How many do solo trips?
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Joined: Dec 2013
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From: Salem, Ohio
How many do solo trips?
I started going on solo bike trips about 25 years ago. Most of these trips have been from 3 to 7 days. (2 or 3 times a year) I have also done a few trips with others and a few trips included my wife. However, my wife really doesn't like riding and only went to make me happy. Anyway, I kind of ended up just going by myself most of the time. For example, I live in NE Ohio and I've done the Blue ridge parkway more times then I can remember. For many years I was quite comfortable with going on trips by myself. However, on my last 2 or 3 trips I have not been as comfortable or enjoyed the trip by myself as much as I used to. On my last trip I ended up cutting the trip short and came home early. I am now thinking about going to Bikeweek but I am not sure if I want to go by myself. My wife has no interest in going. Every day I get up I feel different about my making the trip. I am getting older (64) and I am starting to think that has something to do with feeling different about traveling solo. I used to just go and enjoyed the freedom of going and doing whatever I wanted. My question is: Are there many others that go on trips solo or am I a dying breed? Also, have you enjoyed solo trips? I would appreciate hearing how others feel about riding solo. Thanks!
Last edited by Cjacks; Feb 7, 2014 at 04:01 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 562
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From: Arlington, TX
I've done several solo trips and really enjoyed them. On a motorcycle you can always find someone to talk to.
I always try to find a motel close to restaurants and walk over to the bar and have a beer or two. (Once in Carlsbad, NM at Chili's it was more than 'two'. I got to talking to a guy about motorcycles and trips, etc. and sat there for 5 hours.)
Solo, you can always stop when and where you want without having to worry about anyone else.
The longest one I did was to Colorado, from DFW area, for 9 days and 3K miles.
I always try to find a motel close to restaurants and walk over to the bar and have a beer or two. (Once in Carlsbad, NM at Chili's it was more than 'two'. I got to talking to a guy about motorcycles and trips, etc. and sat there for 5 hours.)
Solo, you can always stop when and where you want without having to worry about anyone else.
The longest one I did was to Colorado, from DFW area, for 9 days and 3K miles.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 250
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From: Montana, USA
I think I like it better as I get older. I always meet new people. I can just drift around, move when I want to, eat drink sleep on my terms. Somehow it's always cheaper and it seems like you get to see the good stuff, not just the tourist trap stuff.
Stage III
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3
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From: MN
I've done a lot of solo trips and like being on my own.It is pretty easy to
get conversations going while having a beer, grabbing something to eat
or even getting gas.I Have ridin along with strangers and dropped off after a few hundred miles.Last year did a solo trip to Sturgis and met up with some retired Arkansas guys who were great and even offered for me to tag along to Yellowstone,would've if I had more time,they were on a 4-5 wk trip.Only drawback is not having a buddy to split a room with once in a while.It is more of a mindset thing,depends how you feel.I have buddies who think a 700mi roundtrip weekend is a long ride from home.You have to enjoy the journey.Bottom line is if you don't enjoy it you need to change it up a little.
get conversations going while having a beer, grabbing something to eat
or even getting gas.I Have ridin along with strangers and dropped off after a few hundred miles.Last year did a solo trip to Sturgis and met up with some retired Arkansas guys who were great and even offered for me to tag along to Yellowstone,would've if I had more time,they were on a 4-5 wk trip.Only drawback is not having a buddy to split a room with once in a while.It is more of a mindset thing,depends how you feel.I have buddies who think a 700mi roundtrip weekend is a long ride from home.You have to enjoy the journey.Bottom line is if you don't enjoy it you need to change it up a little.
Last edited by DustyRG; Feb 7, 2014 at 06:09 PM.
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Joined: Dec 2013
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From: Salem, Ohio
Robert,
I am also good at striking up conversations. At the end of a long day of riding I also like to find a close by restaurant with a bar so I can have a couple beers with dinner. And yes, a couple times it ended up being more then a couple, but I only had to walk back to the hotel. You guys are reminding me why I like going on bike trips by myself.
Cj
I am also good at striking up conversations. At the end of a long day of riding I also like to find a close by restaurant with a bar so I can have a couple beers with dinner. And yes, a couple times it ended up being more then a couple, but I only had to walk back to the hotel. You guys are reminding me why I like going on bike trips by myself.
Cj
Last edited by Cjacks; Feb 7, 2014 at 04:39 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Florida
Trips to rallies, I take my wife now. She is a lot of fun.
Long runs, or heading across the country, is always by myself.
Long runs, or heading across the country, is always by myself.
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Joined: Dec 2010
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From: High in the Colorado Rockies
I love solo trips -- your on your own time schedule, can drive as far as you want, start as early as you want, and stop whenever you want. Freedom! SJ Ron 
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From: In a house down by the river
Only the last ten years have I been able to leave responsibility in the rear view for more than 3 or 4 days. Now those don't even count as trips. I spent plenty of time planted so I really enjoy planting my butt on my putt and inspecting the road conditions over the next hill or around that next turn. Bikes in the grudge and my butt itches, damn snow and salt as far as the eye can see.