Concerning camping the SR has an official, unofficial, bagman bike riding camper called Sidewalk

aka LaiKhe67tc. He is doing the checking and arrangements for camping and will be posting here as soon as he has things set in jello.

 

 

 

Tent camping works like this on Southern Route.  Bring your tent, and we will work to be sure that as often as possible you won't have to set it up.

 

I will be working with state coordinators to ensure that there is a camping plan each night with reasonable security and even more importantly- showers.  We will try to keep the camping as close as possible to the main group, and try not to get anybody lost. 

 

There are phone calls to make and arms to yet twist before I spell it all out, but we will have a good camping plan.  And like always happens, some will prefer to make their own arrangements.  No problem, but I would like to get a rough idea of the number of people on the main plan.

 

Last year there were maybe 25 or so campers?  My thinking is working with a similar number this year.

 

Sidewalk/ LaiKhe67tc/ tomcameron@cox.net

 

 

Monroe and Meridian are pretty easy, in Monroe we have slept over in the Shriner's hall after the evening meal and program,  inside witrh a shower to share.....one at a time.... and even A/C.  We have been free to set tents outside, but unless you really want to- not necessary.

 

Meridian we just find space around the Ag center, very nice bathrooms and showers there.  Big slumber party on that one, tents are optional.

 

Grand Prairie is a project we're still working on.  Loyd Park at Joe Pool Lake is a possibility but we weren't all happy with that one last year, long story.  We'll do better this year.

 

Watch this space...

 

Sidewalk

Most of the camping locations we have used in the past will be used again, we have some great friends out there!  But like anything else we are trying to make it even better, more convenient, less stress on tired old folks like m'self so we can ride each day alert and refreshed.

Night one, Tolleson, we will be allowed to camp on hotel property.  If you need a shower, call me for details- I will have some ideas for you.  I strongly suggest you have a little kit with your soap and shampoo, a towel, flip-flops, and fresh undies ready to go, the showers probably won't be just outside your tent... if you get my drift.

Day two is Las Cruces and if I can't do better than the KOA we'll stay there- still working on that one.  The very kind lady who opened her home in the past has passed on- that place is no longer an option.  Watch this space.

Day three is Odessa, we will be at the Midessa Oil Patch campground as previously, they know we're coming.  This is a nice place for showers and laundry.

Day four is Grand Prairie.  You are welcome to try the Loyd Park campground at Joe Pool Lake, but I think we can do better.  I am still working on this one with the state coordinators.

Day five is Monroe, we can camp in or around the Shriner's hall where we will have dinner.  This is a very nice camping situation, we shouldn't have to set tents- do I hear "Slumber Party?" Probably not.  By this time on the road, heads that hit pillows are asleep in seconds.  The shower is a one at a time affair, but it works.

Day six is Meridian MS, another time when we camp out on the grounds of the Ag center where we will have dinner.  On a lower level there are nice showers here, too, and in the past we have slept under the stars on the grass outside.  There is plenty of room under the roof as well in case of uncooperative weather.

Day seven is Chattanooga, and we can camp on the grounds of at least one of the hotels, probably another as well.  Also, Thunder Creek Harley will let us use their property for tents, but that's further from water resources.  I'm working on it....trust me....??

Day eight is Wytheville, and we can all camp at the KOA on a large lawn there.  Good showers, but laundry closes before we return from dinner at the Moose lodge.

Day nine is Salem / Roanoke where we can camp on the VA hospital grounds near the homeless facility where we will have access to showers, or the American Legion post a couple miles away where we have breakfast and stage for the last day's ride into Arlington.  We'll be experts by then, you will know what you want to do.

In Arlington after the Run we are welcome to camp at the Arlington Assembly of God church as in previous years.  There are also two more official campgrounds that some use, Burke Lake and the other one.  (Can't think of the name at the moment, it will come to me!)

There will be a small charge at some of the campgrounds, but several are free.  I'm trying to cut the costs down as much as possible- my Scottish blood.  Like that KOA in Las Cruces, can't seem to get a deal there and would like a better alternative.  Let me know if you have a better idea for that one.

I will update again as the plan comes together.  Thank you for your patience, and let me know if you are planning to camp with us- having a good list and accurate numbers makes it easier to plan.

And like most everybody, I can hardly wait!!

tomcameron@cox.net

So do we now have SCD..........Sidewalks Canvas Backs  or but wait, most tents are nylon now adays, thus maybe SNB......Sidewalks Nylon Brigade

 

 

Sidewalk..............Thnaks for what you have down for the campers the last few years......