Touring Solo?
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,863
Likes: 55
From: Sedalia,Missouri
The Larry Weaver story may have an effect on me traveling solo. My wife is very uncomfortable with me being alone on the road. It's a shame what the world has come to, at age 61 I really miss the simpler times.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 756
Likes: 133
From: Connecticut
Yeah that story made me think about my own preference to travel solo. It's a hard decision but having a partner along does make sense.
It's just finding the perfect riding partner that's the problem! :-)
That story just makes me mad, frustrated and disgusted. We need to get things back in line cause this Country is going to hell in a bucket. I hope those wastes of flesh fry in hell.
It's just finding the perfect riding partner that's the problem! :-)
That story just makes me mad, frustrated and disgusted. We need to get things back in line cause this Country is going to hell in a bucket. I hope those wastes of flesh fry in hell.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 80
From: Newburyport, MA
I've done 4 cross country trips, 3 have been solo. I love traveling solo because I can do what I want, when I want. I love getting out of bed and hitting the road pretty quickly. I don't like prolonged stops for food, drink, etc. I have a lot of "meals" or snacks at gas stations, etc. However, I do tend to stop a lot for pictures. There is no one there to get frustrated if I want to stop 5 times in 2 miles to take pictures. At the end of my riding day, I journal, then go to sleep. Except for missing my wife and kids, I don't feel lonely traveling solo.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,618
Likes: 5,215
From: Green Country
First solo trip I took was out to Red River, NM to see my folks. A little nervous at first, especially the long stretch between Panhandle and Springer. But as others have said, it's my preferred way to travel.
I too thought about the Larry Weaver story. But I spend a little extra and stay at (dare I say it) a Holiday Inn Express or something similar, where I can park the bike outside the front of the hotel lobby and under the canopy. I am not keen to stay in the sort of motels where you park outside your room when I am alone. I don't want somebody touching or stealing my bike but I am not going to confront anyone trying to steal my bike when I'm alone, even carrying a loaded 9mm. If I'm with at least one other I feel less concerned.
I try to plan to stay at hotels not motels near the interstates or in a larger town, I know to keep away from the downtowns of most places. Yes weather can force you to take what you can get but staying safe is a main concern.
I try to plan to stay at hotels not motels near the interstates or in a larger town, I know to keep away from the downtowns of most places. Yes weather can force you to take what you can get but staying safe is a main concern.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 220
Likes: 65
From: The Netherlands
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.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 539
Likes: 7
From: Indiana
A group of friends and I have done multi-state tours each year for the past 10. It is great fun during breaks along the road, at lunch, or when winding down in the evening. We ride well together, knowing each others' strengths and limitations, and pretty much knowing what our fellow-riders are going to do before they do it. It is a pleasure. Nonetheless, there are certain trade-offs to group riding mostly having to do with having things your way...how fast to travel, what kind of roads, when to stop, how often to stop, how long to stop, what sights to see or see none at all, etc. I find the notion of riding my own ride very appealing. But I like the guys and wouldn't trade the memories for anything. Maybe when I am too old to keep up, I'll try going it alone. But for now, I am keeping it the way it is.
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Joe Kucinski
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,960
Likes: 1,993
From: CA
While I agree that the Larry Weaver story raises concerns for solo rides, it will not stop me. It will increase my situational awareness though. My usual motel selection when traveling solo has been "one notch above sleazy", and I have passed up sketchy looking places before, but I'm thinking I will spend the extra $ for a room in a better location and better security. I am always armed, but I will do everything I can to avoid a situation where I have to use my weapon.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 80
From: Newburyport, MA
While I agree that the Larry Weaver story raises concerns for solo rides, it will not stop me. It will increase my situational awareness though. My usual motel selection when traveling solo has been "one notch above sleazy", and I have passed up sketchy looking places before, but I'm thinking I will spend the extra $ for a room in a better location and better security. I am always armed, but I will do everything I can to avoid a situation where I have to use my weapon.