Touring on your own?

[mangocrazy]

Blocking roundabouts so that 50 bikes can stick together is unecessary and just pisses drivers off. And steaming up the offside at 130 overtaking people who are themselves overtaking cars is just plain dangerous.

I've done a couple of the old Bikersoracle VFR weekends, and they have a max limit of 20 riders. A group of 50 riders is just ridiculous and not sustainable IMHO. The VFR rideouts used the drop off system with a Leader and Tail End Charlie whose positions never varied, although the group following did. At every junction the No.2 rider would drop off to signal which direction the following group should take and would then rejoin just in front of TEC. It worked well, but I wouldn't even countenance it with 50 riders.

[Count Steer]

You don't have to ride with the group on a group tour. Provided you can all navigate, just arrange where you'll be at the end of each day and set off when you like and choose your own route.

There are people I'd happily ride in a group with and some I'd rather not. If you book an organised tour you get the companions that you get though. There've been a few on Flash Tours that I didn't particularly enjoy being in the same room with, oddly enough they were also the ones you wouldn't want to ride with. (Very much the minority though).

[636mick]

I’ve toured throughout Europe on my own, most of the UK, but not Skubland yet. Bit of a loner by choice so deciding when I stop, where, what I do each day and which way to go is much easier when there’s only yourself to argue with. It means I can change the plans, what little plans I make, when I want. I don’t like riding in a group,to me it’s just no fun at all. I’ve made some great friends both UK and abroad, I’m still in touch with some of them and visited a couple just to say hello and have a beer. Had some great nights with strangers if all nationalities, then parted company the next day after a loud breakfast full of laughter.
So, for me, travel alone, love it.
Mick

[Taipan]

I pretty much only ride alone. I dislike being organised, trying to keep up or following set routes etc. Plus the bigger the group the more stupidity I normally see. So on the rare occasion I go out for a ride, I like the whole independence of it.

[Rockburner]

Blocking roundabouts so that 50 bikes can stick together is unecessary and just pisses drivers off. And steaming up the offside at 130 overtaking people who are themselves overtaking cars is just plain dangerous.

I've done a couple of the old Bikersoracle VFR weekends, and they have a max limit of 20 riders. A group of 50 riders is just ridiculous and not sustainable IMHO. The VFR rideouts used the drop off system with a Leader and Tail End Charlie whose positions never varied, although the group following did. At every junction the No.2 rider would drop off to signal which direction the following group should take and would then rejoin just in front of TEC. It worked well, but I wouldn't even countenance it with 50 riders.

The first VD mem meet was something like 50-60 riders using the drop-off system from Chelsea Bridge to Castle Donington. We didn't lose a single person, and IIRC one person who was in the front of the group even stopped for fuel and rejoined the group before the tail-ender came past! (Naughty, but he got away with it). (We did Chelsea Bridge to Wisbech with a police escort)

The faster riders at the front did get a little silly (especially when the copper who was with us hooned past everyone and disappeared into the distance ), but those riding more gently at the back stated there were no issues.

[gremlin]

I went to Italy on my own a few years back. I really enjoyed it, but then I'm great company.

I think if you're on the bike there's a purpose to the day, things you want to see, etc. I have no problem of eating on my own, and wouldn't even contemplate sitting in a hotel. One thing I've found, having travelled for work for a number of years, is that people are way friendlier than you give them credit for and I've had many an evening sat gassing with a beer or wine with people I've started chatting to, whether they've wanted it or not.

[Supermofo]

Well I'll be doing a mix in June. First 2 days with 2 others. Then the 2nd 2 days on me tod.

I don't mind riding with the guys I'm meeting, no ego's and happy to ride as they want. One is fairly slow but that's fine and occasionally I imagine me and H might have a little play and then wait for a short while. Not a biggie.

Not done multiple days alone before but don't mind it as 99% of my riding is alone. Just the stops are a bit more dull, but I'll take my kindle.

[Cousin Jack]

Well I'll be doing a mix in June. First 2 days with 2 others. Then the 2nd 2 days on me tod.

I don't mind riding with the guys I'm meeting, no ego's and happy to ride as they want. One is fairly slow but that's fine and occasionally I imagine me and H might have a little play and then wait for a short while. Not a biggie.

Not done multiple days alone before but don't mind it as 99% of my riding is alone. Just the stops are a bit more dull, but I'll take my kindle.

PM me nearer the date, depending on dates, where you are, the weather, if the wife is happy, etc, etc we might be able to meet up.

[Bustaspoke]

I'm doing a fortnight in France on my own,then meeting my mates in the Ardennes for a week.A couple of them are into WW II stuff,I'm more into the riding & trying Belgian beers.I could have just rode around the Ardennes with them for a week,last year we did some of the WAW in Ireland,the year before we had a week in Scotland.
This time I've a plan to do the Route Napoleon,then across to Menton & back northward on the Route de Grande Alps before I meet them,so I'll have a fortnight of solo riding,a week with my mates & a few days solo at the end.Unlike me,my mates aren't into racing,& I'm tempted to go to Spa for the 24hrs at the end of the week.
Hopefully it'll be a good balance between solo touring & being based in one place for a week with friends

[Noggin]

I'm doing a fortnight in France on my own,then meeting my mates in the Ardennes for a week.A couple of them are into WW II stuff,I'm more into the riding & trying Belgian beers.I could have just rode around the Ardennes with them for a week,last year we did some of the WAW in Ireland,the year before we had a week in Scotland.
This time I've a plan to do the Route Napoleon,then across to Menton & back northward on the Route de Grande Alps before I meet them,so I'll have a fortnight of solo riding,a week with my mates & a few days solo at the end.Unlike me,my mates aren't into racing,& I'm tempted to go to Spa for the 24hrs at the end of the week.
Hopefully it'll be a good balance between solo touring & being based in one place for a week with friends

If you fancy a coffee, I'm near Bourg St Maurice, so if you're doing Col d'Iseran - Cormet de Roseland, Bourg is en route Should be able to hitch down (unless I can persuade a mate to lend me his bike for some of the summer, in which case it'll be easy!!)

[Bustaspoke]

If you fancy a coffee, I'm near Bourg St Maurice, so if you're doing Col d'Iseran - Cormet de Roseland, Bourg is en route Should be able to hitch down (unless I can persuade a mate to lend me his bike for some of the summer, in which case it'll be easy!!)

Thanks,I'll add Bourg St Maurice to the itinerary,I've had a few MTB holidays around there,Morzine & Les Arcs,plus Skiing & Snowboarding in the Trois Valees.I now want to see the area from my motorcycle

[Yorick]

If you fancy a coffee, I'm near Bourg St Maurice, so if you're doing Col d'Iseran - Cormet de Roseland, Bourg is en route Should be able to hitch down (unless I can persuade a mate to lend me his bike for some of the summer, in which case it'll be easy!!)

Thanks,I'll add Bourg St Maurice to the itinerary,I've had a few MTB holidays around there,Morzine & Les Arcs,plus Skiing & Snowboarding in the Trois Valees.I now want to see the area from my motorcycle

Careful. She's a jinx

[gremlin]

If you fancy a coffee, I'm near Bourg St Maurice, so if you're doing Col d'Iseran - Cormet de Roseland, Bourg is en route Should be able to hitch down (unless I can persuade a mate to lend me his bike for some of the summer, in which case it'll be easy!!)

Thanks,I'll add Bourg St Maurice to the itinerary,I've had a few MTB holidays around there,Morzine & Les Arcs,plus Skiing & Snowboarding in the Trois Valees.I now want to see the area from my motorcycle

Careful. She's a jinx

Like an invite to go base jumping with the Grim Reaper.

[gremlin]

That reminds me....I was reminded the other day that I promised to take my nephew to Italy for a few days of motorcycle mooching. I must have had a few glasses of wine as I don't recall it, but he's now doing Italian on Duolingo and his mum is planning her own few days away when he's gone...

I remember getting many a disgusted look when I was with the Gremlinette in Italy, as everyone seemed to think I was some sort of sugar daddy with a young lovely in tow. Quickly clocked on to use the term 'e per mia figlia' loudly when ordering on her behalf. Now they'll look at me with my nephew checking into a hotel and they'll think I'm a proper wrong 'un.

Anyway. As you were.

[cheb]

That reminds me....I was reminded the other day that I promised to take my nephew to Italy for a few days of motorcycle mooching. I must have had a few glasses of wine as I don't recall it, but he's now doing Italian on Duolingo and his mum is planning her own few days away when he's gone...

I remember getting many a disgusted look when I was with the Gremlinette in Italy, as everyone seemed to think I was some sort of sugar daddy with a young lovely in tow. Quickly clocked on to use the term 'e per mia figlia' loudly when ordering on her behalf. Now they'll look at me with my nephew checking into a hotel and they'll think I'm a proper wrong 'un.

Anyway. As you were.

If I might make a suggestion having been in a similar situation. Arrange before about the money but have them pay. It looks even weirder then.

[gremlin]

That reminds me....I was reminded the other day that I promised to take my nephew to Italy for a few days of motorcycle mooching. I must have had a few glasses of wine as I don't recall it, but he's now doing Italian on Duolingo and his mum is planning her own few days away when he's gone...

I remember getting many a disgusted look when I was with the Gremlinette in Italy, as everyone seemed to think I was some sort of sugar daddy with a young lovely in tow. Quickly clocked on to use the term 'e per mia figlia' loudly when ordering on her behalf. Now they'll look at me with my nephew checking into a hotel and they'll think I'm a proper wrong 'un.

Anyway. As you were.

If I might make a suggestion having been in a similar situation. Arrange before about the money but have them pay. It looks even weirder then.

I'll do that, and also practice the 'Help, I'm being trafficked' terrified stare.

[Cousin Jack]

Thanks,I'll add Bourg St Maurice to the itinerary,I've had a few MTB holidays around there,Morzine & Les Arcs,plus Skiing & Snowboarding in the Trois Valees.I now want to see the area from my motorcycle

Careful. She's a jinx

Like an invite to go base jumping with the Grim Reaper.

If you lend her a bike she will break it (and herself).
And if she offers to fix the bike - remember her nickname, the FUF.

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

[Noggin]

If you fancy a coffee, I'm near Bourg St Maurice, so if you're doing Col d'Iseran - Cormet de Roseland, Bourg is en route Should be able to hitch down (unless I can persuade a mate to lend me his bike for some of the summer, in which case it'll be easy!!)

Thanks,I'll add Bourg St Maurice to the itinerary,I've had a few MTB holidays around there,Morzine & Les Arcs,plus Skiing & Snowboarding in the Trois Valees.I now want to see the area from my motorcycle

I'm up in La Plagne and if you let me know roughly when you'll be around I'll borrow the CB from my mate There's some awesome roads around here for sure, I don't know many by bike, and the CB1000 is a bit top heavy for some of the very little twisties - well, for me!! But it's brilliant

If you fancy a coffee, I'm near Bourg St Maurice, so if you're doing Col d'Iseran - Cormet de Roseland, Bourg is en route Should be able to hitch down (unless I can persuade a mate to lend me his bike for some of the summer, in which case it'll be easy!!)

Thanks,I'll add Bourg St Maurice to the itinerary,I've had a few MTB holidays around there,Morzine & Les Arcs,plus Skiing & Snowboarding in the Trois Valees.I now want to see the area from my motorcycle

Careful. She's a jinx

Harsh - pretty sure I've not jinxed anyone so far!! LOL

Thanks,I'll add Bourg St Maurice to the itinerary,I've had a few MTB holidays around there,Morzine & Les Arcs,plus Skiing & Snowboarding in the Trois Valees.I now want to see the area from my motorcycle

Careful. She's a jinx

Like an invite to go base jumping with the Grim Reaper.

Now that's REALLY mean!!! LOL

Careful. She's a jinx

Like an invite to go base jumping with the Grim Reaper.

If you lend her a bike she will break it (and herself).
And if she offers to fix the bike - remember her nickname, the FUF.

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

Nah - I break my bikes! And have only broken myself once from biking (so far )

But don't sell me one you like cos I may well break it!!

Oh, and the FUF tag actually came from getting three punctures in two months!! THEN they worked out I was clumsy

[Bustaspoke]

I'm up in La Plagne and if you let me know roughly when you'll be around I'll borrow the CB from my mate There's some awesome roads around here for sure, I don't know many by bike, and the CB1000 is a bit top heavy for some of the very little twisties - well, for me!! But it's brilliant

Oh, and the FUF tag actually came from getting three punctures in two months!! THEN they worked out I was clumsy

I'm meeting my mates at a Gite in the Ardennes Sunday June 2nd,so I reckon I'll be in the area midweek on the last week in May,
Try & get some sunshine ordered!

[Noggin]

I'm up in La Plagne and if you let me know roughly when you'll be around I'll borrow the CB from my mate There's some awesome roads around here for sure, I don't know many by bike, and the CB1000 is a bit top heavy for some of the very little twisties - well, for me!! But it's brilliant

Oh, and the FUF tag actually came from getting three punctures in two months!! THEN they worked out I was clumsy

I'm meeting my mates at a Gite in the Ardennes Sunday June 2nd,so I reckon I'll be in the area midweek on the last week in May,
Try & get some sunshine ordered!

I will do my very best on the sunshine! My mate has done about 50kms on his CB in the last year or more, so I reckon I could persuade him to lend it to me