I ride to get away from people. Riding in a group is an anathema to me. I enjoy my own company. Not interested compromising for others who I have never met before, not least riding with people whose capabilities that I do not know and will likely never meet again. If I go touring I want to go at my pace and do and see the things I want to. Time is precious and I don't want to be delayed by some muppet who would test the patience of a saint. You meet a lot more people when travelling alone anyway. Group or package tours are for people who lack imagination or initiative.
You’re not kidding. Feels like a vacation when you get home. Nothing like a ride, no matter how short. I was trying on a few different helmets and the rides were 10 minutes at best…..I was as having a blast.
I do both ,most trips i tend to stay on a few days extra ,wave my mates off as they rush for the ferry , and the sense of freedom i get from of being alone in the world i find very gratifying ,and every turn is my choice . My mates call it my "Condor moment" , time out (old cigar advert from 70s )
Once again, we come together, and I could not have said it better, in particular this passage on solitude and the distinction between solitude and loneliness.Solitude is a philosophical position, Solitude is chosen, loneliness is suffered, it’s not a choose.
Yes solo for me. Love the independent decision making....where to stop, what to eat, shall I stay over and so on. But for me I like riding at my own pace as my skills deteriorate when following. Youve said it all really, I have tried groups but have still found myself 'alone' in that group as couples tended to congregate. As you said its down to your disposition - the main thing to do is RIDE and enjoy!
Good reflection mate. Nowadays it seems people can't stand being alone with themselves. Being alone and enjoying it is essential for good mental health. Throughout the year we are always surrounded by people, at work, at home, at leisure. I live in a tourist town and work in Barcelona, and when the holidays come I go off alone on my motorbike through the most uninhabited parts of Spain. When I come back, my wife says that I look like a different person, calmer, happier, regenerated.
You’re spot on with your thoughts on solo travel, I’ve been riding solo for years, I just finished from Cartagena, Colombia to Ushuaia Argentina and back trip ( 1 yr 3 months) and had a great time traveling solo meeting lots of wonderful people. Travelled for 3 months with other bikers I met in Hornipiren Chile all the way to Ushuaia and then went solo again, it was a great mix of personalities, we had a chap who was super organized and we did trips I never would have done solo. We all stay in touch and hopefully will stay great friends. Having said that I loved being back by myself again doing what I wanted to do at my own pace. We are so lucky to have the option to be solo, like you said it’s all about an individuals personality. Each to their own and god bless all the adventure motorcyclists out there.
I'm a loner. 2 divorces are a testimony of that 😊. I live solo, go to dinner solo and ride almost all my journey's solo. I prefer it like that. The only thing I indeed miss sometimes is you cannot share experiences that easily. However you always will meet other people, other riders and I also maintain notes, like a diary.
Over the years I have done both. In 1980 we took a group trip from Nebraska to Daytona Florida we started with 8 people and picked up 2 more in northern Florida. It was very hectic trying to keep that size group together, especially with traffic lights in metropolitan areas. The next year we had only 6 which was easier but you still have one slow rider your always waiting to catch up. By the third year there were only two of us and things went very smooth. We rode the basically the same speed and were ready to take rest breaks and gas stops at the same time. 100 mile ,rest break, another hundred ,fuel stop. Worked well for us. For most of my riding years I rode solo. I loved the solitude and the fact that I had no one to look out for. I rode my 95 R1100GS for 100,000 miles and probably less than 10,000 miles with other riders. I stopped at restaurants that I wanted to eat at and spent as much time as I wanted at the sight seeing spots I visited.
I agree, I don't get "lonely" either. just got home from a 4000 mile solo trip up around Newfoundland, NS and NB. wouldn't do it any other way but solo. people come up to me and want to chat at least once a day, usually more, and that's more than enough interaction for me.
Great thoughts on riding solo. I am retired and have realized the benefits you have described in your video. Live in Texas and thank God for all the nice open country right outside of town. Thank you for mentioning all the great philosophers that I have come to know and love.
I also quite enjoy solo touring. The pace is the part that I like. Feel like stopping bit, just do it. In a group, it needs consensus. Some bikers have a fixation with miles covered, like it’s some achievement to ride the longest runs. That is seldom my motivation for riding. Group riding, on the other hand, provides some peace of mind regarding a possible mechanical difficulty. In a group, you have the support of the other riders if you encounter a problem with a bike. Likewise an opportunity may arise that makes it possible to for me to help another rider, if they should encounter a mechanical problem. That can also be satisfying.
There’s nothing better than setting a route and then heading off on your own....I live in Australia and do an annual solo tour through my home state....absolutely love it 😊 🏍 💨
I love the comradery of having a bunch of motorcycle enthusiast's together and showing the "brotherhood (and sisterhood)" but once kick stands go up, I'm going on my own and creating my own journey...short or long.
Solo my preference Simon but I’ve always met interesting people along the way, never felt lonely. Don’t mind group riding but I can’t stop and take a picture when I want and I like to set my own pace. I’m not the fastest rider and I hate the pressure of keeping up, I have been known to ‘get lost’ on the way, this annoyed some but I knew the next destination so what’s the problem?
So many of the U.K. group travel UA-cam videos are embarrassing. They all seem to end up as a tightly knit line of motorcycles where the one at the front knows where he is going and most of the rest are terrified of getting lost. They meander in this way from stop to stop where they demand luxury accommodation, expensive meals and a lot of beer. I’m afraid that’s my idea of hell. I tour on my motorcycle because I enjoy motorcycle touring. I also enjoy visiting places and seeing things and it much easier to head to a given part of Spain to visit castles and medieval towns than to convince other people that they would enjoy it too. I nearly always camp because it’s my preferred way to stay. I often stay on one campsite for two or three nights and explore the area on a light bike. My camping set up is very comfortable. I do spend time with other motorcyclists. Throughout the year I go to events usually run by small motorcycle clubs. I have a group of friends who do the same. Because we live in different places we normally travel to the location individually then spend the weekend or whatever together. The best events tend to be in the winter, camping at 1000 metres in January is more about the company than anything else. In the summer I tend to do my own thing, going where I want to go and stopping when I feel like it.
After every time l was riding with a group l swear never do it again. Mostly l ride on my own. Solitude is great also in other life situations. Experience of my 66 years.
Solo and if you end up running across a like minded fellow along the way and sync up for part of a day, a day, or few days all the better. 100% agree with solitude particularly in the "connected" era. Cheers.
Thank you ver much for your thoughts. I really agree with yours. Nice video. At the end I have realized that you didn't meet any other vehicule on the road. This is real spanisch hinterland. I hiked a lot in Spain and love the Extremadura. One day I will do an extended tour along the Pyrenees, Asturias and along the Via de la Plata. Riding alone, solo, for me is the best. Well, I must confess, having dinner alone isn't my favourite. Though I also speak Español un pocito, it's difficult to follow the high velocity language. Riding alone for me is FREEDOM! Havesafetrips! 😊
I love riding alone. Always ride alone. After twenty years of not having a motorcycle I bought a new triumph scrambler 1200xc……still ride alone. Took a ride with a couple people and I was out front going 40, which is a good speed. They both hung back at 35 mph as if I was speeding. People can really be set in their ways. So riding alone is just pure relaxation. a half hour ride….come home and I feel like I’ve been on vacation. How can it possibly get any better 😊😊😊
I’ve been doing a lot of solo riding because almost all my friends are sitting home doing yard work ( getting old and lazy ) I’m 67 and hated to solo ride and take solo trips but have to do it now and getting use to it
Thanks for the video. A great reflection. For me I always travel solo. I enjoy my own company and the freedom from compromise. I work full time in a busy job which involves considerable personal interaction. I couldn’t do this without the re-energising time I spend alone on my bike. Look forward to your next post. 👍
What a wonderful road did you find here, mate? Amazing view! I’m about to do my first longer ride, I’m a beginner on a 125. two friends wanted to join in a car, so it’s going to be interesting to say the least. It’s only 400km but you have to start somewhere, right? What you said about solitude vs loneliness I agree. I got so used to the peace and quiet of being on my own that I’m a bit nervous of having company for a week. Take care and meet you on the road someday!
I'm just home from spending 6 weeks in the north of Spain, exploring back roads in the Pyrenees and Pecos mountains. As you can see from this video, there are plenty of quiet roads to explore. I barely scratched the surface in that time.
Group rides have been hazardous for me. From mates kicking in a BMW driven by a meat head to loss of licence for keeping up with a maniac to cooking a corner and killing my KTM by keeping up with same maniac.
I also prefer to ride solo. Sometimes a friend wants to join and that is fine. Two bikes. More than that, for me, gets somehow, painful. You use to travel long mileage on your Triumph 1200 Scrambler XE, or for touring you go on another bike? Thank you for the video. It shows that I’m not alone when I say that I enjoy riding on solo. 👍🏻
I'm really comfortable in my own space. I did my first solo ride and camp last week it was brilliant. I totally agree with you. Nice one & happy riding.
Solo for the mental freedom. I just have a route plotted and i book a hotel along the way when i have had enough for the day. Of i like the town, I'll maybe stay a few nights, of not, i push on.
I solo only and fully understand why you do it. The freedom solo gives me is unmatched. No compromises to suit others in a group. And to be honest, having tried it road captain backside watching just leaves me bored silly
This is also why I enjoy solo traveling, and not just on a motorcycle. Everything becomes so flexible and streamlined when I only have to coordinate what I do with myself. No discussions, no waiting for people doing their stuff, it's just feeling like doing something and then just instantly doing it. I don't mind traveling with other people, but you just have to take into consideration that everything will be so much slower-paced and inefficient.
Hello, I appreciated to hear about your own point regarding this topic. May I ask something related to your riding experience with your Scrambler XE? Did you experienced a particular behaviour around the 40 ml/ hour? Mine is kind of shaking around that speed. Do you still have the stock Metzeler Tourance tires? Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your rides!
I've now had several sets of tyres on the bike. I found the stock tyres to be very poor and changing them really helped handling. Check my playlist, as I've made a couple of videos about this.
Excellent chat Simon. Brilliant points made on the merits of both travel. I’ve recently toured the Picos and Pyrenees with a group (ChickenStrips) a maximum of 15 including two owners of the company. Using the drop off aka marker system everyone can ride their own ride. The ride leader (the most experienced and best motorcyclist) will ride to the person directly behind him to his or her ability and pace. It’s a pretty full proof system if carried out correctly. The group might get strung out in places but will come back together as one unit.
The Dutch are like any other nationality, there are great easy to get along with Dutch people then there are the rest. The hard part is speaking Dutch with the Dutch people you meet, the vast majority of them speak English as well as their first language.
You are obviously missing the point. There is a huge difference between being in your own and being lonely. If you are the sort of person who needs other people around you may find that hard to understand. You are not alone in your misunderstanding, every Christmas the media go on about people spending time in their own as if it’s a problem. For most it’s a choice, a preference.
![The PERFECT country for Solo Motorcycle Camping | New Zealand on a Norden 901 [E14- S6]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/PuSBlHFeOLg/mqdefault.jpg)
I ride to get away from people. Riding in a group is an anathema to me. I enjoy my own company. Not interested compromising for others who I have never met before, not least riding with people whose capabilities that I do not know and will likely never meet again. If I go touring I want to go at my pace and do and see the things I want to. Time is precious and I don't want to be delayed by some muppet who would test the patience of a saint. You meet a lot more people when travelling alone anyway. Group or package tours are for people who lack imagination or initiative.
Spot-On
Spot on same here.
Ughh, just thinking about those foto stops every 5 feet makes me sick.
There is a compromise to be found between the two.
@@jjnewman65 Unless a person just likes to be by themselves. Doesn't mean antisocial. Along the way you meet people, have little chats, etc.
A solo ride whether it’s touring or a snatched hour of the day, is a real treat for the soul !
You’re not kidding.
Feels like a vacation when you get home.
Nothing like a ride, no matter how short.
I was trying on a few different helmets and the rides were 10 minutes at best…..I was as having a blast.
I do both ,most trips i tend to stay on a few days extra ,wave my mates off as they rush for the ferry , and the sense of freedom i get from of being alone in the world i find very gratifying ,and every turn is my choice . My mates call it my "Condor moment" , time out (old cigar advert from 70s )
solo is the best! You are NOT alone! You are with your MOTOR!! Thats what count!
You have summed it up 100% correct!!!
Once again, we come together, and I could not have said it better, in particular this passage on solitude and the distinction between solitude and loneliness.Solitude is a philosophical position, Solitude is chosen, loneliness is suffered, it’s not a choose.
Yes solo for me. Love the independent decision making....where to stop, what to eat, shall I stay over and so on. But for me I like riding at my own pace as my skills deteriorate when following. Youve said it all really, I have tried groups but have still found myself 'alone' in that group as couples tended to congregate. As you said its down to your disposition - the main thing to do is RIDE and enjoy!
Good reflection mate. Nowadays it seems people can't stand being alone with themselves. Being alone and enjoying it is essential for good mental health. Throughout the year we are always surrounded by people, at work, at home, at leisure. I live in a tourist town and work in Barcelona, and when the holidays come I go off alone on my motorbike through the most uninhabited parts of Spain. When I come back, my wife says that I look like a different person, calmer, happier, regenerated.
You’re spot on with your thoughts on solo travel, I’ve been riding solo for years, I just finished from Cartagena, Colombia to Ushuaia Argentina and back trip ( 1 yr 3 months) and had a great time traveling solo meeting lots of wonderful people. Travelled for 3 months with other bikers I met in Hornipiren Chile all the way to Ushuaia and then went solo again, it was a great mix of personalities, we had a chap who was super organized and we did trips I never would have done solo. We all stay in touch and hopefully will stay great friends. Having said that I loved being back by myself again doing what I wanted to do at my own pace. We are so lucky to have the option to be solo, like you said it’s all about an individuals personality. Each to their own and god bless all the adventure motorcyclists out there.
I'm a loner. 2 divorces are a testimony of that 😊. I live solo, go to dinner solo and ride almost all my journey's solo. I prefer it like that. The only thing I indeed miss sometimes is you cannot share experiences that easily. However you always will meet other people, other riders and I also maintain notes, like a diary.
Over the years I have done both. In 1980 we took a group trip from Nebraska to Daytona Florida we started with 8 people and picked up 2 more in northern Florida. It was very hectic trying to keep that size group together, especially with traffic lights in metropolitan areas. The next year we had only 6 which was easier but you still have one slow rider your always waiting to catch up. By the third year there were only two of us and things went very smooth. We rode the basically the same speed and were ready to take rest breaks and gas stops at the same time. 100 mile ,rest break, another hundred ,fuel stop. Worked well for us.
For most of my riding years I rode solo. I loved the solitude and the fact that I had no one to look out for. I rode my 95 R1100GS for 100,000 miles and probably less than 10,000 miles with other riders. I stopped at restaurants that I wanted to eat at and spent as much time as I wanted at the sight seeing spots I visited.
I agree, I don't get "lonely" either. just got home from a 4000 mile solo trip up around Newfoundland, NS and NB. wouldn't do it any other way but solo. people come up to me and want to chat at least once a day, usually more, and that's more than enough interaction for me.
Great thoughts on riding solo. I am retired and have realized the benefits you have described in your video. Live in Texas and thank God for all the nice open country right outside of town. Thank you for mentioning all the great philosophers that I have come to know and love.
Every campsite in Europe has a Dutch resident! So true 😊. (And it’s a good thing, Dutch are very nice people).
Couldn’t agree more, and as you wisely point out, loneliness and solitude are polar opposites, one destroys the soul the other feeds it.
I also quite enjoy solo touring. The pace is the part that I like. Feel like stopping bit, just do it. In a group, it needs consensus. Some bikers have a fixation with miles covered, like it’s some achievement to ride the longest runs. That is seldom my motivation for riding.
Group riding, on the other hand, provides some peace of mind regarding a possible mechanical difficulty. In a group, you have the support of the other riders if you encounter a problem with a bike. Likewise an opportunity may arise that makes it possible to for me to help another rider, if they should encounter a mechanical problem. That can also be satisfying.
Very well put Proffessori, good points for both sides.
There’s nothing better than setting a route and then heading off on your own....I live in Australia and do an annual solo tour through my home state....absolutely love it 😊 🏍 💨
It does not only offer more chance of meeting other people
It offers a unique chance of meeting yourself.
Great points quiet time and riding your own ride is so peaceful.
I love the comradery of having a bunch of motorcycle enthusiast's together and showing the "brotherhood (and sisterhood)" but once kick stands go up, I'm going on my own and creating my own journey...short or long.
Spent 3 weeks and riding solo in Eastern Europe last year. 7200km, 13 countries. One of my best trips ever.
Solo my preference Simon but I’ve always met interesting people along the way, never felt lonely. Don’t mind group riding but I can’t stop and take a picture when I want and I like to set my own pace. I’m not the fastest rider and I hate the pressure of keeping up, I have been known to ‘get lost’ on the way, this annoyed some but I knew the next destination so what’s the problem?
So many of the U.K. group travel UA-cam videos are embarrassing. They all seem to end up as a tightly knit line of motorcycles where the one at the front knows where he is going and most of the rest are terrified of getting lost. They meander in this way from stop to stop where they demand luxury accommodation, expensive meals and a lot of beer. I’m afraid that’s my idea of hell. I tour on my motorcycle because I enjoy motorcycle touring. I also enjoy visiting places and seeing things and it much easier to head to a given part of Spain to visit castles and medieval towns than to convince other people that they would enjoy it too. I nearly always camp because it’s my preferred way to stay. I often stay on one campsite for two or three nights and explore the area on a light bike. My camping set up is very comfortable. I do spend time with other motorcyclists. Throughout the year I go to events usually run by small motorcycle clubs. I have a group of friends who do the same. Because we live in different places we normally travel to the location individually then spend the weekend or whatever together. The best events tend to be in the winter, camping at 1000 metres in January is more about the company than anything else. In the summer I tend to do my own thing, going where I want to go and stopping when I feel like it.
After every time l was riding with a group l swear never do it again. Mostly l ride on my own. Solitude is great also in other life situations. Experience of my 66 years.
Solo and if you end up running across a like minded fellow along the way and sync up for part of a day, a day, or few days all the better. 100% agree with solitude particularly in the "connected" era. Cheers.
Very good thoughts. Very relatebale!
Thank you ver much for your thoughts. I really agree with yours. Nice video. At the end I have realized that you didn't meet any other vehicule on the road. This is real spanisch hinterland. I hiked a lot in Spain and love the Extremadura. One day I will do an extended tour along the Pyrenees, Asturias and along the Via de la Plata. Riding alone, solo, for me is the best. Well, I must confess, having dinner alone isn't my favourite. Though I also speak Español un pocito, it's difficult to follow the high velocity language. Riding alone for me is FREEDOM! Havesafetrips! 😊
Well stated. I enjoy riding solo, but like having a friend or two at meals. I find when I'm riding solo that I rush through meals, breaks, etc., .
I love riding alone.
Always ride alone.
After twenty years of not having a motorcycle I bought a new triumph scrambler 1200xc……still ride alone.
Took a ride with a couple people and I was out front going 40, which is a good speed. They both hung back at 35 mph as if I was speeding. People can really be set in their ways.
So riding alone is just pure relaxation.
a half hour ride….come home and I feel like I’ve been on vacation.
How can it possibly get any better 😊😊😊
The problem with group touring is “other people’
Spot on!👍
I’ve been doing a lot of solo riding because almost all my friends are sitting home doing yard work ( getting old and lazy ) I’m 67 and hated to solo ride and take solo trips but have to do it now and getting use to it
Thanks for the video. A great reflection. For me I always travel solo. I enjoy my own company and the freedom from compromise. I work full time in a busy job which involves considerable personal interaction. I couldn’t do this without the re-energising time I spend alone on my bike. Look forward to your next post. 👍
What a wonderful road did you find here, mate? Amazing view! I’m about to do my first longer ride, I’m a beginner on a 125. two friends wanted to join in a car, so it’s going to be interesting to say the least. It’s only 400km but you have to start somewhere, right? What you said about solitude vs loneliness I agree. I got so used to the peace and quiet of being on my own that I’m a bit nervous of having company for a week. Take care and meet you on the road someday!
I'm just home from spending 6 weeks in the north of Spain, exploring back roads in the Pyrenees and Pecos mountains. As you can see from this video, there are plenty of quiet roads to explore. I barely scratched the surface in that time.
Group rides have been hazardous for me.
From mates kicking in a BMW driven by a meat head to loss of licence for keeping up with a maniac to cooking a corner and killing my KTM by keeping up with same maniac.
I'm shocked. I thought I was pretty bad a keeping my bike clean.
@@SongsFromTheSaddle
This was over a fair period of time mind you and I'm definitely a shit magnet. 😃
Well said you take care
I’ve always thought of riding in general as an inherently solo activity.
Less noise in my head plus someone always needs gas or is fussy about restaurants, wants to stop for selfies. Lots of compromises.
@@dantownsend4246 exactly! I love people, but my motorcycle time is for me!
Great motorcycle roads 👋
I also prefer to ride solo. Sometimes a friend wants to join and that is fine. Two bikes. More than that, for me, gets somehow, painful.
You use to travel long mileage on your Triumph 1200 Scrambler XE, or for touring you go on another bike?
Thank you for the video. It shows that I’m not alone when I say that I enjoy riding on solo. 👍🏻
I'm really comfortable in my own space. I did my first solo ride and camp last week it was brilliant. I totally agree with you. Nice one & happy riding.
Brilliant insightful analysis.
Solo for the mental freedom.
I just have a route plotted and i book a hotel along the way when i have had enough for the day. Of i like the town, I'll maybe stay a few nights, of not, i push on.
Been solo riding and singlehanded sailing for decades. Works for me 👍🏻
I solo only and fully understand why you do it.
The freedom solo gives me is unmatched.
No compromises to suit others in a group.
And to be honest, having tried it road captain backside watching just leaves me bored silly
This is also why I enjoy solo traveling, and not just on a motorcycle. Everything becomes so flexible and streamlined when I only have to coordinate what I do with myself. No discussions, no waiting for people doing their stuff, it's just feeling like doing something and then just instantly doing it. I don't mind traveling with other people, but you just have to take into consideration that everything will be so much slower-paced and inefficient.
Hello, I appreciated to hear about your own point regarding this topic.
May I ask something related to your riding experience with your Scrambler XE? Did you experienced a particular behaviour around the 40 ml/ hour? Mine is kind of shaking around that speed. Do you still have the stock Metzeler Tourance tires?
Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your rides!
I've now had several sets of tyres on the bike. I found the stock tyres to be very poor and changing them really helped handling. Check my playlist, as I've made a couple of videos about this.
@@SongsFromTheSaddle ok, thank you for the reply.
Excellent chat Simon. Brilliant points made on the merits of both travel.
I’ve recently toured the Picos and Pyrenees with a group (ChickenStrips) a maximum of 15 including two owners of the company. Using the drop off aka marker system everyone can ride their own ride. The ride leader (the most experienced and best motorcyclist) will ride to the person directly behind him to his or her ability and pace. It’s a pretty full proof system if carried out correctly. The group might get strung out in places but will come back together as one unit.
…and Superman had his fortress of solitude 😂
More than welcome to pop in and see us in As Somoza
Can’t ride with a herd. If someone’s not smokin, they’re eating, texting, calling, wandering aimlessly like our potus
What is your bike please? Agree with your points, but tend to prefer solo. Thks
Triumph Scrambler 1200
all ways drive solo as it is a personal experience.
Group riding is always slower than solo riding. The bigger the group the slower the ride will be.
Very true!
What bike are you riding?
Triumph Scrambler 1200XE
Sorry ,For Percy and i ,
What i found was the best to do ,is two Men (Riders) and Two Bikes . For Percy and its works will
taking turns leading the way
Dutch people.. sorry, No Thanks ..Great trip..
I like Dutch people, not always trying to determine my social class
The Dutch are like any other nationality, there are great easy to get along with Dutch people then there are the rest. The hard part is speaking Dutch with the Dutch people you meet, the vast majority of them speak English as well as their first language.
I've always found Dutch travellers to be very friendly
Sounds lonely
You are obviously missing the point. There is a huge difference between being in your own and being lonely. If you are the sort of person who needs other people around you may find that hard to understand. You are not alone in your misunderstanding, every Christmas the media go on about people spending time in their own as if it’s a problem. For most it’s a choice, a preference.