There are particular moments in my life that never let go. My first steps on the Appalachian Trial with my college buddy Jeremy. Seeing the Grand Canyon while traveling across the country in my Nissan Cube. Swimming in the Pacific Ocean for the first time. These moments were all important to my growth as a person and traveler. When I landed at Aiken State Park on May 22, 2026, around 3:30pm, I felt the same powerful sensation that those previous moments held for me. Yet, this moment, felt greater than those before. For me, this motorcycle trip had become a year of understanding how to moto-camp, what gear to pack, how to pack it, how to load it on my Triumph Speed Twin 900, that I call Lucy, and ultimately, decide where to go for my first trip. Watching the “Long Way Home” series over the Winter, I knew I could do what the stars of show had done, pack and go! Once April rolled around, I knew I had to make it official. I would take my first ever motorcycle trip over Memorial Day Weekend and my location would be Aiken State Park. I notified work of my vacation plans, told my Mom I was going away, and then got to work.

I love lists. Preparing for my trip to Aiken State Park allowed me to take a deep dive into gear. What I needed and what I didn’t need. My first pack list suffered from what I call “packing too much” syndrome. Seriously, my first pack list would work for car camping, but I soon realized, I was packing my motorcycle. Space was limited, and weight was a factor. I had to make compromises. I decided to leave my books at home. Let go of my running gear and running shoes. I mean, was I going to run during my camping trip? And five sets of clothes for a two day camping trip felt a bit too much. Lucky for me Amazon made it easy when it came to actual camping supplies. I ordered a tent, camp chair, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, stove kit, tent pillow, stove kit, bar soap holder, and ROK Straps for packing things to my motorcycle. Once everything arrived, the trip felt very real. For practice I even setup my campsite in my Mom’s backyard just to get a feel of how everything worked. This gave me lots of confidence. I visited my local Half-Moon Outfitters retail store a few times to finish off my camping supplies like a handy camp spork, fuel for my stove kit, a food bag, and some instant meals that worked really well at my day trip to Givhans Ferry State Park. My last purchase was a 70 liter duffel bag to carry most of my campsite gear. Then it hit me, I needed a second saddlebag for Lucy. One saddle bag had worked for Givhans Ferry State Park, but Aiken was a weekend trip and I needed more space. So a trip to Charleston Triumph to purchase a second saddlebag made complete sense. A week before launch day, I stood in front of Lucy, who was fully packed, and I felt ready! Now, all that was left to do….was GO!

I left James Island, South Carolina, a little after 9am and headed to Folly Beach, South Carolina. Folly Beach is my destination whenever I leave for a day trip so leaving from Folly Beach before Aiken State Park made sense to me. There was comfort there. A ritual. What I didn’t realize was this was the Friday before Memorial Day weekend and traffic was busy with vehicles and beach goers. I was very happy to leave the local Circle K at Folly Beach without getting into an accident. Once on Folly Road I knew my route well. I had studied my South Carolina paper map for weeks and following route 61 up to Summerville would be my direction. After an amazing ride up 61 I pulled over at Summer’s Corner to stretch my legs, have a slip of cold water from my water jug, and understand that I was on my way. I estimated I would get to Aiken State Park before 4pm. And my inner voice didn’t fail me with reminding me that, “Rolf this will be the farthest you have ever traveled on a motorcycle before”. I smiled at the possibility of my longest ride yet, rolled the throttle, and left Summer’s Corner in great shape.

Arriving in Ridgeville, South Carolina, the first taste of rural areas was beginning to form. I stopped at a local gas station for a coffee and a sports drink. The heat was a bit strong and I knew the Summer riding season was just around the corner. There is something special about rural South Carolina. Maybe it’s the locals who stop to chat while pumping gas, or the fresh boil peanuts smell from inside the gas station, but I knew I was getting close to the country. Standing near the rail road tracks, I studied Google Maps on my iPhone to learn my position and my direction. From Ridgeville I would catch route 178 towards St. George, South Carolina, and top off my gas tank. As I had learned from traveling to Walterboro earlier in the year, Lucy, did great on gas when riding the open roads in the country. Yet, I wasn’t going to take my chances. Filling up my gas tank was a priority. At about 3.5 gallons, and seeing my gas meter on my digital dash start to drop, St. George would be a great spot to fill up next. Leaving Ridgeville, I felt myself begin to find my open road form. My setup on Lucy felt strong. Everything had a place and though I admit to being a little cramped on my modern retro classic motorcycle, the traveler in me was ready for the next hour of travel. But would my mind relax on the big road ahead? Route 178 was a taste of highway speed and something that always made me nervous. But traveling does open yourself up to new experiences. Time to roll the throttle and find out.

Arriving at Aiken State Park, a little after 3:30pm had taken me through some amazing roads. After filling up my gas tank in St. George, I arrived in Branchville, South Carolina for cold drinks and a chance to find some shade and check my route to Aiken State Park. Branchville was very welcoming. Time seemed to slow down. The heat was still present but after leaving the Lowcountry, I felt a cool breeze and the humidity seemed to settle a little bit. My next stop would be Orangeburg, South Carolina following route 21, and the last major city before joining route 4, and heading towards Kitchings Mill, South Carolina, which would connect me to State Park Road and Aiken State Park. Leaving Branchville, I was less than two hours from Aiken State Park. After dreaming of a moto-camping trip a year ago, I could feel my arrival to Aiken State Park was within an arm’s reach. My focus was strong and my direction honest. “I was really doing this”, I said to myself. The weather was clear, my gas tank fuel, and Lucy sounded great as we left Orangeburg by route 301 and connected to route 4. Once traveling on route 4, the entire scope of my travel started to change. The road became less crowded. The farm lands seemed to be all around me and entering the Midlands of South Carolina I started to ride hills and turns much different from the Lowcountry roads I was use too. A few drops of rain fell on my riding goggles, and the coolest of day arrived with the first rain shower. Making my way through Neeces, and then Springfield, South Carolina, I was feeling the country vibe. Horse farms started to appear around me as I traveled to Aiken State Park. After leaving Charleston, I found my rhythm on route 4 which put me in touch with the traveler within me. Thoughts of breaking down did occur but were immediately replaced with the beauty around me. I felt my whole body exhale mile after mile. Turning into Aiken State Park, the quite camp ground was heavenly. Now I just had to find my campsite number 6, and make shelter for my stay.

I have a ritual while I first arrive at a campsite. Having started this ritual at Givhans Ferry State a few weeks earlier, brewing coffee at my campsite is a way I make myself at home. Once I arrived at campsite 6, I immediately parked Lucy, removed my left saddlebag, and got out my Starbucks instant coffee and stove kit. The sound of my fuel hissing to life, water boiling, and instant coffee falling into my coffee cup, I knew I was home. After a cheers to myself for my safe arrival at Aiken State Park, and completing a 140 mile ride, my pride was strong. I was ready to setup my camp gear. First thing though, I needed my camp chair set up so I could understand where to place my tent. A week before I left Charleston, I had studied the weather for Aiken. Rain and thunderstorms were predicted everyday. Seeing the dark clouds begin to form over me at campsite 6, I knew I wanted to get my shelter setup, and make dinner before settling in for the night. Around 6pm, my campsite was complete. I hung up my dry line to air out my riding clothes. The weekend at campsite would make this dry line more of a wet line, and a funny joke I would say to myself. The showers at the campground were hot and the water pressure perfect. After a shower, wearing a t-shirt, shorts, and flip flops was a lovely welcome after wearing my riding gear all day. I continued to sip my coffee, prep dinner, which was an instant meal, while snacking on some trail mix. My cell signal on my iPhone was weak but strong enough to let me play my Spotify app which was wonderful to hear at campsite 6. Watching the sunset from my camp chair I couldn’t help but smile at my accomplishment. I was in the woods, it was Memorial Day weekend, and Lucy and I had just started our weekend motor-camping adventure together.

It had been over ten years since I last slept outdoors. Rain and thunderstorms rolled through the night and I will be honest, I didn’t sleep much. But for the few hours I did, it was enough. I awoke early Saturday morning to bird calls that welcomed Saturday. The rain had pasted. The skies were clear and my heart was open to exploring Aiken State Park. After a full day riding Lucy, I knew hiking around the camp ground was important to me. Movement is a great balance after riding the day before. Exploring my campsite the day before I found the start of a trail close to my campsite. After a hot breakfast and hot coffee, I filled my water jug, laced up my hiking boots, and took to the trail. I was on the hurt for the artisan well that was flowing somewhere on the campground. I studied my paper map of Aiken State Park and got my location. Starting my hike, I soon realized it had been a very long time since I hiked in the woods. Memories of hiking the Appalachian Trial quickly returned to me as I hiked the Nature Trail of Aiken State Park. Though the route was cut off in some locations due to maintenance, I found my first 3 miles of my hike to be amazing. The Nature Trail had a great selection of plant life and the trail itself took me through some wonderful areas. At specific moments while hiking I felt completely alone. I loved this.

Leaving the trail and making my way on the road around Aiken State Park I finally found the Artisan Well. The sound of the well was the first thing I heard. Once I arrived, it was like I had found gold. I filled up my water jug, took a seat at a near by picnic table, and had my first taste of fresh spring water. I sipped the cold water. I was proud of myself. The hike was wonderful for my soul. Nature has a way to heal you. Give you peace. Make you whole. And ultimately help you let go of the stresses of your life. Returning to my campsite 6 for lunch, a mix of snacks and coffee, the weather was steady. A bit cloudy, cool, and inviting. About 3pm, I lanced up my hiking boots again and decided to explore more of the campground. This time I would leave the campground and find the large lake.

Sitting on a bench overlooking a lake at Aiken State Park, on my final hike of the day, let me know I was in a place that was special. Not only was this my first moto-camping adventure, but I was reconnecting to my roots. My Mother’s side of family camped at Aiken State Park when my mom was a young girl. I could feel that energy all around the park. Starring out onto the lake, my mind soon understood a few things. This trip was becoming very memorable. This was my first vacation in over 10 years. I had not had a vacation in so long that at first, I didn’t really know what to do. Yet, hiking my last 3 miles on Saturday allowed to me feel a sense of comfort. I had everything I needed. Then the spark hit. Looking out over the lake, I sensed that this would not be my last moto-camping adventure. Within me, my compass started to point North. To go further on my next trip. And to spend a week on the road. It is a fantastic feeling to know that my next trip was already forming while on my first trip. I sensed that this was my calling. To see more of South Carolina while riding Lucy. I planted my flag for Fall of this year for my next trip. More ambitious. More exciting. But for now, returning to campsite 6 was my destination. I thanked the lake for my future vision, hiked back down a dirt road, and returned to the Aiken State Park campground.

After another night of rain and thunderstorms, I was excited to see the rain stop and ride Lucy to my Grandmother’s old home. I used Google Maps to navigate to my Grandmother’s home which was about 30 minutes from Aiken State Park. The route there seemed normal. Yet, what I didn’t expect was some of the most twisty roads I have ever ridden. The route to my Grandmother’s home would put my motorcycle skills to the test. I even had to ride off road a bit, nothing serious, but enough for me to take it slow. Rain fell for a short bit adding to the drama of the moment, my return to my Grandmother’s home. My grandmother’s home was a place I lived at during my Summer vacations from grade school. A place I learned to drive a car at 12 when my Grandmother needed some cigarettes. A backyard where my grandmother and I played baseball. My Grandmother’s home is located in College Acres, a planned community built around housing employees for the Savannah River Plant. As I made my way to my Grandmother’s home I parked Lucy at the old water company building. I loved the fact that in hadn’t changed in over 30 years since I was there last. My grandmother’s voice kept repeating in my head, “got to pay my water bill”, and sure enough, with Lucy parked in front, the water company was still there, and the slot to deposit your check for your water bill was still there. I decided to walk to my grandmother’s home just to see it for the first time since I was a teenager. I was shocked to see that it was so small. I guess it is true. As a kid, things are just bigger. But honestly, my old grandmother’s home hadn’t changed much. The screened-in porch was there, and my grandmother’s spirit was too. I quickly took a pic for my memories and made my way back to Lucy. It was time to explore Downtown Aiken.

Polo Grounds Cafe is the type of place you dream of finding while traveling. Hot coffee and an amazing menu. Their specialty is crepes. And after my emotional morning revisiting my grandmother’s home, seeing the growth on Whiskey Road, I needed a bit of comfort food and coffee for the early afternoon. I sat outside, in a lovely little covered porch with a cute little table for two. I felt like I was back at my campsite 6. It was a cloudy day but comforting as I ate my tasty crepe. It was a welcome site to have a wonderful meal in front of me. I ate slowly to enjoy each bite. I sipped my coffee slowly. At this particular moment I definitely felt like I was on vacation. Once I finished, I decided to explore of Downtown Aiken on foot. It was just after 12pm when I left Polo Grounds Cafe and made my way to The Alley.

Though some of the businesses of Downtown Aiken where closed, the Alley didn’t disappoint. I walked and felt like I was visiting a place I knew. It was so welcoming. The restaurants that where open on the Sunday of my visit were alive. As I walked through The Alley, I found a Mellow Mushroom, a sort of reminder of home attached to Aiken. I just knew I had to check it out. Plus I wanted to eat more food! Grabbing a seat at the bar, I had a ice cold glass of water with lemon and soon remembered how amazing ice is in a drink after camping a few nights. I ordered a Smashburger. Mellow Mushroom is known for their pizza but today I wanted a burger. And the Mellow Mushroom didn’t disappoint. After lunch, I made my way back to Lucy. It was time for some camp stove coffee and bit of camp chair time. It was funny how simple things become amazing during a camping trip. It had been a full day. I felt reconnected to my roots, visited Downtown Aiken, and now I was ready to return home. I checked my iPhone, 9% power. I was about 30 minutes out from my campsite. I would need to run my iPhone on low batter mode and hope Google Maps would get me home. My Google Maps route took me in a new direction back to Aiken State Park. Surrounded again by horse farms, the small country roads didn’t disappoint. As I parked Lucy back at campsite 6, I saw my iPhone die. Perfect timing. It was time to relax, recharge, and get ready to leave in the morning.

My last night at campsite 6, I slept the best, and for the first time, it didn’t rain. I awoke to dry conditions. I decided not to rush my exit. Take each moment to relax and prepare myself for the journey home. I knew a big breakfast was needed so I did a 3 pack of instant oatmeal. Along with my last camp stove coffee of my trip, my mood was bright and I was eager to get back on the road. Though most of my camping gear was wet, packing everything up went smooth. I just relaxed and took my time. After breakfast I studied my South Carolina paper map, and decided to take route 78, traveling through the Heritage Corridor, and eventually connect with route 61. I decided to return to Charleston the way I left for Charleston, riding through scenic route 61 of the Lowcountry. Saying goodbye to campsite 6, packing my Aiken State Park rock in my duffel bag, I loaded everything up and fired up Lucy. A little after 8am, I left Aiken State Park, traveled down State Road, and turned left onto route 78. Immediately the country was all around me. This Monday morning route 78 was quite. I traveled to Denmark, South Carolina and stopped for gas and a quick break for cold drinks. I knew once on route 61 there wouldn’t be much, so filling up Lucy’s gas tank was important. Thinking of Aiken State Park as I traveled home, I soon realized my trip to Aiken would never be forgotten.

Leaving Denmark, South Carolina, with a full tank of gas, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was changing. Sure the trip had just been a weekend, but my riding confidence had changed. I no longer felt foreign on the road. The road was welcoming me. Lucy and I felt at peace on the bike. We were synced. Connecting with route 61, I knew I was in for a long ride but that didn’t bother me. I would soon return to the busy Charleston area so I would enjoy the country roads for a little longer. As the miles stretched further from Aiken State Park, I couldn’t help but feel the presence of my grandmother’s spirit with me. It was like she was guiding me home. As music played in my earbuds, I felt so alive. My first moto-camping trip was coming to an end but I knew the journey was just getting started. As I arrived home the familiar heat and humidity of the Lowcountry returned. I sat in a chair outside my Mom’s garage, Lucy cooling in the driveway, and I took a deep breath. I was home. I knew another trip would happen this year. I had just experienced a new way of traveling which had changed me forever. I felt different. I felt renewed. This first moto-camping experience opened my eyes to new possibilities. I was eager to travel again. Trust me, a motorcycle trip is worth it. See y’all on the road.

Rolf