Takeing a 1000 mile alone

[Michael Hart]

I feel a little like a weeny for asking this, but my wife and parents are worried about me going on this trip alone. I am meeting a friend in Tn. Saturday. He is in Fla. I am in Ct. Do many of you travel alone or buddie up. I wasn't concerned until
my family concerned me. Is there anything I should be concerned about.
Mike

[TT RDHS]

Don't worry about it...
Go, have fun, ride safe & try to avoid getting any tickets.


P.S. pack light!

[mogu83]

Actually - Except for a very few old friends I like to travel alone. No worries about what, or when, to eat, where to stay or what roadside attractions to spend some time at. Most problems can be solved with a cell phone and a small bit of intelligence (which is all I claim to possess). When or if things go wrong, just ask yourself am I hurt (can see a bone or lots of blood) and will I sleep in a dry place tonight.

He travels fastest who travels alone.
[1888 R. Kipling Story of Gadsby (1889) ]

[hjsbmw]

I'd say it depends on what the nature of the concern is. Some situations I can think of could be handled simply by carrying a cellphone and maybe the MOA anonymous book.

I harmonize with certain riders but I have met some that made me wish I was by myself. All in all I greatly enjoy riding alone and mostly do so.

[tobes]

99% of the time I prefer to travel alone. Take the necessary precautions cell phone, insurance, roadside assistance, credit cards and have fun. If you're really concerned about it get a spot tracker: http://www.findmespot.com/en/. That should put your family at ease.

[Carol]

I have found that I prefer to travel alone. In addition to the things already listed, I would rather deal with traffic by myself rather than worry about the person who is following me. The SPOT tracking device is a great idea. The MOA Anonymous is another great idea. As a woman I used to have some concerns but now I realize that with my riding gear on, no one know who I am

You might also check into the Motorcycle Travel Network. I used it last year and my experience was wonderful and I have heard only good things from other riders who have traveled that way.

[deilenberger]

Someone once said to me "The perfect size riding group is 1.."

And I think he was right. It's very hard to find and maintain a compatible riding partner over any significant time/distance. This same person went for a ride to Alaska with a long time friend. They haven't spoken since.

As Harry said - you have only yourself to answer to. Slow/Fast - your choice. Highway/byways - your choice, Ironbutt it vs smelling roses - your choice. McD's vs local gourmet - your choice.

Another old friend - Ted Simon - and I were sitting on my back porch getting all philosophical over some good dark beers (hardly a better way to do it..) when Ted asked me "Do you like to ride in a group, or alone.."

That brought up Ted's preference for riding alone. His reason was - as a group, he could only be Ted Simon, meeting all the expectations of the group, falling back on his known persona. Riding alone - he could be whoever he wanted to be. And that can be great fun.. (which might be some of the family concern..)

As others have said - a cell phone and some charge cards will get you out of most problems pretty quickly. Having a towing service policy for the bike is good (the AMA gives you one free if you sign up using a credit-card.. no extra cost for it.) If you're going to be riding in the hinterlands of West by God Virginia (or other desolate areas that are great to ride in) I might suggest looking into a SPOT satellite tracking system. There are lots of parts of WV (thank Dog!) where cell phone signals are non-existent (which IMHO is a GOOD THING since cell-phone-brain-dead-drivers are much rarer in WV..) the SPOT gives you coverage where cells don't go. And the family can track you if you allow them to.. and you can use it to call for help or rescue - or just to tell people you're OK.

One other thing I've found when I've been riding alone. People will come up and talk to you. A solitary rider seems to attract people who would pass right by if you are riding with someone else. I've had some great discussions with people who came to just comment "I used to have a bike.." when I've been riding alone. Never get that when I'm riding with someone.

[Rocket]

Had to smile when I saw this thread. Am planning my first ever 1000 mile trip to Scotland , next week.

Have a long overdue appointment to re-visit that beautiful country . Went on an outward bound course located on the remote North West tip 5 years ago and promised myself that one day I would return on a bike to tour the fantastic roads. Most of the route will be along the beautiful west coast , about 1500 miles over 5 days.

Biggest worry for me is saddle sore , the weather...and finding enough petrol stops. Warranty and rider assist has just run out , so recoveries if needed will be expensive , but with only 5000 miles and a full service, hoping my R12 will be OK.

2 days riding is the most I 've done previously, so this is going to be a challenge.

[BigEasy]

I fly solo 99+% of the time, but the wife just started rideing with me (other than a short hop for lunch) and her first trip was from Indianapolis to Memphis in two day rideing. Yep 500 miles a day each way, over 400 mi on the retun trip in the rain. What a trooper Haveing said that it was on my new birthday present 2010 E' Glide Police bike, quite comfy I might add.

As others have said you can do your own thing and hammer it, or jack around as you see fit. I have not used my AMA roadside for a MC event however, I did use it last fall when my truck dropped its water pump. The service was great, and timely. Well worth the $ in my book, plus you get a decent magazine and a nifty wallet card (no secret decoder ring AFAIK).

Years, as a much younger guy, ago I rode to VA beach and back from Indy, and to KC from there quite a few times. In retrospect I think it help me achieve a level of indepence greater than what I might have by giving me the knowlegde that I could rely on myself to figure it out.

I say go for it, unless maybe you have an underlying thing you didn't mention such as a medical condition that might be problematic while alone.

[Michael Hart]

Thanks for all of the responses. I am going to have a great time.
Mike

[jess]

Here's another vote for the SPOT messenger. It's not for you, it's for your family. Getting regular "I'm okay" messages via SMS or email reassures them that you're okay, and they can see your location. Having a way to summon emergency services even while out of cell phone range is pretty confidence inspiring as well.

(My "okay" message actually says "I'm not dead yet", which my wife is only slightly amused by...)

[spenserj87]

+1 on SPOT peace of mind; although, you have to be careful - let's say you stop for a long stop - good picture spot, good food place, or any reason, those watching your SPOT may grow concerned that your SPOT track hasn't moved for hours....obviously the "I'm OK" check-in helps. But, I've still had people read too much into a long stop (part of the fun for me).

I mostly ride with family/friends, but I did a 3k trip last summer and I LOVED being solo. Every decision is mine to make - and I really liked that. It doesn't mean I won't continue to ride with family/friends, but I find solo trips to be more relaxing in some ways - I like being spontaneous, not knowing where I'm going to camp/stay the night, taking picture when I want to, etc. All said here already I guess. Just adding my voice to the mix.

[red baron]

I just rode last November to the Big Bend National Park via New Mexico alone which included dirt roads in the Big Bend. Trip amounted to about 1,600 miles and I am 72 years old. So there is nothing to worry as long as one makes some regular rest stop. In my case mostly at fuel stops. Have fun and enjoy.
Red Baron

[Ashveratu]

Hrm, my advice was going to be speak softly and carry a big gun. I guess it all depends on what neighborhoods you ride you through

[takemeaway]

+1 for SPOT. As stated, it is not for you but for the family. My husband bought one for me for his peace of mind. I took an 800+ mile solo tour last Thanksgiving and he thought he would be "thinking" of me too much, like other solo day trips I have taken. But he said he was pleasantly surprised that he wasn't nearly as concerned. He didn't care for the 10 min reporting interval for tracks at the beginning of the trip because it was just too long to wait for an update as the bike carried me farther away. But everyone came to enjoy watching my progress. Solved the "too long in one spot" issue by making sure that whenever I stopped for gas or any length of time I just hit the "OK" button. Tensions eased on all sides quickly and it isn't nearly as restrictive as it sounds. Have a good trip!

[combatcarry]

My advice... Carry a gun (seriously). Also, avoid the strip clubs and bars. Most importantly have fun!

[tobes]

unless maybe you have an underlying thing you didn't mention such as a medical condition that might be problematic while alone.

That brings up a good point. Since I ride alone most of the time, I carry a piece of paper on me with emergency medical information (allergies, meds, emergency contact info, etc...). Sounds morbid but if the worst does happen and you can't speak for yourself something like this http://www.resqtag.com/ could make a big difference.

[websterize]

Sounds morbid but if the worst does happen and you can't speak for yourself something like this http://www.resqtag.com/ could make a big difference.

Thanks for the tip, Mike. Been looking for something like this. A no brainer for $15.

[Motorcycle_Girl]

I wouldn't worry about it. I travel alone all the time both by car and bike...never had a problem.

Celeste

[LumpyCam]

This is a really solo-inspired board. Yep, i too ride alone 99% of the time.

* I send text (SMS) messages when i arrive at towns withe cell coverage, or
* this is also one use for the Twitter service to broadcast your updates for those who care, e.g. http://twitter.com/daschick/status/14509154836
* I borrowed a SPOT once and I'm +1 recommending the service

I think a big part of family's concern is that they just don't understand the risks of biking, and like any unknown people are scared of it. When i rode to the Yukon two years ago i had people thinking I would be eaten alive by blackflies, or meet a morbid fate on washed out gravel roads. Of course, i hardly encountered either and had a great time.

Be prepared and then relax. You'll only be worried about the wrong thing anyway.