The cool dawn creeps up and stirs the first moments of awaking. As consciousness nears, von remember you're not in your own bed. Before you open your eyes, your senses sharpen to absorb your surroundings-the smell of fresh morning air, the sound of birds nearby and the river gurgling. You open your eyes to the sun showing itself in through the door of your tipi. Look!! There goes a deer walking by as if you were an expected visitor - and best of all, parked right outside the door, waiting for the day's adventure, is your trusty scoot.

Yes, I did say TIPI! Always on the lookout for motorcycle related things to do in the summertime, I got word of a very unique campground in O'Bryan, Oregon that caters strictly to motorcycles. After talking to owner and developer, Brian Moore, curiosity nudged me to hop on the old Springer and check it out. It was a beautiful ride from Medford to O'Bryan - 1-5 north to Grants Pass and head west about 40 miles on Hwy 199, also known as Redwood Highway. Just like he said it would be, at mile post 40, the white sign with a chopper appeared on the right hand side of the highway-Sparkplugs Motorcycle Camp. Terry and I drove down into the park and were greeted by Brian, his wife Tracie and daughter, Idalis. Brian showed us around the property, pointing out the improvements they have made since taking ownership last September. We were impressed. I mean, really impressed. For anyone who enjoys combining the fun of camping with riding motorcycles, this is your dream spot.

The grounds, nearly 17 acres, are breath taking beautiful. They have destroyed not one tree during the transformation stages of this acreage into a camper friendly place in the sun. Spread throughout the area are tent and tipi sites, with your choice of neighbors or seclusion. Didn't bring your tent? They have tents you can rent. Want to try something a little different? They have 5 tipis of varying sizes for rent-and these are beautiful and appealing replicas, some even have real beds! One he showed us was very near a game trail where all kinds of wildlife cross early in the morning. Foxes, deer, squirrels- and more birds than you can count. For those of you who don't enjoy throwing your sleeping bag right on the ground, they also have something they call a sleeping hut, which is a raised, semi-enclosed wooden platform just the perfect size for a double sleeping bag. All the joy of sleeping out in the open with the advantage of a little more protection.

And yes, a river runs through it! You can hear it gurgle from many of the campsites. On a hot summer day, there's even a swimming hole. There is also a wooden suspension bridge over the river for those who prefer a little more distance between themselves and the partying crowd.

Near the central area of the grounds, there is a wonderful campfire area, perfect for a gathering after a long (or short) day's ride. He has also created a covered cooking area, complete with a four burner stove, sink and food preparation table. Everything you need to whip up one of those delicious morning-after breakfasts. Ah, nothing like the smell of bacon frying in the fresh morning air.

They have already had one band there last fall for Brian's birthday bash, but they are in the process of erecting a real bandstand for several bands joining the festivities this summer. Music around the campfire in the great outdoors!! Heaven! Several events will be held during the summer, one of which is the A.B.A.T.E. rally in September.

This is the perfect place for a club event, a gathering place for friends, a fun place to stay for a night's getaway, or a perfect stopover on a long trip.

Even if you aren't looking to stay the night, Brian (Sparkplug), Tracie and Idalis (who is cuter than a bug's ear) are great hosts and enjoyable company to just stop and chat with. It's worth the visit just to take a look around. If you have plans for an upcoming motorcycle event, group get-together or you like to ride and camp, you will not be disappointed in what they have to offer.

They are located at 37380 Redwood Hwy., O'Bryan, OR 97534. For more information, you can give them a call at 541-596-2691 or visit their web site at
http://wediditforlove.com/sparkplugs.html.

And just watch - I know it won't be too much longer before Idalis will be one of us biker chicks!

SPARKPLUGS ROCKS!