Solo ride- Am I turning anti-social?

[STRaider]

My favorite one day ride from Dallas is to the Talimena Run, with an overnight in Mena, Arkansas. It's not too far, and is really a nice quick one day trip just to get away for a day. I took off yesterday and made the trek alone. I typically will find a buddy to go, but this time just took off, not wanting to coordinate with anyone else, and didn't want to miss the slightly cooler temps this weekend.

Some of my friends want to pass every car we come up on, no matter where or how many bikes there are, some want to ride as many miles as they can every day, some like to stop to look at things, some don't at all. For he most part, I find I am somewhere in the middle of most of the different riders I ride with.

I may have had a better time riding solo than if someone else had gone with me. Stop where/when I want/, go see what I want, take as long as I want, take the roads I want, eat where/when I want, etc. I love the camaraderie of riding with friends, but this trip was most enjoyable. In fact, I'm still on the road grabbing some lunch, and am not worried about the arbitrary deadline to get back home that exists when I ride with others. We take a trip and then it's a race to get home asap for some reason. Today I'm just enjoying myself and not watching the clock.

It appears that a good solo ride is good for the soul. I am already looking forward to the next solo trip.

[53driver]

My favorite one day ride from Dallas is to the Talimena Run, with an overnight in Mena, Arkansas. It's not too far, and is really a nice quick one day trip just to get away for a day. I took off yesterday and made the trek alone. I typically will find a buddy to go, but this time just took off, not wanting to coordinate with anyone else, and didn't want to miss the slightly cooler temps this weekend.

Some of my friends want to pass every car we come up on, no matter where or how many bikes there are, some want to ride as many miles as they can every day, some like to stop to look at things, some don't at all. For he most part, I find I am somewhere in the middle of most of the different riders I ride with.

I may have had a better time riding solo than if someone else had gone with me. Stop where/when I want/, go see what I want, take as long as I want, take the roads I want, eat where/when I want, etc. I love the camaraderie of riding with friends, but this trip was most enjoyable. In fact, I'm still on the road grabbing some lunch, and am not worried about the arbitrary deadline to get back home that exists when I ride with others. We take a trip and then it's a race to get home asap for some reason. Today I'm just enjoying myself and not watching the clock.

It appears that a good solo ride is good for the soul. I am already looking forward to the next solo trip.

A good solo ride allows you DEFINE and RIDE your own ride.
I'll be several miles ahead of, behind, or off to the left or right.
Let's meet somewhere for lunch, get caught up, and then go our separate ways.
Slaintè,
Steve

[2wheelsforme]

Going on a solo ride myself in two weeks. Leaving Florida and going all the way to Cortez. If alone you can ride all day and all night if you choose or even stop and take a nap in the middle of the day. Yep!

[olegoat345]

It's good for your brain & peace of mind...……………… Being alone & not worrying about anybody else is a nice place to be

[broncsrule21]

I prefer solo (or with the wife on back) 95% of the time. I choose the pace, the stops, and just less hassle trying to stay together. 5% of the time a friend or relative will talk me into a ride.

[opas ride]

I have been riding solo for about 3 years now and would not trade it again for anything....The three guys I used to ride with all have had to quit due to health issues...I am so lucky, I guess, that the good Lord has blessed me with fairly decent health at almost 79...I hope to ride a few more years, if possible, and will most likely do it on solo rides...I truly enjoy the time and can stop when I want, where I want, and ride without listening to others complain about everything that does not suit them!!!

[LA Weld]

Solo is my way.
Too easy to make time and get where I want to be with out drama. I have a few riding buds that make to a good crew but I prefer solo. My time my pace...:cool:

[GaTeach]

Solo is the way to go. I enjoy randomly diving off on side roads, navigating by the sun sometimes, and I stop a lot. Most of my friends don’t roll like that. Lol. (That and I piss people off a lot evidently :) )

[Bryster]

I spend every work day in a squad of bike LEO's over here.... riding by myself with no goddamns coms is needed to recharge. Riding in groups requires a heightened awareness, being able to float along by yourself and stop when you want is good.
Don't get me wrong, the guys are great, camaraderie we have is awesome, but those days with no fixed destination are the best! :)

[bad940]

Solo only, the only way to ride . I RIDE ALONE!

[tenxxx]

My favorite one day ride from Dallas is to the Talimena Run, with an overnight in Mena, Arkansas. It's not too far, and is really a nice quick one day trip just to get away for a day. I took off yesterday and made the trek alone. I typically will find a buddy to go, but this time just took off, not wanting to coordinate with anyone else, and didn't want to miss the slightly cooler temps this weekend.

Some of my friends want to pass every car we come up on, no matter where or how many bikes there are, some want to ride as many miles as they can every day, some like to stop to look at things, some don't at all. For he most part, I find I am somewhere in the middle of most of the different riders I ride with.

I may have had a better time riding solo than if someone else had gone with me. Stop where/when I want/, go see what I want, take as long as I want, take the roads I want, eat where/when I want, etc. I love the camaraderie of riding with friends, but this trip was most enjoyable. In fact, I'm still on the road grabbing some lunch, and am not worried about the arbitrary deadline to get back home that exists when I ride with others. We take a trip and then it's a race to get home asap for some reason. Today I'm just enjoying myself and not watching the clock.

It appears that a good solo ride is good for the soul. I am already looking forward to the next solo trip.
Ya, I think I was a cowboy riding the range in a past life.
I like riding alone. Going when ever I want. Where ever the road takes me.
I do like riding with friends once in a while. But somewhere in the ride I'm gonna cut out and go my own way.

[Broken Hand]

I ride 90%+ solo. I ride fast when opportunity arises. I’m fortunate that I have a riding buddy who has a similar riding style as me, but to me mixing different riding styles is like mixing bleach and ammonia; brings me to tears and pisses me off.
I don’t ride in groups larger than ~5.

[taxfree4]

Old Sicilian saying - "Walk alone, walk further"

Always preferred riding solo, tried a cross country with a buddy in 2013 and dumped him in West Virginia. I like to do the speed limit, little above, look around and take in the sights, stop and get some good shots. You can't do that when you're with a group, even one other rider as they want to make time, go faster etc. I used to like riding solo to meet a group of riders at a location and hang out, have a barbecue, stay overnight and leave in the a.m.. I can only speak for myself but I think today, with the proliferation of cell phones and social media, most people can't be alone they don't know what it's like, it scares them. To just stop the bike and turn it off in the middle of nowhere, get off and just look around taking in the sights and listening to nothing - no cars, no trucks, no noise. Just enjoying the peace of solitude. Nothing like it, nothing better.

[soupbean]

I always ride solo. Never been much of a socialite, enjoy getting together with friends and family but I’d rather just be doing my own thing. My job is service oriented, so at times I could be working all night long on emergency call or working overtime to get a job done. The reason I have a bike is to get away from everything, just relax and reflect.
I hardly ever ride on the weekdays unless I happen to be off that day, but I’ll usually pick a day on the weekend ( weather permitting ) and take off when I want to and where I want to. It’s my time to just disconnect, not check my phone because work is calling or think about something I need to get done.
I’m heading out today in two or three hours and heading north to no place in particular. I’ll probably stop two or three times for breaks or fuel wherever I like, do about 300 mi. and return home sometime in the evening and the wife will tell me what we’re having for dinner. Fortunately she understands why I ride too.

[STRaider]

One of my best riding buddies is great on a trip, as he will ride all day, but he requires a turn by turn route. Sometimes I have an area in mind and just want to head that direction, and figure it out on the way (kind of the beautiful thing of riding, IMO), but without a preplanned "great route" (meaning no freeways he has to get on) being planned, he won't go. He needs to know there are enough turns and miles to make it a good enough route to go on. Another rides too fast and wants to cannonball run all day, passing every vehicle and every long line of vehicles we encounter. The only goal is to see how many miles were done at the end of the day, as if distance is the only measure of a good ride. When I do ride with others, it's nice to have bluetooth communications, but my favorite friend to ride with doesn't have it and does 't want it, and resists almost anything that didn't come stock on his f6b, not even highway pegs. He's like an old school rider but almost too much so. One wants to go to the same place every ride. If it's a one day ride, it's to Stephenville for barbcue. Same place, same route, same gas stations, same meal. If it's a weekend trip, it's down south to the same place, same route, same gas stations. I don't mind that sometimes as I just follow and don't have to navigate, just ride and enjoy, but after doing the same exact ride multiple times, it's enough. When I have offered to break from a group and meet up at the destination, it's always "you should ride with us" as if I were breaking up a band or something. One trip a friend if a friend planned, we stayed in a neat, rustic cabin (no tv or cable) that took eight miles of bad, rutty dirt roads to get to, and it was right on a river. We got there after dark, then got up at daybreak, left for our ride, and didn't come back until after dark. I could see the trout in the river before we left and there were poles in the cabin. We never did anything that the cabin and location offered, so why stay in the sticks like that? If we are not going to enjoy the setting, fish, etc, I would rather have stayed at a hitel where we could walk to a restaurant and watch a college football game. One guy was on a kawasaki Vaquero and almost dropped it several times on those horrible dirt roads. But it was this other guy's ride and I was invited, so I just went along. When we would stop for lunch nobody spoke, just looked at their phones. I chatted with some locals. I knew I would have had more fum by myself, and that thought has been lingering for a while now.

For all the great reasons listed in this thread, I am sure I will be making many more solo trips. It's nice to know I'm not alone in enjoying the independence from the group ride and mentality.

[DaWadd]

I prefer solo or one other companion. Riding in a group sucks IMO. I think most nailed the reasons pretty good.

[olegoat345]

YOU, "let's go for a ride.". ME, "where you going, I'll meet you there."

[CarolinaRider]

And I thought it was just me. Ha. You solo riders see it all the time. These big groups of 8 or 20 bikes. Until I read this thread I was thinking I was the only solo rider. I have done it and learned quickly its not for me. I feel the most relaxed when I am by myself for sure and love the Solo life on 2wheels. On another note, I was great seeing to F6B's on the road this weekend. A yellow one on 601S in SC and another grey near Harstville SC parked at a restaurant.

[Sorcerer]

I ride with 3 clubs. All slightly different to very different. Solo riding for me is refreshing. As others have sead I set my own time tables, destinations that may change with the next turn, intersection. It gives me the opportunity to explore. Take a road that’s much less traveled. I don’t always turn around when the tar stops. I’ve found really neat little stretches of road that I would never want to lead a group down yet I enjoyed finding it. Sometimes the neat part is at the beginning, sometimes in the middle, sometimes at the end. Some times I can scratch a road off the list or add to my ignore list.

[Pumper]

Amen...you define where, when, how long and do what you want on the road without others input and whining...definately good for the soul!!

[Pumper]

I was on the west coast earlier this summer, riding the 101. Went on a ride that I would never ask others to go with...it started asphalt, roughest pavement, I have ever ridden...went 20 miles and ran into new asphalt..like ok sweet. Another 10 miles I hit gravel and it was not friendly at all, danced for about 20 miles, thinking I should turn around. I hit the back side of the pass (brand new asphalt) and it was the most technical riding I have done in 50 years of riding, made the tail of the dragon look like a kiddy ride. And I was alone, not a car in sight for 35 miles...the only problem was, I came to a t-intersection...and went to the right. Later that day, I met an older indigenous man, and told him where I was. His eyes light up, he said son you are lucky to be alive...I later figured out I was in the Golden Triangle...no wonder I smelled skunk all the time...LOL

[tenxxx]

I have one friend I ride with when ever I'm in his neck of the woods.
If I'm out front he's a quarter mile behind me. If I'm bringing up the rear I understand why
he is so far back.
I like riding with others but while doing so I still like my room.
And I have seen it a lot now that I look for it.
We are such a divided nation with all the BS going on in politics. I don't know if that has anything to do with it but it doesn't help.
I think we are seeing something here that hasn't yet defined itself.
Or, maybe its always been here.
It is healing for me to be with friends,,, at a distance.

[53driver]

I have one friend I ride with when ever I'm in his neck of the woods.
If I'm out front he's a quarter mile behind me. If I'm bringing up the rear I understand why
he is so far back.
I like riding with others but while doing so I still like my room.
And I have seen it a lot now that I look for it.
We are such a divided nation with all the BS going on in politics. I don't know if that has anything to do with it but it doesn't help.
I think we are seeing something here that hasn't yet defined itself.
Or, maybe its always been here.
It is healing for me to be with friends,,, at a distance.

Intersting spin on the solo riding vs. divided nation/politics...

I'll dovetail, but in a different way:
I think those of us who were raised to be independent and self-sustaining ("first born behavior characteristics") tend to enjoy our alone time more than those of us who were raised in a more dependent lifestyle.
Most military pilots are first born males - nothing against women or second/third born, just a fact.
We have had to develop a sense of humor dealing with life and situations when no one was around to support us, or perhaps, our parents were letting us develop on our own rather than hovering and making sure we got a participation trophy.
Bottom line - we know how to amuse ourselves.
We don't need "social media" to define our worth and maintain a false self-confidence.
We don't need politics, television, talking heads (not the band), and sports affiliations advising us on our lifestyle.

We have the best bike ever.
We - from what I've seen at the rallies - are all mostly very responsible riders and we enjoy getting better.

I think it's always been there.
It has been passively tolerated until recently.
Change is imminent and cyclical.

Time for that second cup of coffee....
Cheers,
Steve

[Brasco]

This has been a great thread . . . kudos to STRaider for getting it rolling. Have done it all like everyone else has likely ... short solo, long solo and large groups (last time 15 bikes -- well spaced out) which is an experience one should encounter as few times as possible. To me it's total serendipity when you find a riding partner who has desire for same pace, same habits for stops -- photography, air museums and the like -- and who you can talk with over pie at the cafe. So hard to find but so great when you do. Doing more solo these days myself and learning to enjoy it more and more.

[tenxxx]

Yes, Great thread, thanks to all.
I too am a bit computer illiterate. Cant get pictures to load.
Cant get the usb in the trunk to work. Will try and add a dongle to it.
Sometimes I feel as though a ride is like church. Depends on the mood.
But then, riding always puts me in a good mood.

[GaTeach]

Yes, Great thread, thanks to all.
I too am a bit computer illiterate. Cant get pictures to load.
Cant get the usb in the trunk to work. Will try and add a dongle to it.
Sometimes I feel as though a ride is like church. Depends on the mood.
But then, riding always puts me in a good mood.

Yes! Such fun threads to read and really gives an insight into that solo biker mind. I know people who won't ride solo to the gas station. I'm glad to know I'm not alone in preferring solitude.

[gadgeteer]

One of my best riding buddies is great on a trip, as he will ride all day, but he requires a turn by turn route. Sometimes I have an area in mind and just want to head that direction, and figure it out on the way (kind of the beautiful thing of riding, IMO), but without a preplanned "great route" (meaning no freeways he has to get on) being planned, he won't go. He needs to know there are enough turns and miles to make it a good enough route to go on. Another rides too fast and wants to cannonball run all day, passing every vehicle and every long line of vehicles we encounter. The only goal is to see how many miles were done at the end of the day, as if distance is the only measure of a good ride. When I do ride with others, it's nice to have bluetooth communications, but my favorite friend to ride with doesn't have it and does 't want it, and resists almost anything that didn't come stock on his f6b, not even highway pegs. He's like an old school rider but almost too much so. One wants to go to the same place every ride. If it's a one day ride, it's to Stephenville for barbcue. Same place, same route, same gas stations, same meal. If it's a weekend trip, it's down south to the same place, same route, same gas stations. I don't mind that sometimes as I just follow and don't have to navigate, just ride and enjoy, but after doing the same exact ride multiple times, it's enough. When I have offered to break from a group and meet up at the destination, it's always "you should ride with us" as if I were breaking up a band or something. One trip a friend if a friend planned, we stayed in a neat, rustic cabin (no tv or cable) that took eight miles of bad, rutty dirt roads to get to, and it was right on a river. We got there after dark, then got up at daybreak, left for our ride, and didn't come back until after dark. I could see the trout in the river before we left and there were poles in the cabin. We never did anything that the cabin and location offered, so why stay in the sticks like that? If we are not going to enjoy the setting, fish, etc, I would rather have stayed at a hitel where we could walk to a restaurant and watch a college football game. One guy was on a kawasaki Vaquero and almost dropped it several times on those horrible dirt roads. But it was this other guy's ride and I was invited, so I just went along. When we would stop for lunch nobody spoke, just looked at their phones. I chatted with some locals. I knew I would have had more fum by myself, and that thought has been lingering for a while now.

For all the great reasons listed in this thread, I am sure I will be making many more solo trips. It's nice to know I'm not alone in enjoying the independence from the group ride and mentality.

WOW.

I had no idea that there are so many riders who feel the same way I do about riding.

Yes, I enjoy the comradery of a couple of my friends.

But I too like to just go out to the garage, fire up the bike, head to the gas station to fuel up, then down the road I go.

No plan, no destination, just riding. Sometimes just 50 miles. Sometimes 250 miles. (Fortunately, my wife understands)

And yes, I like the 'goodies and gadgets' like my cell phone and my bluetooth devices to get music and local radio stations for weather and such.

But sometimes I just shut it all off and enjoy the surroundings and the ride.

When I told my riding buddies that I was going to the F6B Rally in Cortez this month, they asked who was riding with me.

Surprisingly, when I told them 'no one', they weren't surprised. It's like they understood!

I know what you're thinking. If I like to ride alone, why go to a Rally where there will be dozens of bikers and organized group rides?

Well, I still enjoy meeting and socializing with other bikers.

Getting their input on the F6B and listening to their stories of rides to places I've never been should be interesting.

For those of you who are also going to Cortez... see ya there!

[Elroy]

This thread has been a refreshing read, thanks STRaider for starting it.

I've always enjoyed my alone time regardless of what I'm doing, but even more so when on the bike. Unfortunately I'm not often out riding without at least 1 other bike. I've taken lots of high mileage trips but its always been in a group of 4+ other motorcycles. When talking with my riding buddies about the upcoming trip out to Colorado, they think I'm nuts for going solo; "You'll have no one to talk with at stops", "That'll be lonely", etc. To which the only thing I say is, "That's kind of the point. And why I'm so looking forward to it." I almost always experience some sort of euphoric moment, a revelation, or change in perspective, big or small, when out on a ride, even more so when it's a long trip. And on this trip when I make a pit stop, there'll be no one to take me out of that moment.

I've enjoyed reading everyone's comments in this thread, I was beginning to let my friends/coworkers comments second guess myself that my excitement is misplaced. Now I know my feelings and excitement of being solo is not unique. So here's to the peace and solitude of traveling solo while looking forward to the camaraderie and socialization that comes with meeting like-minded individuals. See ya in Cortez!

[Az Wingrider]

I also have enjoyed all the responses on this thread. I do most of my rides solo but I also like riding with small groups occasionally. One of the things i really like about riding alone is you are more approachable when you stop. People usually have less hesitation about approaching a lone rider and starting a conversation than they do approaching a group. When I stop for gas and a break it is not uncommon for total strangers to walk up and ask about the bike and the ride. The further you get from home the more approachable you become. Last summer on a ride to the east coast and New England the first question asked was usually "Did you ride that thing all the way from Arizona?" and then the conversation would progress other topics. Most people also would express the desire to be able to take a long trip then tell me why the were unable to. You meet some very interesting people when you travel alone.

I enjoy groups but I ride to see and learn about our great country and riding alone is part of the learning experience.
Az Wingrider

[GaTeach]

Intersting spin on the solo riding vs. divided nation/politics...

I think it's always been there.
It has been passively tolerated until recently.
Change is imminent and cyclical.

Time for that second cup of coffee....
Cheers,
Steve

I'm wondering what you got in that coffee, bubba

[ka7aku]

There is something that is refreshing to the soul when I ride alone. No GPS. Shut the cell phone off. Get out of town and just go exploring.

And the F6B is the tool for doing just what suites me. With an iPod 160 in the saddle bag, filled with 70's Rock and connected to a pair of Shure 215 earbuds lets me totally enjoy the road. Many times I will head out on a Friday and not return home until late Sunday night.

Riding with someone, even my wife as a passenger, always becomes a compromise.

[jmdaniel]

Here is my take, and no offense to the women who might read this, but I think the interest in solo riding is influenced by our gender. Guys, on average, especially as they get older, have less close friends, compared to women. and for the most part, I think we're okay with that. It bugs my wife when I won't do couple things with some of the people in our neighborhood; women that she's good friends with who are married to guys I have nothing in common with. I'd much rather be out on the B, or mowing the yard, or playing with the dogs, or floating in the pool, compared to forced silly conversations. Rides are pretty much the same, my wife doesn't ride, and there are more people that I don't want to ride with than those I do. I solo'd out to the Smokies last year, and had a great time, all by myself.

[shortleg0521]

I too have ridden quite a few miles solo and its not such a big deal.

It looks like I will solo to Cortez and have done Montana, Idaho and others solo.

Wife worries about me but as long as I feel good about my ride I am good. The alone time

has always been whats made me a thinker and I have always returned a better person for

for the time to just think. Another thing is when you stop to get gas or what ever when you are ready to go

you go.

[53driver]

I'm wondering what you got in that coffee, bubba

Retired life doesn't suck..... :)

[PapaJT]

The most philosophically soothing thread I've read.
Riding solo lets you make peace with yourself.

[53driver]

The most philosophically soothing thread I've read.
Riding solo lets you make peace with yourself.

A-men!

[ReserveBum]

The most philosophically soothing thread I've read.
Riding solo lets you make peace with yourself.
Thats a great line! I too enjoy solo riding 95% of the time. Where to, when to stop, how fast/slow to go, all me. But on those long multi day rides it sure is nice knowing that you have someone with you that has your back...just in case. You lose some autonomy but add some "peace of mind". Plus it comforts the wife knowing you are not out there alone.

[GaTeach]

Thats a great line! I too enjoy solo riding 95% of the time. Where to, when to stop, how fast/slow to go, all me. But on those long multi day rides it sure is nice knowing that you have someone with you that has your back...just in case. You lose some autonomy but add some "peace of mind". Plus it comforts the wife knowing you are not out there alone.

Because I mostly travel alone and because I'm likely to be purposefully lost, I use the app GLYMPSE a lot. It gives me peace of mind and it gives those who love me peace of mind. And you turn off the "show speed" toggle. :)

[Elroy]

Thats a great line! I too enjoy solo riding 95% of the time. Where to, when to stop, how fast/slow to go, all me. But on those long multi day rides it sure is nice knowing that you have someone with you that has your back...just in case. You lose some autonomy but add some "peace of mind". Plus it comforts the wife knowing you are not out there alone.

This is also true. And the only downside to the trip out to Colorado is my wife's anxiety.

[Az Wingrider]

I have a tracker on my bike and my wife can go on the internet site and see where I am time. My tracker sends a signal every 15 minutes and when my wife checks she sees a flag on the map showing my location within the last 15 minutes. When I take a break I hit a button on the tracker and it sends a message to her cell phone telling her I am taking a break. If you are interested it is a Spot Tracker III and the website is "Find Me Spot". It gives my wife a lot of peace of mind

Az Wingrider

[Elroy]

I also use an app called "Eat. Sleep. Ride." It's a ride tracker, and others can also follow your progress, but also has crash detection that you can purchase an annual subscription for, Crashlight they call it. You pre-set contacts and if it detects a crash an alarm goes off on the app and you have XX seconds (I think it's 20) to hit an "I'm ok" button. Otherwise it'll send a crash detection notification to your preset contacts and also include your precise location so they can alert emergency services. I'll probably subscribe to it if only for the purpose of the trip out to the rally. Should help ease they SO's anxieties.

[53driver]

Because I mostly travel alone and because I'm likely to be purposefully lost, I use the app GLYMPSE a lot. It gives me peace of mind and it gives those who love me peace of mind. And you turn off the "show speed" toggle. :)

Definitely need your speed toggled off for their peace of mind.....lolol

[BuzzzPhotos]

Yep, I love to ride solo also & enjoy the Talimena Run a lot. Normally meet my wife late in the day at her Mother's home near Mena. Generally stop at the casino in Broken Bow or the Catfish place across the street.

[STRaider]

Well, here we go again. I am supposed to go a riding trip with a dear friend, someone I have ridden many miles with, his brother, and another friend of my friend. My friend is 74 now, long retired, and is one year post severe prostate cancer treatment.

He wants to ride from Texas to Seattle, where his daughter lives, park the bikes, than go back at some point and ride hwy 1 down to California. Great idea.

We've been discussing the idea of this trip since Octoberish. My friend and his brother are "planning" the trip, since at some point the brother is splitting off and heading to Nevada. Their plan is to leave from Fort Smith (where they are from originally, not sure why they would leave from there) and go across the top of Oklahoma. That's as far as the plan has gotten. No start date, no day one hotel target, no other decisions.

When inquiring about the trip, my friend asked me to look at the "route" and see what I think. I was told his brother and a guy I don't know that are going don't ride too fast or too far daily. I gave my opinion that the road I was given didn't look like it had a lot to offer in the way of hotels if we got about 250-350 miles. We would be right around the Oklahoma/Kansas line, in the middle of nowhere. I was immediately told I worry too much, and given some long time friend ribbing about being worried the entire trip. I asked him where he had planned to stop the first night, he paused and admitted he hadn't thought about that. :icon_special:

We don't have one night stop planned, not a reservation anywhere, the only road given to me sucks, but I worry too much. We have no start date, no return date, pretty much all we have is an idea. I don't mind the trip evolving as we go, but a basic framework on a trip this distance would be nice, no?

My friend and his brother are retired, quite well off financially, so time and money are not issues for them. I have a business and don't get to take off all the time, so when I do, I like to make the most of it. This friend is a father figure and mentor for me, is 74, and is one year out of intense prostate cancer treatment (doing very well), and I want to do this trip, as it could be our last chance to do a major ride like this. In 2006 he and I did a cross country trip together.

I really want to make this ride with him, but am losing interest due to the lack of a plan of any kind. It's become merely a way to get his bike to Seattle so he has one there when he visits his daughter, it seéms. Riding to Seattle sounds like a blast, but I was reminded of this thread while thinking I would rather do this solo than put up with this, riding with people I don't know with different riding styles, having to make every decision by committee as we come up on it, etc.

I will make this ride, and will make the best time of it I can, as I really value the time I spend with this friend, but I will no doubt be evaluating this experience vs this thread topic. To top it off, we will be on Harleys. The brother of my friend just bought four Harley dealerships and sent my friend a 2019 Road Glide unannounced. My friend is an avid bmw guy, but now will be riding his Harley, so I will take mine. There is no way I'm leaving the f6b out of state during the summer. That is my ride of choice, and we may not get back to Seattle as soon as we think, potentially leaving a bike up there through riding season.

Sorry for the long rant, but this scenario really brought this thread subject to the forefront for me, along with the anxiety most have acknowledged comes from these scenarios, the reason most of us prefer solo rides. UGH!!!

[valkmc]

I took a bucket list solo ride a few years back. Ocala Fl. to Alaska and back. Six weeks and more than 11,000 miles. Had my own routine and did not have to compromise or change for most of the ride.

[Fourks]

I bought my bike to get away from people. But in your case I think I'd just ask if I could make all the arrangements. that way you can enjoy yourself and your friend without stressing.

[TerryDavid]

Only Been doing it for 45 years now
Love it
Ride for as long as I want
See what I want
Stop when I want
For as long as I want;)
Love it:cool:

[adventurous1]

Riding w/ friends for the occasional same local route and same local venues I don't mind. Again 'occasional'. Last year I experienced another summer adventure - 11K / 6 wks. (No, I'm not retired). When I do these trips, and even the solo riding along PCH or in the mtns of So Cal, it's therapy for me because it clears my mind, lets me think and these times alone let me be more creative about bus, my life, my goals, etc., etc.

On my longer journeys, I generally have 1 of the women I'm sleeping with fly into an area, then she'll ride with me for about 3 days, then drop her off at another airport along the way. The women are always blown away about how much 'they see' of nature - and their minds become much clearer. Happens 'every time'. Last year, I had 2 different ladies meet me along the way. LOTS of fun. Simple 250 to 350 mile days thru 2 lane hwys / back roads. Btw, last year experienced a locally brewed 'Pecan Beer' somewhere outside of Albuquerque (I think). Still one of the best beers I've ever tasted.

[VStarRider]

Well, here we go again. I am supposed to go a riding trip with a dear friend, someone I have ridden many miles with, his brother, and another friend of my friend. My friend is 74 now, long retired, and is one year post severe prostate cancer treatment.

He wants to ride from Texas to Seattle, where his daughter lives, park the bikes, than go back at some point and ride hwy 1 down to California. Great idea.

We've been discussing the idea of this trip since Octoberish. My friend and his brother are "planning" the trip, since at some point the brother is splitting off and heading to Nevada. Their plan is to leave from Fort Smith (where they are from originally, not sure why they would leave from there) and go across the top of Oklahoma. That's as far as the plan has gotten. No start date, no day one hotel target, no other decisions.

When inquiring about the trip, my friend asked me to look at the "route" and see what I think. I was told his brother and a guy I don't know that are going don't ride too fast or too far daily. I gave my opinion that the road I was given didn't look like it had a lot to offer in the way of hotels if we got about 250-350 miles. We would be right around the Oklahoma/Kansas line, in the middle of nowhere. I was immediately told I worry too much, and given some long time friend ribbing about being worried the entire trip. I asked him where he had planned to stop the first night, he paused and admitted he hadn't thought about that. :icon_special:

We don't have one night stop planned, not a reservation anywhere, the only road given to me sucks, but I worry too much. We have no start date, no return date, pretty much all we have is an idea. I don't mind the trip evolving as we go, but a basic framework on a trip this distance would be nice, no?

My friend and his brother are retired, quite well off financially, so time and money are not issues for them. I have a business and don't get to take off all the time, so when I do, I like to make the most of it. This friend is a father figure and mentor for me, is 74, and is one year out of intense prostate cancer treatment (doing very well), and I want to do this trip, as it could be our last chance to do a major ride like this. In 2006 he and I did a cross country trip together.

I really want to make this ride with him, but am losing interest due to the lack of a plan of any kind. It's become merely a way to get his bike to Seattle so he has one there when he visits his daughter, it seéms. Riding to Seattle sounds like a blast, but I was reminded of this thread while thinking I would rather do this solo than put up with this, riding with people I don't know with different riding styles, having to make every decision by committee as we come up on it, etc.

I will make this ride, and will make the best time of it I can, as I really value the time I spend with this friend, but I will no doubt be evaluating this experience vs this thread topic. To top it off, we will be on Harleys. The brother of my friend just bought four Harley dealerships and sent my friend a 2019 Road Glide unannounced. My friend is an avid bmw guy, but now will be riding his Harley, so I will take mine. There is no way I'm leaving the f6b out of state during the summer. That is my ride of choice, and we may not get back to Seattle as soon as we think, potentially leaving a bike up there through riding season.

Sorry for the long rant, but this scenario really brought this thread subject to the forefront for me, along with the anxiety most have acknowledged comes from these scenarios, the reason most of us prefer solo rides. UGH!!!

I do not think there is anything off-base with your concerns. I know I would not be comfortable in this situation either. Even if he busts your chops, I would want to have a serious conversation about your concerns and go in knowing he might laugh in your face and blow off your concerns and be okay with the risk of that happening. His response will speak volumes to how the trip will go, and will help inform your decision about what to do.

[53driver]

As a Basic Rider Course Coach, we discuss the concepts of long trip planning. Not that one has to have gas station & potty breaks mapped out to a specific minute, but gas in Nebraska "can" be scarce if you have a 3 gallon tank!

Most trips begin with a "concept" - which you alluded too.
A tentative route is agreed upon by all parties. Tentative because yes, trips do evolve as opportunities present themselves.
Then bike logistics are discussed and prepped for. Will the trip require new tires before or during? Oil changes? Any other maintenance before or during? Spare one gallon gas cans on the back?
Then a start date is cemented in place.
Then people start dropping out for various reasons - family issues, bike issues, personal health, work, etc.
Final deliberate planning should be about one week prior with those who remain standing. This would include overnight stopping points, lodging, and chow.

As you discovered, many people don't think this far ahead - especially if they think they will have cell phone signal and unlimited use of plastic along the way.
Some remote stations only take cash - and a lot of it.
Some remote "cowboy motels" only take cash too.

Best of luck.
Final thought: there is no interest like self-interest.
Cheers,
Steve

[tenxxx]

Nobody wants to ride when I do. So I don't bother asking any more.

[53driver]

Nobody wants to ride when I do. So I don't bother asking any more.

Yeah, this retired gig doesn't suck!
I'm just back yesterday from a 6 day mostly solo ride to "no place special."
Saw a few friends along the path.
All goodness.

[jmdaniel]

As a Basic Rider Course Coach, we discuss the concepts of long trip planning. Not that one has to have gas station & potty breaks mapped out to a specific minute, but gas in Nebraska "can" be scarce if you have a 3 gallon tank!

Most trips begin with a "concept" - which you alluded too.
A tentative route is agreed upon by all parties. Tentative because yes, trips do evolve as opportunities present themselves.
Then bike logistics are discussed and prepped for. Will the trip require new tires before or during? Oil changes? Any other maintenance before or during? Spare one gallon gas cans on the back?
Then a start date is cemented in place.
Then people start dropping out for various reasons - family issues, bike issues, personal health, work, etc.
Final deliberate planning should be about one week prior with those who remain standing. This would include overnight stopping points, lodging, and chow.

As you discovered, many people don't think this far ahead - especially if they think they will have cell phone signal and unlimited use of plastic along the way.
Some remote stations only take cash - and a lot of it.
Some remote "cowboy motels" only take cash too.

Best of luck.
Final thought: there is no interest like self-interest.
Cheers,
Steve

+1000

[tenxxx]

Yeah, this retired gig doesn't suck!
I'm just back yesterday from a 6 day mostly solo ride to "no place special."
Saw a few friends along the path.
All goodness.
Life is GooD!

[adventurous1]

It seems there is a lot of over analyzing and over complicating simple adventures. Start of the riding season - throw on new tires. Change the oil too if it's been parked all winter. Gas you can get about anywhere along the adventure - except for a very few remote areas of the country, so pull in for gas when you're at 1/2 when you're heading into those areas. Very few hotels and cash stations are only cash. So, take a couple of hundred bucks with you. On my 11K journey last summer - I stopped an had my oil changed at about 5K. But again, how many of you are taking an 11K trip?

In some of the heavy summer nat prk / resort traffic areas, most of the time you'll have to book a reservation especially if you have a lady w/ you (Zion, Telluride, Sedona, Moab, Glacier, Riggens - along lolo pass Idaho, Jackson hole). Otherwise there's no reason to pre-book hotels....just travel for the day until you want to stop for the day.