Touring Solo?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
I didn't mention in my post but I am 75 and just got back from my third tour this year. The Vegas/Laughlin trip was 4K, the N.D. 2K tour of back roads and a 1.7K tour of S.D. back roads. I'm at 21K for 1016 and usually do 30 to 40K + per year.
So do I think 61 is getting long in the tooth for touring - H--l No!
So do I think 61 is getting long in the tooth for touring - H--l No!
Tourer
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 274
Likes: 17
From: West Slope Colorado
Just got back from a trip back home to CO. took 4 days out with a day to see my daughter and 3 days coming back to PA. Western KS and Neb were brutal hot and running 80-85 beats you down with the wind but I only have to listen to me bitch. A long trip will wear on the nerves of all participants especially if your looking at weeks of travel. I like solo.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,863
Likes: 55
From: Sedalia,Missouri
I use to take a yearly trip with the same three or four guys. It got to a point where it was no longer fun. The last trip was 2014 and I made reservations at KOA's. One of the guys kept complaining because I didn't put us in a Lodge. The regular cabins just didn't suit him. I pretty much decided even though these guys are friends I'm going solo on the next trip.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,105
Likes: 1,761
From: Atlanta, GA
My thought is that if you go solo extra vigilance is needed in planning for emergencies and safety during stop-overs. (The sad Larry Weaver story). Obviously there's safety in numbers, but I'd rather ride solo as well.
Safe travels!
Safe travels!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,039
Likes: 11
From: Northern Ontario
I've done a couple two and three day trips this year solo , I like solo but also like riding along with others for a spell then ride on alone, I don't know why this is but it is, perhaps through my years I've some home alienated myself from others without realizing I did.
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 11,175
Likes: 2,483
From: Nor Cal
Not a 2-wheel tour, but still a Solo Concept...
It's great for the "Right" person for all the reasons stated above.
Took a 33 state - 12k miles tour in my Toyota PU. Slept mostly in the back under the shell. At a stop, i would stay 30 mins or maybe 2 days...never knew. Great Trip...2 months. Would have been longer, but i was requested to return
Saw so much, hard to remember it all.
It's great for the "Right" person for all the reasons stated above.
Took a 33 state - 12k miles tour in my Toyota PU. Slept mostly in the back under the shell. At a stop, i would stay 30 mins or maybe 2 days...never knew. Great Trip...2 months. Would have been longer, but i was requested to return
Saw so much, hard to remember it all.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,556
Likes: 1,846
From: Albuquerque, NM
Just do it. In 1989 I rode through almost all of the states in my avatar map, all solo. It was my best motorcycling year, and I wouldn't trade that experience for anything.
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 562
Likes: 135
From: Lake of the Ozarks
I have a group I do one long ride with every spring but my solo rides seem to be the ones I enjoy the most. Like others have said your own pace and go the places you want on your time.
I' going to be 62 in a few months and I will do a least three solo rides of three to five days alone this year and when I retire the gift to myself is a ride to Alaska.
I' going to be 62 in a few months and I will do a least three solo rides of three to five days alone this year and when I retire the gift to myself is a ride to Alaska.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,395
Likes: 25
From: St George, UT
I've done several solo runs in my lifetime. The thing I like about solo touring is being able to experience the different scenery along the way. When I'm riding with someone, it is more about keeping up, or if leading, monitoring the guy behind me.
As for health, that is a concern as we age. For me, it is about poor breathing ability at altitudes. My trip to Michigan and Ohio in 2005 I stayed mostly clear of higher terrain. My Canada tour in 2008 I routed myself so I could avoid the higher elevations. Now that I'm nearing 75, I feel like I shouldn't venture very far from home. So, you younger guys get it done while you can.
As for health, that is a concern as we age. For me, it is about poor breathing ability at altitudes. My trip to Michigan and Ohio in 2005 I stayed mostly clear of higher terrain. My Canada tour in 2008 I routed myself so I could avoid the higher elevations. Now that I'm nearing 75, I feel like I shouldn't venture very far from home. So, you younger guys get it done while you can.