Friday, November 16, 2012

Still Looking at the How's and Market for a Small Motorcycle Camp

This past week we had another burp in the road. A bit of mechanical failure that turned out to be a lot lighter than it first appeared. That's the good news for me and I'm not complaining.

But... it got me back to thinking some more about being on the road... in new country... and be kind of left Twisting in the Wind... if/when you break down.

With our rig we aren't so bad off. We just kick out the slide and kick back while we figure out how to achieve repairs. If you're on a bike, with nothing but your wallet and/or a tent... such a situation could get awful unpleasant I'm sure.

So that got factored into my thinking as well...

We need another diversified if frugal/small stream of income... and I'd like to create a place that would be a "destination" of sorts, or maybe a Road House for those who think that way, along the way for Motorcycle touring riders and even weekend rides to escape town for just a bit.

I really like the idea of a small motorcycle oriented camp. Maybe a half dozen of those tiny lil' sleeping cabins, like at KOA and maybe a half dozen or dozen good planned out and leveled tent sites.

A fine ramada set up with BBQ, propane burners and a sink for cleanup in a community type kitchen area. As well as a good fireplace/pit for motorcycle socializing in the evenings.

There'd have to be some sort of outhouses and shower/bath facility, I expect in a gender split arrangement to give the ladies a lil' better privacy. ;)

I'm wanting a Rustic sort of layout/design... Not something with silk sheets and waiters with napkins hung on their arms. :)

I also envision some sort of a shop setup with a lift or two, tools, compressor and maybe some maintenance supplies like oil and such.

It's a pretty vision I've got floating in my head... Though the cost I see doesn't add up to an absolute fortune; The fly in the ointment is, right at this moment, anything is a dollar more than I have. Ha ha!

The "other" bug in the deal is finding THAT piece of ground that would be THE place to make it all work.

It'd have to be a location... reasonably close to the pavement. I expect road bikers aren't going to want to be making long treks over muddy roads to access their motorcycle touring night camp!

It would also be a BIG plus if it sat at or near the intersection of Several, day ride Loops; and not so far from a major, thru road commonly traveled by motorcycle touring riders; as well as a selection of backroads and trails to keep the dual sport riders happy.

Not being TOO picky am I? :)

I'm thinking somewhere within in a triangle of Prescott, Camp Verde and Ash Fork down in Arizona.
In that golden triangle is the potential for a year round operation.

Those riders seeking respite from the heat of the summer low lands would have a place to go... and the hardier souls that ride all winter would have a place to set up for night camps... in a location that would be pleasant, at least in the softer, warmer, winter weather of that area... compared to say, Colorado or Montana! ;)

If I can blunder into a good spot at a price a poor boy can choke down and a seller willing to work with a guy... and just a mite of other luck along the way... I just might could get this idea/dream out of my head and onto the dirt!

Till then I'll just keep on schemin', riding, and dreaming...

Grab Your Handles and Ride!
Brian

2 comments:

Trobairitz said...

I think this is a fabulous idea. Motorcycle riders could benefit from a destination/home base around the scenic roads and you could benefit as host. Hardest part is finding the right place and coming up with the starting capital.

I do think the idea is a great one.

Bill’s brain said...

Hang in ther sir! Dreams only die if you don't pursue them! Let me know when you get started I might volunteer some labor for a few days! Happy trails!
Bill Strong