Touring Solo?
I've done a couple solo rides but to meet up with people at the destination. So an overnight or two then meet with friends and ride with them a few days, then solo home.
I absolutely love it. Stop when I want, keep going if I want, people always come to talk to me when they see a female alone with out of state tags. I have so far not felt nervous thank goodness.
I absolutely love it. Stop when I want, keep going if I want, people always come to talk to me when they see a female alone with out of state tags. I have so far not felt nervous thank goodness.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 868
Likes: 51
From: Illinois
I enjoy solo for lots of reasons most mentioned. Stop when you want. Eat when you want etc. If I want to ride 700 or 800 miles, I can and don't have to talk anyone into it. I do miss riding with the wife when she's not with though.
Thread Starter
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,832
Likes: 127
From: Coastal Carolina
Thanks for the replies guys. All of the reasons you give are the things I was thinking about. I'm an early riser where one of the guys I usually ride with thinks 10 is an early start. So it will be nice to have that freedom. When I get to Colorado I have people to visit and ride with, so the alone time is on the slab getting there.
I'm encouraged by all of your comments.
BTW, I'm 61. Does anyone think that makes a difference? I'm in pretty good shape for an old fart and have pretty good stamina.
I'm encouraged by all of your comments.
BTW, I'm 61. Does anyone think that makes a difference? I'm in pretty good shape for an old fart and have pretty good stamina.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 335
Likes: 48
From: VW Ohio
I'm doing my first real run this summer. Family got a condo in gulf shores, there going in the cage I'm taking the street glide. I'll leave a day early, planning to go half way,500 or so miles,getting a room and meeting them the next day. Solo. Looking forward to it. Would love to do a week or two. Someday!!
I'm 59 and just rode 1700 miles solo round trip to NC. Longest days almost 600 miles in monster heat. (ok I was pretty tired when I got home).
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,982
Likes: 5,220
From: Michigan
I've been riding since '69 and I've been to every state, most by motorcycle, and to many of them riding solo.
These days, things are different.
Your spouse (or family) can track you (via cell phone) if you wish.
An itinerary to those folks would give them an idea of where you should be on any given day and when you should reach a destination on a certain date.
Other concerns to be considered is the amount of cash that you will be carrying and any health concerns that could effect your ability to complete your daily schedules, or your entire trip.
Keep emergency contact info either on your person or on your telephone under ICE (in case of emergency) just in case.
Remember, when you're on your "own", it's important to take (any) meds as prescribed, eat well, stay hydrated, choose your friends wisely, and most of all. ride defensively and carefully.
Play by the rules and you'll have great adventures!
These days, things are different.
Your spouse (or family) can track you (via cell phone) if you wish.
An itinerary to those folks would give them an idea of where you should be on any given day and when you should reach a destination on a certain date.
Other concerns to be considered is the amount of cash that you will be carrying and any health concerns that could effect your ability to complete your daily schedules, or your entire trip.
Keep emergency contact info either on your person or on your telephone under ICE (in case of emergency) just in case.
Remember, when you're on your "own", it's important to take (any) meds as prescribed, eat well, stay hydrated, choose your friends wisely, and most of all. ride defensively and carefully.
Play by the rules and you'll have great adventures!
Cruiser
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 100
Likes: 18
From: Calgary
I'm 60 years old, just did 2 provinces and 7 states (7500 miles) over 16 days - solo. Loved every second of it.
I can't wait to get out and do it again. The thing about riding a Harley is that every time you stop, someone wants to talk about your bike, and then the trip. I met a lot of cool people during the trip.
I can't wait to get out and do it again. The thing about riding a Harley is that every time you stop, someone wants to talk about your bike, and then the trip. I met a lot of cool people during the trip.
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The best things about riding solo is you can leave as soon as you're ready in the morning. I like to wake early and go, don't have to wait for others to wake up, get breakfast, pack up the bike and putter about. I can also stop for the night when I feel like turning off the highway, or go another 100 miles if I want to.
Also you're not waving and gesturing to others or another when you see something that you want to stop for. So many times I've wanted to stop at the roadside but that's impossible to do in a group. I also find that gas and rest stops are much faster when you're solo. Waiting on 6 people to pee, get gas, get coffee, make phonecalls etc can be tiresome and drawn out.
Also you're not waving and gesturing to others or another when you see something that you want to stop for. So many times I've wanted to stop at the roadside but that's impossible to do in a group. I also find that gas and rest stops are much faster when you're solo. Waiting on 6 people to pee, get gas, get coffee, make phonecalls etc can be tiresome and drawn out.
