In a previous article, https://www.scrambleroutdoors.com/main-reasons-to-upgrade-my-first-125cc-motorcycle/, I mentioned that I was upgrading my 125cc Keeway X-Light to a Honda GB350S. Well, that moment is getting very close. The Honda has arrived at my local dealership, and now I am waiting for the paperwork and license plates. Once the process is complete, it will officially be mine.
Since I will be trading in the small bike, I decided to go on one last camp out with it.
After 18 months of ownership, I can say that I haven’t experienced any major issues. The little bike put me on the right track when it came to motorcycle ownership. It was easy and cheap to maintain, and I never encountered any mechanical or electrical problems. Most importantly, it was an excellent first motorcycle for learning how to ride and gaining experience.
The only downside is that, being manufactured in China, it doesn’t hold its value very well on the second-hand market. However, that’s something you already know when you buy one.
Preparing for the Motorcycle Camping Trip
Early on Friday afternoon, I checked my backpack, filled my water bottles, and dressed appropriately for the trip. Then I loaded the backpack onto the bike and headed to the grocery store to pick up some provisions for the overnight stay.
I grabbed some bacon, two chicken souvlaki skewers, brioche bread, cheese, and butter. Coffee is always packed and ready to go!
After leaving the store, I headed towards the highway. Before long, I took the exit leading to a village near a seaside pine forest. I had visited this place many times before. It is close to my hometown and is one of my favorite spots.
I rode down the path and soon took a left turn beneath the pine trees. I continued under the canopy until I reached my usual spot. I parked the bike and unloaded my gear.
Setting Up Camp in the Pine Forest
With the bike parked, I took off my backpack, put it down, and opened it. It was time to set up my shelter.
I took out my oilskin tarp and pitched it in a plow-point configuration. My tarp measures 8 ft x 8 ft, giving me plenty of room. I folded part of it to create an extra layer between me and the ground. On top, I placed my sleeping mat and wool blanket.
Once the shelter was ready, it was time to prepare a small fire pit. I decided to make one just in case the temperature dropped during the night. Having a fire pit and some firewood ready is never a bad idea.
I dug a small hole in the ground and cleared the surrounding area of pine needles.
Although the weather was great and the temperature was comfortable, I wanted to be prepared. I gathered some sticks and made a tinder bundle using grass and pine needles. There were plenty of fallen branches around, so gathering firewood wasn’t difficult. I used my Silky saw to process a couple of larger branches that would provide a good supply of firewood.
It took me about an hour to set up the shelter and prepare the fire pit and firewood. However, the sun was shining brightly, making the work enjoyable.
When I finished these preparations, it was time to add a few personal touches to the camp. First, I placed my backpack, helmet, jacket, and sweater under the tarp. I wouldn’t need the extra layers just yet.
Next, I took out a small sitting mat and sat down for a break. Afterwards, I hung a small tea candle lantern from the tarp’s tension line. It would provide some extra light besides my headlamp.
Since the temperature was excellent, I decided to use my small camping stove. Lighting a fire so early would have created too much unnecessary heat. The stove is made by Primus, and you will have a chance to read a review of it in another article.
For now, I just sat back for a few minutes, relaxing and admiring my surroundings. Birds were singing above my head, and a breeze occasionally came in from the sea, making the tree branches dance to its rhythm.
Cooking Dinner at Camp
When you’re out in the woods, dinner time always seems to come around quickly. So, it was time to prepare mine.
I took the chicken souvlaki skewers and removed the pieces of meat from them. I lit the stove and added some butter to my pan. Then I put in the chicken and let it cook, adding oregano, salt, and pepper.
Once the chicken was ready, I took some brioche bread and added a slice of Greek cheese called kasseri, followed by the cooked chicken. That was how I made about three small sandwiches.
Oh man, they were absolutely delicious!
After finishing dinner, I cleaned the pan and my spork. I hung them from a line I had secured between two trees, away from my shelter. I also hung a small plastic bag in the middle, containing the sticks and paper that had been used to package the meat.
After that, I made some instant coffee. I relaxed and enjoyed the peaceful surroundings until the sun finally went down.
I slept like a baby.
An Unexpected Early-Morning Departure
I woke up around 6:00 a.m. to my cell phone alarm. The weather forecast had warned of severe storms and strong winds heading in my direction.
I got out from under my blanket and looked at the sky above me. Gray clouds were gathering, so I decided to break camp and skip both coffee and breakfast.
I packed everything, collected my rubbish, and hopped onto the motorcycle. The wind was getting stronger, and I could smell the rain coming.
Riding Home Before the Storm
I turned the key in the ignition and headed back home. At certain points, the wind hit me hard from the side. I tried to keep the revs up, but sometimes it felt as though an invisible hand was trying to push me off the bike to the right.
Before I reached the highway exit, the first raindrops landed on my helmet’s visor. I made it home safely without getting soaked.
Within half an hour, the downpour had become significantly heavier. At least I had made it home in time!
I made myself a coffee and had breakfast. Afterwards, I took care of my gear and let everything dry.
Reflections on My Last Camping Trip with the Keeway X-Light
Despite my rushed departure from the campsite, the overnight trip was a blast. Looking back, I also enjoyed the adventurous and hurried process of breaking camp that morning.
Sometimes, things like this happen, and we need to be prepared. The weather can change quickly, especially when you’re camping outdoors. Being able to pack up and leave when necessary is part of the experience.
The Keeway X-Light brought me home safely and gave me another set of memories to cherish and share. During the 18 months I owned it, it proved to be a reliable and affordable companion for learning about motorcycles and enjoying outdoor adventures.
Now, it’s time for the next chapter.
I can’t wait to take my new Honda GB350S on its first camping trip!
Knife review: https://www.scrambleroutdoors.com/knife-review-ltwk-maverick-scout/
My backpack: https://www.scrambleroutdoors.com/evolution-of-my-backpack/
My tarp: https://www.scrambleroutdoors.com/gear-review-tentsmiths-oilskin-tarp/
Where to find:
https://alderstream.wcha.org/packs.html
