Packed Up and Gassed Up

skiphunt · May 5, 2013

Just heading out for 5 days, but packed for a month+ trip to see if I was going to be able to pack everything without the need of panniers. I've got still & video gear including GoPro Hero 3. iPad & Bluetooth keyboard for travel blogging. Tools, slime compressor & tire repair kit, tent, hammock, all the clothes I need even if the temps dip down to 32F. Book, shower stuff, potable solar panel, water heating coil & 22oz collapsible cap with lid & plenty of instant starbucks pouches, 5 days worth of food and even a liter bag of red wine!

bamamate · May 5, 2013

5 days and only 1 liter of wine? Something doesn't add up.

miss demeaner · May 5, 2013

how much of a pita is that rear pack going to be gassing up?
don't forget take lots of pics please.
we live vicariously thru you, lol.

trooper · May 5, 2013

Definitely jealous right now!! You go camp, I'll just go to work all week!! Have fun, by the way, what state are you in or going to camp in? Michigan has had a few great riding days but still not super warm here yet.

skiphunt · May 5, 2013

The vino is in a refillable 1L Platypus beverage bag. I'm sure it'll be easy to fine more to refill it with

I'm using the platypus because its lighter & packs easier than a bottle. Plus, it holds an extra 250ML

The fill up was not a PITA at all. That's where the ROK straps I'm using really shine.

I'm in Texas so I don't need the warm clothes. Where I'm going it'll be 80F in the say and low 50's at night. But in the next couple of weeks or so I'll head out for a longer trip that may take me to higher altitude & lower nighttime temps in New Mexico & Colorado. Just wanted to pack for a longer trip to make sure everything would fit, see how the bike handles with more weight & how much the gas mileage is effected.

StratTuner · May 5, 2013

Whose rear rack and trunk is that? I mean....what make and model?

NCer · May 5, 2013

Be safe and ENJOY your trip! We are waiting for updates!

skiphunt · May 5, 2013

StratTuner said:
Whose rear rack and trunk is that? I mean....what make and model?

SHAD40 holds 40liters & has a cargo rack on top. I bought the small ROK straps for it so loading/unloading is literally a snap.

On top is an Alps ultralight tent, water sandals & a yoga Matt to sleep on. I likely will just sleep in my hammock but packed the tent in case the temps drop or I get a lot of rain.

skiphunt · May 5, 2013

In the front storage: rain gear, map, compact camera, tablepod/monopod, slime compressor, map, wallet, first aid kit, sunscreen & repellent, chain lube & basic tools, and shower cap seat cover

StratTuner · May 5, 2013

skiphunt said:
SHAD40 holds 40liters & has a cargo rack on top. I bought the small ROK straps for it so loading/unloading is literally a snap.

On top is an Alps ultralight tent, water sandals & a yoga Matt to sleep on. I likely will just sleep in my hammock but packed the tent in case the temps drop or I get a lot of rain.

Does Shad make the rack and the trunk?

StratTuner · May 5, 2013

OK... this must be for the RACK ONLY?

Honda ST1300 Top Case Mount

I presume the Rack is $117, and the top case is ???
What was the cost of the shad rack + the top case?

As you can tell, I'm hunting a rack and top case combo that doesn't break the bank. Any tips?

skiphunt · May 5, 2013

StratTuner said:
Does Shad make the rack and the trunk?

Yes. Ordered from ShadUSA. The fittings were $98 and the SH40 Cargo topbox is $199 now, but I think it was $185 when I ordered. If you shop, I think you can find the topbox for a little less, but ordering them at the same time saved me a little as opposed to paying shipping on two separate orders. I thought it would come faster too, but the fittings were backordered for a nearly 2 weeks.

skiphunt · May 5, 2013

StratTuner said:
OK... this must be for the RACK ONLY?

Honda ST1300 Top Case Mount

I presume the Rack is $117, and the top case is ???
What was the cost of the shad rack + the top case?

As you can tell, I'm hunting a rack and top case combo that doesn't break the bank. Any tips?

I paid a little over $300 total shipped. You can find some cargo topboxes on Amazon a little cheaper I think, but I didn't want to have to fool with trying to make something allegedly "universal" work on the bike. I'm not the handy sort with modifying stuff, so I went with the SHAD setup that was made to fit the ncx. I have a SHAD on the vstrom I'm selling and know it to be of good/durable quality.

skiphunt · May 5, 2013

The waterproof Sea to Summit compression sack on the back seat (held on with ROK straps) is a medium 15L. I'm going to get the next size up, and the small version as soon as they go onsale at REI in a couple weeks. My rain gear in the front compartment is in a cheap compression sack that just keeps filling up with air. Sizing up the one on the back seat will give me room for a couple more changes of clothes and a few other items for the longer trips.

skiphunt · May 10, 2013

skiphunt · May 10, 2013

Hammock hung - check + Tent set up - check + vino poured - check

Time to fire up my #camping #coffee lab!

"Ol' School" ~ #Campwood #Texas © 2013 Skip Hunt

There's a place down the road a piece called Nueces Country Smokehouse. The ol' timer who runs this campground said they do a real nice BLT with hand-cut potato chips.

Breezed in to have a look-see after riding around all afternoon. My self that wants to drop a few pounds & get a little healthier, asked "Weren't you going to just eat fruit & tuna on this trip?"

My not so healthy self pondered the question a second or two and replied, "Oh, he'll no. Can't you read? The sign says '8oz ground beef on a bed of apple-smoked bacon in homemade bread and hand-cut potato chips.' Shut yo mouth fool!"

Please pray for this poor hungry soul... cuz dat burger was better than apple-smoked homemade sin.

"Drain" ~ #Campwood #Texas © 2013 Skip Hunt

Shoot! Was hoping I'd get one more clear day before the rain came, based on multiple forecasts.

The plan was to head East from here to Guadalupe River State Park for a couple more nights camping, but the rain chances are even higher there.

Started light drizzle the morning but I did manage to get my tent packed beforehand.

Now, what to do? Hightail it back home? Chance tent camping in the rain? Go to Blanco State Park instead where they at least have covered & screened shelters to rent? Find a cheap hotel?

Not looking forward to the dramatic & twisty route 337 on wet pavement... but, nothin line trail by rain to find out how the new bike's tires perform.

Think I'll just head that general way as planned in case the forecast is wrong & look for a cheap room if it indeed gets nasty.

Wish me luck! Maybe this is payback for giving in to my baconic desires last night? If so, was still totally worth it.

Road Hamburger Pic-I-Nic Ya'll!

Had rain & fog the first 30miles of twisted road. Rain wasn't too awful, but I didn't care for the fog at all. Grabbed another Blue cheese apple-maple smoked bacon burger for the road & noticed they also have baked goods. Chocolate Lovers Brownie?! Shut yo mouth! Hey, it can be a dangerous stretch of road on a motorcycle... especially in the rain & fog. Best live it up. Feel me?!

Changing course & heading for Enchanted Rock... I think. The other camps are more for water sports stuff. With possible rain, the Enchanted Rock called me at the #Kerrville turn-off and I simply had to abide .

"FIN" ~ #Enchanted Rock #Texas © 2013 Skip Hunt

Just after making this one... after scrambling to the top to catch the last light of the day in case the forecasts are correct & there are storms tomorrow... I wasn't thinking about how I was going to get back down without a flashlight. Slow and steady.

"Grace" ~ #Enchanted Rock #Texas © 2013 Skip Hunt

It's gone from drizzle to light rain now. But, I think I'm going to stick it out. Just finished a 5 mile hike & a little beat. Not up to a 2.5 hour ride home.

Will likely be raining tomorrow too, but at least I can start fresh. Gotta be extra alert on a motorcycle, especially in the rain.

Besides, this trip was mostly about checking my bike travel gear to see what else I need, and what I packed that I really didn't need.

Add to that, most of the people have left & I'll have the stormy rock to myself.

"Azul" ~ #Enchanted Rock #Texas © 2013 Skip Hunt

It was a wicked storm! Rode it out in the bathroom & helped the ranger telling everyone to seek shelter. The worst of it missed us, but supposedly 70mph winds & softball-sized hail. The reports said tornados were possible too.

Now, the lightning is fairly impressive but I think we're out of the woods.

See what I go through to make some nifty snapshots?!

"Lucky" ~ #Enchanted Rock #Texas © 2013 Skip Hunt

First the weather looked bad, then the clouds luckily parted and gave me another beautiful 3hrs of hiking with nice light. There was a wild storm that came out of nowhere that was preceded by a helicopter flying low over the park. Checked my phone & saw all the warnings. Went for cover, but after seeing the ranger frantically trying to reach other campers/hikers I warned all the campers near me. Most of us waited it out in the bathrooms. Funny how eminent danger instantly makes friends of perfect strangers isn't it? ~ The worst passed but there was hardcore thunder/lightening all night. At one point I went back to the bathroom & slept on the floor for about an hour. Now the rain looks like its letting up some.

After some coffee, might just take my window & ride home... counting my lucky stars.

"Twins" ~ #Enchanted Rock #Texas © 2013 Skip Hunt

Wanted to get some time-lapse while I'm here but the clouds weren't so good yesterday. Grabbing some now but concerned I'm using up my good weather window for riding home. I think I'll just do one last sequence & then pack up. Might be getting close to the edge of pushing my luck.

This may cost me riding in the rain, but they say the line usually goes all the way around the block for Cooper's BBQ. Had to make a little time to see if its worth it. Hope so... Pricey too!

"Pit Stop" ~ #Burnet #Texas © 2013 Skip Hunt

How do these meteorologist clowns predict the weather? Do they use a Magic 8-Ball? It's beautiful out. Yay!!! ~ Had a bee in my helmet so I stopped to let her out

[video]http://www.youtube.com/embed/pJqTe7jDB_0[/video]

skiphunt · May 10, 2013

[video=youtube;pJqTe7jDB_0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJqTe7jDB_0[/video]

NCer · May 10, 2013

Great stuff, man! Thanks for sharing!!! I am sooooo jealous

skiphunt · May 10, 2013

icing777 said:
Great stuff, man! Thanks for sharing!!! I am sooooo jealous

Thanks! It was mostly a shake-out camping trip to see how my packing/gear/ride etc. on the nc700x went. Mostly went EXCELLENT! Made a list of some other stuff I need, ie. cheap cruise control, my yoga matt was not a viable solution for sleeping. But, I've found a way to fit my self-inflating mattress for the next one. Also need something to have handy for the kickstand when I pull over and the ground is soft. A few other gear tweaks and I'll be set I think. Lovin' the ncx for travel big time!

trooper · May 10, 2013

What a trip! Thanks for posting the photos. Some of us don't have that scenery yet. Never been to Texas but it sure looks inviting. What's next??

Packed Up and Gassed Up

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