Touring Solo?
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 229
From: Saskatchewan
Solo all the way. My own schedule and I don't have to listen to anyones crap. I set a destination goal but it is not written in stone and constantly changes as I explore the country side as I go. I stay at KOA campgrounds where I always find new and interesting people to chat with.
I just got back from a 4,000 mile trip. I wanted to see the Grand Canyon, which I did, but ended up spending most of my time exploring the canyons of Southern Utah. My intensions were to hit Hoover Dam then head back north through Las Vegas but time ran out. No big deal, I will simply pick up where I left off on the next tour.
I just got back from a 4,000 mile trip. I wanted to see the Grand Canyon, which I did, but ended up spending most of my time exploring the canyons of Southern Utah. My intensions were to hit Hoover Dam then head back north through Las Vegas but time ran out. No big deal, I will simply pick up where I left off on the next tour.
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 11,469
Likes: 3,572
From: Idaho
I've done two, three day rides with 16-20 riders. That was enough to convince me that I don't like it. Can't stop when you want, can't take pictures when you want, can't eat where you want. I may do this one group ride each year, but that's it.
On the other hand, I've taken several 4-6 day rides by myself. I absolutely love it.
For me, one of the most beautiful parts of riding is the solitude. I find it very meditative and peaceful. Sleep like a baby when I stop for the night.
My tentative riding goal is the lower 48 the summer of '18 to celebrate my 70th birthday. Can't wait.
On the other hand, I've taken several 4-6 day rides by myself. I absolutely love it.
For me, one of the most beautiful parts of riding is the solitude. I find it very meditative and peaceful. Sleep like a baby when I stop for the night.
My tentative riding goal is the lower 48 the summer of '18 to celebrate my 70th birthday. Can't wait.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,960
Likes: 1,993
From: CA
My wife is my usual riding partner on long trips, (she rides her own bike) but I have done several week+ solo rides.
Traveling with the wife is great, but solo rides have their own appeal. On solo rides, I tend to be on the road at sunrise, takes a little longer with two.
I have a wider choice of meals solo too. The wife likes pretty basic American food. I like to try different stuff. Indian, Vietnamese, seafood, I'll try almost anything.
Traveling with the wife is great, but solo rides have their own appeal. On solo rides, I tend to be on the road at sunrise, takes a little longer with two.
I have a wider choice of meals solo too. The wife likes pretty basic American food. I like to try different stuff. Indian, Vietnamese, seafood, I'll try almost anything.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 925
Likes: 15
From: So. Fla.
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!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 5,023
Likes: 1,352
From: Virginia
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.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,083
Likes: 247
From: Tulsa, OK
I love touring solo. But at the end of the day it's nice to have someone to drink a beer with. That being said my wife is the best touring partner I've ever had, her little CVO Fat Bob is always where it should be when I glance in the mirror. She can do a 700 mile day on that bike and never complains, hell she says it's comfortable. I've tried traveling with friends but no matter how close they are it's not as fun a trip when it's just me or the wife and I.
Thread Starter
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,832
Likes: 127
From: Coastal Carolina
Yeah, and I ain't buyin' it! In my head, I'm still 25. I always laugh when I call my mother, who is 89, and she tells me about her weekend and comments that she sat behind "an elderly woman" at church. I always laugh and say to myself, "Mother, you're 89, how old does someone have to be to be elderly!"
When I turned 40, my mother and I made a deal--She wouldn't call me "middle aged" if I didn't call her "elderly." We've stuck with that for 21 years so far!
When I turned 40, my mother and I made a deal--She wouldn't call me "middle aged" if I didn't call her "elderly." We've stuck with that for 21 years so far!
Last edited by TKDKurt; Jul 1, 2016 at 07:56 AM.
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 510
Likes: 83
From: SW Virginia
I have only done one real tour but that was from here in Virginia to Bocas del Toro, Panama. I did it solo except for about a week in Mexico when I met up with a Canadian.
I really enjoyed being solo when riding. You set the pace, stop when and where you want, eat what you want.
But its when you aren't riding that you miss a companion. Wow! that pyramid is awesome, but there isn't anyone there to share it with you. Sitting alone at dinner in some way back town and you are a curiosity as the only gringo to pass through in a long time. Sure you meet some locals and you have some interesting times and you also run into fellow travelers. However, there really is something to be said for being able to share monumental experiences.
So I don't know what's better honestly. I don't have any friends who ride like me so I am always solo.
Edit: reading the post below got me thinking...keep in mind my trip was 2 months and included once in a lifetime experiences. A week or two for me I would probably definitely say solo has the edge.
I really enjoyed being solo when riding. You set the pace, stop when and where you want, eat what you want.
But its when you aren't riding that you miss a companion. Wow! that pyramid is awesome, but there isn't anyone there to share it with you. Sitting alone at dinner in some way back town and you are a curiosity as the only gringo to pass through in a long time. Sure you meet some locals and you have some interesting times and you also run into fellow travelers. However, there really is something to be said for being able to share monumental experiences.
So I don't know what's better honestly. I don't have any friends who ride like me so I am always solo.
Edit: reading the post below got me thinking...keep in mind my trip was 2 months and included once in a lifetime experiences. A week or two for me I would probably definitely say solo has the edge.
Last edited by Kayakguy; Jul 1, 2016 at 08:35 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,584
Likes: 52
From: Here and there
I did that earlier this year by myself and loved it. Two and a half weeks by myself. But the funny thing is that I really wasn't alone. I met all sorts of riders on all kinds of bikes and ended up riding with them at various times. I love solo touring. You wake up when you want to wake up, go where you want, stop when you want, go as fast or as slow or as far as you want. I think I only ate alone a few days on my entire trip.