tarp on the ground, bike on top of tarp, on the windward side. Log or something across tarp 3 foot from bike, and tarp back up and across the bike seat. Thus making a sort of little tent. And thus to sleep, with my legs under the bike, thus making it hard for anyone to move it without waking me.

Only problem was, as you say, the damn oil driops from the old Triumphs. Puizzled people how I got the oil over my trousers.

Never bothered with sleeping bags or such paraphenalia, we woz hard in them days.

sunhuntin

11th July 2006, 22:57

i tent it....discovered a love for tents while in canada. my favourite was going to a bike rally with my then partner...after 2 tenting sessions i got know exactly how to pack the bike so we could take everything needed and then how to load the tent onto the back by the exhaust, but still have it high enough not to get burned. best time was port dover...3am, both of us half cut and pitching a tent. somehow we managed to avoid the dogshit everywhere!!

now i load the sleeping bag and bedroll [my only concession for my back!] on the front end, bungy corded round the forks, tent on the seat behind me, bungyed to the topbox brackets. i love it!! pretty good for a gn! LOL and when settled, the cover thats meant to go over the tent goes over the bike and staked down. [tent doesnt have a big enough door to let her through!]

scumdog

11th July 2006, 23:05

Likewise SH, when unpacking and putting the tent up CB and self can have it done before the first can is drunk.

Packing the next morning is a little slower sometimes.:sick:

sunhuntin

11th July 2006, 23:11

Likewise SH, when unpacking and putting the tent up CB and self can have it done before the first can is drunk.

Packing the next morning is a little slower sometimes.:sick:

i cant recall how long we stayed in dover...i think 2 nights....but it took ages to get the tent down and the bike loaded...always the way with glenn...last to get there, last to leave. lol. damn i miss that guy:weep: same with anywhere we went where the tent was required. wed get there in time to stake out a good spot not far from the loos, but far enough away from the others.

scumdog

11th July 2006, 23:18

i cant recall how long we stayed in dover...i think 2 nights....but it took ages to get the tent down and the bike loaded...always the way with glenn...last to get there, last to leave. lol. damn i miss that guy:weep: same with anywhere we went where the tent was required. wed get there in time to stake out a good spot not far from the loos, but far enough away from the others.

Use to tent with Mongoose, he was a shocker, often our tent would be the last one still at the site - and he'd STILL be snoring!!

Luckily I met CB and we managed not to have to share a tent with him too much.

sunhuntin

12th July 2006, 13:28

Use to tent with Mongoose, he was a shocker, often our tent would be the last one still at the site - and he'd STILL be snoring!!

Luckily I met CB and we managed not to have to share a tent with him too much.

hahaha. id be among the first up, and would usually drag glenn out with me. so wed sorta kick around and watch everyone else wake up and moan about hangovers, lmfao. but somedays wed wake up and just stay where we were.

i love tenting and cant wait for paeroa next year!!

NUTBAR

12th July 2006, 20:34

I only use the tent if im on my own, kind of run out of room with the missis on the back. taken a while just to get her to leave stuff we dont need at home, suit case etc.:innocent: When we go up north we stay at waiwera, in a cabin. a short walk to hot pools after a long ride.

pritch

13th July 2006, 10:47

Last time I was in the South Island I stayed in hotels / motels but that does tend to be expensive and thus limit the duration of the trip. Next time I make a summer trip down there I'd like to tent with the occasional night in a motel or country pub.

geoffm

13th July 2006, 21:01

Backpackers - get the BBH guidebook. Pubs provide cheap good accomodation, with only a short distance to travel after a few pints...

Pixie

14th July 2006, 11:06

Goblin

14th July 2006, 11:13

Wuss
You can get worse germs eating lettuce :nya:
Me? a wuss?? I eat allsorts but I wont soak in a cesspit of old cum & chlorine:sick:

Dooly

14th July 2006, 11:52

I wont soak in a sesspit of old cum & chlorine:sick:

Put that way....I dont blame you!:yes:

*Mental pic* Yikes!!!!!!

The_Dover

14th July 2006, 15:17

Yeah, Goblin is allergic to chlorine. ;)

scumdog

14th July 2006, 23:54

Yeah, Goblin is allergic to chlorine. ;)

OK, I'll stop washing me jocks in the resident motel spa-pool from now on.

I guess I'll just have to not wear any at all in the spa.

acewheelie

15th July 2006, 08:02

Has to be a Motel for me, no room on my bike for any gear!

crazybigal

15th July 2006, 22:23

haha thats my big bros old ty! what happened you sick of it? or the lack of stopping power!!

+1

i prefer to stay at a motel
im too soft to stay in a tent, unless its the cold kiwi or something....

kiwifruit

16th July 2006, 02:07

haha thats my big bros old ty! what happened you sick of it? or the lack of stopping power!!

I love the bike but i need to pay fo my racebike which i love slightly more :wait:
Yeah, the brakes are the weak point for sure on the ty, would be a different bike with a disk up front.

Beemer

19th July 2006, 16:56

Mrs H's and my definition of "roughing it" is a motel without spa or Sky.

I'm with the Hitchers on this one - my beloved used to love camping out under the stars but it's not something I've got any hankering to do. I can cope with cabins at a campground if I really have to, but they must have their own bathroom and cooking facilities (like the ones in Taupo).

On our South Island tour in 2000 there were 12 of us staying in what I thought was called the 'bug house' in Arrowtown. It was actually the bunkhouse but I think my description was more apt! I hated it, all the snoring and farting - and that was just me! :nya: It was the weekend of the Race to the Sky and also Warbirds over Wanaka so when we tried to get a room it was nearly impossible - there was one double room available but it was $150 a night and you had to pay for three nights! We ended up taking a break from the group for a couple of nights later that week and headed to Omarama where we stayed in a real motel with hot showers and a restaurant! Bliss, I happily paid for it to get some peace and quiet!

Hitcher, you guys can travel with us any time you like!

merv

19th July 2006, 19:35

I don't worry about Sky but at least a queensize bed and spa bath will do.

Have spent one night in a tent in all my life and I showed you the pic of that when I rode the XL175 to Waikaremoana in 1976. Haven't bother since it just wasn't comfortable enough.

Beemer how come you even decided to sleep with 12 total? Was that his idea? Hey only thing worse could be sleeping with about 200 on a marae floor.

Was that the trip that I saw you over at Alexandra because that trip we were staying in a real motel at Arrowtown ourselves and I didn't realise you were staying in Arrowtown?

Wolf

23rd August 2006, 16:55

Gods, the young bastidges of today! Only a couple of the chicks and the ancient Ixion have any pioneer-kiwi cred!

So far.

"Single-person" tent (two-person if you know each other and like each other a lot. OK, maybe you just have to like each other...) -10 degree sleeping bag, a smallish backpack (I used to lug a much larger one crammed to capacity up the mountains in my foolhardy youth but tired of having to lug the crap back out so I got a smaller pack and learned how to cull the unnecessary shit out of my travelling gear), occasionally a foam roll or a small single quilt to act as padding beneath my back, some cooking gear, some warm clothes, a few survival-related items (survival kit, first aid kit, reflective mylar blanket) and a couple of camping knives. Really don't need much more than that - except food and toilet paper, which can be bought on the way. Plus tools when I'm on the bike.

Compared with sleeping under the stars or in a fern bivouac or under a tarp, all that is luxury.

It all fits in/on the one pack that is small enough to fit on the back of the XT - it's what I'll be carrying to the Kiwi in a little over a week.

The only toiletries I bother carrying are soap and a towel - I don't mind if my teeth go unbrushed or my beard unshaved for a while. I'm camping out, not visiting the Waldorf-Astoria.

I've stayed in motels a few times and a backpackers hostel once (we had a young baby and strayjuliet was pregnant at the time) and I've slept in the Wharenui on a Marae.

If I were doing an NZ tour over the course of a few weeks, I'd actually do a mix of camping and backpackers depending on what facilities were available wherever I ended up that night and where there were vacancies.

ManDownUnder

23rd August 2006, 17:00

Depends who's paying...

5 Star Hotels are great on the company account... I'll happily tent and eat beans on my own

merv

23rd August 2006, 17:17

I'll happily tent and eat beans on my own

Eating beans no wonder you are on your own.

Roj

11th September 2006, 23:12

I have travelled with a large tent and associated gear with my partner on her bike, air mattress and sleeping bags, staying at camping grounds over a period of 2 weeks, reasonably comfortable but not as nice as a motel, a mix of the 2 would be good as it gives a some space away from the world, a tent is never private, usually end up waking up very early and can hear everything happening around you, great if you are tramping in the bush but sometimes there are sounds going on you don't won't to hear

Wolf

12th September 2006, 10:33

a tent is never private, usually end up waking up very early and can hear everything happening around you, great if you are tramping in the bush but sometimes there are sounds going on you don't won't to hear
True, I went camping with a couple up in the bush - I really wish I'd pitched my tent further away...

...Like on the other side of the ridge.

Apparently it was the first time they had mated in the wild.

judecatmad

12th September 2006, 12:14

Love camping but only at properly serviced camp sites. Found a really good one in Rotovegas and another in Napier.

Camping isn't possible the way I do it without a car tho, so if we're on the bikes (as we will be going down to Ch-ch over labour weekend), it's motels or friends/family for us.

Wolf

12th September 2006, 13:14

Love camping but only at properly serviced camp sites.
I actually don't much like camping at such sites - too crowded, often. Much prefer to backpack my gear up into secluded bushland.

The Cold Kiwi was a "cushy camp" for me - all I had to do was pilot the motorcycle, it did all the heavy lifting - my gear and me - and then all I had to do was unload it and pitch my tent. Compared with hauling the gear on my back up a mountain trail for about 3 hours and rock-hopping up a mountain stream for another half hour (told you I like "secluded", not many people go off the established tracks), the Cold Kiwi was a doddle. Also didn't have to carry some the stuff I carry into the bush (folding shovel, sufficient food for the duration, toilet paper etc) as there were on-site toilets and I was able to pop into town to get what I needed after setting up camp.

I'd use established "drive-in" camping grounds when touring the country by bike and probably carry a slightly larger tent than the one I currently have so I'd have room to store my gear at night (I cheated and stored my gear in the front section of Roj's tent at the Cold Kiwi) - after all, I don't have to lug the thing anywhere.

RiderInBlack

12th September 2006, 13:29

gez guys...are there no bike nomads left out there

ive been knowen to camp out with nothing but me helmet for a pillow & leathers for me blanky:doobey:Yep she's a tough one (what a woman, most girls I know can't even handle Backpackers let alone tents). Introduced me ta to joys of sleep under the star (no tent, waterproof sleeping bag and our bike leathers). Was Awesome, but glad it didn't rain that night, LOL.
I'm a bit softer than that. Love tenting with "Roxanne". I use a backpacker's 2-man cycle tent and a double self inflating mat (getting softer in me old age). Don't believe in paying for camping grounds when there are so many awesome stop ta pitch for free in NZ. On tour I'll very between stay with friends (So many KBers ta thank here), tenting and backpackers/cabins.
Have pitch tent in a bus stop (see http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=19649&d=1131442120 , http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=19650&d=1131442120 & http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=19651&d=1131442120 ). Was Awesome cause I could fit "Roxanne" in with me:love:
Ya really haven't bike toured NZ if ya haven't done the Impromptu Outdoors Biker Camping Thing IMHO. Don't be Soft C's. Get in to it Dudes and Dudettes:Punk:

Wolf

12th September 2006, 13:49

Don't believe in paying for camping grounds when there are so many awesome stop ta pitch for free in NZ. ...Ya really haven't bike toured NZ if ya haven't done the Impromptu Outdoors Biker Camping Thing IMHO. Don't be Soft C's. Get in to it Dudes and Dudettes:Punk:
Which raises the question: where are you allowed to "faire le camping sauvage" when on the road? Are you permitted to pitch your tent in one of the many rest areas that dot our highways and by ways? Or must you locate a scenic bush walk and wander a few metres up the track?

RiderInBlack

12th September 2006, 15:51

Which raises the question: where are you allowed to "faire le camping sauvage" when on the road? Are you permitted to pitch your tent in one of the many rest areas that dot our highways and by ways? Or must you locate a scenic bush walk and wander a few metres up the track?
Never been to worried about the legal side of it.
If the spot is on some farm land I try ta find the landowner/farmer and ask. It's the Country Etiquette thing. Besides if ya lucky and come across farmers like us ya just might get a floor or bed instead. If they say no, well not harm done, ya ride on a bit.

Road verges big enough so ya bike and tent are well off the road with something that hides ya tent and bike from the road are fair game for me. So are most rest areas that don't have a no camping sign.

Done the DOC land thing even where there is a no camping sign. But have made sure the bike and tent can not be seen easily from the road.

I choose my sites carefully as I'm more worried about someone doing something to my bike than anything else. I'm never at any site for more over night so by the time anyone has noticed I'm there, I've gone.

Wolf

12th September 2006, 16:30

I choose my sites carefully as I'm more worried about someone doing something to my bike than anything else.
That'd be my big concern, too. I know a couple of rest areas with lots of bush and cover where you could park and camp out of sight but most I've seen you'd be out in the open. Would not be able to get to sleep for fear that the local Yahoos would spot the tent and bike and cause problems - would rather be "off the beaten track" up in the bush or at a dedicated camping ground where casual wanderers are less likely to go.

A few motion detectors and an automated weapons system to set up as a makeshift perimeter would be cool, though...

Podo

17th September 2006, 10:07

We are flexible about accomodation, as long as it has got 4 walls, roof, 8' stud, insulation, plumbing, drainage, electricity, code of compliance certificate and somewhere secure for the bike.

Wolf

17th September 2006, 11:05

Hitcher

17th September 2006, 14:05

Roj

17th September 2006, 19:41

We are flexible about accomodation, as long as it has got 4 walls, roof, 8' stud, insulation, plumbing, drainage, electricity, code of compliance certificate and somewhere secure for the bike.

so the cold kiwi would almost qualify, of course, it is only the club members that can use the unit they had in their area but I am sure it would meet those requirements, unless you meant that the facilities had to be available for your use.

Wolf

17th September 2006, 20:43

You forgot Sky TV and a spa. A plunger and ground coffee doesn't go amiss either...
It'd have to be a fresh fill spa and if you're going to stay in a motel you might as well hold out for one that has an Espresso machine...

Hitcher

17th September 2006, 21:38

you might as well hold out for one that has an Espresso machine...

H'aint found one of those darned furnangling appliances in a motel yet. May never leave if I do...

babyB

20th September 2006, 13:58

Yep she's a tough one (what a woman, most girls I know can't even handle Backpackers let alone tents). Introduced me ta to joys of sleep under the star (no tent, waterproof sleeping bag and our bike leathers). Was Awesome, but glad it didn't rain that night, LOL.
:lol: called travelin light.... (not a kitchen sink in sight :nya: )
spontaneous crusing is such freedom :2thumbsup

alman

31st October 2006, 18:12

Where the hell do you find those in NZ?

Usually my g/f and my travel plans revolve around where we can find the nicest accomodation at reasonable price. Any accomodation with a double spa usually does it...
check out cabins at camping grounds they often very reasonable especially top ten franchise ones they have spa's available also

slimyxylofone

31st October 2006, 20:46

scumdog

31st October 2006, 21:50

Has anyone camped at the White Horse Hill DOC Campsite near Mt Cook? I'm planning on strapping a little tent onto the bike and staying there by myself in a few weeks. Looking foward to getting out by myself.

Anyone know what the road access is like (gravel etc?) and whether my sprot bike will be okay?

Can't answer your questions but I'll ask you one: are you going to the great KB Rally to Mt Cook on 9th-10th December?

See the 'Otago - Southland Great KB Rally' thread for more info.

scumdog

31st October 2006, 21:53

We are flexible about accomodation, as long as it has got 4 walls, roof, 8' stud, insulation, plumbing, drainage, electricity, code of compliance certificate and somewhere secure for the bike.

Me? As long as there is ground to lie on and I'm suitably 'alcohol enhanced' then a flat (ish) piece of ground is all I require.:yes:

slimyxylofone

1st November 2006, 09:32

Can't answer your questions but I'll ask you one: are you going to the great KB Rally to Mt Cook on 9th-10th December?

See the 'Otago - Southland Great KB Rally' thread for more info.

Would be keen but I'll be living in Auckland for the summer. This trip to Mt Cook is a detour on my ride up from Dunedin to Auckland.

Bloody Mad Woman (BMW)

14th November 2006, 13:22

Last Xmas I had to do the budget thing, took my flatmate's tent - the first time I saw it was when I was putting it up - she's a midget!! Just about got claustophobic and a 5mm rubber roll on the bottom is not enough padding! The next nite I could not face the hard ground or putting up the tent - so backpackers it was - as long as I have access to a mattress, shower and loo - I'm sweet.

Motels/hotels would be great - my budget doesn't stretch that far.

Beware I hope to travel up the north island in my 3 weeks off at Xmas - may take the laptop and email KB'ers for a bed!! lol But at the moment concentrating on getting the bike revinned and reregistered!! otherwise I won't be goin nowhere!