TOMS PAGE

GOOD MORNING CAMPERS!!!

Spring is in the air and some of you will be thinking about using your motorbikes for camping weekends and perhaps the more adventurous of you for a touring holiday. As a seasoned motorcycle tourist who has learnt by mistakes and picked up tips from companions I thought I might pass on a bit of knowledge from the University of Life.
If you are starting from scratch I suggest you pay a visit to the Great Western Camping Shop which is in Great Western Rd, Dorchester. The place is an Aladdin's cave of bits and pieces. It puts your high street well known outdoor shops to shame.

First tip is you must travel light, therefore the tent you choose is very important because it's the biggest part of your cargo. Coleman tents are one of the most popular with motorcyclists. They are not the cheapest but they are light, strong, and pack very small.
OK, you have a tent Now you need to make it comfortable. Self inflating airbeds are very good but slightly bulky. Still worth thinking about. Gilert make a backpackers airbed which weighs 2lbs. It consists of six tubes which are blown up individually by mouth; no need for a pump, but you do need a blow up pillow. Sleeping bags depend a lot on the season you plan to camp micro bags with a lining are fine for summer.
Always check the temperature rating when you make your purchase. Remember if you get too hot in your bag you can always unzip it, but if you are cold you may have to put clothing on to warm up. If you are camping high altitude it may drop to -5C at night, and if you winter camp you will need a-15C rated bag
Something to sit on is a must Tripod stools are alright but they are not that good for relaxing You know what a deckchair is like? Well you can buy a tubular one that breaks down for easy carrying.

You want a brew or do some basic cooking you will need a stove and some pans. Pack àway pans which fit inside each other are fine - don't bother with a kettle, use a pan for your brew. What stove? A good starter is a Gaz mini stove; make sure you have a spare refill. Meths stoves or paraffin block stoves can be a bit slow in boiling. A Coleman petrol stove will outshine them all — if your bike runs on unleaded fuel you can top up from your tank.

NEVER USE A STOVE INSIDE YOUR TENT!!!!!
The rest of your gear is bits and pieces, tin opener, torch, cutlery etc - it's a good idea to make a list and keep it with your camping gear.

Top Tips

Save small containers for carrying washing up liquid, salt, cooking oil and so on. Don’t carry a whole toilet roll, a quarter is enough. The same goes for toothpaste, shampoo, sugar, tea and coffee; just carry what you need. If you’re touring for a couple of weeks you’ll need to wash underwear and t shirts — when you have a shower take your washing with you (that tip came from a lady).

well, I hope some of this is of use to you. At the end of the day it’s always trial and error. Learn by your mistakes and remember if you must take the kitchen sink please make it a small one .

Hi de Hi Campers!

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Stay Tuned!!
More Next Month!!
TOM BANWELL