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SPRING 2018 ISSUE 01 / VOL . 03
The tent-only section of the campground is a stone ' s throw from the Canyon ' s North Rim .
Since there will be camping on this ride , I pack my BMW R 1200 GS with the requisite tent , sleeping bag , air mattress and other campsite essentials . Any sporttouring motorcycle would be fine for this loop . However , the GS seems perfect since there will be opportunities for short off-road excursions along the way .
My ride starts at the Canyon ’ s South Rim . After paying my national park fee ($ 25 for a solo motorcyclist ), I wind my way through the moderately heavy tourist traffic toward the Canyon . I choose not to spend my time at the bustling “ heart ” of the park , Grand Canyon Village . The vast majority of park visitors view the Canyon only from this perspective . It is the most visited and “ touristy ” part of the park and boasts a plethora of campsites , lodges , restaurants and shopping options . However , that ’ s not why I am here .