Base Camp Touring

Most road trips involve moving from one location to the next. 100 years ago these types of trips were known as gypsy tours. While there was a destination, everyone who showed up came from different places, often taking multiple days to get there. At the end of the day, they would simply find a spot, often near water, put some bedding down and live like gypsies to and from the gathering.

The advent of small towns with hotels and later motels ended gypsy life and motorcycle touring was elevated beyond primitive camping.

In the 21 ^st century, there are certainly options. Hotels, motels, campgrounds, and Airbnbs are there to take us in during our travels.

The hassle is unpacking at the end of each day and packing back up in the morning before heading out for another day on the road.

But there’s another way to tour. I like to call it base camp touring. In this format you go to a location, check in for a few days, explore all the area has to offer each day and simply return to your base camp each night. Some cities lend themselves to this very well when you consider it takes multiple days to explore all the area has to offer.

You could add a mothership to your base camp plans. In this scenario, one person heads to the destination with a car, preferably an SUV, or something that holds extra gear and clothing. If you plan to camp for multiple days in the same spot, the vehicle can haul a large tent, refrigeration unit, large air mattress, pillows, chairs, canopy, and more. We like to grab an RV spot for the mothership which often includes green grass and plenty of room for everyone in the party to gather together in the evenings.

The other benefit of the mothership is that there may be a day or two when you don’t feel like getting on and off the bike all day. Jump in the mothership and do some 4-wheel sightseeing.

Here in the Pacific Northwest, several towns lend themselves well to base camp touring:

Bend/Redmond OR

Point north, south, east, or west and you’ve got four days' worth of great riding. Day rides to the Aufderheide, McKenzie Parkway, Kah-Nee-Ta, John Day, and Crater Lake will keep you plenty busy. Hotels and motels are plentiful and camping is nice on the north end of Bend at Tumalo campground.

Hood River, OR/Bingen, WA

Mt Hood, Mt. Adams, Mt. St. Helens, Klickitat Canyon, Goldendale, and Historic Highway 30 are just the tip of the iceberg in this area rich in great roads and with plenty to see and do along the way each day. There’s plenty of nice accommodations, and camping is nice at Tucker County Park and Toll Bridge Park campgrounds.

McMinnville/Forest Grove OR

Rides out to the coast and back, south through the Kings Valley, and North to Astoria lead a list of great day trips. There are plenty of tasty places to eat along the routes, several air museums in the area, and lots of wine tasting (spit, spit, spit). McMenamins locations in both towns provide reasonable accommodations.

Mt. Vernon, WA

Riding Chuckanut Drive, Whidbey Island, Mt. Baker, and Winthrop are all great ways to spend the day. For a base camp you could choose a simple motel or perhaps grab a cabin or two at Bay View State Park.

PT/October ‘24