There’s nothing like starting your day with a stellar cup of coffee while camping on your motorcycle. I for one, literally can’t function without one to start the day. High five to all my fellow caffeine heads.
However, while brewing a great cup of coffee while on the road can be a bit challenging, it’s also fun and rewarding. Good coffee while on the road just amplifies the mot-camping experience.
Here are some tips for brewing the perfect cup of coffee on your motorcycle camping trip:
First, choose the right coffee. When it comes to motorcycle camping, space is limited, so it’s important to choose a coffee that is compact and easy to transport. Packable coffee bags or coffee pods are a great option, as they take up minimal space and can be easily disposed of. I personally enjoy freshly ground, and have a compact manual burr grinder I bring with me on the road. I’ll talk more about the best manual burr grinder options.
Next, bring the right equipment.
You will need a way to boil water, so a camping stove or portable electric kettle is a must. You will also need a coffee mug and a way to grind your coffee, whether that’s a manual grinder or a portable electric grinder (unless you opt for pre-ground, but fresh ground really does amplify a perfect cup of joe)
One thing to keep in mind is that the quality of the water can affect the taste of your coffee. If you’re camping in an area with poor-tasting water, consider bringing bottled water or using a water filtration system to improve the taste of your coffee.
There are many different ways to brew coffee while motorcycle camping and the right technique will depend on your personal preferences and the equipment you have available.
Here are some common motorcycle camping coffee techniques:
- Pour-over: This is a simple and traditional method of brewing coffee. To make a pour-over, you will need a pour-over cone and filter, ground coffee, and hot water.
- French Press: A French press is a popular and easy-to-use method of brewing coffee while camping. To make coffee with a French press, you will need a French press, ground coffee, and hot water.
- AeroPress: The AeroPress is a compact and lightweight coffee-making device that is perfect for motorcycle camping. To make coffee using an AeroPress, you will need the following items: – An AeroPress coffee maker- Whole coffee beans- A grinder (if you are using whole coffee beans)- Filtered water- A mug or cup- A stirrer (a spoon will work)- A scale (optional, but recommended)
- Instant coffee: If you’re short on space or don’t want to bring along coffee-making equipment, instant coffee is a convenient option. Simply add hot water to a packet of instant coffee and stir to dissolve.
6. Brewing espresso while motorcycle camping is possible, but it requires specialized equipment and skill.
Brewing espresso while motorcycle camping can be a bit challenging, as it requires specialized equipment and a certain level of skill. However, if you’re an espresso enthusiast and you want to enjoy a delicious shot of espresso while camping on your motorcycle, there are a few options available to you.
One option is to bring along a portable espresso machine. These are compact and lightweight machines that are designed to be used on the go. They typically use either manual or battery-powered pumps to create the pressure needed to brew espresso. However, these machines can be expensive and may be too bulky for some motorcycle camping trips.
The PicoPresso from Wacaco is a compact and portable espresso machine that is well-suited to motorcycle camping. It is a handheld,hand-powered machine that uses a manual pump to create the pressure needed to brew espresso.
Another option is to use an AeroPress to brew espresso-style coffee. To brew espresso-style coffee with an AeroPress, you will need finely ground coffee, the AeroPress fellow attachment an AeroPress, and hot water. Add the coffee to the AeroPress and pour in hot water. Stir the mixture, then place the plunger on top of the AeroPress and push down to press the coffee into your mug. The resulting coffee will be strong and full-bodied, but it may not have the same crema (foam) as true espresso.
Overall, there are many different ways to brew coffee while motorcycle camping and the right technique will depend on your personal preferences and the equipment you have available.
Experiment with different methods to find the one that works best for you!
Let’s talk about your home away from home. Your tent is usually the largest item in your gear besides your sleeping bag. Both provide you with protection from the elements and keep you comfortable outdoors.
Tents need a little TLC, just like your motorcycle does. For what we pay for a decent compact tent you might as well give it some love. Most of the time a good shake will do, but there are those times when maybe you get rained on or you set up in the only mud puddle in the whole campsite. If this happens to you, here are some things you can do.
First set up your tent and inspect for damage and missing parts. Taking a quick inventory will ensure you have all the parts and tent stakes for your next adventure. Plus, you’ll get familiar with your equipment before you have to put it together at the end of a long day of riding.
When inspecting for damage make sure your poles and zippers are in good working order. Check for stains, caked-on dirt, debris, small tears, cracks in your poles, and anything else unusual. Sometimes sand or small debris can get into zippers and make them malfunction. You can use an old toothbrush to clear the debris and get them working again. Never force your zippers, being gentle with them will ensure they last the life of the tent.
Using a soft brush gently brush away any dirt or debris stuck on your tent. If it’s really on there, you can pretreat and scrub stubborn areas by using a nonabrasive sponge and a non-detergent soap. For more stubborn spots like tree sap, you can use mineral oil to remove the sap from your tent. Using laundry or dish soap is not recommended as they can strip your tent’s protective coatings. You can buy soaps made for tents at camping supply stores or on the Amazon links we highlighted in this article.
Once you get your tent scrubbed up it’s important to rinse and dry your tent thoroughly. Putting away a damp tent will result in mold or mildew.
Most of the time the process above is sufficient, but should it end up really dirty, say after a night of too many adult beverages, spilled coffee or something else unfortunate, you can fill your bathtub with cold water and a non-detergent soap and hand agitate it. Rinse thoroughly and air dry completely before storing.
Never put your tent in the washer, especially top-load agitators or the dryer. Using machines can cause damage and wash away your tent’s protective UV and waterproofing coatings. Just a couple of quick thoughts off the top of my head about taking care of your tent. Just like motorcycles need some preventive maintenance, so does your home away from home. You paid good money for it, take a few minutes and keep it in good condition.
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