Back on a motorbike after an absence of 38 yrs, so wished that I never gave it up. Now in my 60s and it's all I live for. The freedom is so refreshing. Riding has saved me.
Steven I'm in a similar situation, rode a gold wing back in the 80s, but now haven't ridden a bike in over 30 years. These days being retired, I decided to buy a bike and eventually do that trip to the Grand Canyon. Steven I would love to trade notes with you, If interested , you can contact me via email at "CharlesNextProject@gmail.com"
@@charlesx593 Great that you are doing the biking again after a long break. Some people may think the bike I have is kind of small, as it is only a 125 Lexmoto LXR super sport, but i'm fine with that, i'm having a great time rediscovering my love of biking. Once I get a bit more road experience I will upgrade to something a bit more powerful, I don't want to run before I can walk.
I started a solo trip from KS to Alaska. On day 2 I met John at a gas station just outside of the campsite he asked if he could follow me to the US Canadian border..No problem. After the crossing he asks if he can join me (We were headed to the same place). I laid out my rules for riding together and he agreed. A couple of days later John and I are in Canada and meet another solo rider also headed to Dawson City/Alaska. He asks if he can join us. Again, I laid out my plan and he was welcomed to join. For the next 7 days we rode through British Columbia, the Yukon and Alaska with never a cross word said to each other. It was a great adventure of three solo riders becoming a bonded group. That trip was in 2009 and we are all still friends! I feel what made us all click is that we had the same goals, attitude, and riding skills. We were like minded people.
This was a pre deployment ride for me and I had the tightest schedule of us three. We set an alarm and got up to break camp (we were camping). Patryk was the youngest of us and would sleep in every day when he was solo. After a couple of days with John and I he made the comment about how far we were riding each day and it was easy if you get up early. :) I had to ride 500 miles a day to get up and back in time. All of us had input into what we wanted to see. At any point if someone wanted to go off on their own no bad feelings....ride your own ride. On one particular day John was having a difficult day. We were on the Cassiar Highway. We were all wet, cold and fatigued, but it was John who spoke up at 2:00PM and said he needed to stop. I had been on the Cassiar before and knew the Deese River campground was just ahead and they had cabins. We stopped there got a cabin with a wood burning stove. It was a great decision on Johns part as we all needed the rest. That was it really. Again, three very like minded riders. We had all covered a lot of distance on this trip. I was from KS, John SD, and Patryk MD.
You gains great deal of respect travelling solo. People from all walks will come and talk too you! Solo is best! Think there are more solo riders than group riders?👍🏍🏴
lol one time at an airport I was questioned as to why I was traveling so light, knapsack. I replied "well I got a deal worked out with a couple of multibillion dollar companies. They filled most of the developed world with these stores that keep supplies there so all I have to do is walk in with some money and then walk out with whatever I want instead of bringing it all with me." haha TSA agent didn't laugh.
That means you have money. I’d never bother asking people such a shitty question. I’d just mind my own shit. And yes, I was not impressed by reading your comment. Neither laughed tho.
for border security, light travellers raise suspicions. They often get “wise guys” coming through. Maybe funny at first but then wears thin. A simple honest answer usually makes things go smoothly and everyone gets on with their day.
I agree. I have ridden west to east in Australia a few times and the hardest trip was in a group. And riding solo on a day when I decided to do 1700 km I didn't have to argue with others about it, just got it done (Nullarbor Homestead to Perth).
I ride so the noises and voices in my head of everyday life are silenced. Apart from the motor humming and road noises, it’s the most peaceful place to be.
I might be kind of late to comment on this video, but I couldn't stop to notice that almost everybody, if not all, were saying that they prefer to ride alone and adding - half excusing - "I'm kind of a loner, you know". Well, having a bike it is already a statement of the kind of person we are. Independent, and independent rimes very well with loner. Even if we have friends we may like to ride with, we are still riding our own bike and our own ride. Good luck to all!
I’ve got a daughter, she rides on the back. It’s good to share experiences. Had a friend ask her “What’s the best part of riding the motor bike?” “Hanging out with my Dad” Full points to you kiddo.
Hi, I've done 3 major long distance road trips. I'd say: 1. Don't take too much. Everything should fit in a backpack 2. Don't rush, do a nice 200km a day 3. Avoid highways, take the minor roads. Theyre much more scenic and twisty! 4. You don't need a big bike. I did the length of Indonesia on a 150cc, was amazing and so cheap 5. Ride alone, you can suit yourself and not have to compromise/argue/wait for another person
IdahotoPI Perfect sized bike for mostly asphalt and some gravel/dirt roads, in my opinion is a 650. My preference would be a GS 800 but thats me. On mostly gravel and dirt with “some” asphalt, I’d still go with a 650 but would drop to a 390 or 350. No matter what, I wouldn’t recommend anything less than a 250.
@IdahotoPI Bullshit. I ride my 110cc Honda Wave on the German highway regularly. No speed limit here by the way. Another plus of a small bike: weight. I've driven basically the same bike thousands of kilometers all over southeast Asia. It will get you to places where no heavy 'adventure bike' will ever be seen with a fuel consumption of 2 liters/100km. I could go on...
6 років тому+400
Mistake 1 bringing too much stuff Mistake 2 not bringing enough stuff Usually both at the same time.
Well said. Last run, I spent a small fortune in tools as I bought a used bike (I flew in to buy the bike and was running it halfway across the country). I didn't need a single item. It was still peace of mind, but that was a lot of bits and bobs for no reason.
I'm glad I clicked on this one. It was, "Well, lets see what this guy has to say about it." It's been 45 years since I started riding around North America, with a total mileage of over 530,000 miles under the tires...many tires. All of the mistakes and cautions you talked about works with any long trip, on any bike, not just adventure bike trips. For me it's, "All about the ride." I'll ride past the sunset, most times it's at least a 12 hour day. My latest long ride was up to Alaska on my Suzuki 650 scooter. Woke up at a place near Pink Mountain and rode with the sun that day. As long as the sun was up, I rode. 17 and a half hours later I pulled into a motel parking lot. Even saw 6 black bears along the way. I have ridden 99.9% of the time by myself. I don't go over 55mph, so I can enjoy the ride longer. I'm not afraid to tell others how I ride, because I know most don't do it that way. If we're going to the same place I'll say, "Well, maybe I'll see you there." Then we go our separate ways. I have always looked over the map first and lay out the routes, and If I "accidentally deviate" ;) from the route, I just declare it part of the ride and don't try to make up time. Getting some place safely is much better than not getting there at all. Enjoyed the video. Keep the rubber side down. Stay safe out there.
Grow up as the fuy is different when ridinf so are we, my son and i have deep figts iver a route and what oath to take, but we lobe the gerney ans the fight of when we win the argunent, and some rimes we agree on all, so no body is perfect only god is.
Tried with someone else, never again with that person. Different budgets, different idea of fun, different eating habits [Mine are normal, breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks inbetween. Theirs not so much] So many regrets like missing out on local food, zip-lines, kayaking. Can't wait to do the trip again but on my own next time, it sounds harsh to say but I had a good time but felt like it was missing something
Some great quotes from the video: “I can’t believe he drinks Heineken” “Being in the moment and enjoying the road ahead” “Focusing on destination and where you are going” “It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey” “A calamity is a sum of smaller mistakes that meet each other in a perfect shit-storm” “We keep thinking about where we ought to be and completely miss out on where we are”
Dude great video and you bring you’ve touched on several several points that I am all to familiar with but also forgot about. One the most important things that I’ve learned about riding with other people is 1. As much as you might want to, you can’t ride with everyone. 2. The quickest way to end a friendship is to ride with people that are not compatible with your own riding style. 3. Accidents don’t just happen, they are truly a culmination of a number of smaller events that lead up to a bad event. 4. If you are lucky enough to find someone that you are compatible with and fits your riding style, hold onto and cherish that person because they are pure gold.
I'm definitely a solo rider... I really love to ride without a precise schedule. I like group riding as well, and it feels really nice to share the passion of riding with fellow riders... but, as in every life situation, you have to be very picky about the riding partners you choose. We all need to feel the sense of freedom we get when we are on a bike, indeed we mostly ride because of that. So, I wouldn't advice any restriction of such freedom! Cheers to all!
One thing to note when you ride with people, if you ride on a long enough trip with the same people, there are times where you will be short or lose patience for no real reasons...Just like sibling. I went on a 5 day ride with 2 of my best buds. On day 4-5...we were snapping a bit more just due to the fact that we were together 24/7. Realize that this happens, shake it off and get that clear mind. It can create a stronger bond with your buddies or can break it. We now laugh about it whenever it comes up in topic of conversation and I will say, it has def. made our friendship stronger. So keep that in mind when travelling with people.
76 year old here who rides a Suzuki 650 V Strom. Totally agree with all you said, Pedro! Did 9000+ miles in 2016 from Sacramento to Prudhoe Bay and lots of other Yukon and Alaska places. Then in 2018 did almost that much going to Tuktoyatuk in Northwest Territories and more of Alaska, etc. 2016 started with 7 guys, ended up coming back to WA with just one other and solo from there back to Sac. 2018 started with 8, soloed from Vancouver Island home. Totally agree that less is better and alone is best. 1. You start and stop for potty whenever you darn well want. 2. You stop and take pics any time you want and don't worry about the others. 3. You eat wherever and whenever you want. You decide to camp or motel it with no stress on how that will go over with the others. 4. You get to think more about where you are and what you are experiencing instead of where everyone else is and whether they are OK. The list could go on. Our Rule #1 was not to try to keep up with the guy who liked to ride really fast and take corners at uncomfortable speeds. Biggest mistake was making motel and ferry reservations at times we had to hit. Big stress. However, I do recommend a motel reservation in Tuktoyatuk should you do that trip since space is very limited and camping in a tent could get you up close and personal with a hungry Polar Bear. Most other places it ain't necessary.
Oops. Dumbs**t attack. You're right, mine's a Suzuki. I just edited my post and took out the "KTM" and replaced it with " Suzuki" The guy with us on his KTM crashed on the Inuvik Tuk Highway and I was thinking about him when I was writing this. Best excuse I could think of. I too hope you can ride your V-Strom at 76 years old. Keep at it!!!
It's SUZUKI(from Japan) sir. And I wish I'll be still able to ride my 1 month old my V-Strom 650 until my 76 years birthday. (for me... it's 46 years to go!) - another V-Strom 650XT rider from S.Korea who is planning to cross Eurasia on next summer. From Seoul, S.Korea to Cabo da Roca, Portugal.
Thanks for your comment, Jim. I'm 70 and ride a KLR 650 in S Africa. It's good yo hear about other "seniors" who still enjoy riding. Best Wishes Keep the rubber side down.
Jim Piatt wonderful! And great to note your age! I am a spring chicken at 72 and you have given me a real shot in the arm! Thanks 🎃 I have a 30 year old Ironhead, but I’m planning some serious solo expeditions throughout Europe and beyond on newly acquired Enfield 500 🤪
I always travel with my motorcycle in "lone wolf" mode. Just to avoid the problems that you mentioned (communications, decisions...etc). I prefer traveling and risking alone to enjoy the whole things in my way as i want. That doesn't mean that a traveling in a group is not good, everyone had to test both solo and group to find the kind of traveling that he will appreciate. Thank you for the video.
Keep it simple! After my Chicago to L.A. trip, I realized the importance of minimalism. I found that a 24 pack of Miller Lite would fit in each saddle bag, my bedroll became a bungeed-down back rest, and the bag of tools I carry could also fit one cigar in a tube, and a tooth brush, which also helps keep sand out of the chain. That's it. Travel Lite!
All makes good sense! I met another rider in Romania 13 years ago, we rode together for a few days and I visited him on my way back to Germany. Since then we have done a tour every year (except 2020 due to covid). Relaxed travel, sometimes 250 km in a day sometimes 700 or more. We plan one day in advance but have a pretty good idea where we are going. He is flexible, I am flexible (I'm pretty sure I am!). For us, a perfect travelling arrangement. We are always there to help each other out, watch bikes etc. etc. Couldn't be better as far as we are concerned.... Hopefully 2021 will see us on the road again. Keep up the sage advice!
My only real mistake was flipping the emergency switch by hanging my helmet on the handle bar. I couldn't figure out why the damn thing wouldn't start, and I was already dismantling the fuel tank, spark plugs, and some wiring before I noticed my mistake.
Absolute classic "surely there isn't anything odd about this sudden catastrophic failure to start". First thing I do nowadays is look at that red button. Once I was almost 2km into walking home with 8 to go until I decided to check the main fuse on the solenoid.
Don't feel bad. I ride metric and they have a safety circuit so if it's in gear it won't start. I didn't realize it was in gear when I came out of a restaurant thinking the battery was low because I left the headlight on. I was doing the same kind of craziness, breaking out a multimeter checking battery level, wondering what in the world was going on until I realized that. My friend I was with on that trip still gives me shit about it.
Dropped my bike. Forgot kickstand. My most hated mistake. I use my killswitch to kill my engine when I stop. Off, then back on. Keeps my hands on the bars. Sometimes I put it in neutral, kill the engine and coast to the parking spot.
I am a solo rider, I rode from Miami to Fort St John BC and met a few buddies and we rode from there to Fairbanks Alaska for the June 21st "ride to the midnight sun" and the ride alone of 3500 km was perfect and after meeting with the group one day was all i could handle. We rode as a group for 7 days and it sucked, I made it through and rode down to Cancun alone. I ride many thousand miles each year and it alone, but i don't ride like you as I ride a Harley cruiser so no off roading. I have done as few as 10 km in a day and as many as 1400 km, the amount i do is up to only me this way. I rode out to Key West just so I could drive the long causeway out, when I got to Key West I took exactly 5 pictures of the furthest place can drive to then turned around and drove back, that was all i wanted. When i am hungry i stop, when I am tired I get a cheap room otherwise I just love the ride and the passing miles.
I hear you. I drove to Key West, wandered around on foot for an hour, watched the famous sunset, then immediately drove back to the mainland. Slept in my car inland from Miami rather than pay the $400+ a night for a hotel on crowded Key West, heh. (Not a motorcycle ride, but, same mindset.)
We have similar riding styles, homie. Longest day for me on a Lowrider was 1500km (930 miles). From Aix-en- Provence, France to Mortágua, Portugal in 16 hrs 25 minutes. Didn't plan to ride that far but when I was in the area where I had planned to stop the sun was just too high so I kept going. By the time I started to get tired I was too close to home to spend another night out. For someone that rides pretty freely group riding can be a drag. I usually have carrots, apples, chicken breasts, etc sliced in baggies for the day, don't stop for a lunch and carry a 1.5 lt bottle of water. I'll plan a night stop but that's adjusted based on the weather, traffic and how I feel. Stopping every couple of hours for gas is plenty of stopping. Some of my basic planning costs for a ride are €20/day for food, under €50/night for hotels and gas costs whatever it costs. (gas varies wildly from country to country)
One buddy on a ride is all I can handle. I don't like riding with strangers and don't see the point. I get on the bike to get away from daily life and enjoy the freedom. With the riding you do I would like to see some vlogs if you make any.
Agreed, riding alone or with no more than one or two friends is best. Most of my best days on the bike are unplanned with impulse stops or surprise discoveries.
Spent 3 weeks solo in Hokkaido last year. So nice to do whatever I want. And I usually combine restaurant hunting with my touring which most people don't want to do.
Depends on the bike .. i had a Yamaha XS 1100 .. with complete vetter set on it .. i could ride heavy and not have problems ... the bike itself was already 340KG (749lbs) .. i didnt pack full most of the time.. take into account you get more stuff along the way... as you shop and whatever .. i never had problems even when full packed
Thus is the first time someone has pointed out the cause of that stressful everywhere/nowhere feeling!!! Great vid man, excited to check out the rest of your stuff
I find that I am fine riding with others when I let them plan the ride and just go with whatever plan they come up with. But on the other hand I get frustrated when I am asked to plan the ride and have to deal with others ideas and questions around the plan. So I’m fine to go along with a ride, but prefer to ride on my own when I have a specific plan in mind. Sometimes I’ll do both on the same ride.
Wow! Great tips! Moments from a seriously experienced traveller! I’ve crossed similar challenges and it feels like some of the comments Pedro makes might not make sense until you are out there and experience them yourselves. The important thing here is... to do whatever you can to experience for them yourself! Every trip/journey/experience is different. Slow drown (as Pedro, rightly recommends), enjoy every day as it comes. The rat race will soon claw its way back into your normality! So embrace YOUR trip as much as you can. There is no wrong road...
It's interesting how riding can bring out the best in you but also sometimes amplify the worst. The latter in most cases your own fault so that in itself can be confronting. Do this long enough and it becomes a Buddhism course on wheels. Cheers mate, keep going on your own trips.
One of my mistake: Relaying on a GPS navigator to pick the good road for you. It'doesn work. It is the most frustrating product you can buy for money. Wasted so much of my time on the tour to correct and set up the routes. Lesson learned: Carefully plan and preload your GPS with those planned routes before your tour. It's a pain to do it, takes a lot of time, but better spend time doing this before leaving home, than during your travel. The navigator get you to your destination yes. But do not trust it will pick the best road for you, even if it is a motor cycle specific device.
Cross country (US) 3 times. Each time was Lone Rider Of the Apocalypse deal. Definitely would love to have some company next time. Tons of great memories but the one I'm gonna share is the 1st one. San Fran, '90, just south of the Goldan Gate, parked. Called my parents and said "C ya in a month and a half". They live in Ct. 22, just got out of the Coast Guard. Turned from the phone booth, saw my bike; 82 Honda magna 750, loaded up with the Pacific Ocean behind her. Realized exactly what I was doing, 4,500 miles alone from one ocean to the other on that little thing, and not in a straight line. A shot of fear went thru me like a lightning bolt. What the hell mission do I have in front me? Holleee she ite. Will never forget that visual or feeling. Most definitely would like to have a honey tag along to share this stuff. Best way to travel
I put 50,000 miles on an '84 V30 Honda Magna I bought used. Great machine that I wish Honda still made. Super reliable and all over the country with it, until the fuel pump gave up the ghost at 70,000 miles. My first ride to anything long distance was 4,000 miles to Sturgis, SD.
PM says: “A calamatity is a sum of small mistakes that meat each other in a perfect circumstantially shitstorm”. This is a great sentence, real spoken. My personal consequense from this: "Luck is the sum of many small pieces of joy and satisfaction, that turn up to a nice picture in the end of a journey". Thanx, Pedro Rosa, wise spoken --- and that's great for such a young person!!! Congrats!
Rather ride in a group for safety but I am a very flexible guy by definition. I find it easy to adapt. I do draw the line at the very beginning saying that I will never compromise my safety. I won't match anyone's aggressive style if I don't feel I'm ready for. I will not overtake a truck on a turn like I saw some people doing. Things like that. Off road is a bit trickier, like everywhere in life some people are nice to talk to but others are just jerks. You have to learn to turn it off when you have to. I love the part about your mind going to a dark place, that is so true. Hard to avoid, though, it takes some skill.
My best experiences have been with my son and daughter, two-up on one bike for a long road trip, and with my wife and me riding separate bikes. I have ridde in large groups for veteran rides and rolling thunder, but that is different then going on a long tour with people you may barely know… I prefer a small, very tight family or best friend type group to a large organized tour.
This is a very good video. I've been riding for 50 years and I found out early on that I am the consulate planner of my routes but I also learned to relax about the destinations. I ride exclusively alone. I refuse to even ride with my best friends because at the end of the day no two people ride alike. I enjoy meeting people on the road but I go my way so they go theirs.
I love riding alone or with someone who also enjoys the scenic routes at slower speeds. Seems like most people I've rode with rush through and just want to get to the destination without enjoying the views or things in town to check out. I love exploring new places and family owned breakfast joints are my favorite 😁
There are two things when considering either to ride alone or with someone. 1) Alone - you can keep your own pace and make your own time but when you go deep into the back roads then there is a risk to get stuck in the middle of nowhere or have a brake down (wishing you had a travel buddy with you). It can get scary and situations like that will try to brake you. 2) Riding with someone - not a bad option but if you have 600cc bike and the other dude has a 1000cc bike (not to mention if one has an enduro and other has a superbike) then the riding will get very uncomfortable for the dude with the smaller bike very fast. Trying to keep pace will push you to the limit and you most probably will make mistakes that will cause dangerous situations (over taking mostly). In conclusion I like to ride alone just so that I can keep my own pace or ride with a buddy who has a similar bike with a similar capacity. This way it will probably not get boring or dangerous to neither of one and all you have to do is just accept your riding buddy as he/she is :)
Exactly. When riding with someone, there should be a few "rules", for instance the comfortable speed for both of you, the style of riding, etc. If I go out with friends who ride 4-cylinder sportbikes and we reach a mountain road I'll just tell them to wait for me at the end instead of trying to push my old twin to their speed (which can end up in really close-calls). Riding alone is very relaxing, but you do miss out on the shared experiences you can have when traveling with a good friend or family member. It's those roadside stops along the way, having a drink in the shade on some rural road that make a lot of trips that much more enjoyable.
Agree totally. Just came back from 2000 miles thru N Georgia, N Carolina, S Carolina and E Tenn ( I live in the Tampa Bay Florida area ). Went with my besty, we've been riding together for years but only locally and only for 1/2 day or day trips. 6th day in we kinda flared up at each other. Happens.
""I like meeting other riders along the way-!"",,the best ride was meeting A REAL BIKER group, they were the real deal bro. I got to haul ass and they let me ride up front with the Captain,,,stopping traffic so we didn't have to,, i felt like ROYALTY man!,☆.,but mostly, no plans ,just roll to a destination!,,& find a nursing home to camp out .Beautiful nurses, very peaceful, i play my gutair, for the seniors,&they offer free shower and a meal!,,& sometimes eye get a nice single nurse who will take me home, like a little lost puppy who needs a bath and sum puppy lov.-♡,,,must be MY BIKE,,cuz I'm no Elvis -,I just sing his songs LIKE GUNS AN ROSES would ,lol-☆PEACE out !--..Happy Trails to All.☆
I'm a typical introvert but I've found I can adjust to either solo or small group of friends rides. On my last "really long" trip I spent a month riding 11,000 miles around the US, for the first 4700 miles (NY to San Diego via a pretty meandering route) I was with 2 other riders (brother and cousin). They had to be home before I did so they split and I rode the remaining 6300 miles solo. Group riding has some downsides (having to compromise - which for me meant slowing down a bit and stopping more often) but some upsides (someone to share the adventure!). The first two days of solo in CA I really missed that... in fact I almost changed my plans to catch up to them... but I held out and on the 3rd day I had come really epic riding in central CA (I was heading north to Seattle) and before I knew it I was loving being solo. SO... just because you're an introvert don't assume you can't enjoy a group ride... and I suspect that extroverts will find that they can love riding solo if they give it a chance. I can't believe ANYONE drinks Heineken.
Pedro, you deserve x10 or x20 subscribers - this video is gold! Excellent psychological tips - not just a list of items for the trip. Keep it coming Pedro, and dont be scared of making longer videos. I agree with all of them, despite not doing any bigger trips than simple city to city trips across Europe, so I am noob, and learning before considering doing something longer. Truth is, I dont want to travel the world by bike! Its definitely a calling… or something people think they should do. You fall in the first camp. Cheers, G
Your description of conflict between riders is exactly why I have ridden across the country 3 times..each time by myself . Gup when I want leave when I want , stop for gas or unch and quit dor the night when I want .. never having to check my mirror for my fronds ..just for danger . Love solo touring
When we did Ladakh ride:: Delhi-Goa ride.. with buddies definitely there was a lot of problem's. Please think atleast three time before riding with stranger's and people with different mind-set. pressure does build up if you have a tight schedule ... Please understand It's not the destination It's the Journey that matter's.
I can agree a ton about setting unrealistic timeframes for yourself. I had to make a 1600 mile trip in 48 hours, sadly due to external constraints there was no changing these parameters. It took me out of the journey and put me squarely on destinations. I failed to enjoy large portions of it and I definitely plan on taking more time next time I have along travel ahead of me. Next year I plan to make the same trip but also plan to leave earlier, get more sleep, and have more time set aside to enjoy the ride.
When I was on a two month ride for a bit over 20,000 miles a friend and I would on occasion part company and establish a meet up point the next day somewhere. that worked well for us and alleviated some complications. I know there are some thins he has NO interest in, so that being the case I will deviate sometimes and go look at what I find interesting. He does the same as we will wander in the same general direction.
I read this tip years ago and it works well for me. Throughout the year, I save my "less than good underwear, t-shirts and etc," As I use them and they need washing, I just toss them, lightening my load as I go.
I think I’m better off riding alone, at least for the near future. It’s been a rough couple of years, And as much as I like To be with other people most of the time, think I need to be alone for a while. Great advice! Thanks, Jake
I have ridden over 500,000 miles in the past 25 years, all but about 5,000 miles has been single motorcycle. Riding in a group is like trying to herd cats.
I always ride alone, I would like to have someone to ride with sometimes but most of my bike friends live on the other side of the country. Last year I put over 5000 klms on my old 1980 Honda 500 and had the time of my life. You are much more approachable when you are alone so are more likely to meet locals and other riders. Keep the rubber side down.
Yeah I always ride alone, I’d like riding buddies. But my few friends that have bikes just are not into it as much as me. They want to just cruise around the city on weekends. Where I practically live on my bike and want to go on day long adventures lol
As a kiwi living in Canada, I can appreciate the cost of sending packages between countries. My daughter sent a $20 Hoodie to her Grandad in New Zealand, at a cost of $100.... I couldn't say no because she thought he would like like it... but damn you Canada Post!
Man, you nailed it!! This is soooo good! Strip away the veneer and it comes down to how resilient you are. The romance of the RTW biker is a myth and there's a lot of crap that you have to endure, but one good sunrise, topping one good hill with a perfect view and the counter goes back to zero again. Keep inspiring us who are still in the planning stage to just get it done. And keep posting these videos - you really should know that you are inspiring those who follow in your tyre tracks!
There is a lot of value in the suggestion that you should know your riding style...and those you are with... My first road trip ever was with my (best?) friend...a 300 mile jaunt to his uncle’s farm up in Wisconsin (USA.) No maps, just “follow me.” (This was WAY before GPS...) Yeah. He takes off and before long I lose sight of him. I had to push that Yamaha XS650 to 90mph to catch him and his Honda 750. He tended to alternate between speed limit and going 80mph so keeping pace was never dull. Then in heavy traffic in northern Chicago, he suddenly cuts across three lanes of an expressway to an exit...don’t know how I did it but I cut across two lanes and made the exit from a perpendicular angle on the last one... Anyway, I cussed a lot, we went fishing and I rode home ALONE.
I met a German fellow in Romania on my first long trip in 2007. We travelled together a few days and he suggested I visit him in Germany on the way back. 14 years now we have been travelling together, both our wives are happy we aren't travelling alone. Relaxed, no stress and it couldn't be better. Super travelling companion. Just lucky I guess.....
That's a blessing for sure, that's one of the few people you need for a good life and not everybody manages to stumble on a buddy like that. Keep laying down that rubber together.
Travel light freeze at night was the rule when I was an infantry troop but no more! Layer up and you can always take some off. Keep a quality rain suit in your kit as it doubles as a windbreaker. If you ride with another, know how they ride and that way you don’t have to worry about it. Even if you have no plan you should have a predetermined route if you have a certain destination in mind. I have a SENA phone & stereo with speakers in my helmet so I’m not blasting stuff others don’t wanna hear and I can use the NAV in my phone if needed. My “Brother” and I ride together when he’s not snowed under at work and we both carry so there’s really nowhere we can’t ride as long as it’s legal. Lots of road out here and good times and people everywhere so get on your bike and ride!😎
My first mistake was to “test” my sleeping mat for the first time, on the trip! Or should I say “on the rock”. NEVER leave home with gear that you haven’t tested first! I had a “backup” for everything, 2 different rain gear, etc, so too much stuff, but such a bad and tiny sleeping pad.
I am a travel addict and I love going to new places/countries that are new to me and meeting new people, I always travel light literally the bare minimum! I just started getting into the motorcycle world and im planning on going on solo trips and documenting them soon, I’m so glad that I found this video so much INFORMATIONS, new SUBSCRIBER.
Interesting & helpful tips Pedro. I’m 51 years old & have enjoyed 5 international motorbike trips with friends. Not same friends on each trip. This year I’m looking forward to travelling to Spain & Morocco on my own. One year a friend invited one of his friends.... it didn’t work out well. Guy was so so up tight it affected the entire experience. Best tip I can give is know who’s coming on the trip & also set ground rules beforehand.
Yeah. It can work really well with some and so badly with some other. It's especially annoying if there's one guy in group that always disagrees a bit with everything.
You should be a very happy man. I have watched your video several times and got more out of it each time. Thanks for your reminder that we miss the enjoyment of the journey when we put our mind order pressure. I have watched many videos of all kinds of major problems on a trip. With a positive attitude and some help from new found friends, they had a great time. However, constantly complaining, and being miserable, another rider missed all the good things and wonderful people that truly make each trip uniquely special! There are many pitfalls to fall into. Your insight is truly helpful!
Thanks for the tips. Excellent. About the part travelling in a group. I always ride with my two older brothers and my father, who is 70 yo, but can't stand a week without his bike. A lot experience, great time spent and no worries about anything. I recommend this. Travel safe, make more awesome videos.
Awesome video, I just did my first long ride, a total of 1600 miles round trip from Utah to oregon. It was an awesome journey and the first of many to come. I learned alot on that trip and ended up losing a saddle bag due to it being to heavy and catching on fire, (exhaust side bag) shouldve packed less stuff for sure. I did make it of course and now have the story to tell. And I would do it all again. The feeling of relief when finally getting out of the Nevada desert and hitting the forests of Oregon was surreal, there's nothing like going on a solo ride and just going on a journey.
Love the footage that you inserted from your trips. It's so high quality and makes the video an absolute pleasure to watch. I'm not really planning any super long trips around the world but I've done some locally in groups and kind of longer ones alone and I feel like I'm really a lone she-wolf; or maybe I haven't met the right riding buddies yet because I enjoy riding alone so much more.
A couple I'd add. Don't succumb to social pressure about where to go or what roads to ride. If you're an asphalt only rider, then fine, stick to that. If you want to only stay in hotels again fine, that's what you do. You DON'T have to camp out, you DON'T have to copy long way (down, round or up), it's totally fine to stick to Europe, N. America. We're not all great explorers. Know your limitations, be that riding style, distance per day, days without a break, off road, speed etc. Plan the crap out of your trip, but remember it's a plan, you WILL change it, a plan enables you to cost it and also allows you to change the plan when you need to. On that front, if part of your trip is a dream destination (be that the Mongolian steppe, or San Francisco) give yourself a day off there. Yes, it's about the journey, but the destinations are fun too if you give yourself time. Personally I usually plan 4 days saddle 2 days off, repeat ad nauseam.
My biggest pet peeve is when I ride with other adults I seem to always get stuck leading the group. Sometimes I enjoy riding in the back of the pack hanging back a ways back and just following. All four of my kids now 17, 21, 23, and 27 got their motorcycle permits at 14 and their lisence at 16. Since I taught them all to ride they pretty much ride like me so they are my favorite riding partners and leading comes naturally so I don't mind leading them. Family group rides are the best or one other friend who shares a similar riding style and speed. Great video this is the first vid of yours I've seen but will be checking out more thanks.
“We don't take a trip. A trip takes us.”“Once a journey is designed, equipped, and put in process, a new factor enters and takes over. A trip, a safari, an exploration, is an entity, different from all other journeys. It has personality, temperament, individuality, uniqueness. A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike. And all plans, safeguards, policing, and coercion are fruitless. We find after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; a trip takes us. Tour masters, schedules, reservations, brass-bound and inevitable, dash themselves to wreckage on the personality of the trip. Only when this is recognized can the blown-in-the glass bum relax and go along with it. Only then do the frustrations fall away. In this a journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it.” ― John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley: In Search of America
So true about riding with other people... I wanted to make a video about this as well.. Its great to be able to compromise with other riders and travel. But in the end you need to enjoy your own ride. And if your not enjoying it.... Change it!!! We only have a limited amount of clicks on the odometer in life.
For the most part I like riding with the guy on the bike in front of me. My husband. We have tried riding with others even on short rides and they never seem to be able to remotely conform to the time set for departures, even when it is mapped out and we agree. And it is not because something came up. It is because they cannot get their behinds in gear and they are disorganized. Still hoping though.
I have now 5 years of 3 weeks tent experience to europe and first rule is to sleep well. If u use a tent, good sleeping bag and matress is vital. I lives in Norway and use first week to get so South i can in europe and NeXT 2 weeks to get back. It Works for me. I dont have any stress to get back
Just bought a 500c scooter and planning my 1st trip alone this summer, spain to Italy.. a bit nervous as first time and on a scooter, but very excited at the same time. Thank you for the tips and personal experiences! Will definitely come in handy and surely contribute to avoid unwanted experiences 👍🏼👍🏼
@@andywing8330 Best wind protection as well as comfort, lots of room to store stuff and so on... Its a 500cc probably Aprilia Atlantic or Piaggio, 40hp, more than enough for cruising.
Great video and spot on. Always carrying too much stuff / wrong stuff. We ride two-up. We prepare our bags, and then before we go the rule is we cut half the weight. Always worked. Nowadays it’s hard not to find what you need along the way. Be prepared to ditch what you bring along. Except your pillion maybe! Weight is the enemy of riding (we opted for soft luggage - saves muchos kilos!). About solo/group riding; always a personal choice. Except if you go off-road in challenging terrain - a bad crash, or deeply stuck, and you could be isolated for a long time! Not bad to have another (experienced) rider along. Can’t wait for covid lockdown to be over!
Hey Pedro, just found out about you and your channel. Really great stuff with quite the pleasant "presenter". Very entertaining and informative. Thanks for all the points! Keep it up and all the best for the coming rides. Cheers from Germany.
Yeah...travelling on a small bike requires a certain way to ride ..l have done many costal tours if Ireland and some UK on a nice clean gn 125..my buddy has been out on some day trips with me recently.. he rides 20 year old 900 hornet...the thing is...he is super careful driver and is vigilant about speed limits..we seem compatible on the road..which is a surprise to me as l am a bit quirky and mosty enjoy riding alone..to ride with another bike is great fun when it works.. on our day trips , mostly the gn leads the way.. we tend not to hurry and we stop for quite a few coffees and lunches...mostly we just take back roads and chill... we are planning a longer trip around ireland soon, and this video is helpful Many thanks
to make a long story short, for a couple of years ago I was traveling with a work colleague, he started to trick me with money, at hotels and restuarants he always had "to big bills" so I always travel alone after that
Great video. I did a 4500 mile cross country ride with my son this past june. It was awesome, but we had our differences, but overall it was a great bonding experience. (I'm 65 and he's 34). He made one rule before the trip and that was we were not allowed to complain about anything. That was a great rule and kept us in the moment. We did bite off more mileage than we could chewfg, but we did modify the plan as we went. Only problem sometimes the heat stopped our cell phones and GPS from working. Extra gas can was a life saver. A bit scary in the middle of nowhere. Cant wait to take another rode trip. My triumph street twin held up great even if riding a classic bike straight up was challenging at times.
Did almost a year of planning for a 43 day, 14,000 mile trip. NC to Artic Circle. My retirement trip from the airlines. A fairly new friend said he wanted to go. We had never really ridden together. Probably one of the best trips I have ever had. Not one single thing irritated me, and vice versa. We were both career military as well. That helped a lot. Unfortunately we were unable to cross into Canada last year. So, gives us another reason to try it in 2022! We did end up riding 41 days, and 14,000 miles. Just went out and did the west coast, vs Artic Circle. OK, so CA did irritate me! =-) Awesome job on the video.
Going on my first “long distance” ride with my brothers this year up the Pacific Coast Highway and really appreciated your experienced thoughts! Thanks for the video brother!
Cracking video! you only get out of life what you put in. Got up in the UK one cold Feb morning and decided to see how far I could travel from Burnley in daylight. Wife thought I was only going out for an hour or two, but 10hrs later I was in Riems in France. Rode back next morning 970miles on a Yamaha MT 09 and a great experience.
I traveled Central America, Mexico, China, and Asia. I worked as I traveled. I was not on a schedule so I would rent a room for a month at a time. I started when I was 53 yo and stopped 2019 at 70 yo. I road mainly dual sport bikes 150 cc to 650 cc or electric scooters (in China). Now I ride 950 cruiser and stay mainly in fly over country (USA). To travel freely I had no debt, had skills others didn't, and I was in no hurry. Mike
Great video very useful. For my taste, I can ride for a Sunday afternoon with others, but as far as a long trip (or even a weekend), for many things you said, no way, I go alone period!!!
I’m 76, took up riding again 5 years ago. I had open heart surgery 2 years ago so I ride 150cc lightweight bikes now. Way to go. In Asia a room with en suite is usually USD $20 to $25 a night. Safe, good shelter, and no camping gear. Travel light, if it rains get wet, it is not cold in Thailand. The Honda PCX has good under-seat carry, and I have a top box and day pack. The larger 8 litre fuel tank (2.1 US Gallons) is great giving a range of over 300km or about 200 miles. I wear a helmet and safety googles but I find Thailand too hot for full safety gear. We had 40℃ in the shade for ten days straight. Ride slow, give way to everything, take care. In Thailand never assume you have right of way. Learn to ride before you come to Thailand. Ride alone and meet the locals. Always smile, never show anger, be friendly and a lone traveller will soon find friends in Thailand.
I am a fan of riding alone, however, one of the greatest enjoyment is to share the joys with one of my grandchildren on the back. this can be quality bonding time and also training them in my 'bad habits' New Zealand's West Coast has some of the worlds best riding even for short day trips. thank you for your insights
I ride solo 90% of the time. When you ride in a group of unknown riders, you are as safe as the worst rider ahead of you. I’ve had mostly bad experiences when riding with a group of people I do not know. I usually opt to ride in the back so I can watch ahead. And yes even when I ride with just one other person, I want to be the biker that takes the responsibility of navigating to the days destination. I feel if I am aware of where the other biker is, it gives me an edge on avoiding an accident at least involving the other rider. When going on a long ride, I plot the days destination, make sure it is possible, then toss in a few side attractions, food and entertainment and before you know it, you’ve arrived. I use packing cubes, for my personal clothes, downsized camping equipment, and a minimum of tools, food and emergency equipment. I usually do not buy souvenirs, but do stop and take a lot of pictures. In short, I want to see what I want to see and ride at my own leisure if I am not in a hurry, or go like a bat out of Hell if I need to be someplace. For me, time is not usually an issue when riding by myself. I gave up my heavy haulin Goldwing and got a Suzuki V-Strom DL1000. We will see how it suits me as a tour machine this summer when I ride from Massachusetts to Prudhoe Bay Alaska and back. Just a coffee and Ice cream ride..... Ride smart...Ride Safe..
"A calamity is the sum of smaller mistakes that meet each other in a perfect circumstantial shit storm." Amen to that. Send it to the printer and put that on a tile!
I’m pretty micromanaging on my time schedule. From my years in the army and as a truck driver. I prefer to wake up early as heck and get moving and then around morning rush hour I pull in somewhere for breakfast to wait out the traffic, maybe hit some local sights. At which point I’ll just ride until I’m hungry. I like to be in to my campsite or hotel before the evening rush hours to avoid morons. Take a shower if I have access or at least get out of my riding gear. Food is pretty randomized. Some trips I’ll pack meals / grocery shop, others I’ll hit restaurants and dinners. All depends on what one feeling. I’m just adamant about my stops to avoid the worst of traffic. If I know I’m gonna be on a big stretch of open road? I’ll just go until I’m ready to stop. It’s the cities I can’t stand navigating.
You're on point dude...but there are a million things that you just have to learn yourself. The main thing is to realize that there are people out there so you better learn to deal with them...
That was an interesting video. I was abit confused where you were heading on it at first but that cleared itself as you go through the video. Not having done an RTW but having led loads of group rides as a club committee member I see both sides of the coin and youre right, that your mindset changes. It depends on the kind of ride too. But I have learned to become a solitary rider i like my own pace and tarmac. I only ride with close friends and only those i know I can ride with for a few days without getting frustrated at the things you mention . Cheers
You have totally nailed down some group ride issues. Thanks for admitting it publicly! I have wrestled with these issues of time/speed/destination myself.
Hey Pedro great job man I'm totally online with you as far as traveling alone and with a group or with friends. I'm a touring bike guy not a dual sport but I have done both. I prefer to ride alone traveling. It's always fun to ride with others because you do learn about cool places that maybe you wouldn't have known about but there's very few people that you really really are in total tune with and get along extremely well. But without question it's definitely the most enjoyable for the most part to travel alone that way you're in total control. Also what you say about stop worrying about your destination and enjoy the moment is extremely true. I have gone on long trips and you start to get upset because you make a wrong turn on a highway with no exits or something of that matter and worried about not following your plans and then you realize f*** my plans. I'll change my plans. I'm on vacation. So totally on board with you man and I appreciate your information. A lot of good stuff and very true.
Very relatable mistakes indeed. Before i had my motorcycle license i did a few long moped trip trough europe. Twice with a huge mismatched team of 8 people. This worked kinda the first time but ruined the second trip. Third time we split up in two teams of four with people with more similar riding styles and mindsets and it was a great trip again.
This is one of the best videos on planning motorcycle tours I saw and heard!!! To spend this 10' can help to avoid hours and days of pain and frustration! The topic of "having no plan means, to be everywhere and nowhere at the same time" is a great thought! The absolute highlight of riding experiences is the following: "A calamity is the sum of smaller mistakes, that meet each other in a perfect circumstancially shitstorm!" ... never heard this item better explained. It.s gorgeous! Thanks a lot for this kind of thinking!! Kind regards, Henry
I’ve ridden in all 50 states and 17 countries. I mostly travel solo,but every now and then you run into other riders that you like and you ride along for awhile and have friendships that last a lifetime. .That’s why you ride ,for the memories of the road and people.. You’re right on Pack Light. I’m 6’5” 250lbs so none of my stuff is small and not easy to pack. But I do it. When you buy stuff in places to remind yourself you eventually HAVE to ship it home. But you can’t carry it all with you.
Back on a motorbike after an absence of 38 yrs, so wished that I never gave it up. Now in my 60s and it's all I live for. The freedom is so refreshing. Riding has saved me.
Welcome back, Brother.
@@dodaade2179 Cheers Bro
Steven I'm in a similar situation, rode a gold wing back in the 80s, but now haven't ridden a bike in over 30 years.
These days being retired, I decided to buy a bike and eventually do that trip to the Grand Canyon.
Steven I would love to trade notes with you, If interested , you can contact me via email at "CharlesNextProject@gmail.com"
@@charlesx593 Great that you are doing the biking again after a long break. Some people may think the bike I have is kind of small, as it is only a 125 Lexmoto LXR super sport, but i'm fine with that, i'm having a great time rediscovering my love of biking. Once I get a bit more road experience I will upgrade to something a bit more powerful, I don't want to run before I can walk.
Same here. Exactly.
the reason why i ride alone is noone of my friends has a motorcycle licence or is interested in bikes
Same here bro..
Same
And I even don't have a license. But I have bought a bike to encourage myself.
I feel you bro
you have the wrong friends!
I started a solo trip from KS to Alaska. On day 2 I met John at a gas station just outside of the campsite he asked if he could follow me to the US Canadian border..No problem. After the crossing he asks if he can join me (We were headed to the same place). I laid out my rules for riding together and he agreed. A couple of days later John and I are in Canada and meet another solo rider also headed to Dawson City/Alaska. He asks if he can join us. Again, I laid out my plan and he was welcomed to join. For the next 7 days we rode through British Columbia, the Yukon and Alaska with never a cross word said to each other. It was a great adventure of three solo riders becoming a bonded group. That trip was in 2009 and we are all still friends! I feel what made us all click is that we had the same goals, attitude, and riding skills. We were like minded people.
This was a pre deployment ride for me and I had the tightest schedule of us three. We set an alarm and got up to break camp (we were camping). Patryk was the youngest of us and would sleep in every day when he was solo. After a couple of days with John and I he made the comment about how far we were riding each day and it was easy if you get up early. :) I had to ride 500 miles a day to get up and back in time. All of us had input into what we wanted to see. At any point if someone wanted to go off on their own no bad feelings....ride your own ride. On one particular day John was having a difficult day. We were on the Cassiar Highway. We were all wet, cold and fatigued, but it was John who spoke up at 2:00PM and said he needed to stop. I had been on the Cassiar before and knew the Deese River campground was just ahead and they had cabins. We stopped there got a cabin with a wood burning stove. It was a great decision on Johns part as we all needed the rest. That was it really. Again, three very like minded riders. We had all covered a lot of distance on this trip. I was from KS, John SD, and Patryk MD.
These are the friends that got your back if s*** hits the fan. Especially if they follow road rules
Farout
You gains great deal of respect travelling solo. People from all walks will come and talk too you! Solo is best! Think there are more solo riders than group riders?👍🏍🏴
was expecting the story to end on the lines of ' we are married for five years now'.
lol one time at an airport I was questioned as to why I was traveling so light, knapsack. I replied "well I got a deal worked out with a couple of multibillion dollar companies. They filled most of the developed world with these stores that keep supplies there so all I have to do is walk in with some money and then walk out with whatever I want instead of bringing it all with me." haha TSA agent didn't laugh.
They don't know how.
Got the same question from Australian border force... I replied, “I like Apple Pay too much!”... he was also not impressed! Lol
That means you have money. I’d never bother asking people such a shitty question.
I’d just mind my own shit.
And yes, I was not impressed by reading your comment. Neither laughed tho.
for border security, light travellers raise suspicions. They often get “wise guys” coming through. Maybe funny at first but then wears thin. A simple honest answer usually makes things go smoothly and everyone gets on with their day.
@@SimonBrisbane Exactly! Or who will have the last laugh if they got denied to cross the border lmao!!
I definitely like riding alone. I rode in a large group and it really sucked. My experience, the bigger the group the more jerks you will find.
Thats what they said as well.
I agree. I have ridden west to east in Australia a few times and the hardest trip was in a group. And riding solo on a day when I decided to do 1700 km I didn't have to argue with others about it, just got it done (Nullarbor Homestead to Perth).
Sooooo true!
It takes so much longer. I like one good friend who is identical to you in every way, lol. I have one friend like that with whom I love to travel.
So true, with bigger groups . So many different riders and interests
I always ride with 5 other people, the others are all in my head. We have great conversations and arguments too.
Me to!
I ride so the noises and voices in my head of everyday life are silenced. Apart from the motor humming and road noises, it’s the most peaceful place to be.
are you Pisces - or Virgo? 😆
I might be kind of late to comment on this video, but I couldn't stop to notice that almost everybody, if not all, were saying that they prefer to ride alone and adding - half excusing - "I'm kind of a loner, you know". Well, having a bike it is already a statement of the kind of person we are. Independent, and independent rimes very well with loner. Even if we have friends we may like to ride with, we are still riding our own bike and our own ride. Good luck to all!
totally agree!
usually I'm a 1 year to 7 years late on making comments, I'm in section J-, you're A+
*Well, having a bike it is already a statement of the kind of person we are.*
The best thing I've read in a while.
THat's the clue !!!!
I’ve got a daughter, she rides on the back. It’s good to share experiences. Had a friend ask her “What’s the best part of riding the motor bike?”
“Hanging out with my Dad”
Full points to you kiddo.
Hi, I've done 3 major long distance road trips. I'd say:
1. Don't take too much. Everything should fit in a backpack
2. Don't rush, do a nice 200km a day
3. Avoid highways, take the minor roads. Theyre much more scenic and twisty!
4. You don't need a big bike. I did the length of Indonesia on a 150cc, was amazing and so cheap
5. Ride alone, you can suit yourself and not have to compromise/argue/wait for another person
@IdahotoPI WTF are you talking about, my Honda Verza easily reached 70 mph plus. There are many back roads in Indonesia to cruise at slow speed
Yes I.dont think he.made.any.sense at all
@@1pasupaty Hes probably jealous that I made such a trip and is trying to discredit me
IdahotoPI Perfect sized bike for mostly asphalt and some gravel/dirt roads, in my opinion is a 650. My preference would be a GS 800 but thats me.
On mostly gravel and dirt with “some” asphalt, I’d still go with a 650 but would drop to a 390 or 350.
No matter what, I wouldn’t recommend anything less than a 250.
@IdahotoPI Bullshit. I ride my 110cc Honda Wave on the German highway regularly. No speed limit here by the way. Another plus of a small bike: weight. I've driven basically the same bike thousands of kilometers all over southeast Asia. It will get you to places where no heavy 'adventure bike' will ever be seen with a fuel consumption of 2 liters/100km. I could go on...
Mistake 1 bringing too much stuff
Mistake 2 not bringing enough stuff
Usually both at the same time.
Rain, rain, rain, yet more rain and have I mentioned rain? Nothing is worse than losing your waterproofing of any of your stuff.
Mistake 3: Bringing the wrong stuff.
Well said. Last run, I spent a small fortune in tools as I bought a used bike (I flew in to buy the bike and was running it halfway across the country). I didn't need a single item. It was still peace of mind, but that was a lot of bits and bobs for no reason.
Right stuff.
Usually bringing the wrong stuff.
I'm glad I clicked on this one. It was, "Well, lets see what this guy has to say about it." It's been 45 years since I started riding around North America, with a total mileage of over 530,000 miles under the tires...many tires. All of the mistakes and cautions you talked about works with any long trip, on any bike, not just adventure bike trips. For me it's, "All about the ride." I'll ride past the sunset, most times it's at least a 12 hour day. My latest long ride was up to Alaska on my Suzuki 650 scooter. Woke up at a place near Pink Mountain and rode with the sun that day. As long as the sun was up, I rode. 17 and a half hours later I pulled into a motel parking lot. Even saw 6 black bears along the way. I have ridden 99.9% of the time by myself. I don't go over 55mph, so I can enjoy the ride longer. I'm not afraid to tell others how I ride, because I know most don't do it that way. If we're going to the same place I'll say, "Well, maybe I'll see you there." Then we go our separate ways. I have always looked over the map first and lay out the routes, and If I "accidentally deviate" ;) from the route, I just declare it part of the ride and don't try to make up time. Getting some place safely is much better than not getting there at all. Enjoyed the video. Keep the rubber side down. Stay safe out there.
what a beautiful story thank you for sharing
I did a day ride with a friend and by the end of the day I was wondering why I ever liked the guy to begin with.
Grow up as the fuy is different when ridinf so are we, my son and i have deep figts iver a route and what oath to take, but we lobe the gerney ans the fight of when we win the argunent, and some rimes we agree on all, so no body is perfect only god is.
I don't care how heavy it makes my bike: I'm not brushing my teeth with a bar of soap.
john hanrahan 😂
salt works just fine
On a positive note, bad breath is no longer a thing
You can brush your teeth with shower gel. Ive done it a few times while travelling. Some have a nice fruity taste too!
@@mundoglory7071 some taste like death
Tried with someone else, never again with that person. Different budgets, different idea of fun, different eating habits [Mine are normal, breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks inbetween. Theirs not so much] So many regrets like missing out on local food, zip-lines, kayaking. Can't wait to do the trip again but on my own next time, it sounds harsh to say but I had a good time but felt like it was missing something
How many were there in the group?
@@shoechew just the two of us, talking to bikers along the way at campsites ect...
Some great quotes from the video:
“I can’t believe he drinks Heineken”
“Being in the moment and enjoying the road ahead”
“Focusing on destination and where you are going”
“It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey”
“A calamity is a sum of smaller mistakes that meet each other in a perfect shit-storm”
“We keep thinking about where we ought to be and completely miss out on where we are”
Sounds like master Oogway
Dude great video and you bring you’ve touched on several several points that I am all to familiar with but also forgot about.
One the most important things that I’ve learned about riding with other people is 1. As much as you might want to, you can’t ride with everyone. 2. The quickest way to end a friendship is to ride with people that are not compatible with your own riding style. 3. Accidents don’t just happen, they are truly a culmination of a number of smaller events that lead up to a bad event. 4. If you are lucky enough to find someone that you are compatible with and fits your riding style, hold onto and cherish that person because they are pure gold.
I'm definitely a solo rider... I really love to ride without a precise schedule. I like group riding as well, and it feels really nice to share the passion of riding with fellow riders... but, as in every life situation, you have to be very picky about the riding partners you choose. We all need to feel the sense of freedom we get when we are on a bike, indeed we mostly ride because of that. So, I wouldn't advice any restriction of such freedom! Cheers to all!
Very picky or VERY laid back.
Well said there for both of you.
USB charging port. That's my first mod. Need that phone for maps and weather radar.
So thruh is was the second thing after the suitcases i was thing of ;)
@@skaletjanos Suitcases? LOL!
Yes but there are things called power banks...
Eh, I just follow the I10 from one side of the country to the other
@@Gregbot9000 That's a boring ride. Especially through Texas.
One thing to note when you ride with people, if you ride on a long enough trip with the same people, there are times where you will be short or lose patience for no real reasons...Just like sibling.
I went on a 5 day ride with 2 of my best buds. On day 4-5...we were snapping a bit more just due to the fact that we were together 24/7. Realize that this happens, shake it off and get that clear mind. It can create a stronger bond with your buddies or can break it.
We now laugh about it whenever it comes up in topic of conversation and I will say, it has def. made our friendship stronger.
So keep that in mind when travelling with people.
76 year old here who rides a Suzuki 650 V Strom. Totally agree with all you said, Pedro! Did 9000+ miles in 2016 from Sacramento to Prudhoe Bay and lots of other Yukon and Alaska places. Then in 2018 did almost that much going to Tuktoyatuk in Northwest Territories and more of Alaska, etc. 2016 started with 7 guys, ended up coming back to WA with just one other and solo from there back to Sac. 2018 started with 8, soloed from Vancouver Island home. Totally agree that less is better and alone is best.
1. You start and stop for potty whenever you darn well want.
2. You stop and take pics any time you want and don't worry about the others.
3. You eat wherever and whenever you want. You decide to camp or motel it with no stress on how that will go over with the others.
4. You get to think more about where you are and what you are experiencing instead of where everyone else is and whether they are OK.
The list could go on. Our Rule #1 was not to try to keep up with the guy who liked to ride really fast and take corners at uncomfortable speeds. Biggest mistake was making motel and ferry reservations at times we had to hit. Big stress. However, I do recommend a motel reservation in Tuktoyatuk should you do that trip since space is very limited and camping in a tent could get you up close and personal with a hungry Polar Bear. Most other places it ain't necessary.
DL 650 V-Strom is build by Suzuki, not by KTM.
However, I hope I'll be still able to ride my 650 V-Strom when I am 76 years old (25 years to go).
Oops. Dumbs**t attack. You're right, mine's a Suzuki. I just edited my post and took out the "KTM" and replaced it with " Suzuki" The guy with us on his KTM crashed on the Inuvik Tuk Highway and I was thinking about him when I was writing this. Best excuse I could think of. I too hope you can ride your V-Strom at 76 years old. Keep at it!!!
It's SUZUKI(from Japan) sir. And I wish I'll be still able to ride my 1 month old my V-Strom 650 until my 76 years birthday. (for me... it's 46 years to go!) - another V-Strom 650XT rider from S.Korea who is planning to cross Eurasia on next summer. From Seoul, S.Korea to Cabo da Roca, Portugal.
Thanks for your comment, Jim.
I'm 70 and ride a KLR 650 in S Africa.
It's good yo hear about other "seniors" who still enjoy riding.
Best Wishes
Keep the rubber side down.
Jim Piatt wonderful! And great to note your age! I am a spring chicken at 72 and you have given me a real shot in the arm! Thanks 🎃 I have a 30 year old Ironhead, but I’m planning some serious solo expeditions throughout Europe and beyond on newly acquired Enfield 500 🤪
I always travel with my motorcycle in "lone wolf" mode. Just to avoid the problems that you mentioned (communications, decisions...etc). I prefer traveling and risking alone to enjoy the whole things in my way as i want.
That doesn't mean that a traveling in a group is not good, everyone had to test both solo and group to find the kind of traveling that he will appreciate.
Thank you for the video.
Keep it simple! After my Chicago to L.A. trip, I realized the importance of minimalism. I found that a 24 pack of Miller Lite would fit in each saddle bag, my bedroll became a bungeed-down back rest, and the bag of tools I carry could also fit one cigar in a tube, and a tooth brush, which also helps keep sand out of the chain. That's it. Travel Lite!
All makes good sense! I met another rider in Romania 13 years ago, we rode together for a few days and I visited him on my way back to Germany. Since then we have done a tour every year (except 2020 due to covid). Relaxed travel, sometimes 250 km in a day sometimes 700 or more. We plan one day in advance but have a pretty good idea where we are going. He is flexible, I am flexible (I'm pretty sure I am!). For us, a perfect travelling arrangement. We are always there to help each other out, watch bikes etc. etc. Couldn't be better as far as we are concerned.... Hopefully 2021 will see us on the road again. Keep up the sage advice!
My only real mistake was flipping the emergency switch by hanging my helmet on the handle bar.
I couldn't figure out why the damn thing wouldn't start, and I was already dismantling the fuel tank, spark plugs, and some wiring before I noticed my mistake.
Absolute classic "surely there isn't anything odd about this sudden catastrophic failure to start". First thing I do nowadays is look at that red button. Once I was almost 2km into walking home with 8 to go until I decided to check the main fuse on the solenoid.
Don't feel bad. I ride metric and they have a safety circuit so if it's in gear it won't start. I didn't realize it was in gear when I came out of a restaurant thinking the battery was low because I left the headlight on. I was doing the same kind of craziness, breaking out a multimeter checking battery level, wondering what in the world was going on until I realized that. My friend I was with on that trip still gives me shit about it.
Did that when I was younger and dropped it. Only to have the old boy walk over, flick the switch, and walk away shaking his head 😄
Dropped my bike. Forgot kickstand. My most hated mistake. I use my killswitch to kill my engine when I stop. Off, then back on. Keeps my hands on the bars. Sometimes I put it in neutral, kill the engine and coast to the parking spot.
Haha yeah I've dismantled pretty much my whole bike before figuring out it was just the fuse
calamity (def.): the sum of smaller mistakes that meet each other in a perfect circumstantial shitstorm
Brilliant!!!
I am a solo rider, I rode from Miami to Fort St John BC and met a few buddies and we rode from there to Fairbanks Alaska for the June 21st "ride to the midnight sun" and the ride alone of 3500 km was perfect and after meeting with the group one day was all i could handle. We rode as a group for 7 days and it sucked, I made it through and rode down to Cancun alone. I ride many thousand miles each year and it alone, but i don't ride like you as I ride a Harley cruiser so no off roading. I have done as few as 10 km in a day and as many as 1400 km, the amount i do is up to only me this way. I rode out to Key West just so I could drive the long causeway out, when I got to Key West I took exactly 5 pictures of the furthest place can drive to then turned around and drove back, that was all i wanted. When i am hungry i stop, when I am tired I get a cheap room otherwise I just love the ride and the passing miles.
I hear you. I drove to Key West, wandered around on foot for an hour, watched the famous sunset, then immediately drove back to the mainland. Slept in my car inland from Miami rather than pay the $400+ a night for a hotel on crowded Key West, heh. (Not a motorcycle ride, but, same mindset.)
Wow, that distance is amazing to me. I have a sport bike and the most I rode was 200 miles/day
We have similar riding styles, homie. Longest day for me on a Lowrider was 1500km (930 miles). From Aix-en- Provence, France to Mortágua, Portugal in 16 hrs 25 minutes. Didn't plan to ride that far but when I was in the area where I had planned to stop the sun was just too high so I kept going. By the time I started to get tired I was too close to home to spend another night out.
For someone that rides pretty freely group riding can be a drag.
I usually have carrots, apples, chicken breasts, etc sliced in baggies for the day, don't stop for a lunch and carry a 1.5 lt bottle of water. I'll plan a night stop but that's adjusted based on the weather, traffic and how I feel. Stopping every couple of hours for gas is plenty of stopping. Some of my basic planning costs for a ride are €20/day for food, under €50/night for hotels and gas costs whatever it costs. (gas varies wildly from country to country)
One buddy on a ride is all I can handle. I don't like riding with strangers and don't see the point. I get on the bike to get away from daily life and enjoy the freedom. With the riding you do I would like to see some vlogs if you make any.
Agreed, riding alone or with no more than one or two friends is best. Most of my best days on the bike are unplanned with impulse stops or surprise discoveries.
Spent 3 weeks solo in Hokkaido last year. So nice to do whatever I want. And I usually combine restaurant hunting with my touring which most people don't want to do.
I once spent 5 months on my bike. He’s totally right, travel light, enjoy the present and spend less stress on the destination.
Depends on the bike .. i had a Yamaha XS 1100 .. with complete vetter set on it .. i could ride heavy and not have problems ... the bike itself was already 340KG (749lbs) .. i didnt pack full most of the time.. take into account you get more stuff along the way... as you shop and whatever .. i never had problems even when full packed
Thus is the first time someone has pointed out the cause of that stressful everywhere/nowhere feeling!!! Great vid man, excited to check out the rest of your stuff
I find that I am fine riding with others when I let them plan the ride and just go with whatever plan they come up with. But on the other hand I get frustrated when I am asked to plan the ride and have to deal with others ideas and questions around the plan. So I’m fine to go along with a ride, but prefer to ride on my own when I have a specific plan in mind. Sometimes I’ll do both on the same ride.
Wow! Great tips! Moments from a seriously experienced traveller! I’ve crossed similar challenges and it feels like some of the comments Pedro makes might not make sense until you are out there and experience them yourselves. The important thing here is... to do whatever you can to experience for them yourself! Every trip/journey/experience is different. Slow drown (as Pedro, rightly recommends), enjoy every day as it comes. The rat race will soon claw its way back into your normality! So embrace YOUR trip as much as you can. There is no wrong road...
Also, so jealous of your trips Pedro! See you out there somewhere.
It's interesting how riding can bring out the best in you but also sometimes amplify the worst. The latter in most cases your own fault so that in itself can be confronting. Do this long enough and it becomes a Buddhism course on wheels. Cheers mate, keep going on your own trips.
One of my mistake: Relaying on a GPS navigator to pick the good road for you. It'doesn work. It is the most frustrating product you can buy for money. Wasted so much of my time on the tour to correct and set up the routes. Lesson learned: Carefully plan and preload your GPS with those planned routes before your tour. It's a pain to do it, takes a lot of time, but better spend time doing this before leaving home, than during your travel. The navigator get you to your destination yes. But do not trust it will pick the best road for you, even if it is a motor cycle specific device.
GPS? No bloody way. A map, a destination and use of directional signs is all you need.
Cross country (US) 3 times. Each time was Lone Rider Of the Apocalypse deal. Definitely would love to have some company next time. Tons of great memories but the one I'm gonna share is the 1st one. San Fran, '90, just south of the Goldan Gate, parked. Called my parents and said "C ya in a month and a half". They live in Ct. 22, just got out of the Coast Guard. Turned from the phone booth, saw my bike; 82 Honda magna 750, loaded up with the Pacific Ocean behind her. Realized exactly what I was doing, 4,500 miles alone from one ocean to the other on that little thing, and not in a straight line. A shot of fear went thru me like a lightning bolt. What the hell mission do I have in front me? Holleee she ite. Will never forget that visual or feeling. Most definitely would like to have a honey tag along to share this stuff. Best way to travel
I put 50,000 miles on an '84 V30 Honda Magna I bought used. Great machine that I wish Honda still made. Super reliable and all over the country with it, until the fuel pump gave up the ghost at 70,000 miles. My first ride to anything long distance was 4,000 miles to Sturgis, SD.
Alone on the road.
Buddies off road.
Got that right.
Me too!
YES I like that!!!
Yup..
👍🔥
PM says: “A calamatity is a sum of small mistakes that meat each other in a perfect circumstantially shitstorm”. This is a great sentence, real spoken.
My personal consequense from this: "Luck is the sum of many small pieces of joy and satisfaction, that turn up to a nice picture in the end of a journey".
Thanx, Pedro Rosa, wise spoken --- and that's great for such a young person!!! Congrats!
@@billm5433 ...what???????
Rather ride in a group for safety but I am a very flexible guy by definition. I find it easy to adapt. I do draw the line at the very beginning saying that I will never compromise my safety. I won't match anyone's aggressive style if I don't feel I'm ready for. I will not overtake a truck on a turn like I saw some people doing. Things like that. Off road is a bit trickier, like everywhere in life some people are nice to talk to but others are just jerks. You have to learn to turn it off when you have to. I love the part about your mind going to a dark place, that is so true. Hard to avoid, though, it takes some skill.
My best experiences have been with my son and daughter, two-up on one bike for a long road trip, and with my wife and me riding separate bikes. I have ridde in large groups for veteran rides and rolling thunder, but that is different then going on a long tour with people you may barely know… I prefer a small, very tight family or best friend type group to a large organized tour.
This is a very good video. I've been riding for 50 years and I found out early on that I am the consulate planner of my routes but I also learned to relax about the destinations. I ride exclusively alone. I refuse to even ride with my best friends because at the end of the day no two people ride alike. I enjoy meeting people on the road but I go my way so they go theirs.
I love riding alone or with someone who also enjoys the scenic routes at slower speeds. Seems like most people I've rode with rush through and just want to get to the destination without enjoying the views or things in town to check out. I love exploring new places and family owned breakfast joints are my favorite 😁
There are two things when considering either to ride alone or with someone.
1) Alone - you can keep your own pace and make your own time but when you go deep into the back roads then there is a risk to get stuck in the middle of nowhere or have a brake down (wishing you had a travel buddy with you). It can get scary and situations like that will try to brake you.
2) Riding with someone - not a bad option but if you have 600cc bike and the other dude has a 1000cc bike (not to mention if one has an enduro and other has a superbike) then the riding will get very uncomfortable for the dude with the smaller bike very fast. Trying to keep pace will push you to the limit and you most probably will make mistakes that will cause dangerous situations (over taking mostly).
In conclusion I like to ride alone just so that I can keep my own pace or ride with a buddy who has a similar bike with a similar capacity. This way it will probably not get boring or dangerous to neither of one and all you have to do is just accept your riding buddy as he/she is :)
Exactly. When riding with someone, there should be a few "rules", for instance the comfortable speed for both of you, the style of riding, etc. If I go out with friends who ride 4-cylinder sportbikes and we reach a mountain road I'll just tell them to wait for me at the end instead of trying to push my old twin to their speed (which can end up in really close-calls).
Riding alone is very relaxing, but you do miss out on the shared experiences you can have when traveling with a good friend or family member. It's those roadside stops along the way, having a drink in the shade on some rural road that make a lot of trips that much more enjoyable.
Agree totally. Just came back from 2000 miles thru N Georgia, N Carolina, S Carolina and E Tenn ( I live in the Tampa Bay Florida area ). Went with my besty, we've been riding together for years but only locally and only for 1/2 day or day trips. 6th day in we kinda flared up at each other. Happens.
""I like meeting other riders along the way-!"",,the best ride was meeting A REAL BIKER group, they were the real deal bro. I got to haul ass and they let me ride up front with the Captain,,,stopping traffic so we didn't have to,, i felt like ROYALTY man!,☆.,but mostly, no plans ,just roll to a destination!,,& find a nursing home to camp out .Beautiful nurses, very peaceful, i play my gutair, for the seniors,&they offer free shower and a meal!,,& sometimes eye get a nice single nurse who will take me home, like a little lost puppy who needs a bath and sum puppy lov.-♡,,,must be MY BIKE,,cuz I'm no Elvis -,I just sing his songs LIKE GUNS AN ROSES would ,lol-☆PEACE out !--..Happy Trails to All.☆
I'm a typical introvert but I've found I can adjust to either solo or small group of friends rides. On my last "really long" trip I spent a month riding 11,000 miles around the US, for the first 4700 miles (NY to San Diego via a pretty meandering route) I was with 2 other riders (brother and cousin). They had to be home before I did so they split and I rode the remaining 6300 miles solo. Group riding has some downsides (having to compromise - which for me meant slowing down a bit and stopping more often) but some upsides (someone to share the adventure!). The first two days of solo in CA I really missed that... in fact I almost changed my plans to catch up to them... but I held out and on the 3rd day I had come really epic riding in central CA (I was heading north to Seattle) and before I knew it I was loving being solo. SO... just because you're an introvert don't assume you can't enjoy a group ride... and I suspect that extroverts will find that they can love riding solo if they give it a chance.
I can't believe ANYONE drinks Heineken.
Pedro, you deserve x10 or x20 subscribers - this video is gold!
Excellent psychological tips - not just a list of items for the trip. Keep it coming Pedro, and dont be scared of making longer videos.
I agree with all of them, despite not doing any bigger trips than simple city to city trips across Europe, so I am noob, and learning before considering doing something longer. Truth is, I dont want to travel the world by bike! Its definitely a calling… or something people think they should do. You fall in the first camp.
Cheers,
G
Kind words my man, share the word! Beauty of this machine is that you can do ride in any way that fits you best.
Your description of conflict between riders is exactly why I have ridden across the country 3 times..each time by myself .
Gup when I want leave when I want , stop for gas or unch and quit dor the night when I want .. never having to check my mirror for my fronds ..just for danger .
Love solo touring
When we did Ladakh ride:: Delhi-Goa ride.. with buddies definitely there was a lot of problem's.
Please think atleast three time before riding with stranger's and people with different mind-set.
pressure does build up if you have a tight schedule ... Please understand It's not the destination It's the Journey that matter's.
AbdurRahman Usmani I’ve found that every person added increases the problems by a power of 10, lol.
I can agree a ton about setting unrealistic timeframes for yourself. I had to make a 1600 mile trip in 48 hours, sadly due to external constraints there was no changing these parameters. It took me out of the journey and put me squarely on destinations. I failed to enjoy large portions of it and I definitely plan on taking more time next time I have along travel ahead of me. Next year I plan to make the same trip but also plan to leave earlier, get more sleep, and have more time set aside to enjoy the ride.
When I was on a two month ride for a bit over 20,000 miles a friend and I would on occasion part company and establish a meet up point the next day somewhere. that worked well for us and alleviated some complications. I know there are some thins he has NO interest in, so that being the case I will deviate sometimes and go look at what I find interesting. He does the same as we will wander in the same general direction.
I read this tip years ago and it works well for me. Throughout the year, I save my "less than good underwear, t-shirts and etc," As I use them and they need washing, I just toss them, lightening my load as I go.
I think I’m better off riding alone, at least for the near future. It’s been a rough couple of years, And as much as I like To be with other people most of the time, think I need to be alone for a while. Great advice! Thanks, Jake
I have ridden over 500,000 miles in the past 25 years, all but about 5,000 miles has been single motorcycle. Riding in a group is like trying to herd cats.
Herding cats, exactly correct!!! I think my friends are cool, but its fun to try to figure out what their thinking when they are riding!
I always ride alone, I would like to have someone to ride with sometimes but most of my bike friends live on the other side of the country. Last year I put over 5000 klms on my old 1980 Honda 500 and had the time of my life. You are much more approachable when you are alone so are more likely to meet locals and other riders. Keep the rubber side down.
Yeah I always ride alone, I’d like riding buddies. But my few friends that have bikes just are not into it as much as me. They want to just cruise around the city on weekends. Where I practically live on my bike and want to go on day long adventures lol
You guys in Idaho?
As a kiwi living in Canada, I can appreciate the cost of sending packages between countries. My daughter sent a $20 Hoodie to her Grandad in New Zealand, at a cost of $100.... I couldn't say no because she thought he would like like it... but damn you Canada Post!
At 40 i like to ride alone, at my pace, where i want, when i want
I finally made it to retirement and I have the same goal and I’m working toward it ,
And at 69 after 55 years of riding, I agree.
Im 32 and just keep dreaming looking at these riders as it slips.away
In my 40s... I've done a lot of crazy stuff on bikes and I'm looking forward to at least another thirty years of it.
1st bike at 17 i rode with dad for years.
2nd bike now at 29 and I ride alone and hate being asked to join clubs/groups.
Man, you nailed it!! This is soooo good! Strip away the veneer and it comes down to how resilient you are. The romance of the RTW biker is a myth and there's a lot of crap that you have to endure, but one good sunrise, topping one good hill with a perfect view and the counter goes back to zero again. Keep inspiring us who are still in the planning stage to just get it done. And keep posting these videos - you really should know that you are inspiring those who follow in your tyre tracks!
There is a lot of value in the suggestion that you should know your riding style...and those you are with...
My first road trip ever was with my (best?) friend...a 300 mile jaunt to his uncle’s farm up in Wisconsin (USA.) No maps, just “follow me.” (This was WAY before GPS...)
Yeah.
He takes off and before long I lose sight of him. I had to push that Yamaha XS650 to 90mph to catch him and his Honda 750. He tended to alternate between speed limit and going 80mph so keeping pace was never dull.
Then in heavy traffic in northern Chicago, he suddenly cuts across three lanes of an expressway to an exit...don’t know how I did it but I cut across two lanes and made the exit from a perpendicular angle on the last one...
Anyway, I cussed a lot, we went fishing and I rode home ALONE.
I met a German fellow in Romania on my first long trip in 2007. We travelled together a few days and he suggested I visit him in Germany on the way back. 14 years now we have been travelling together, both our wives are happy we aren't travelling alone. Relaxed, no stress and it couldn't be better. Super travelling companion. Just lucky I guess.....
That's a blessing for sure, that's one of the few people you need for a good life and not everybody manages to stumble on a buddy like that. Keep laying down that rubber together.
Travel light freeze at night was the rule when I was an infantry troop but no more! Layer up and you can always take some off. Keep a quality rain suit in your kit as it doubles as a windbreaker. If you ride with another, know how they ride and that way you don’t have to worry about it. Even if you have no plan you should have a predetermined route if you have a certain destination in mind. I have a SENA phone & stereo with speakers in my helmet so I’m not blasting stuff others don’t wanna hear and I can use the NAV in my phone if needed. My “Brother” and I ride together when he’s not snowed under at work and we both carry so there’s really nowhere we can’t ride as long as it’s legal. Lots of road out here and good times and people everywhere so get on your bike and ride!😎
My first mistake was to “test” my sleeping mat for the first time, on the trip! Or should I say “on the rock”. NEVER leave home with gear that you haven’t tested first! I had a “backup” for everything, 2 different rain gear, etc, so too much stuff, but such a bad and tiny sleeping pad.
I am a travel addict and I love going to new places/countries that are new to me and meeting new people, I always travel light literally the bare minimum!
I just started getting into the motorcycle world and im planning on going on solo trips and documenting them soon, I’m so glad that I found this video so much INFORMATIONS, new SUBSCRIBER.
Interesting & helpful tips Pedro. I’m 51 years old & have enjoyed 5 international motorbike trips with friends. Not same friends on each trip. This year I’m looking forward to travelling to Spain & Morocco on my own. One year a friend invited one of his friends.... it didn’t work out well. Guy was so so up tight it affected the entire experience. Best tip I can give is know who’s coming on the trip & also set ground rules beforehand.
Yeah. It can work really well with some and so badly with some other. It's especially annoying if there's one guy in group that always disagrees a bit with everything.
You should be a very happy man. I have watched your video several times and got more out of it each time. Thanks for your reminder that we miss the enjoyment of the journey when we put our mind order pressure. I have watched many videos of all kinds of major problems on a trip. With a positive attitude and some help from new found friends, they had a great time. However, constantly complaining, and being miserable, another rider missed all the good things and wonderful people that truly make each trip uniquely special! There are many pitfalls to fall into. Your insight is truly helpful!
Thanks for the tips. Excellent. About the part travelling in a group. I always ride with my two older brothers and my father, who is 70 yo, but can't stand a week without his bike. A lot experience, great time spent and no worries about anything. I recommend this. Travel safe, make more awesome videos.
Pure Wisdom. Thanks Pedro for sharing. Unfortunately genuine and worthy creators arent appreciated that much, keep growing. Love from India.
Spot on! especially riding in groups. once someone gets on your nerves it takes a lot not to strangle them.
Yes sir..that's the definition of Stress
Awesome video, I just did my first long ride, a total of 1600 miles round trip from Utah to oregon. It was an awesome journey and the first of many to come. I learned alot on that trip and ended up losing a saddle bag due to it being to heavy and catching on fire, (exhaust side bag) shouldve packed less stuff for sure. I did make it of course and now have the story to tell. And I would do it all again. The feeling of relief when finally getting out of the Nevada desert and hitting the forests of Oregon was surreal, there's nothing like going on a solo ride and just going on a journey.
Been there with the bag on the exhaust.
Love the footage that you inserted from your trips. It's so high quality and makes the video an absolute pleasure to watch. I'm not really planning any super long trips around the world but I've done some locally in groups and kind of longer ones alone and I feel like I'm really a lone she-wolf; or maybe I haven't met the right riding buddies yet because I enjoy riding alone so much more.
A couple I'd add.
Don't succumb to social pressure about where to go or what roads to ride. If you're an asphalt only rider, then fine, stick to that. If you want to only stay in hotels again fine, that's what you do. You DON'T have to camp out, you DON'T have to copy long way (down, round or up), it's totally fine to stick to Europe, N. America. We're not all great explorers.
Know your limitations, be that riding style, distance per day, days without a break, off road, speed etc.
Plan the crap out of your trip, but remember it's a plan, you WILL change it, a plan enables you to cost it and also allows you to change the plan when you need to. On that front, if part of your trip is a dream destination (be that the Mongolian steppe, or San Francisco) give yourself a day off there. Yes, it's about the journey, but the destinations are fun too if you give yourself time. Personally I usually plan 4 days saddle 2 days off, repeat ad nauseam.
My biggest pet peeve is when I ride with other adults I seem to always get stuck leading the group. Sometimes I enjoy riding in the back of the pack hanging back a ways back and just following. All four of my kids now 17, 21, 23, and 27 got their motorcycle permits at 14 and their lisence at 16. Since I taught them all to ride they pretty much ride like me so they are my favorite riding partners and leading comes naturally so I don't mind leading them. Family group rides are the best or one other friend who shares a similar riding style and speed. Great video this is the first vid of yours I've seen but will be checking out more thanks.
Having the entire family ride must be an amazing experience. Good for you and yours. Stay safe and enjoy.
“We don't take a trip. A trip takes us.”“Once a journey is designed, equipped, and put in process, a new factor enters and takes over. A trip, a safari, an exploration, is an entity, different from all other journeys. It has personality, temperament, individuality, uniqueness. A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike. And all plans, safeguards, policing, and coercion are fruitless. We find after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; a trip takes us. Tour masters, schedules, reservations, brass-bound and inevitable, dash themselves to wreckage on the personality of the trip. Only when this is recognized can the blown-in-the glass bum relax and go along with it. Only then do the frustrations fall away. In this a journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it.” ― John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley: In Search of America
So true about riding with other people... I wanted to make a video about this as well.. Its great to be able to compromise with other riders and travel. But in the end you need to enjoy your own ride. And if your not enjoying it.... Change it!!! We only have a limited amount of clicks on the odometer in life.
True that man, I sometimes wish that odometer would also turn over at the end but alas it doesn't. Gotta make it happen before that then!
Thanks for linking the CT90 channel as well.. He really describes it well.. and is video gold.
For the most part I like riding with the guy on the bike in front of me. My husband. We have tried riding with others even on short rides and they never seem to be able to remotely conform to the time set for departures, even when it is mapped out and we agree. And it is not because something came up. It is because they cannot get their behinds in gear and they are disorganized. Still hoping though.
I have now 5 years of 3 weeks tent experience to europe and first rule is to sleep well. If u use a tent, good sleeping bag and matress is vital. I lives in Norway and use first week to get so South i can in europe and NeXT 2 weeks to get back. It Works for me. I dont have any stress to get back
Just bought a 500c scooter and planning my 1st trip alone this summer, spain to Italy.. a bit nervous as first time and on a scooter, but very excited at the same time. Thank you for the tips and personal experiences! Will definitely come in handy and surely contribute to avoid unwanted experiences 👍🏼👍🏼
Remember you only live once! Happy trails.
A scooter? Why?
@@andywing8330 Best wind protection as well as comfort, lots of room to store stuff and so on... Its a 500cc probably Aprilia Atlantic or Piaggio, 40hp, more than enough for cruising.
Great video and spot on.
Always carrying too much stuff / wrong stuff. We ride two-up. We prepare our bags, and then before we go the rule is we cut half the weight. Always worked. Nowadays it’s hard not to find what you need along the way.
Be prepared to ditch what you bring along. Except your pillion maybe!
Weight is the enemy of riding (we opted for soft luggage - saves muchos kilos!).
About solo/group riding; always a personal choice. Except if you go off-road in challenging terrain - a bad crash, or deeply stuck, and you could be isolated for a long time! Not bad to have another (experienced) rider along.
Can’t wait for covid lockdown to be over!
Hey Pedro,
just found out about you and your channel. Really great stuff with quite the pleasant "presenter". Very entertaining and informative. Thanks for all the points!
Keep it up and all the best for the coming rides. Cheers from Germany.
Yeah...travelling on a small bike requires a certain way to ride ..l have done many costal tours if Ireland and some UK on a nice clean gn 125..my buddy has been out on some day trips with me recently.. he rides 20 year old 900 hornet...the thing is...he is super careful driver and is vigilant about speed limits..we seem compatible on the road..which is a surprise to me as l am a bit quirky and mosty enjoy riding alone..to ride with another bike is great fun when it works..
on our day trips , mostly the gn leads the way.. we tend not to hurry and we stop for quite a few coffees and lunches...mostly we just take back roads and chill... we are planning a longer trip around ireland soon, and this video is helpful
Many thanks
to make a long story short, for a couple of years ago I was traveling with a work colleague, he started to trick me with money, at hotels and restuarants he always had "to big bills" so I always travel alone after that
looool
Great video. I did a 4500 mile cross country ride with my son this past june. It was awesome, but we had our differences, but overall it was a great bonding experience. (I'm 65 and he's 34). He made one rule before the trip and that was we were not allowed to complain about anything. That was a great rule and kept us in the moment. We did bite off more mileage than we could chewfg, but we did modify the plan as we went. Only problem sometimes the heat stopped our cell phones and GPS from working. Extra gas can was a life saver. A bit scary in the middle of nowhere. Cant wait to take another rode trip. My triumph street twin held up great even if riding a classic bike straight up was challenging at times.
"Just remember to adapt on time!" Now that's funny. I spilled my coffee when you said that! Good video! Cheers!
Did almost a year of planning for a 43 day, 14,000 mile trip. NC to Artic Circle. My retirement trip from the airlines. A fairly new friend said he wanted to go. We had never really ridden together. Probably one of the best trips I have ever had. Not one single thing irritated me, and vice versa. We were both career military as well. That helped a lot. Unfortunately we were unable to cross into Canada last year. So, gives us another reason to try it in 2022! We did end up riding 41 days, and 14,000 miles. Just went out and did the west coast, vs Artic Circle. OK, so CA did irritate me! =-) Awesome job on the video.
Going on my first “long distance” ride with my brothers this year up the Pacific Coast Highway and really appreciated your experienced thoughts! Thanks for the video brother!
It's a brilliant ride.
Cracking video! you only get out of life what you put in. Got up in the UK one cold Feb morning and decided to see how far I could travel from Burnley in daylight. Wife thought I was only going out for an hour or two, but 10hrs later I was in Riems in France. Rode back next morning 970miles on a Yamaha MT 09 and a great experience.
Real good sense fella
Most tip videos are shite. This certainly wasn't!
I traveled Central America, Mexico, China, and Asia. I worked as I traveled. I was not on a schedule so I would rent a room for a month at a time. I started when I was 53 yo and stopped 2019 at 70 yo.
I road mainly dual sport bikes 150 cc to 650 cc or electric scooters (in China). Now I ride 950 cruiser and stay mainly in fly over country (USA).
To travel freely I had no debt, had skills others didn't, and I was in no hurry. Mike
Great video very useful. For my taste, I can ride for a Sunday afternoon with others, but as far as a long trip (or even a weekend), for many things you said, no way, I go alone period!!!
I’m 76, took up riding again 5 years ago. I had open heart surgery 2 years ago so I ride 150cc lightweight bikes now. Way to go. In Asia a room with en suite is usually USD $20 to $25 a night. Safe, good shelter, and no camping gear. Travel light, if it rains get wet, it is not cold in Thailand. The Honda PCX has good under-seat carry, and I have a top box and day pack. The larger 8 litre fuel tank (2.1 US Gallons) is great giving a range of over 300km or about 200 miles. I wear a helmet and safety googles but I find Thailand too hot for full safety gear. We had 40℃ in the shade for ten days straight. Ride slow, give way to everything, take care. In Thailand never assume you have right of way. Learn to ride before you come to Thailand. Ride alone and meet the locals. Always smile, never show anger, be friendly and a lone traveller will soon find friends in Thailand.
Mistake number 1: Don't ride a supersports
My butt and back were never the same...
I ride my CBR everywhere, all countries....and I'm just a mere girl!...if I can do it anyone can ;)
So what if your a girl?
@@phillipthomas8157 theres a winky face, it's just a joke .
*laughs in nick sanders
I am a fan of riding alone, however, one of the greatest enjoyment is to share the joys with one of my grandchildren on the back. this can be quality bonding time and also training them in my 'bad habits' New Zealand's West Coast has some of the worlds best riding even for short day trips. thank you for your insights
A good clip Pedro, speaking from my 40 odd years of experience I'd say you know your stuff very well.
I ride solo 90% of the time. When you ride in a group of unknown riders, you are as safe as the worst rider ahead of you. I’ve had mostly bad experiences when riding with a group of people I do not know. I usually opt to ride in the back so I can watch ahead. And yes even when I ride with just one other person, I want to be the biker that takes the responsibility of navigating to the days destination. I feel if I am aware of where the other biker is, it gives me an edge on avoiding an accident at least involving the other rider.
When going on a long ride, I plot the days destination, make sure it is possible, then toss in a few side attractions, food and entertainment and before you know it, you’ve arrived. I use packing cubes, for my personal clothes, downsized camping equipment, and a minimum of tools, food and emergency equipment. I usually do not buy souvenirs, but do stop and take a lot of pictures.
In short, I want to see what I want to see and ride at my own leisure if I am not in a hurry, or go like a bat out of Hell if I need to be someplace. For me, time is not usually an issue when riding by myself. I gave up my heavy haulin Goldwing and got a Suzuki V-Strom DL1000. We will see how it suits me as a tour machine this summer when I ride from Massachusetts to Prudhoe Bay Alaska and back. Just a coffee and Ice cream ride..... Ride smart...Ride Safe..
"A calamity is the sum of smaller mistakes that meet each other in a perfect circumstantial shit storm."
Amen to that. Send it to the printer and put that on a tile!
I’m pretty micromanaging on my time schedule. From my years in the army and as a truck driver. I prefer to wake up early as heck and get moving and then around morning rush hour I pull in somewhere for breakfast to wait out the traffic, maybe hit some local sights. At which point I’ll just ride until I’m hungry. I like to be in to my campsite or hotel before the evening rush hours to avoid morons. Take a shower if I have access or at least get out of my riding gear. Food is pretty randomized. Some trips I’ll pack meals / grocery shop, others I’ll hit restaurants and dinners. All depends on what one feeling. I’m just adamant about my stops to avoid the worst of traffic. If I know I’m gonna be on a big stretch of open road? I’ll just go until I’m ready to stop. It’s the cities I can’t stand navigating.
gonna be taking euro trip soon! Dope tips
Whats the route?
instead I'd like to take a trip to crazy America
Dope???? Dope is a BAD thing
.
Hey did you make your trip?
@@Mr-er6fg dope is slang for cool/good.
You're on point dude...but there are a million things that you just have to learn yourself. The main thing is to realize that there are people out there so you better learn to deal with them...
That was an interesting video. I was abit confused where you were heading on it at first but that cleared itself as you go through the video.
Not having done an RTW but having led loads of group rides as a club committee member I see both sides of the coin and youre right, that your mindset changes. It depends on the kind of ride too. But I have learned to become a solitary rider i like my own pace and tarmac. I only ride with close friends and only those i know I can ride with for a few days without getting frustrated at the things you mention .
Cheers
You have totally nailed down some group ride issues. Thanks for admitting it publicly! I have wrestled with these issues of time/speed/destination myself.
Hey Pedro great job man I'm totally online with you as far as traveling alone and with a group or with friends. I'm a touring bike guy not a dual sport but I have done both. I prefer to ride alone traveling. It's always fun to ride with others because you do learn about cool places that maybe you wouldn't have known about but there's very few people that you really really are in total tune with and get along extremely well. But without question it's definitely the most enjoyable for the most part to travel alone that way you're in total control. Also what you say about stop worrying about your destination and enjoy the moment is extremely true. I have gone on long trips and you start to get upset because you make a wrong turn on a highway with no exits or something of that matter and worried about not following your plans and then you realize f*** my plans. I'll change my plans. I'm on vacation. So totally on board with you man and I appreciate your information. A lot of good stuff and very true.
Great information! Keeping the head clear is where it's at.
Very relatable mistakes indeed. Before i had my motorcycle license i did a few long moped trip trough europe. Twice with a huge mismatched team of 8 people. This worked kinda the first time but ruined the second trip. Third time we split up in two teams of four with people with more similar riding styles and mindsets and it was a great trip again.
326 thumbs down??? That’s why I ride alone, You are totally correct!
This is one of the best videos on planning motorcycle tours I saw and heard!!! To spend this 10' can help to avoid hours and days of pain and frustration! The topic of "having no plan means, to be everywhere and nowhere at the same time" is a great thought! The absolute highlight of riding experiences is the following: "A calamity is the sum of smaller mistakes, that meet each other in a perfect circumstancially shitstorm!" ... never heard this item better explained. It.s gorgeous! Thanks a lot for this kind of thinking!! Kind regards, Henry
wow I found this video very helpful!! thank u so much!!!
I’ve ridden in all 50 states and 17 countries. I mostly travel solo,but every now and then you run into other riders that you like and you ride along for awhile and have friendships that last a lifetime. .That’s why you ride ,for the memories of the road and people.. You’re right on Pack Light. I’m 6’5” 250lbs so none of my stuff is small and not easy to pack. But I do it. When you buy stuff in places to remind yourself you eventually HAVE to ship it home. But you can’t carry it all with you.
Cliche hat, love it. All around this is true for LIFE. Great advice.