Sought after by adrenaline junkies and outdoor enthusiasts, motorcycles, dirt bikes, and all things two-wheeled (preferably powered) have been used for years for entertainment, for cruising around the US, and even for hunting. A new faction within the lightweight community is brewing - taking this mindset of accessibility one step further - to access the backcountry. They are paving a way for a new sport known as moto-backpacking.
The online forums, especially those that focus on Adventure Rider (ADV) or Enduro type touring/riding are filled with motorcyclists constantly managing the equation of saving weight and space while bringing enough stuff. A few are even managing the backpacking equation as well. Some riders are wondering how their compatriots manage to secure their motorcycling gear from theft as they travel through the backcountry. While some stick to leaving their bikes behind and traveling on foot, others travel the single track trails open to motorized travel and camp beside their bike while exploring the beauty of the backcountry. While the number of those trying moto-backpacking isn't too large there are certainly a number of people looking at their bike and looking at their pack and wondering how effectively they can combine the two.
Many motorcycling campers note how weight isn't a factor; how as long as they have the space it doesn't matter. They contrast themselves with backpackers who have to not only manage the space conundrum but also weight concerns. While their assertion that weight isn't a concern may be correct, for those of us who enjoy a minimalistic approach to our camping experience and do not enjoy wading through a sea of unnecessary items just to make a meal or build a fire know that there is something empowering by limiting the number of things you bring and trying to cut down on the weight. It is a game that we play and moto-backpacking can jumpstart that mindset by forcing you to account for space and weight the moment you step from your front door.
As the lightweight backpacking movement grows so does the number of people who are trying creative ways in which to access the remote areas. A few are using their motorcycle as means to do this. In writing this article, I interviewed Jeremy Hanks, an avid backpacker and co-founder of Doba "a leader in providing product sourcing services for small businesses and entrepreneurs" who also happens to use his motorcycle to gain access to the backcountry. He is a moto-backpacker. Visit his site.
He has used his BMW F800GS to access all kinds of terrain and has traveled to the following locations with his bike (and his backpack):
- Mount Moriah Wilderness, NV
- Timpanogos Wilderness, UT
- Deseret Peak Wilderness, UT
- San Rafael Swell, UT
- High Uintas Wilderness, UT
ARTICLE OUTLINE
- Introduction
- Moto-backing
- Challenges
- Conclusion
# WORDS: 1800
# PHOTOS: 6
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Discussion
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We have been living well with one vehicle and I have considered getting a scooter or motorcycle to get to trailheads so I don't tie the car up. I've assumed that I would chain it up at a trailhead to thwart thieves, but there is still the possibility of vandalism. That is a possibility with cars too.
That aside, I have done some research on taking buses to trailheads. In Washington state, AMTRAK provides bus service to some of the mountain pass summits that are also crossing points for the PCT. There are some other local mass transit bus options too.
Some bus options allow using a bicycle as well. That opens up riding a bike to a trailhead. It should be easy enough to stash a bike in the brush and cable or chain it to a tree.
The other hybrid travel option is built around a number of roads that have been closed to vehicle traffic due to flood damage. Most can be accessed with a bike, reducing hours of walking to the original trailheads to fractions of an hour by bike.
I've had a pet progeny in mind for years involving a ski and hiking train loop through the Cascades. This is something that has been done in Europe for decades. A light rail system paralleling the major highways could link the major ski slopes in the winter and drop hikers off at trailheads in the summer. I would expect that all kinds of service industries would develop around the transpotaton hubs.
The core concept is that we are still stuck in a frontier/pioneer frame of mind when it comes to backcountry access. We are living on another planet now and it's time to rethink these things. Of course it inclines so much more, like urban planning, suburban sprawl and more.
Another thing to consider is that States vary in land management practices. Only reasonable. Montana has a population just over 1 million. Utah 2.8 million, Nevada almost 2.8 million, Idaho 1.6 million. California has 38 million. Just some facts for thought.
So I'm not surprised that we look at things differently.
Over 1.6 million miles of unpaved roads (53 percent of all roads) are unpaved. Many of these roads will remain unpaved due to very low traffic volume and/or lack of funds to adequately improve the subgrade and base before applying pavement layer(s). In some countries, economic constraints mean gravel roads are the only type that can be provided.
Dirt and gravel roads represent a very small percentage of roadways maintained by state DOTs in almost all cases; counties and federal agencies manage the large majority of the dirt and gravel roads in the United States. Nevertheless, a few state DOTs have become very involved in managing dirt and gravel roads and have developed environmental stewardship practices and partnerships that may be useful for other state DOTs.
I used my DRZ400 all summer to access areas near the Weminuche that were closed to the road bound crowd due to several wild land fires in the area. It was a great way to get to an area that was off limits to most.
I'm not really ever bothered by dirtbikes when I'm out walking or backpacking, as I am only on trails a short time and moving cross country most of the time. I do find irony in the amount of work the local MTB crowd does to clear trails of rocks, trees, and roots in the name of trail maintenance while simultaneously ruining a good challenging trail for dirt bikers.
Motorcycle touring/ camping is probably my favorite hobby, bar none. IN the past few years I have also added backpacking to my list of hobbies. I enjoyed the article, and agree that they share many similarities.
That said, I just don’t care to combine the two. I agree with what Ken (I think it was), said, after a backpacking trip where I’m hot/ cold/ tired/ sore (if it was a good trip :-)…a “cage” like my Tacoma is far more pleasant to relax in for the drive home. I do love to explore on my motorcycles, even forest service roads, etc. I have owned a number of dual-sport bikes, including the F800GS shown in the article. My current bikes are the R1200GS and R1200R. I just love the big boxer engine on the highways and twisties. But even though I ride dual-sports, I’m honest enough to admit that taking my 500lb pig “off-roading” is not what I’d call easy, and I rarely ride on roads that a Honda Civic couldn’t negotiate with a few paint scratches or slides on the skidpan.
When I go backpacking one of the huge draws for me is exactly what motorcycle’s can’t do. I LOVE the feeling that I am in an area that vehicles can’t get to…not because they are’t allowed, but because they are too remote/ steep. I also worry about my bike at the trailhead. When moto-camping that is not a concern, because I’m sleeping next to it. Finally, I like to backpack with my dog, and she doesn’t fit on the bike (here come the side-car suggestions lol).
So in a nutshell, I love both hobbies, but try not to combine them. But I have to agree wholeheartedly with oneof the main points of the article. For pure relaxation of mind and being at peace, there is nothing on earth like a solo motorcycle ride. The views, smells, wind, temperatures, and at times slight adrenalin dumps are just awesome for the mind and soul. Backacking gives a good feeling of serenity with that nice healthy tired feeling. Motorcycling takes it a step further and adds pure relaxation.
Me on my beast at OX 2013: (Photo by Kali)
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