First Time Motorcycle Camping! Cowican River, BC

I can finally check "motorcycle camping" off my to-do list!

Last weekend I camped with my bike for the first time. I've been on overnights but never had to carry all my camping gear. I was pretty freaked out about stuff staying in place and had visions of it flying out as I crossed over the Malahat - a small mountain highway, where there is no where to pull over. But everything was snug in place and I could keep an eye on it in the mirrors.

I was only gone two nights a little over an hour away near Cowichan Lake, making it a good test run for a more serious trip. I initially felt like I'd have enough luggage space with the throw-over bags I picked up last year, plus my tent, sleeping bag, thermarest and pillow in a cheap dry bag strapped on top. But, even though I travel light, I'm going to need either bigger saddle bags, a tank bag, or have to wear a backpack, which I'd prefer not to. For this trip, I didn't need to bring any cookware and only a few snacks since I was going to a workshop where meals were covered. That stuff can be pretty bulky. And I only had a couple days' worth of clothes. And I'd prefer to carry a few tools, too… ah, the endless quest for the right gear!

But those are all details for the future… this mini-trip was a success and something I've been wanting to do for years. I can't wait to go again and am already wondering where I should go next!

Any tips from experienced moto-campers appreciated!

Skutz Falls fish ladder, just a couple minutes' walk from where I tented.

Looking down the Cowichan River. Went for a dip just upstream from here. It was perfect!