When you travel in a group, everything becomes about the group. You mainly engage with the group, and your memories are mainly about the people in your group, and your interactions with them. When you travel alone, you engage with the places you go, and the people you meet along the way. It’s two totally different experiences.
I’ll hit the road in about a week (Trondheim- Lofoten) and to be honest I never found anyone interested in bike touring so I’m always by myself and I also think that has to do with your personality I’m not a social person and being alone is the norm for me. Thank for sharing Mike!
Trondheim-Lofoten will be a great ride. I would sail at least a short stretch between Hurtigruten ports. For me, it would be criminal to visit Norway and not sail on the Hurtigruten.
Your tips for going to the supermarket are really good. It really is an issue on larger cities. Little stores are much better than large supermarkets on that sense, sometimes they even let you keep the bike in the store. What I do when I inevitably have to go inside a large supermarket is lock my bike up, put all four panniers inside of an Ikea Dimpa bag and put that into a shopping cart. I prefer bike touring by myself, especially because I like stopping a lot for recording and contemplating. But I do enjoy a lot when I have a friend coming along, such as on my bike tour in Uruguay. It's important that both have the same expectations though, as you mentioned. I'd love to go to Sweden in the future, it is so beautiful! You're advertising your country very well. Cheers!
I always go solo. I live solo since my husband died. That was when I picked up bicycle touring again (which I did also in my youth). I never thought it was a problem to go in a store and leave the bicycle behind. My valuables are in a small backpack and I take that with me.
Really nicely presented and thought out content. You are looking well. Also you can get a good night's sleep without being woken by a snorer at 1:30am. No disputes about how far or where you will ride or camp. Not having the responsibility for some one else. Some shops if they have the space will allow you to wheel your bike inside. Happy days.
You explained it very well Mike and totally agree with you. Control of my Freedom, my time, no Compromises and Alone. Solo is my way of bicycle traveling. 😁👍🚴♂️
I prefer to do solo tours. I love the freedom of choosing to go where I want and I don't feel bad making another cyclist wait for me while I take scenic pictures. I don't feel lonely because I connect to the internet later in the evenings where I stay. Thanks for the tip on grocery shopping! :)
What a beautiful lake, Mike. When you sat on the pier, at 2:20, I couldn't stop looking at the calm waters. As always, thank you for your thoughts and well-made video. Your comments are on-point. I agree with everything you said, and also learned things I haven't thought about. Thanks!
I agree! The time away and apart actually makes you a better father/person. A few days here and there calms the brain/soul. Enough time to stop, to think, to recover. Makes those other 350 days of the year much better for everyone. I think good for kids too. Sooner or later, they'll have to be on their own. Awesome videos!
Love your videos Mike thanks so much for sharing. Think I'm finally going to get the kona sutra after using my mtb or roadbike the kona sutra ticks all the boxes .stay safe out there ....colin 🚴♂️🏴👍🏻
I usually travel alone, although I would like my wife to accompany me sometime. She is afraid of cars. Hopefully one day we will travel by bike together. In Spain I can only get her to come with me along the greenways. In the north of Spain there are greenways and the scenery is spectacular.
Really enjoyed this one, some great information. The outtakes made me laugh. I was surprised at the snow by the wilderness road, but more surprised by the weather report, Britain had drifted North, no wonder it was cold last week. Pro’s and con’s to solo travel but Lidl is always a winner 👍
Haha! You're the first one to comment on the outtakes, Ed. I think the other people are just afraid and think I might be going mental. ;-) Speaking of weather. I noticed that my breath condensated in the end of my tent video, it was so cold in the evening. Today we had 30C and there was only a ten day gap between those two days.
Both has it's benefits. Touring with strangers can be a bit of a toss up. When I toured with Darren & Kevin two years ago we had a blast. But we are quite like minded. When you tour with other people the day goes by really fast, when you go alone the days seem really long.
Regarding leaving your bike at the supermarket or anyplace locked up, I have a motion alarm on my bike. It is an accelerometer (for you engineering types) and once armed, if my bike is touched with even a slight move, the alarm goes off. It is armed and disarmed by a small remote control you carry with you. This alarm will wake the dead! Very small and easy to attach on the bike and gives a great peace of mind. Find it at Amazon for under $20 US.
@@BikeTouringMike Hi Mike. It is called Wsdcam 113 dB Anti-Theft Bicycle Alarm that is waterproof . Visit Amazon and type in Wsdcam bicycle and it should come up. Only less than $20 US. I hope the guys who invented this are making a ton of money. It is just a simple motion detector tied to a VERY LOUD alarm. You control the on/off remotely. You can hide this on your bike. Travel on and love your videos.
I love to travel alone cause of the freedom. By being on your own you get to learn much more about yourself. How to solve problems, how to overcome limits or limitations and being creative in all kind of situations. When I want to leave I want to leave fast and not wait till the other(s) got their stuff packed.
Thanks Mikael...always solo here...couldn't imagine touring with someone with the thought of holding things up causing a less than tolerable situation or compromise. Anyway, another great video...hopefully hitting the road soon! Stay safe Mike!
Really enjoyed your video. I love bicycle touring both by myself and with my wife, Barbara. When I'm by myself I enjoy the complete freedom, but sometimes I catch myself thinking things like "wow, I wish Barbara could see this". Lately we have been touring together more and it requires a bit of adjustment ("I can only do 40 km today"), but overall it has been a great experience for both of us.
Lovely scenery for the video. I think cycle touring is nowhere near as popular as it ought to be and therefore difficult to arrange trips with others, except twisting the arms of family members. This video has inspired me to think about a next trip but sometimes I wish I could share the experience with relatives or friends because it is so good and different to the norm. As you say there is not much time to be bored or lonely as long as have an interesting route and the times goes too quickly anyway (soon back at work!). Cheers Mike another good video. I usually try to shop in small local shops during touring as my trips are not very expensive and it supports local economies, but if I go the Supermarket Ill be quick! and use Lidl! :)
thanks for the tips. it's my dream to go on a solo tour, however, fearness in doing this is winning as of now. but i really hope someday i can do this.
Good reasons. I kind of like both. On multiday trips it may be tough if your physical condition differs a lot. On the bike maintenance stuff: YT has so many instructional videos that can be accessed often also at the road side that most problems can be tackled as they appear :)
I've done this and it has many advantages. I've felt worried to leave anything unattended outside stores and crack heads have attempted to wait me out or win my confidence before I enter the store. Ladies of the evening approach at shopping centers. On the trail encountering young unescorted females touring solo. This makes me feel awkward. I encourage everyone to tour but tend to keep my distance. I sure understand they may be even more concerned about my presence. A few would even have other motives perhaps. You have to prepare for a variety of breakdowns because help may be far away. There are a lot of good people out there willing to help. Due to keeping alert to the situation and people's possible motives nothing has been stolen so far. Social distancing has kept me home this year as campgrounds are closed and resupply more difficult, and the public are more desperate.
Well I'm planning my first bikepacking tour this summer. and it's going to be solo... just like when I used to do the ultra endurance rides it was always solo
What kind of lock do you use? I have several for the city, but they are really heavy and I want to buy something a bit lighter for touring. So far I have stuck to gas stations and cafes with outdoor seating for supplies while touring, a supermarket would be great!
Thanks for sharing, i did some backpacking and loved it, I recently got a mountain bike and slowly turning it into a touring bike. Think i'll be on the road for a year or until the global economy opens again. Good time to be branding and doing some UA-cam videos. Some of my "so called friends" will be ever so pleased that i'm doing something. lol.
That's a great way to keep busy during these times. I think you're smart starting off converting a MTB into a touring bike. Perfect timing by the way, that's exactly what my next video is all about. I actually bought my first real touring bike after touring on an old hybrid bike for 4 years.
@@BikeTouringMike It's painstaking trying to keep busy through these times. I look forward to your next video's. I'll give send you link for my channel when i set off. You never know we might catch up with one another on the road. Take care bud.
If you are in a place where you think your stuff will be stolen you probably should never leave home. If someone wants really to steal your stuff they can probably get it. Who wants a truck load of bike touring gear. Forget it only you and me.
Traveling solo clears your mind. You have more freedom to choose your route and go off the beaten track. There is the freedom to stop and take pictures \ videos.
i am still waiting to get chance to do a solo tour. i have done short tours with a mate but they never feel like the perfect tour that i really want to do.
Mike solo bike touring is one of the precious decision which i have ever made with myself... I never afford to go with any person because all of the time misunderstanding occurs and the whole journey become headache. Sorry i can,t.
Some people use a cord to tie the bike to their shelter. The idea is if someone tries to move it in the night, it will shake the shelter and alert you. I imagine the strategy will change depending on your location. I typically camp in areas where nobody is likely to wander by and try to steal my things, so it's not been a concern for me.
I have covered it a couple of times. For instance when I had heavy thunderstorms in France last year. I flew my bike in a CTC bike bag, so I used that for cover. But most of the time I don't. If there is a chance of rain, I usually put a plastic bag over the saddle since it's made out of leather. And I might also cover the chain with a plastic bag. There are nice tents that don't cost a fortune. I have two tents that cost me less than 100 Euros each. I bought one from Aliexpress and the other from XXL. Let me know if you need any tips of price worthy tents.
@@Hertog_von_Berkshire Thanks. I missed that. I was wondering about the type and weight of the lock. D-locks can be heavy. Cable locks can take up a lot of space.
I always prefer solo trips for the same reasons you mentioned. I'm very fortunate to have a wife who understands and it sounds like you do too! I'm older so my wife has had a long time to get used to it, hahahahaha
When you travel in a group, everything becomes about the group. You mainly engage with the group, and your memories are mainly about the people in your group, and your interactions with them. When you travel alone, you engage with the places you go, and the people you meet along the way. It’s two totally different experiences.
I’ll hit the road in about a week (Trondheim- Lofoten) and to be honest I never found anyone interested in bike touring so I’m always by myself and I also think that has to do with your personality I’m not a social person and being alone is the norm for me. Thank for sharing Mike!
Trondheim-Lofoten will be a great ride.
I would sail at least a short stretch between Hurtigruten ports. For me, it would be criminal to visit Norway and not sail on the Hurtigruten.
Your tips for going to the supermarket are really good. It really is an issue on larger cities. Little stores are much better than large supermarkets on that sense, sometimes they even let you keep the bike in the store. What I do when I inevitably have to go inside a large supermarket is lock my bike up, put all four panniers inside of an Ikea Dimpa bag and put that into a shopping cart.
I prefer bike touring by myself, especially because I like stopping a lot for recording and contemplating. But I do enjoy a lot when I have a friend coming along, such as on my bike tour in Uruguay. It's important that both have the same expectations though, as you mentioned.
I'd love to go to Sweden in the future, it is so beautiful! You're advertising your country very well. Cheers!
I always go solo. I live solo since my husband died. That was when I picked up bicycle touring again (which I did also in my youth).
I never thought it was a problem to go in a store and leave the bicycle behind. My valuables are in a small backpack and I take that with me.
Lokks like you have got good system going for you. I use a similar model, I put everything valuable inside my handlebar bag.
Really nicely presented and thought out content. You are looking well.
Also you can get a good night's sleep without being woken by a snorer at 1:30am.
No disputes about how far or where you will ride or camp.
Not having the responsibility for some one else.
Some shops if they have the space will allow you to wheel your bike inside.
Happy days.
You explained it very well Mike and totally agree with you. Control of my Freedom, my time, no Compromises and Alone. Solo is my way of bicycle traveling. 😁👍🚴♂️
I prefer to do solo tours. I love the freedom of choosing to go where I want and I don't feel bad making another cyclist wait for me while I take scenic pictures. I don't feel lonely because I connect to the internet later in the evenings where I stay. Thanks for the tip on grocery shopping! :)
Hey Mike, that's a great topic for a video, I'm glad you made it.
I absolutely love solo bike tours and that's what I do. I can go when I want and do whatever I want. Thanks for encouraging solo bike touring.
Love solo tour like you, that's why I follow your videos
What a beautiful lake, Mike. When you sat on the pier, at 2:20, I couldn't stop looking at the calm waters. As always, thank you for your thoughts and well-made video. Your comments are on-point. I agree with everything you said, and also learned things I haven't thought about. Thanks!
My thinking exactly. Thanks for the video. Take care and stay safe, Al
I agree! The time away and apart actually makes you a better father/person. A few days here and there calms the brain/soul. Enough time to stop, to think, to recover. Makes those other 350 days of the year much better for everyone. I think good for kids too. Sooner or later, they'll have to be on their own. Awesome videos!
Love your videos Mike thanks so much for sharing. Think I'm finally going to get the kona sutra after using my mtb or roadbike the kona sutra ticks all the boxes .stay safe out there ....colin 🚴♂️🏴👍🏻
So glad to hear that Colin. Thanks for your kind words! I think you'll love the Sutra if you were to get one.
I usually travel alone, although I would like my wife to accompany me sometime. She is afraid of cars. Hopefully one day we will travel by bike together. In Spain I can only get her to come with me along the greenways. In the north of Spain there are greenways and the scenery is spectacular.
Really enjoyed this one, some great information. The outtakes made me laugh. I was surprised at the snow by the wilderness road, but more surprised by the weather report, Britain had drifted North, no wonder it was cold last week. Pro’s and con’s to solo travel but Lidl is always a winner 👍
Haha! You're the first one to comment on the outtakes, Ed. I think the other people are just afraid and think I might be going mental. ;-)
Speaking of weather. I noticed that my breath condensated in the end of my tent video, it was so cold in the evening. Today we had 30C and there was only a ten day gap between those two days.
I always travel alone. Can never get anyone interested in coming with me. I'm quite social so it would be nice to have someone to chat with
Both has it's benefits. Touring with strangers can be a bit of a toss up. When I toured with Darren & Kevin two years ago we had a blast. But we are quite like minded. When you tour with other people the day goes by really fast, when you go alone the days seem really long.
Regarding leaving your bike at the supermarket or anyplace locked up, I have a motion alarm on my bike. It is an accelerometer (for you engineering types) and once armed, if my bike is touched with even a slight move, the alarm goes off. It is armed and disarmed by a small remote control you carry with you. This alarm will wake the dead! Very small and easy to attach on the bike and gives a great peace of mind. Find it at Amazon for under $20 US.
Never heard of it, but it sounds smart. Do you know the name of the alarm?
@@BikeTouringMike
Hi Mike. It is called Wsdcam 113 dB Anti-Theft Bicycle Alarm that is waterproof . Visit Amazon and type in Wsdcam bicycle and it should come up. Only less than $20 US. I hope the guys who invented this are making a ton of money. It is just a simple motion detector tied to a VERY LOUD alarm. You control the on/off remotely. You can hide this on your bike. Travel on and love your videos.
Solo is freedom Survival and independence. This Is The Key To Living Beyond Your Fears. Ride safe bro!
I love to travel alone cause of the freedom. By being on your own you get to learn much more about yourself. How to solve problems, how to overcome limits or limitations and being creative in all kind of situations. When I want to leave I want to leave fast and not wait till the other(s) got their stuff packed.
I enjoy both traveling with my wife on tandem, and going solo.. both are most excellent
I'm the same, except for the tandem part 😉. Really enjoy spending time with my wife as well as being alone.
amazing...man i have follow your trip in my nation....bravo bro...
I much prefer to solo tour. I regularly go to the mountains on my own too. It's all about freedom for me.
Thanks Mikael...always solo here...couldn't imagine touring with someone with the thought of holding things up causing a less than tolerable situation or compromise. Anyway, another great video...hopefully hitting the road soon! Stay safe Mike!
Really enjoyed your video. I love bicycle touring both by myself and with my wife, Barbara. When I'm by myself I enjoy the complete freedom, but sometimes I catch myself thinking things like "wow, I wish Barbara could see this". Lately we have been touring together more and it requires a bit of adjustment ("I can only do 40 km today"), but overall it has been a great experience for both of us.
Lovely scenery for the video. I think cycle touring is nowhere near as popular as it ought to be and therefore difficult to arrange trips with others, except twisting the arms of family members. This video has inspired me to think about a next trip but sometimes I wish I could share the experience with relatives or friends because it is so good and different to the norm. As you say there is not much time to be bored or lonely as long as have an interesting route and the times goes too quickly anyway (soon back at work!). Cheers Mike another good video. I usually try to shop in small local shops during touring as my trips are not very expensive and it supports local economies, but if I go the Supermarket Ill be quick! and use Lidl! :)
thanks for the tips. it's my dream to go on a solo tour, however, fearness in doing this is winning as of now. but i really hope someday i can do this.
Good reasons. I kind of like both. On multiday trips it may be tough if your physical condition differs a lot. On the bike maintenance stuff: YT has so many instructional videos that can be accessed often also at the road side that most problems can be tackled as they appear :)
Is totally different, the most when u camp. i enjoy both. In less than a week i'll go 9 days tour in group or three this time.
I've done this and it has many advantages. I've felt worried to leave anything unattended outside stores and crack heads have attempted to wait me out or win my confidence before I enter the store. Ladies of the evening approach at shopping centers. On the trail encountering young unescorted females touring solo. This makes me feel awkward. I encourage everyone to tour but tend to keep my distance. I sure understand they may be even more concerned about my presence. A few would even have other motives perhaps. You have to prepare for a variety of breakdowns because help may be far away. There are a lot of good people out there willing to help. Due to keeping alert to the situation and people's possible motives nothing has been stolen so far. Social distancing has kept me home this year as campgrounds are closed and resupply more difficult, and the public are more desperate.
Brilliant.
Saludos de Argentina, gracias por los videos.
Well I'm planning my first bikepacking tour this summer. and it's going to be solo... just like when I used to do the ultra endurance rides it was always solo
nice video! i do also solo ride because most of my friends have families.
What kind of lock do you use? I have several for the city, but they are really heavy and I want to buy something a bit lighter for touring. So far I have stuck to gas stations and cafes with outdoor seating for supplies while touring, a supermarket would be great!
Thanks for sharing, i did some backpacking and loved it, I recently got a mountain bike and slowly turning it into a touring bike. Think i'll be on the road for a year or until the global economy opens again. Good time to be branding and doing some UA-cam videos. Some of my "so called friends" will be ever so pleased that i'm doing something. lol.
That's a great way to keep busy during these times. I think you're smart starting off converting a MTB into a touring bike. Perfect timing by the way, that's exactly what my next video is all about. I actually bought my first real touring bike after touring on an old hybrid bike for 4 years.
@@BikeTouringMike It's painstaking trying to keep busy through these times. I look forward to your next video's.
I'll give send you link for my channel when i set off. You never know we might catch up with one another on the road. Take care bud.
If you are in a place where you think your stuff will be stolen you probably should never leave home. If someone wants really to steal your stuff they can probably get it. Who wants a truck load of bike touring gear. Forget it only you and me.
Traveling solo clears your mind. You have more freedom to choose your route and go off the beaten track. There is the freedom to stop and take pictures \ videos.
i am still waiting to get chance to do a solo tour. i have done short tours with a mate but they never feel like the perfect tour that i really want to do.
Nice!
Thanks!
thanks for all shares Mike.
Mike solo bike touring is one of the precious decision which i have ever made with myself... I never afford to go with any person because all of the time misunderstanding occurs and the whole journey become headache. Sorry i can,t.
I'm in a luxury position I guess, I don't have a choice!
Do you lock your bike for the night (like chain it to a tree, for example)? Or how else do you guard it when you're sleeping?
Some people use a cord to tie the bike to their shelter. The idea is if someone tries to move it in the night, it will shake the shelter and alert you. I imagine the strategy will change depending on your location. I typically camp in areas where nobody is likely to wander by and try to steal my things, so it's not been a concern for me.
What do you do with your bike during the night, do you cover it if it rains? Funderar själv på att dra ut men tälten är så dyra!
I have covered it a couple of times. For instance when I had heavy thunderstorms in France last year. I flew my bike in a CTC bike bag, so I used that for cover. But most of the time I don't. If there is a chance of rain, I usually put a plastic bag over the saddle since it's made out of leather. And I might also cover the chain with a plastic bag.
There are nice tents that don't cost a fortune. I have two tents that cost me less than 100 Euros each. I bought one from Aliexpress and the other from XXL. Let me know if you need any tips of price worthy tents.
I wish I could go bike touring...besides the Corona Virus issues, I live with an elderly Father who is holding me hostage!
I guess if you are more introverted person solo touring can charge your batteries.
Ice cool Mike 😎
btw...great back-drop!
Do you take a bike lock with you, Mike?
He said he does. Did you watch the video?
Listen from 5:25
@@Hertog_von_Berkshire Thanks. I missed that. I was wondering about the type and weight of the lock. D-locks can be heavy. Cable locks can take up a lot of space.
Hamburders
I always prefer solo trips for the same reasons you mentioned. I'm very fortunate to have a wife who understands and it sounds like you do too! I'm older so my wife has had a long time to get used to it, hahahahaha