Touring Solo?

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Jul 1, 2016 | 09:24 AM

#31

warprints

Road Warrior

Joined: Dec 2011

Posts: 1,785

Likes: 189

From: Louisiana

Haven't really toured solo since I got married. I've planned a few solo rides since then, but my wife has always decided to come along in the end. I've never toured with other bikes - I don't think I'd enjoy doing a tour at other people's pace.

Jul 1, 2016 | 10:18 AM

#32

NuckaMan

Cruiser

Joined: Jul 2009

Posts: 196

Likes: 6

Done a small group and solo....don't really mind either cause riding is riding but if I had to make a choice, it would be solo. Only because, like many already have said, you can set the pace and route as you please and no one to run it by.

Only down fall going solo is the lack of company when calling it day. It does force me to come out of my shell and talk to strangers at the local restaurant or the place I'm sleeping for the night. Meeting someone from a distant land is always interesting and everyone has a cool story to tell.

Jul 1, 2016 | 10:31 AM

#33

ChickinOnaChain

Big Kahuna HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2012

Posts: 322,622

Likes: 3,077

From: .....

We've done several over night rides, which probably isn't "touring" to most. But money, work, time and my health stops us from doing that.

As for her riding with me...well, it's boring to me if she's not along. And she's always up for a ride, rain or shine, heat or cold. And I/we prefer to ride solo, so we're not tied to anyone else's time table.

Jul 1, 2016 | 10:34 AM

#34

Uncle G.

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2010

Posts: 9,332

Likes: 3,873

From: Upstate New York

I've done both. Prefer to go solo. Leave when I want, stop when I want, quit for the day when I'm tired.

I'm very much a "morning" person. I like to hit the road early, and I'm usually looking to stop for the day by around 4 or so. Not too many others want to keep that schedule.

I find traveling with a group tires me out much more, because I'm having to travel on someone else's schedule. That's just how Uncle G. rolls.

Jul 1, 2016 | 10:37 AM

#35

E8USMCRET

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2014

Posts: 15,365

Likes: 24,241

From: NC, USA

Every time I find myself riding with others it sucks. I like the sound of multiple bikes up ahead but don't like being restricted to where the pack goes. Nothing beats the freedom of setting your own course and just heading out, stop where you want and be at the will of nobody else.

Jul 1, 2016 | 10:54 AM

#36

RHPAW

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 21,737

Likes: 17,577

From: Driftless Area

If another bike isn't with me (my wife or a friend), I rarely stop until I need gas. Not sure why, but if I get lost, I'm still making good time.

Jul 1, 2016 | 01:37 PM

#37

Firenailer

Road Master

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 756

Likes: 133

From: Connecticut

Quote:

Originally Posted by TKDKurt

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.

That's exactly it, I tend to wake early and am often on the move by 6 or 7, a guy I used to ride with liked to hit it hard at night and barely COULD ride by 10. It kind of got to be a drag. I try to stick to the 2 lane side roads instead of the super slabs so boredom isn't a factor, and people always want to talk when I stop.

I just sometimes miss that guy or gal to share the experience with at the end of the day, or at a scenic spot where you have those holy cow! moments.

Jul 1, 2016 | 02:11 PM

#38

stevemucha1

Tourer

Joined: Jun 2011

Posts: 335

Likes: 5

From: Vermont

I rode from Vermont to Boulder, Colorado three years in a row back in the mid-2000's. Solo, highway all the way. I would start early, wait until the odometer hit 500 or more miles and then shut it down for the night. Usually looked for a decent hotel next to a restaurant/bar. I never lost concentration, there was always something going on to keep your attention. This was in the middle of the summer so staying hydrated was key as you don't realize how much you sweat as the wind keeps you feeling dry.

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Jul 1, 2016 | 06:10 PM

#39

UUNetBill

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2012

Posts: 2,442

Likes: 418

From: South Carolina

I'll ride with friends on occasion, but I usually ride to meet friends. I much prefer solo, for the reasons everyone has already mentioned.

I don't have a lot of time to get loose and ride so I want to maximize it when I roll. I've ridden 750+ miles in a day just to grab a sandwich. I've ridden 350+ miles in a day to meet friends for lunch. The camaraderie is nice, but for me, it's all about the ride.

BTW, I'm 55 and still act 19 (according to my wife). Ride your own ride and always enjoy it.