Solo trip question
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa, OK
Jeffro65 - It looks like you are getting some great advice, take a cell phone and you are never alone. When you stop for gas or food, look around and you will probably find someone very interested in talking to you, as they are probably wishing they could be doing the same thing. Go and enjoy. My money is on the fact that you will be palnning the next ride before you finish the first. And heed hxturbo1's advice to throw in some unplanned left and right turns. Maxrdr (a fading LD rider)
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 572
Likes: 110
From: under the bridge on the sunrise side
I did my first solo cross country when I got out of the Navy in 1974, San Diego to Omaha, I won't say what I was riding. I have lost track of how many since then. I always seem to met up with some like minded rider to travel with, the first one was a hippie on a Triumph that grew his own sprouts in his saddle bags. The most interesting trip was right after my divorce in 79'. I rode a brand new Super Glide from San Bernardino to bike week and back, there was snow on the ground from El Paso till I got past Tucson. Thank God for newspaper, Leather, and plastic garbage bags. Do it you won't regret it.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Ft.Worth to Deadwood this summer by way of Amarillo. A zombie after 24+ hrs. on the road. Kept sayin "just a little further" then the conditions were favorable and the adrenaline kept me pushin onward. Stayed and rode 6 days in the Black Hills. I took 4 days coming back and toured through the rockies. (excellent) I would ride too long though near sunset and wouldnt allow time to find a good camping spot. Absolutely the thrill of a lifetime . A little spooky a couple times at night. Would do it again in a heartbeat, but will have a little somethin with me in case of the boogie man. 4000mi. total trip
Road Captain
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 568
Likes: 3
From: Windber, PA
Did 5500 mile roundtrip from Las Vegas to PA. I set a limit of no more than 450 miles per day. I knew that limiting myself to this would ensure I would enjoy the ride and not hate the bike at the end. One other note, even though I was traveling alone, I met some great other solo riders along the way and even joined them for portions of the trip. So plan your trip, figure out your limits and ride!! You'll have the greatest time of your life. I guarantee it!
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
From:
I'm hooked. I did my first solo trip this past summer, 4400 miles in 12 days. Camped on 5 of them.
Going to Sturgis for the first time solo this year. Taking the long way around. 13 days (only 4 in Sturgis). Around 5000 miles....as an estimate.
Going to Sturgis for the first time solo this year. Taking the long way around. 13 days (only 4 in Sturgis). Around 5000 miles....as an estimate.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,828
Likes: 109
From: Sioux Center IA
I went solo this past summer. 2414 miles on my trip. Went to Wyoming, Toured Colorado, than took the way home through Sturgis. I had a great time. Met a lot of friendly people. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I camped all 5 nights. Cheaper that way and like sleeping with fresh air. I could stop when I wanted. I could grab a beer when I wanted. If I saw a good palce to eat I could pull over instantly and eat and get going again. Didn't have to ask if that was ok with others for anything.
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Mississippi
Don't really know how many miles I have ridden Solo, well over 250000 over the years and this is real real conservative. Longest would be around 9000 back in 1974, on a sporty, don't really remember were all I went, but it was a kick in the ***. I would just stop and work when ever I ran out of money and then continue on, boy was it nice to be young and free. Old man now and still Solo all the time last was to Sturgis this year, around 4000 total miles. Love to go Solo don't have to worry about anyone, stop when I want and ride as long as I want, with out worrying if someone else is have a good time. Don't be nervous about going Solo. I travel all around the world and any time something goes wrong it always works out.
Get on the Bike and just go, don't make plans just go and enjoy, it will all work out!!
Ride Safe and have a Good Time!!!!!!!!!!!
Get on the Bike and just go, don't make plans just go and enjoy, it will all work out!!
Ride Safe and have a Good Time!!!!!!!!!!!
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 33
From: Acworth
July 1982 I asked my boss for a unpaid month off for the upcoming Sept. to ride from Ga. to Ca. with 4 riding buddys. Boss said no, buddies insisted they were going, so I lined up another job and quit. It was my first big trip and I wasn't going to miss it.
I remember sitting on my 1979 Sportster, Sept. 1, 1982 as it warmed up thinking " What the Hell am I doing?'' Because Every one of my friends, 1 by 1 had backed out, and I had quite my good job. I knew then, I had to go. It was 1 hell of an adventure that taught me many things like " Don't camp at 10K' elevation". Met some Great people along the way. Not sure of the mileage, speedo cable broke on the way out, but Ga to LA up to San Fran and back across Utah and CO. Just me and a Rand McNally. The weather kept me from going too far north.
I rode scenic 2 lanes most all the way. Probably about 7000.mi total & 31 days.
It was my new beginning.
I remember sitting on my 1979 Sportster, Sept. 1, 1982 as it warmed up thinking " What the Hell am I doing?'' Because Every one of my friends, 1 by 1 had backed out, and I had quite my good job. I knew then, I had to go. It was 1 hell of an adventure that taught me many things like " Don't camp at 10K' elevation". Met some Great people along the way. Not sure of the mileage, speedo cable broke on the way out, but Ga to LA up to San Fran and back across Utah and CO. Just me and a Rand McNally. The weather kept me from going too far north.
I rode scenic 2 lanes most all the way. Probably about 7000.mi total & 31 days.
It was my new beginning.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,957
Likes: 1,988
From: CA
I've ridden cross country+back solo, several 2500 mile trips solo. Enjoyed the solitude most of the time, and met some great people along the way too.
Once, stopped to camp somewhere in the midwest, storm rolling in, got the tent set up just as heavy rain started. Sitting in my little tent, debating with myself over eating a cold can of beans for dinner, when I hear a voice outside the tent asking if I'm hungry. Turns out the retired couple in the motor home next to me had a son who was a biker. They brought me a HUGE plate of fresh cooked pork chops, mashed potatos and home made biscuits.
Another time I stopped for the nite in Tonopah, Nevada. Had a drink in a bar next to the motel. Met a girl and stayed with her for a week.
Couldn't have done that traveling with a group. I've had a great time traveling with a friend or two, but I highly recomend solo trips also.