So I'm new to HU and just picked up a 2013 Bonneville T-100 5 weeks ago (already put 2000 miles under the wheels). I have 8 days (June 15-22) to get out on the bike.
I want to use this as a learning trip of sorts, I'm new to motorcycle touring. I had a GS a few years ago and put 8000 miles on it in the year that I had it, but all my camping off the bike was at organized rallies. With this trip I'm trying to learn more so that when I take my wife or son (8 yrs old) out with me I will hopefully have some of the learning curve worked out.

So my questions: First where to go? I'll be heading out of Nashville, TN and returning to Nashville, 8 days, I'd like to go north or east. I want to lean toward backroads / secondary hwys / small towns, camp. Any suggestions?

Which brings up the next question.

Any pointers on camping (cheap? free?) in the US?? I hate to have to pay $20-30 a night just to throw a tent down and not even use the showers etc at many of the organized camp grounds.

PLEASE any tips on traveling cheap in the US will be welcome!

I'm hoping to grow from these small trips into a larger US trip and eventually North, Central, and South America.

As for the current bike set up. It is stock with a Wolfman tank bag, Ortlieb dry bag panniers, Rentec rear rack, PMRacks pannier racks, Dart flyscreen, aux USB ports, Ortlieb duffle and various other dry bags for camping gear.

Thanks for any and all help,
Jeff

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The blue bar thingys at the top of the page give you lots of info

e.g. TRAVEL Hints and Tips - Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB


Your major cost will depend on the speed at which you travel thought the country side.
Given your food and accommodation costs will be fairly constant then the bikes fuel consumption (not to mention tires, oil, etc) will be a function of distance traveled and the speed at which you travel will be the main variables...

For free camping
http://www.cyclocampingforum.com/index.php?topic=107.0
also couch surfing ... http://www.couchsurfing.org/home

Think you guys have free camping in some state parks/forests .. no link. From memory they have no showers .. but free.

I'd think you'll want a shower every other day .. so commercial campgrounds could be useful.

For accommodation

http://www.cyclocampingforum.com/index.php?topic=107.0

Regional info
Southeast, The Lair of the Dragon - The Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains - ADVrider

Looks like you have a good set up there.
Attend an HU Meeting close to you, great people and you will learn tons.
Also check this website out:- ALL US AND CANADA CAMPGROUNDS LOCATOR: STATE PARKS NATIONAL PARKS FORESTS MORE california oregon washington new york pennsylvania more

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Central America, South America & Africa on DR650's - BLOG