Ridng Alone
Sorry for your loss.
There is something peaceful about riding alone. I usually do a solo trip once a year, I meet friends at the destination but the to and from is solo over 2-3 days.
I enjoy planning my route, I stop when I want, I leave when I want. My breaks are as short or long as I want. I can stop for a roadside peach or switch from interstate to side roads without consulting anyone. I've been a little nervous when I've got lost but I carry a map book and make a route on paper for my windshield bag so I manage. It does get a little boring eating dinner alone but that's when I plan the next day's ride. Oh btw I'm female in my 60s.
There is something peaceful about riding alone. I usually do a solo trip once a year, I meet friends at the destination but the to and from is solo over 2-3 days.
I enjoy planning my route, I stop when I want, I leave when I want. My breaks are as short or long as I want. I can stop for a roadside peach or switch from interstate to side roads without consulting anyone. I've been a little nervous when I've got lost but I carry a map book and make a route on paper for my windshield bag so I manage. It does get a little boring eating dinner alone but that's when I plan the next day's ride. Oh btw I'm female in my 60s.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 57
Likes: 17
From: Texas
The loss of a friend or loved one is hard. You don't really get over it, you just adjust to a new kind of different. I tend to be a lone rider and enjoy the time to myself. Sometimes take off with no destination in mind just to see what's down the road. I was involved with a group when I had a K bike and enjoyed our annual gatherings in Virginia. Great rides during the day and lots of laughs around the campfire at night. But for the long trips I prefer setting my own pace and itinerary. I hope you find what you need.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 615
From: San Antonio, Texas
Like others, have said, sorry for your loss and the loneliness that follows. No contrite cliches to add about time either, sometimes time does not heal, it teaches us how to dwell with the grief in a manageable way. I ride alone for many reasons, mostly because I enjoy it, secondly, I don't hate people at all, I just get tired of them and the solo riding allows me to recharge so don't become that old curmudgeon, Mr. Wilson of Dennis the Menace fame. If I have a mind to share with others, I post either here or FB with photos (although may not be perfectly composed, have meaning to me) and a short synopsis of my ride. My wife and dogs dutifully listen...sometimes.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,487
Likes: 156
From: boston
Sorry for your loss. I have a friend that I like to ride with, but not all the time. I try to get out every Sunday when the weather permits and do a minimum of 400 miles. This friend is the only one that I know that rides that can do that distance with out complaining. We take turns making and leading the ride for the day. Most of time I prefer to ride alone. I don't have to watch out for anyone. I can stop when and where I want. If I'm not feeling it for the day, happened once, I can turn around and head home. Besides, your alone when riding any way. The only time we can actually talk is when we stop to eat or fuel up. I actually like my alone time. I work in a team run atmosphere so I don't get to spend any time alone with me. That is part of the reason why I love riding so much.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,195
Likes: 299
From: midwest
In 1990 my best friend moved to the west coast; Id known him since high school and since then I ride alone. It can be a bitter pill, and I have to say it gets lonely out there. Im 64 now and sometimes wonder why I keep a bike at all, but ultimately realize life would only be worse without the machine that has always provided an escape and eased my mind when all gets to be too much.
I encourage you to put lifes troubles behind as best you can and enjoy the good things that can happen on the road. I said it gets lonely, but those feelings come and go. Remember that these are freedom machines, and they CAN make wonderful counselors - and isnt that why most of us ride to begin with?
Sorry for running on, but your post kind of kicked me in the nuts too...and FWIW I still average 15,000 mi. a year. I wish the Lord would put another best friend in my life, but until then Ill make out fine. I wish you the best too.
I encourage you to put lifes troubles behind as best you can and enjoy the good things that can happen on the road. I said it gets lonely, but those feelings come and go. Remember that these are freedom machines, and they CAN make wonderful counselors - and isnt that why most of us ride to begin with?
Sorry for running on, but your post kind of kicked me in the nuts too...and FWIW I still average 15,000 mi. a year. I wish the Lord would put another best friend in my life, but until then Ill make out fine. I wish you the best too.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 9,511
Likes: 13,826
From: Pa.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 6,066
Likes: 1,282
From: OH, USA
Sorry for your loss.
I lost my riding partners due to a move. I moved 500 miles away. The next year they met me and we did New England for 5 day. Next year. Nope. I was solo. I didn't let that stop me. I went and bought camping gear (they had to do hotels) and off I went. Left NE Ohio and just headed south. I knew I wanted to stay a night in Kentucky. So that was the starting point ended up stopping in Nashville then decided the panhandle of Florida would be nice to see. Lol. Hit heavy rain in Alabama so I went North east into the blue ridge mountains I have the KOA app on my phone just picked where i wanted to stay and went in that direction. Is it more fun with your road partner, best friend? Yes. Should you not do it now? **** no. Do it last year i had a guy from work ask if he could follow me on my yearly trip. Then my Brother in law got ahold of me and said he'd go. Turned out the be 3500 miles of one of the best trips I've had. Keep going. Keep living
I lost my riding partners due to a move. I moved 500 miles away. The next year they met me and we did New England for 5 day. Next year. Nope. I was solo. I didn't let that stop me. I went and bought camping gear (they had to do hotels) and off I went. Left NE Ohio and just headed south. I knew I wanted to stay a night in Kentucky. So that was the starting point ended up stopping in Nashville then decided the panhandle of Florida would be nice to see. Lol. Hit heavy rain in Alabama so I went North east into the blue ridge mountains I have the KOA app on my phone just picked where i wanted to stay and went in that direction. Is it more fun with your road partner, best friend? Yes. Should you not do it now? **** no. Do it last year i had a guy from work ask if he could follow me on my yearly trip. Then my Brother in law got ahold of me and said he'd go. Turned out the be 3500 miles of one of the best trips I've had. Keep going. Keep living
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 10,029
Likes: 5,404
From: Manitoba
My condolences. He sounded like a great guy. Safe to say he won't be forgotten.
Grief is a painful and very personal experience. My experience was that the memories had me laughing, crying and cursing!
The nostalgia when riding now will likely be a burden and a blessing? .
Grief is a painful and very personal experience. My experience was that the memories had me laughing, crying and cursing!
The nostalgia when riding now will likely be a burden and a blessing? .