Ride across the USA

[bflint]

While I did not camp for more than 15 years, some friends told me, I had to do camping on my ride across the USA, as that is a unique experience in the wild.

What do ya think? That would mean, I had to carry a tent, sleeping bag and a camping mat...

Including "camping" can help keep your trip affordable. Eg $30 to $50 for a campsite versus $80-$150 for a motel/hotel. I used KOA (https://koa.com/) a lot in my San Diego to Maryland round trip last year. They offer open areas for tents and also have "cabins" (no plumbing, just beds to lay your sleeping back on, plus electricity, TV, and often air conditioning). I bought inexpensive camping stuff from a chain store called Big 5 Sports (http://www.big5sportinggoods.com): 2 person Tent = $40, 20 degree sleeping bag = $50, blowup matress = $20, battery pump for mattress = $20, propane stove = $25 ... plus LOKSAK OPSAK Odor Proof Barrier Bags from REI to store my food items because squirrels eat thru my saddle bags at Zion Utah. Food was simple for me: instant Starbucks coffee, instant milk, instant oatmeal, apples, granola bars, mini-bar items (Jack Daniels, Southern Comfort).
Mr Django ... may try to hookup with you at some point on your journey. I'm on wife's vacation from 5/22-6/7 and was planning to do my next xcountry moto trip starting 7/1. Will be keeping tabs on your schedule as your Los Angeles arrive date approaches. Please note it rains in USA during summer (bring Frog Togs) and it near freezing in the high desert areas (like in Arizona) and mountain areas (like in Colorado) so ... need warm sleeping back if camping out and warm riding clothes if riding at night. What a great adventure to be on Welcome to the USA !