camping

[enginerod]

I just want to know if I can put up a tent at the campground. I am on a ship and won't get off until a day or so before the rally. I will have to get home to Michigan, after three months, and start packing for the rally. My wife is wondering about my priority,s, but this will be my first rally.

[Rob Nye]

Of course you can.

Just get there as early as you can and sign up as a volunteer cuz all the best spots will be scoped out by Tuesday.

[Sue]

I just want to know if I can put up a tent at the campground. I am on a ship and won't get off until a day or so before the rally. I will have to get home to Michigan, after three months, and start packing for the rally. My wife is wondering about my priority,s, but this will be my first rally.


The rally site is 133 acres of flat, grassy tent space. Bring your own shade because the trees are all quite immature - meaning there will be no "best camping" - despite Rob's remark.

Regardless of what day you arrive, you will have a nice place to put your tent and make new freinds. If you arrive early to help with Set-up, that's cool. Plan to roll up your sleeves and break a sweat with the rest of us. If you don't roll in until Thursday or Friday, you will still be able to find a nice, flat piece of grass to call home for the rally, and you will still have a wonderful time!

Welcome home. We'll have a cold one ready for you when you get here.

[Fritzc]

Of course you can.

Just get there as early as you can and sign up as a volunteer cuz all the best spots will be scoped out by Tuesday.

The only requirement I have for a camping spot is about 10 yards upwind from a port-a-potty. A lot of campers want shade but after 11:00 at night it is all shade!:usa

[Rob Nye]

I just want to know if I can put up a tent at the campground. I am on a ship and won't get off until a day or so before the rally. I will have to get home to Michigan, after three months, and start packing for the rally. My wife is wondering about my priority,s, but this will be my first rally.

Hey enginerod,

I missed the part about being on a ship, are you a merchant mariner or Navy? I used to be a large yacht captain (100 ton ticket) and now work for a Shipowning company.

As for my remark about "best camping" I am just taking a little poke at the folks who feel the only way they can enjoy the rally is by getting there before you and me. While the published dates of the rally are JUly 12-15 those "in the know" will show up as early as Monday and "volunteer". Don't be alarmed if when you show up on the published start date if it feels like you missed half the event, other than being in whatever the squatters consider the "prime" camping you haven't missed a thing. The seminars, great bands and such doesn't start until Thursday.

Sue's comment about bringing your own shade is excellent advice. As someone under constant care for skin cancer I need all the help I can get. A few years ago after reading Ian Schmiesser's excellent articles on camping (http://www.bmwmoa.org/camping/camping.htm) I purchased a MSR Parawing and had it drop shipped to Spokane. It has proven itself in blazing sun and cold rain.

I don't put it over the tent, but I do cover the vestablue and leave room for some shade for a chair or two.
http://www.bmwmoa.org/camping/assets//parawing.jpg

So come to the rally and have a great time. If you see my wing (look for the blue flag) stop by for a cold beverage and a warm hello.

Best,

[wezul]

I like that fly, Rob. Who's is it and where can I get one?

Thanks!

Wez

[BeemoKat]

I like that fly, Rob. Who's is it and where can I get one?

Thanks!

Wez

I don't play him on TV either;).
It's an MSR Parawing, probably available from REI or EMS. My bad for posting without doing the research.

[wezul]

Cool, thanks. Lack of shade at the Nat'l site demands a somethin'-somethin' methinks.
Doh! Read Rob's post a little more thoroughly this time.

[BeemoKat]

I don't play him on TV either;).
It's an MSR Parawing, probably available from REI or EMS. My bad for posting without doing the research.

Available at REI, but not EMS.

[Rob Nye]

Campmor (www.campmor.com) has them for $230.

I have had mine for four years and it is still in great shape. It withstood the storm at Lima and I probably have about 45 days of use.

The trick is to give it a rinse and dry before storage, this way there is no mildew.

It packs down to the size of a small tent and weighs around 8lbs.

There are other cheaper flys available but most don't stand up to heavy weather.

[Fritzc]

I must have bought something from Campmore once because I've been getting their catalogs for years and there is nothing I've found in there that cannot be purchased for much less money locally or from other mail order houses.
www.sierratradingpost.com for one :thumb

[Rob Nye]

I must have bought something from Campmore once because I've been getting their catalogs for years and there is nothing I've found in there that cannot be purchased for much less money locally or from other mail order houses.
www.sierratradingpost.com for one :thumb

I am glad you like Sierra Trading Post, however they don't sell the MSR Parawing which is what this discussion is about.

In other words a 20 second extra effort can insure a post is relevant.

Campmor does (http://tinyurl.com/277fpz) sell the 'wing.

If you don't like Campmor you can also get it at REI (http://www.rei.com/search?vcat=REI_SEARCH&query=parawing)

Cabelas? Nope.

EMS? Nope.

You can also purchase it direct from Mountain Safety Research (MSR) (http://www.mountainsafetyresearch.com/tents/parawings.asp)

I am also willing to wager that there aren't any camping stores in central Michigan that will have one in stock , let alone for less.

[Hodag]

I am also willing to wager that there aren't any camping stores in central Michigan that will have one in stock , let alone for less.

try moosejaw mountaineering (http://www.moosejawlowdown.com/moosejaw/dept.asp?s_id=3&dept_id=5)

they price match online also
We price match. That's right. If you find the same exact item you purchased on sale within 14 days of your original purchase, we will credit you for the difference. Just email us at service@moosejaw.com with your order number and the URL to the exact same item (same size, same color, same season) and we'll not only credit you the difference, we'll also give you 1000 MOOSEJAW REWARDS POINTS. Click Here for details. Or don't.

[wezul]

List of all retailers supporting the Parawing.
Thanks all for your input.

http://www.msrcorp.com/buy_now/buynow_results.aspx?SKU=312096

[Rob Nye]

List of all retailers supporting the Parawing.
Thanks all for your input.

http://www.msrcorp.com/buy_now/buynow_results.aspx?SKU=312096

Best resource yet.

Nice!

[Fritzc]

I am glad you like Sierra Trading Post, however they don't sell the MSR Parawing which is what this discussion is about.

In other words a 20 second extra effort can insure a post is relevant.


Sorry but I thought $230 was a bit expensive for a 10 foot square piece of nylon. In which case my post WAS relevant. JMHO Guess I had better check up on this MSR Parawing, it must be a little more than it appears. :dunno

[Friedle]

Another alternative is the Kelty Noah Tarp available from ....... you guessed it.....
Campmor! It comes in at least two sizes, the Noah 9 and the Noah 12, might even be a third choice still current, the Noah 16.

I've been using the Noah 9 for a bunch of years and love it. Rolls up small, takes a beating, has been put away wet without molding, but dries in just a few minutes exposure to the sun if covered with early morning dew. Like Rob, I try to set the entrance of my tent under the parawing and there is still plenty of room for my kermit chair and a couple of friends. If the group is going to get large and maybe rowdy, we can just move over to Rob's circus tent. :bolt

Friedle

[Hodag]

blue tarp at walmart

[sjbmw]

Another alternative is the Kelty Noah Tarp available from ....... you guessed it.....
Campmor! It comes in at least two sizes, the Noah 9 and the Noah 12, might even be a third choice still current, the Noah 16.

I've been using the Noah 9 for a bunch of years and love it. Rolls up small, takes a beating, has been put away wet without molding, but dries in just a few minutes exposure to the sun if covered with early morning dew. Like Rob, I try to set the entrance of my tent under the parawing and there is still plenty of room for my kermit chair and a couple of friends. If the group is going to get large and maybe rowdy, we can just move over to Rob's circus tent. :bolt

Friedle

Just picked up the 12 from Campmor. When the sun gets high I will remember this thread.

[wuli959]

The MSR trap products are great! Hate to admit that I own three different versions including a humongous one that will cover several picnic tables or a entire girls lacrosse team :kiss

Another option to consider is a product supplied by Mountain Sun Touring company called the Moto Cabana (http://www.mt-sun.com/catalog.php?type=product&id=21375). It is set up a little differently as it uses your tent on one end for support and uses one pole out front. HUGE coverage. Lighter overall weight and compactness The photo on their site doesn't do justice to the product. It's really works well.

Here is one pitched by using a megamid tent . . .
http://wulimaster.smugmug.com/photos/68348499-M.jpg

lots of room to stay shady or dry as the sky demands

[Bokrijder]

Sorry but I thought $230 was a bit expensive for a 10 foot square piece of nylon. In which case my post WAS relevant. JMHO Guess I had better check up on this MSR Parawing, it must be a little more than it appears. :dunno

I've used a Parawing for a number of years. The cut of the tarp exhibits no flat surfaces akin to a boat sail. The beauty in the design is that, if set properly, it is windproof. Mountain winds, thunderstorm first gust, it just stands there.
My wing is about 10 years old and is still in excellent condition. The price has gone up significantly, inflation I suppose.

Motard

[jdmetzger]

Sorry but I thought $230 was a bit expensive for a 10 foot square piece of nylon. In which case my post WAS relevant. JMHO Guess I had better check up on this MSR Parawing, it must be a little more than it appears. :dunno

I agree about the price; it's hard to justify spending as much (or more) on a parawing as I did for my tent. I even got a new tent this year, with a large vestibule, fly-first design (you then can "hang the tent from the fly - great in rain!) and it's 3.5-season... and was the same price as one of those parawings. I guess I'm just cheap...

Of course, now that I checked out the price on the Kelty Noah, I could actually see buying one of those. Unfortunately, upon closer inspection, that is the cost for the tarp ONLY. Then you have to add $30 for a pole (possibly have to get TWO of those it seems), so that kicks the price up to about $85-$115 for the 9x9 model. Still better than a parawing, though.

[dancogan]

Sorry but I thought $230 was a bit expensive for a 10 foot square piece of nylon. In which case my post WAS relevant. JMHO Guess I had better check up on this MSR Parawing, it must be a little more than it appears. :dunno

It was relevant, Fritz. JMHO ;)

[LTrider]

Another great product is the Kelty Sunshade. It comes in a couple of different sizes, and runs about $150 - $170. You can get it in several different places including REI. I had mine in the Lima storm with no problems. The great thing is, is that you can move it after it's put up.http://www.amazon.com/Kelty-Sunshade-Large/dp/B0000AMLHP

Hope this helps!

[donkes]

I just want to know if I can put up a tent at the campground. I am on a ship and won't get off until a day or so before the rally. I will have to get home to Michigan, after three months, and start packing for the rally. My wife is wondering about my priority,s, but this will be my first rally.

Get a lawyer - maybe you can get one from Walmart or on the web. Either bring her (she can follow in a car) or start the long and costly goodby process.

[wuli959]

I've used a Parawing for a number of years. The cut of the tarp exhibits no flat surfaces akin to a boat sail. The beauty in the design is that, if set properly, it is windproof. Mountain winds, thunderstorm first gust, it just stands there.
My wing is about 10 years old and is still in excellent condition. The price has gone up significantly, inflation I suppose.

Motard

When the parawing is set up correctly it is incredibily strong. We use ours at the beach using sand anchors and it has always held well with the constant winds.

[Rob Nye]

Plenty of good stuff here.

RE: Expense the MSR price includes poles, stakes and rope but yes it is still on the pricy side although one user did report that after 10 years his is still going strong.

So you can go to wally world and purchase a blue tarp every time you go camping which seems to be the culture we are headed toward this summer. Considering poly tarps use petroleum product and are generally left behind for someone else to deal with for my use it is not an acceptable solution. Of course YMMV and all that. What is the cost to society if everyone who wanted shade set up a hillbilly camp with poly tarps each year?

I am a big fan of qulity camping gear. If cared for properly it will last a very long time. Another benefit is that in the event of a serious storm (think Lima) while everyone else is bailing out their tent and drying their sleeping bag I am helping them out because my stuff is secure. I will say that in Lima just before the strom hit I pulled the poles on the 'wing and retensioned the ropes so it would not flog or pull a stake.

FWIW, MSR stands for Mountan Safety Research and all their gear is "Everest ready". I would not claim to have my survival depend on my tent while MC camping but my enjoyment does. I also have been known to winter camp (not on a bike) and use my gear for non mc travel too which helps justify the expense.

It is up to you to decide if you want to go that route, as Mike said the Kelty he has is perfect for his use.

In the end every solution mentioned in this thread would be fine for a rally.

[JCabranes]

Or you can get a bunch of 33 gallon garbage bags, slice them to open them up then duct tape them together and stand them up with some nice aluminum poles. That'll give you all the shade you need and its light to pack. :stick

[enginerod]

Thank you all for the information. This will be my first rally and I am looking forward to meeting everyone. To robnye....I am on a ship..a great lake 1000 footer. I am due of in Superior Wis. on the 7th of July. I will have to get home to Haslett Mich. unpack the truck.....pack the bike and leave my wife again. I left home on 15th of April. She is wishing me a good time. The horses will keep her home.

[jdmetzger]

Plenty of good stuff here.

RE: Expense the MSR price includes poles, stakes and rope but yes it is still on the pricy side although one user did report that after 10 years his is still going strong.

So you can go to wally world and purchase a blue tarp every time you go camping which seems to be the culture we are headed toward this summer. Considering poly tarps use petroleum product and are generally left behind for someone else to deal with for my use it is not an acceptable solution. Of course YMMV and all that. What is the cost to society if everyone who wanted shade set up a hillbilly camp with poly tarps each year?

I am a big fan of qulity camping gear. If cared for properly it will last a very long time. Another benefit is that in the event of a serious storm (think Lima) while everyone else is bailing out their tent and drying their sleeping bag I am helping them out because my stuff is secure. I will say that in Lima just before the strom hit I pulled the poles on the 'wing and retensioned the ropes so it would not flog or pull a stake.

FWIW, MSR stands for Mountan Safety Research and all their gear is "Everest ready". I would not claim to have my survival depend on my tent while MC camping but my enjoyment does. I also have been known to winter camp (not on a bike) and use my gear for non mc travel too which helps justify the expense.

It is up to you to decide if you want to go that route, as Mike said the Kelty he has is perfect for his use.

In the end every solution mentioned in this thread would be fine for a rally.

I agree that it's better to buy quality equipment that will last for a long time; which is why I have invested so much money this year on a tent, a super-packable but warm sleeping bag, a nice duffel, and on and on and on. I'm not taking anything additional for shade, actually; I'll be out for 14 days (before/after rally) and will camp all but one night, so it pays to have good gear. For the amount of miles I'll be covering, it's not worth the extra time to set up a parawing; I probably won't be stopping until the sun is lower in the sky.

As for MSR, I'd like to see someone climb everest and then set up a parawing at the top. :laugh

In all seriousness, I've seen them, I've sat under them, and they ARE a quality product. I still have troubles parting with that much money for one.. but I DID finally cave and get a Kermit chair; although mine was a "mistake" model (one leg slightly big if you want to use the leg extensions), so I got it for less than the normal price.

[Sue]

Or you can get a bunch of 33 gallon garbage bags, slice them to open them up then duct tape them together and stand them up with some nice aluminum poles. That'll give you all the shade you need and its light to pack.

You've been hanging around Brian too long.

[SIBUD]

His awning is big enough for both of our tents. :dunno

OTOH If he doesn't want to share, he can not shame me out of putting up a blue, plastic, noisy, flappy, crappy $10 Wally World shade cover. :stick

I'm smart enough to not sit out in the sun, in Wisconsin, in July. No shade trees = mandatory tarp.

I will camp twice this year. Doesn't even begin to make sense to pay for top quality gear when you consider the cost per use. Even if it lasts 10 years. Then again, I may not be camping when I'm 70 so 10 years is probably too long of a time frame to even consider.

My mileage does vary. :hug

[The_Veg]

I'm not planning on spending much time in my tent during daylight hours.

[rinty]

In a previous era, my wife and I used to backpack in the Rockies with a 30 dollar Crappy Tire tent. One weekend we were camped at Baker Lake, which is about 20 kilometres from the trailhead near Lake Louise ski area.

During the night, we got horizontal rain with winds of about 70 km / hour. I had the tent tethered down with a number of extra guy lines, and it did not blow away, but the window covering flaps were tied down on the outside of the tent, so I had the pleasure of going out several times to re - adjust them to keep spray from blowing through the tent.

The next week I went down to the outfitter's and got a Eureka Meridian for $400 and it's worked well for us, for 25 years. It's gone through some incredible blows.

Motorcycle camping isn't as critical for equipment, but I'm with Rob on getting good stuff.

Rinty

[SIBUD]

In a previous era, my wife and I used to backpack in the Rockies with a 30 dollar Crappy Tire tent. One weekend we were camped at Baker Lake, which is about 20 kilometres from the trailhead near Lake Louise ski area.

During the night, we got horizontal rain with winds of about 70 km / hour. I had the tent tethered down with a number of extra guy lines, and it did not blow away, but the window covering flaps were tied down on the outside of the tent, so I had the pleasure of going out several times to re - adjust them to keep spray from blowing through the tent.

The next week I went down to the outfitter's and got a Eureka Meridian for $400 and it's worked well for us, for 25 years. It's gone through some incredible blows.

Motorcycle camping isn't as critical for equipment, but I'm with Rob on getting good stuff.

Rinty


If I was going camping for another 25 years, I would be happy to pay $16/yr for a great tent also.:D

[rinty]

I would be happy to pay $16 per year.......SIBUD

We Dutch wrote the book on thrift. :)

Rinty

[enginerod]

Thanks for all the info.........My ship just left Muskegon, we dropped off a load of coal.
I hope to be on the ferry from here on the morning of the 12th. See you at the rally.

enginerod

[Rebgen]

The MSR trap products are great! Hate to admit that I own three different versions including a humongous one that will cover several picnic tables or a entire girls lacrosse team :kiss

Another option to consider is a product supplied by Mountain Sun Touring company called the Moto Cabana (http://www.mt-sun.com/catalog.php?type=product&id=21375). It is set up a little differently as it uses your tent on one end for support and uses one pole out front. HUGE coverage. Lighter overall weight and compactness The photo on their site doesn't do justice to the product. It's really works well.

Here is one pitched by using a megamid tent . . .
http://wulimaster.smugmug.com/photos/68348499-M.jpg

lots of room to stay shady or dry as the sky demands

Thanks for including a picture of the tarp you use. I just ordered the exact same one in order to have it in time for the rally. I was looking hard at the Parawing but after looking at price vs. value of both options I voted for the Moto Cabana. Now I can apply my $$$ savings toward a new Kermit chair. Looking forward to trying both out at the rally.

This forum is terrific in regards to all of the great tips I've picked up, but if I learn any more I'm gonna go broke...

[SIBUD]

His awning is big enough for both of our tents. :dunno

OTOH If he doesn't want to share, he can not shame me out of putting up a blue, plastic, noisy, flappy, crappy $10 Wally World shade cover. :stick

I'm smart enough to not sit out in the sun, in Wisconsin, in July. No shade trees = mandatory tarp.

I will camp twice this year. Doesn't even begin to make sense to pay for top quality gear when you consider the cost per use. Even if it lasts 10 years. Then again, I may not be camping when I'm 70 so 10 years is probably too long of a time frame to even consider.

My mileage does vary. :hug

Started looking around after someone mentioned the Kelty Noah and ordered a 12X12 from Campmore. So Rob is safe for now.:wave

[jdmetzger]

We Dutch wrote the book on thrift. :)

Rinty

:nod :nod :nod :nod :nod :nod :nod :nod :nod :nod :nod :nod :nod :nod :nod

... I heard that copper wire was invented when two Dutchman got into an argument over a penny. :D

[BradMotor$%]

I have to agree, I have learned more in the last hour reading these forum things than hanging around my local BMW shop here in Savoy, IL. I went to the BMW rally in Redman, OR in 01 and had to sell my 01GS. I now have an 02GS and am going to West Bend. I wish I could afford a cover but have a cheap $25 used Eureka 3-man. I have a lot to learn and with great people like all of you I will someday know more.:clap

I look forward to seeing all of the inovations at the rally.

Brad R. #97620
2002 1150GS
Savoy, IL

[Rebgen]

Thanks for including a picture of the tarp you use. I just ordered the exact same one in order to have it in time for the rally. I was looking hard at the Parawing but after looking at price vs. value of both options I voted for the Moto Cabana. Now I can apply my $$$ savings toward a new Kermit chair. Looking forward to trying both out at the rally.

This forum is terrific in regards to all of the great tips I've picked up, but if I learn any more I'm gonna go broke...




Just a quick update one year later....

I learned a few things along the way. For instance, take the front pole down in winds beyond 15mph. The canopy provided terrific shade at the West Bend Rally last sumer. It was a nice shady place to enjoy a cigar sitting in my new Kermit chair.

When I came back to my tent Saturday afternoon I discovered my canopy down and a rip where the pole inserts in the top gromit....completely blown out. The tent was facing south with a moderate westerly wind blowing. I was a little disappointed that the canopy didn't hold up to non-storm strength winds.

I recently had a luggage repair shop install another gromit in place and it looks as good as new. I love the shade it provides for the tent and it definitely cools it down a bit. Now I'll plan to keep a closer eye on the wind and drop the pole if it kicks up. My only concern is if it gets windy again while I'm out on a ride.

I'm always open for additrional pointers/tips on managing the wind.

[Rob Nye]

How do you feel about the price - value now?

I sounds like it would be a good idea to take the pole out when you go riding and put it back up when you return. It looks like the design does not let air flow around and under which is why the gromet pulled out, too much load on the corner.

If it happens again ask the person who is helping with the gromet to see if they can get some stickey back nylon (sailmakers repair cloth) and reinforce the corner, then punch the gromet though both.

FWIW, I bought my parawing in 2004 and have used it almost 20 times including the 04,5,6 and 7 nationals (up for almost a week) with no service issues at all. It has extra material in the corners for reinforcement, perhaps this accounts for some of the extra cost.

I do my best to make sure it is packed dry and I unpack, wash and hang dry when I get home.

[Rebgen]

Thanks for the tip on the sailmakers repair cloth. Hopefully I won't need to try that option but it'll be good to have another fix if needed.

Regarding my feeling on price vs. value so far, I'd say I'm happy so far. The early grommet failure was disappointing but it only cost $10 to repair to new condition. The Kermit chair I purchased with the savings is working perfectly. Obviously, if the Moto Cabana fails again my feelings regarding the wisdom of my purchase won't be so hot. Time and experience going forward will tell the story.

To add a margin of safety I will plan to drop the pole when I'm away for the day or during high wind conditions. I'll plan to post an update after several more camping trips.....pro or con.

****My Eureka WindRiver geodome tent just had its twenty year anniversary, so I've definitely received my moneys worth on THAT purchase.

[wuli959]

If you simply wrap the cord once around the pole post over the tarp grommet .(making the attachment over and under the tarp) . . you'll minimize any problems with the tarp coming off the pole and resulting damage.

I have a parawing and outfitter wing over the picnic table that are used when when car camping. Quality is excellent but I find them a bit heavy to pack . . . at least with the supplied pole segments.

I just prefer the motocabana for how it packs down for trips in my pannier.

YMMV

[Visian]

Regarding my feeling on price vs. value so far, I'd say I'm happy so far.

i had forgotten about this thread... good that someone dredged it back up because shade is good... wind-resistant shade is better.

my moss (now msr) parawing is going on 10 years old and has seen a TON of wind ans wrath-of-God-style rain. the parabolic design is particularly strong in windy situations. and the poles and cords are quite sturdy. it even has small pockets in the corners into which you can place rocks to help weight it down.

i also choose my tents for performance in wind. they may not have the highest ceiling height, but the sucker ain't going to blow down in the middle of the night. a blown down wing and a wet tent can really spoil a good night's sleep!

speaking about where you put your tent relative to the wing, if it is going to be windy/hot with no rain, my tent projects out from the wing, so there is room to sit under it.

if it's going to rain like a mofo, then the tent goes under the wing. nice to have a small tent so that you can make quick relocations.

ian

ps => i bought my kermit chair back when they were about $65. :ha