So sorry for the loss of your friend. Some really good, insightful posts here. I've almost always been a solo rider so I can't put myself in your shoes. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

 

My condolences for your friend passing. That type of friendship is not replacable.

I have moved around quite a bit over the years. In doing so, have had a lot of friendships sort of dissolve and everyone going in different directions in life. With that in mind, I ride alone quite a bit. The one nice thing that you don't have to worry about someone else's route, their time table, or their stop's. On a day trip, you don't have to worry about them saying it is too hot, too cold, it might rain etc. I still have the one day where some friends get together for beers for a laugh but their new Street Glides etc are bar hoppers now.

I wish you well on your new adventure

 

Sorry for the loss of your riding friend.
I guess riding is sort of like the seasons of the year...riding changes as you get older. I used to enjoy riding with groups and have been a member of the GWRRA chapters and Blue Knights Chapters in my area for over 30 years. At one point or another, the groups always seem to change and people start dropping out for whatever reason, death being one. I always am a little leery about riding in big groups myself, as I have witnessed several crashes in corners due to rider skill and hitting deer. Riding in groups that just want to bar hop is another thing I don't really want to get into. You never know how people are gonna start riding when they start drinking.
When I was a little younger and single, it never bothered me to hop on the bike an plan a trip to someplace, or just take off and see where you ended up due to the weather patterns. Now it seems like I ride more by myself, sometimes with my wife when she is in the mood to ride and usually just short trips around the immediate area. One thing that you need to do is make sure someone knows about where your going and when you will be back. Cell phones are a must these days and I am always armed just I case you end up in the middle of no where and it gives you peace of mind. If you travel a lot, a device like a SPOT would be a good idea. I remember several years ago about a solo rider that came up missing in Colorado on his way back to Texas. He diverted off the route that he told folks he would likely travel for whatever reason and went off the curve of a winding road with no guard rail. Bike went down the cliff into brush and couldn't be easily seen. No witnesses to crash. Folks looked for quite a while and had general area he was last seen from a traffic camera in a small town he went thru. By odd luck, a couple on a bike stopped in the curve to take a photo and happened to look down and see the crash site. They called it in and recovery was made. He had been missing for quite a while when found, but at least he was finally brought home.
Take you time and ride your own ride. You will find someone else on one of your rides or with a local club like HOG etc that fits your riding style. Stay safe.

 

Sorry for your loss. Keep riding it may not be as fun at first but that will pass. If you can get a part from his bike and put it on your's that way he is always riding with you.

 

Sorry for your loss.
Hey man, do what feels right. Take your time. Nobody will ever replace your friend, but you have a lot of support here and the riding community.
You may ride solo, but you'll never be alone.
Just keep on keepin on.

 

 

I ride alone almost all the time. My son wanted to learn to ride, he took the MSF and got his license, however he passed in 2012 before he realized that desire. It was grief and sadness that prompted me to learn to ride in 2015. Riding has been the greatest therapy imaginable for me, but every time I get on my bike I can't help think of my son, and how much I would have loved to ride with him.

When I got my first bike, I had his initials made in vinyl letter which I put on the back fender. This year traded for a Dyna, and decided not to do the initials. I felt like I'd progressed some in my grief, and no longer needed that. The point is that time helps heal (but not completely). Besides, my son would never feel he was worthy of the honor, and he'd tell me to take them off anyway.

Don't make any hasty decisions. You'll figure things out in time.

I keep this picture near my bike.

Nathan, best son ever. 1986-2012

 

Very sorry for your loss my friend, may he rest in peace. It's very special to have a close friend period as you get older, let alone one you share so much in common with.

I ride solo mostly myself and have only been riding 5yrs now, but have always had it in me. I have a few friends that "ride" but all our ideals are different. I'm planning some long trips and miles, and I doubt anyone will be go with me and that's just fine, starting to think the alone part all together in life isn't such a bad thing maybe anyhow, relationships, marriage, and so on. I have a 15yr old son who I hope to teach to ride and do things with, but for now he wants nothing of it. Not much I can do, just be happy and live my own life.

I think the idea of mentoring another will help when/if it happens naturally and you want it to, if not just ride, it'll sort itself out. All the best to you in 2019 brother~ Jon (39 male)

 

First of all I'm very sorry for your loss of a friend and riding partner. I know the pain and loss you feel firsthand as I lost my my brother and riding partner suddenly and unexpectedly early in spring of 18.
I went on a few short rides through the summer ( when it wasn't raining ) here in the Northeast.
Also rode in a few group rides with some other people. Just not the same!
I'm not saying what's right for me is the same for you.
For myself I have decided riding just isint for me anymore and it's time to move on to something else.
I wish you the very best and hope you find someone who makes riding as it once was. It's just not for me anymore!

 

loosing a child is the most heartbreaking thing that can happen to a parent. my wife's sister lost a daughter in September to cancer. my deepest sympathy to you for the loss of your son, he sounds like was a fine young man taken way too soon.