Is all Motorcycle camping Created Equal? Kickstand vs. Ironhorse | Campgrounds
Вставка
- Опубліковано 23 лип 2022
- North Carolina is jammed packed with motorcycle camping and to be solo camping with your Spouse we find out if they all created equal?
We can’t tell you how many people have been camping at the Kickstand Lodge and recommended either Motorcycle Campground or the Ironhorse Motorcycle Lodge and finally find ourselves in the area to take advantage of their facilities.
We’re terrible about making reservations, but thankfully there always seem to be tent campsites available just about everywhere we go.
Between the two campgrounds, you’ll be able to pick one that meets your needs.
Rich & Chris ❤️
All our content is free, but if you would like to support our channel and help keep the content coming:
▶Join us on Patreon where we share current updates, deleted scenes, and future meetups. / twowheelsbiglife
▶Or Join us on the membership side of UA-cam (click the "Join" button)
/ @twowheelsbiglife
▶Or Buy us a tank of gas: www.paypal.com/paypalme/twowh...
Things we mention or use in this Video:
👉👉 ▶Nelson Rigg website - www.nelsonrigg.com/
Use 💥👉 2WBL20 💥 for exclusive 20% discount
👍
👍 Our Favorite Items:
▶Sena Motorcycle Communication - amzn.to/3jDQu4h
▶Bluetti Solar - shrsl.com/3cnc2
▶Bluetti Power Station - shrsl.com/3cnbs
▶Rich's Tank Bag - www.nelsonrigg.com/
Use 💥👉 2WBL20 💥 for exclusive 20% discount
👍AMAZON Storefront👍
www.amazon.com/shop/twowheels...
🏍Our Favorite Motorcycle Gear:
▶Rich's Trunk Bag ▶Rich's Tank Bag ▶Motorcycle Covers - www.nelsonrigg.com/
Use 💥👉 2WBL20 💥 for exclusive 20% discount
▶Chris' Jacket - amzn.to/39OAYiv
▶Motorcycle Covers
▶Roc Straps - amzn.to/36QSxga
▶Tire Inflator - amzn.to/36R2fyK
▶Richard's Crash bar Lowers - amzn.to/3tDEPab
▶Shoei Helmets - amzn.to/3rsoza3
⛺️Our Favorite Camping Items:
▶ Camp Pillow - amzn.to/2Of7LVI
▶ Yeti Cooler - amzn.to/2O5pqyT
▶ CampTowel - amzn.to/2MBH2lQ
▶ Mess Kit - amzn.to/3jto2lp
▶ Stanley French press - Coffee Pot - amzn.to/3jtGKZX
▶ Solar Shower - amzn.to/2O5mJgL
▶ Camping Fan - amzn.to/36OFUSM
▶ Helinox Sleeping Cot - amzn.to/39XeLia
▶ Colman Gas Stove - amzn.to/3aMur78
🎥 Our Camera Equipment:
▶ Cannon T7i - amzn.to/3aFFzmt
▶ GoPro Hero 7 Black - amzn.to/3aL5Pvt
▶ GoPro Hero 8 Black - amzn.to/3aHIvPs
▶ External Hard Drive - amzn.to/3ju35a8
▶ Sena Motorcycle Communication - amzn.to/3jDQu4h
▶ Flex Camera Mount - amzn.to/3cPfvYE
▶ Tri-Pod Flex - amzn.to/3pZycg2
We would be honored if you subscribed to our UA-cam channel and follow us on social media.👇👇✅👍
Website: twowheelsbiglife.com
FaceBook: / twowheelsbiglife
Instagram @TwoWheelsBigLife
Music from Epidemic Sound
😁😍👍We hope you join us on this crazy adventure! We not entirely sure what we’re doing… but, we’re going to do it anyway… and, we’re going to do it together!
✅Our goal is to build a positive community of people who are passionate about living the life you've always imagined and striving to making your life extraordinary! We want to share our experiences with you about what it’s like living on the road from the back of a Motorcycle. It's not as easy as you’d think and we share these challenges in the hopes of helping you not make our same mistakes on your own great motorcycle riding adventures.
✅Who is Two Wheels Big Life?
We’re Rich and Chris - motorcycle adventurists who love motorcycle riding and camping. Rich rides a Harley Davidson RoadGlide towing a Bunkhouse pop-up motorcycle trailer and Chris rides a BMW K1250GS. We’re creating online content to encourage, motivate and inform motorcycle travelers.
✅TwoWheelsBigLife, All Rights Reserved * This channel is for entertainment purposes only. We are not motorcycle or travel experts. We share our opinions and what works for us, but please do your own research.
✅ Please be sure to SUBSCRIBE to our channel.
http// / twowheelsbiglife
✅ Also be sure to hit that LIKE button if you enjoyed this video. It ALL truly helps and enables us to keep providing this content for you...our viewers. 😊🤓
✅ If you want to be notified when we release new videos, click the little bell 🔔 next to the subscribe button. 😊🤓🌴☀️🤓
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
We will be out on the road and away from cell service for the next couple of days. Thanks for watching, we will answer comments as soon as we return!
So basically iron horses is for the yuppies and kickstand is for everybody else
Been there done that I don't know how many times I'm a country boy in Texas so yeah I know
I’ve stayed at both and like them for the reasons you stated. My last three trips O stayed at the Ironhorse. I like tent camping there, and love the amenities: showers, laundry, and great indoor and outdoor areas to relax. When it would be pouring rain, I could go inside the huge lounge and relax, shoot pool, throw darts, etc…and they have great WiFi.
I can't believe what they charge for tent camping!!! Damn!😎🏜🌈❤
Mo and Bobby are the best! I first stayed there back in 2012 and have been back 10 times since. Some years twice for a week or more at a time. They will be open this year from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
I KNOW MO!
Kickstand reminds of the place I live in and I like the homey old fashioned feeling. When I first rode into this place, I loved it immediately.
Kickstand is outstanding place oh the stories I could tell you . My wife and I have been there at least 10 times from Canada 🇨🇦 in the last few years
I bet lots of good stories from tbere
Kickstand is like family stayed a lot last time was to long ago had to leave early in morning MO got breakfast early for me I will never forget it apple bread French toast a true place in my hart
Awesome
Gave up tents many years ago never looked back lol
There is plenty of free camping on the Bald river outside of Tellico Plains. Also plenty of free camping off of the Cherohala skyway.
I recommend getting a can of Camp Dry from Walmart and spray the tent all over with extra on the seams. It really works. The tarp under the tent works but it can't be sticking out at all.
Ditto! Done it spray after/before each set up Coleman held up 👍
We tried kickstand i will never go back. We live iron horse!!!!! Them being closed was a blessing. 😅
You should get a large tarp to go over your tent. Stake it down or bungee around trees. You will stay dry and if large enough, you can set up an area to put your chairs. Don't have to sit in the tent.
Great idea
Great stuff. Tarp will keep you dry from the ground up if inside tent. Have tarp slightly bigger than floor of tent and roll perimeter up. Just give it a try if you like. Have fun.
Good call!
Thank you so much for sharing your adventure.
I like a good vibe and clean bathrooms. I hope you make your way to Willville motorcycle campground in Meadows of Dan Virginia
I'm gonna be headed back up that way in October, cannot wait. I love going up there in the Fall, because of all the colors. If you go in the Fall, you might need to call first and make reservations. Thanks for sharing this and all your videos with us, I ❤️ them !!! Ride Safe !!
RE: water in your tent:
(1) I stopped using a ground cloth years ago. They only delay wear on tent floors, they don’t prevent it.. Unfortunately, all tent floors will eventually seep or leak. Instead, I rig a sheet of plastic about 8” wider and 8” longer than the tent floor. I fold up a 4” high lip all the way around. Miter the corners, and fasten them with duct tape. This has saved me several times. Little holes can be temporarily patched with duct tape on both sides. New plastic is available at hardwares. Rain water is available almost everywhere.
(2). BUT, even before the tent is erected, all - repeat ALL - debris is removed. Stones, sticks, pine cones,pull tabs, glass, etc. THEY are the culprits.
(3). Water runs downhill. Pick a high spot. 😏
Courtesy of Half Vast Flying
Oh, okay, I feel relieved. It appears they just changed their policy. I just tried to call Mo and didn't get a answer and now I know why. I even have their number in my phone I've been there so many times. You'll like it. I've had the wanderlust for the Kickstand this past few months. I'm going to have to make plans. Thanks for bringing back my sweet memories of the Kickstand and getting me fired up to go again.
Yes they are just scaling back I hope they stay around for awhile.
@@TwoWheelsBigLife Knowing Mo, I convinced she'll keep it going as long as possible. She's such a biker babe, in the best of ways.
I enjoy your videos and admire your "enjoyment" of the tenting life. My wife and I have been riding for 50+ years and have moved from tent camping (in our younger years) to RVing (motorhome with the bikes in a cargo trailer). These days, we travel in air conditioned (and dry) comfort, and day trip with the bikes where the riding is good. I was excited for you when you got the camper/truck set up, thinking you'd be more comfortable... which (for us, anyway) means: happy to be out there longer. My question: why did you choose to move from the camper/truck back to strictly tent camping? I would be riding alone if I suggested that move (getting that first motorhome 30 years ago was my wife's idea - and a good one!). Wishing you good times and safe travels.
Awesome thanks
Rich and Kris.....if you plan on staying another night or two in the Cherokee area, try Indian Creek Campground and see if the "Lottery Spot" is available. My wife and I along with our kids stayed there on our BRP/Smoky Mountain trip this year. It is a super neat little place, very clean and if you like being lulled to sleep by a babbling brook then you will love it!
You guys should check out Two wheel resort of Suches GA. Beautiful place and great people. Roads are do beautiful and Blairsville is a charming town
Yes we’ve been there. Check back on our earlier videos.
I love the Ironhorse, I spent a week there last spring.
The new owners of the Ironhorse changed it. The fire pit was smaller and everyone sat around it. The tent sites doubled in price the last couple of years. I want to try Two Wheel Suches campground. I think it’s near the GA line.
Yes Two Wheels of Suchas is a great place
You are truly a made for each other couple. So sweet. Best wishes and wishing you many more miles together.
We took a small group of friends down there a couple years ago and it was a hit for the most part
I see you folks are back on the bikes. Better.
Courtesy of Half Vast Flying
I know Mo!!!! Being from NC, I've stayed at both places. I much prefer KSL. I love the community atmosphere. I always blow the horn as I pass by... Glas yall are enjoying my neck of the woods...
It rains a lot in the NC mountains, just how it is. The part of the NC mountains you went to gets a very high amount of rain.
I live 45 min for the Blue Ridge Parkway. In the vicinity of Boone, Wilkesboro area.
Dianne and I would love to come back down but due to a stroke I suffered in Dec of 2019 I had to get rid of my harley but I so miss that place. Maybe someday again. Moe and Bobbie have nice reasonably priced cabins to stay in as wellyou guys looked like granny and jed when you were running enjoy I wish I was there to show you some of the places dianne and I have found. You will really enjoy the kickstand lodge . We know Moe
I have stayed at Ironhorse, but had not heard of Kickstand. I think I'll try Kickstand the next time I'm in the area!
I've spent many a great weekend at Kickstand. Mo will never forget your name. My first year there, I was recruited to cook breakfast for the camp. Another time I had clean up duty. Its a great place and yes it is like a family.
Hi I'm randy from Akron ohio I'm a gold wing guy I like your show and the things iv learned. I'm going to try the moto camping next year . Be safe and keep sending videos
Thank you all you do for us. I just love your videos and your positive attitude. Please Be Safe ❤
That was a beautiful place. Thank you for the reviews. I enjoyed it.
Dawns here ☀️very informative
You should check out Mt. View Motorcycle Campground. It’s in the general area you are in now.
Maybe you could do a video on how to set up your tent if it is going to rain? How to keep from getting under tent?
If you really want to get the vibe of the Kickstand Lodge come through when there's a medium to full camp. Especially if you can get there when the Clicker Lickers @shanestout is playing. Nothing better than a day of riding and nights sitting on the porch or campfire with live music. This is my therapy. The best thing about this place is there are no strangers and everyone is friendly.
Another great video, informative and open hearted reviews! Thank you so much. Love the channel. Enjoy, Stay Safe !
I actually just bought a little over of an acre of ground with water and Electric on it. I'm going to put an awning on it to back an RV underneath next to the deck add a few things and then hopefully within the year I will have everything set up to where I can get on my bike and do exactly what you two are doing that is my goal. I work 13 plus hours a day I only have one day off driving tractor trailer at 60 years old. I will make that my home and my base camp and I'm going to take off! Something I should have done a long time ago
Well, the owners of the Ironhorse clearly have never tent camped, a sink to wash dishes is a must especially if you don't have water at your site and at $35.00 a night, they can afford to install a sink.
The Kickstand closed? Something isn't right. I hope Moe is okay. Her first husband Fred died of cancer in 2006 (the first time we went there, he was sick but cooked eight dozen eggs for everybody). Then she remarried (I can't remember his name), and I think his health was good.
Yes his name is Bobby. And he is super nice very down home kinda guy
Boy, that rain looked good, I’m in Texas and it is powder house dry, and hot hot hot here.
I rode my bike Saturday and again yesterday and it’s miserable with a helmet on.
The creeks I stop and fish in are about dried up, so right now here, it’s just not as fun as it should be
Wow we’ve heard it’s hot down there
@@TwoWheelsBigLife it’s rough
The puppy got robbed of screen time.
Thanks!! The Kickstand Lodge sounds like my kind of place! Just me but I’m a fan & KOA member, always clean and accommodating!
I love your channel I love your adventures and I take the opportunity to learn a little bit of the English language
Awesome glad to help with that
Great video, enjoying your content, I am a fan. California viewing
Seems you guys got a good handle on the motorcycle touring now. Enjoy the way you simple overcome the problems and make do with what is there when you get there.
Now you know Moe! 😃 I love the Kickstand, but the last time I traveled out there, I had emailed with them, they responded they were looking forward to seeing us, but when we got there on Monday and they were not willing to let us stay because they had not cleaned up from the weekend. The rain was coming and we were stuck looking for a place to stay. The Ironhorse was not allowing tent camping due to the excessive rain they were experiencing. The girls there in the office at the Ironhorse were super nice and suggested the Fontana Village further up hwy 28. We did find a dry spot for the night and ended up just basing out of there for a few days. I hope to be able to stay at the Kickstand again someday but I'll need to pick my days and be able to show them the emails we sent back and forth I guess.
I stayed at the Iron Horse a couple of years ago. Trailered the bike and time constrained had me staying in one of the cabins. The lack of restaurants was disheartening, (early Oct.). Going to try to do the trip again, but camp. Thanks for the in-sights. Rock on!
Very nice campground! I think I'd go for the kickstand...
Too bad that I am much too far away here in Europe :))
But you make me feel homesick (in a good way) 😄👍👍
You guys are amazing, you are at the top of my watch list . Thank you so much .
Thanks a bunch John
Great comparison video! I’ll be checking out the Kickstand lodge the next time I head over that way! I love riding in that area, so many great roads. Be well!!
thanks for the ride.......love sunday now.
That’s why we have phones to call ahead it’s called using your smarts did you check to see if you packed your brains
Duh I don’t know keyboard warrior. 👍🤦♂️
Do more content like this ! Good info. Leaving Ca. Now for Fl. NC. After Daytona, will try um
Love the Kickstand. Definitely going to have to make a trip down there. Thanks for "profiling" it.
Y’all need to check out Hunt’s motorcycle lodge in telico plains at the start of Chrohala skyway !! There the best in the area in my opinion !!!
I’ve alway had good luck with eureka tents not leaking or breaking
Safe Travels!
Love the show😁
Back yrs ago when my parents used to take us camping it only cost couple of dollars a night and places that had cold running showers 5 dollars at the most
You two are real troupers. I go car-camping 2 nights a year, and even that I find tiring. I couldn't do it the way you do.
I REALLY hope you can go to Willville Motorcycle Campground in Meadows of Dan, VA! It's the best I've been to so far.
Kickstand is definitely home away from home when we go down there! Love Bobby and Mo! Need to get back down there soon!!
I have stayed at kickstand lodge many time's Bobby and mo are
great people !
One comment about the universal greeting between motorcyclists. In Europe lots of them use their feet to greet other motorcyclists passing by. You just stick out your foot off the footpegs. You keep both hands on the handlebar so it is ok to do it in some minor curves.
We stayed many times in robinsville on our motor cycle travels. Nice country love the ride between there and highland
COPPER INFUSED POLYESTER socks will probably stop your feet from stinking. Worked for me.
U nailed it about Iron Horse. More commercial since new owner took over. Thanks for reviews on Kickstand Lodge. I’ll have to check it out. Only been to Iron Horse once since new owners took over.
Great video! Very informative, the iron bourse place is totally my style, we will have to check it out. On a technical note; You guys have the best sound quality and music.
Thanks Matt 🖕🏻🤣🤣🤣
I see you are in our area...We're in Elizabethton, TN. We invite you to do a "bunk-a-biker" at our home. I'd love to show you some of the great riding around our area!
Good info! We will be in that area in Sep/Oct camping at Smokemont in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park but I do want to check out those motorcycle campgrounds someday. I hope you got to spend some time camping and riding in the park. The Little River Gorge Road is a beautiful ride.
I would have gone over to Smitty’s in Tellico Plains for $12 a night.
Kickstand seems nice too.
Stayed at Iron Horse tent camping with a couple of buddies for a few days. First day we got there was a deluge all afternoon and evening. We never put our tents up, instead we slept upstairs on the couches in the rec room section of the lodge. Not sure what we would have done otherwise. Next morning things dried out and we were able to set up camp. Overall, it was nice, the bathrooms and showers were very clean. No complaints really
Nice place. Heading to Maggie Valley, see museum?
Good lesson... when talking hotels, motels, or campgrounds, ALWAYS call ahead if at all possible. Nothing worse than finding that dreaded "Closed" or "No Vacancy" sign when you arrive without a backup plan. Which, of course, leads us to the lesson 2 for today: ALWAYS have a backup plan... and a BACKUP backup plan!
You will be hard pressed to get a phone answered at KSL.
I love Iron horse! I stayed there a few years ago. They have great food and nice people. Of all the nice people the cooks Lee and Shelley were my favorite. I've never been to kickstand lodge but will have to check it out next time I'm in North Carolina. Thanks for making such a great review 👍
Fresh coffee grounds! I love drinking coffee and I love how fresh my boots smell after a night with a handful grounds in them. Those coffee bags they provide in motel rooms are perfect because they’re no good for a good cup of coffee.
The Simple Life Campground is nice
When you said you had mail to post, I was waiting for you to say you are sending in this video to youtube to post on the channel.. that might have been funny.
Stayed in both . Iron horse not very friendly to us but was a great set up and the kickstand lodge was awesome . There is more back story but I will leave it like that for now
We agree KS is awesome
Looks like a nice ride.
It’s awesome out there
Have you looked at Simply Life motorcycle camp ground. Stay a week there, April 2021. Great folks in a great area. PS I have been following you 2 for a while and love what you are doing. Stay safe and maybe our paths will cross. Papa wheelie down in Florida
I tent camp when I travel. 99% of the time I don't make reservations. I like to wing it. There have been several times where I go to a camping site and there's no tent camping allowed. Just part of the adventure, I guess. The Ironhorse looks too fancy for my taste. I think I would prefer the Kickstand. Would be nice if the Kickstand had raised gravel tent pads though.
Many nights with Mo and Bobby. They are the best.
They really are.
Hey folks, cool video. Tent equipment is usually manufactured to certain quality standards based on usage being occasional, frequently used or intensive where you literally living out of it from one camp site to the next. You guys should contact the folks at LoneRider. Their gear is top notch but is NOT cheap.
Secondly, here in Europe, we have general camp sites( for cars, RV’s, etc) but you can also find motorcycle ‘dedicated’/friendly campsites. These ones think of camp site usage through the eyes of a motorcycle rider. Basic needs are covered.
Perhaps there exists an app that lets you find motorcycle specific camp sites throughout the US ?
On the leaky tent topic…you should check out Big Agnes. A pricey option. But, fully waterproof with 1500mm rated walls and roof. I recently purchased a blacktail3 (solo camper) and it is awesome!
Nice 👍
I know you know this but, a tarp over the tent, as well, works good. My wife and I did this already this year. We stayed high and dry.
I’m 68 and She’s 61. 🤷🏿♂️💭👈 Just a thought.
Have fun out there!!
Cheers
Tarheels are good folks, glad I was born and raised there.
Did she say $1400 a night for the king suite and $71 for a tent spot at IronHorse? WOW.
I think it was $71 dollars for two nights, I could be wrong. Americans would go into shock with the prices in Norway for everything!
@@jeanjacques9980 over here in Arizona it will be $10 to $20 at max for camping. I am planning to ride in Norway next summer or so. May be strong USD May help 😂😅
Yes I believe $1400 per night with a minimum number of nights, maybe 3??
I think $71 for a tent, two nights?? Judging by the other prices could very well be per night. The other site looked far more homely and appealing, my camping days are over.
@@ahmeterdemir9097 Hope you win the lottery or you might be forced to rob a bank, pizza minimum €25.00 and half a litre of beer €10.00, weather highly changeable.
You both seem like just great people.
Just an observation on my part to be taken with a grain of salt: the biggest improvement to the channel would be to film more of the riding and improve the quality of the camera work to capture the same.
I only offer this only to help take your channel to the next level.
Be safe!
We’ll do our best
thats a cool place. I have been there
I thought you said you were going to buy a “good” tent but you bought a Coleman. That’s not a good tent!
Check out Nemo tents. Ours keeps us dry inside.
Have you looked into a portable electric fence for bear country. Lightest is 2.4 lbs
Nice video, reminds me of why I don't tent camp any more . . .
Let's Go!!!
For tent camping check out REI - I have been a member since 1972. Don't skimp on your camp tent. You need a tent with a rain fly and vestibule. You can rent all camping equipment from REI to check it out and even buy their used equipment. Joining also gives you a dividend at the end of the year for any purchases. You can't go wrong with REI. Founded by one of the first American to summit Everest - I met him at the gas station I worked at in Seattle while in college at UW - Jim Whitaker.
Funny stuff.
Best thing about kickstand is the chocolate lab! I love puppies and it looks more like home
Wow, what a wet time, looks fun. So... my bother and I just had this conversation yesterday. Two fingers down wave to all bikers, do we go 3 fingers down for trikes? I do dishes in bare feet too Jed. 🙂 love the videos!