Solo Touring

Hi, I've fallen in love with cycle touring. I've done only a couple of supported tours, but never an independent one. In November '09, I'm planning to take my first solo independent tour(South Florida), well trial tour(4days total), in preparation for the big one. I'm a female, and can not find anyone that wants to do this sort of thing. So, I took a hint from another forum that I read stating, "if you can't find a partner, go by yourself,"and this I am plannig to do. I'm really trying not to be held back by fear of going solo. I need to hear some opinions on this plan, be it pro or con. Also,any advice or tips to be offered up. Thank you!

Go for it!

Really, that's all the advice you really need. What do you need other people for? When you are by yourself, you have the luxury of traveling at your speed, stopping where you want to stop and choosing the route that you find interesting.

The thing I found on my tour, as opposed to a group ride, is that I am forced to interact with the locals wherever I am. There is no hiding behind a group leader - and people tend to want to talk to you because you are obviously an interesting person - riding your bike on a tour, and all. A solo tourist is approchable.

If you need inspiration, look on http://www.crazyguyonabike.com. Several TE members have journals up there. Denise Goldberg has gone on several nice cross-country jaunts, to name but one. I have a journal posted there (Spring Fever 2005), also.

Don't forget to take pictures.

Have fun! I've never done a supported or a group tour, although sometimes while traveling solo I'd meet up with people and travel with them for a day or two. But I'd always extract myself quickly--I liked the freedom of going at my own pace and setting my own agenda for the day. I'm generally not a loner--I love my family and group of friends and enjoy traveling with them at other times. But on my bike, I'm happier alone!

You'll probably want to decide in advance if you want to just play things by ear each day or set up a schedule and determine where you're going to stay each night. I always liked to set my schedule a few days at a time and then call ahead for a bed (I was staying in hostels). If I didn't have a bed for the night I'd try to arrive at my destination by 3 p.m. in case I ran into problems finding someplace to stay. And of course you'll want to be pretty adept at fixing the most common mechanical problems with your bike if you aren't already.

Good luck!

Sarah

Wow! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!! Now I'm beginning to loosen up.
I just ordered my Burley Nomad Trailer, and making a list of items to take. My plan is to camp at different campgrounds(pre-scheduled). I want to camp for two nights going and two nights coming back. Since this is my trial tour to get a taste for how this independent stuff will work, I'll only travel about 100 miles going, and reverse the same coming back.
I'm so hyped now.........thank you again!

Good luck on your trip!!! When will you be leaving? Sounds like you've got it all worked out and that you will have a GREAT time. :) Please report back when you finish and share all about it.

My only worries when touring is my hubby. I haven't done any solo tours because he worries too much about me. I'm not so worried, and am a very free-spirited nomad, but he's the one that worries about my safety.
It's sweet, and I love that he worries about me, but...;)

I'll be leaving on November 12th, and my birthday is November 14th. So, I'll be out there on my b-day which is the kick start of my decesion to do"EVERYTHING" in life that I've always wanted to do, putting all fears aside. And I don't even know where I'm going yet, but I am going.......

That sounds awesome! What a great birthday gift to yourself!!!! :D
Certainly can't live life in fear. Gotta do what you want (which means some solo tours next summer for me- even if it makes DH a little or lot worried). :)

You go, girl!!!! :D:D:D:D:D

I have traveled a lot solo (not on a bike, just in general). I used to sing with a large chorus, and after a concert tour, I'd always take off by myself for a week or so; I got a LOT of questions from other women in the chorus about this. "You're going by yourself??" "You're traveling alone??" I never understood this! It's not as though I was going off on a trek across Antarctica without so much as a windbreaker -- we were in Europe! What, I was going to get eaten by a bear while trying to find a hotel in Basel?! Sheeeesh!!

Anyway, I've never been on a cycle tour, supported or otherwise, but will be cycling the C&O Towpath (184 miles) by myself this fall. I'm really looking forward to it!! For me, the challenge is the ride itself (couch potato here), not in the lack of company. Heck, I ride by myself all the time; the only difference for this longer ride is the overnights, and heck, I've stayed in plenty of hotels by myself!

You ride by yourself, yes? And you've camped, yes? Well, then, you're just combining the two, and will have a blast! And what a great, great way to spend your birthday!!

So, so, so, inspiring! I feel so sane.It's those that present the apprehensive questions are the ones that are insane. I just finished reading MomOnBIKE Spring Fever journal of 2005, the name for her bike is William. I found that to be so nice, because the name for my bike is Douglass, named after a dear, dear friend that is no longer with me, but now he is.

I have done quite a bit of solo motorcycle camping. So far, I have never had a problem and have met plenty of great people. I made a decision about 10 years ago that I would not let fear stop me from traveling and camping alone.

Now, of course you should always be aware of your surroundings and who is in the vicinity. Take the normal precautions as any women in the USA needs to do, but don't let it stop you.

I really enjoy doing these things alone. I also enjoy my trips with friends, but I think my solo trips have been some of my best.

Here is a picture of my "bike" on my last trip.

http://www.mountainprayer.net/rushmore.jpg

Go for it! You'll have a blast. My sister and I recently completed a week long tour. We were with a group but spent much of the daily ride time in our own little cycling world. It was great to stop and talk to the locals. They were all very friendly to a couple of women on bikes. As much as we enjoyed being with the group, we both decided that group touring is not for us. Our next trip we'll be on our own.

Just one piece of advice. You said you have ordered a trailer? I tour with my trusty BOB trailer and just love it. It's taken a few trips to really set this in my mind. Just because you have room in the trailer, doesn't mean you have to fill it up! I really thinned down the extra stuff on this trip and still ended up walking some of a 2 mile hill that was a 9 -10% grade. The walking was almost harder than riding. Hills happen! Well maybe not in Florida. :rolleyes: Just remember to pack light. I actually challenged myself on this trip to bring less. Other than my wind vest, that I forgot, I didn't miss a thing. Look foward to hearing your ride report. bikerHen

I finished a 6 day solo unsupported ride a few weeks ago. My 4 panniers, tent, and touring bike was much heavier than my carbon bike. Keep this in mind and think about alternative camping spots, in case your body or weather says enough for one day.
I wrote up a ride report, but my computer froze up and I lost it when trying to add pictures.
I found people were much more friendly to a touring cyclist than when on a regular ride. My tour started from home, so the same people that pass without a smile, were now waving at me.
I had all good experiences and felt safe, except for the one too many trucks.
I hope you have a great trip.

I just picked up my Burley Nomad Trailer a couple of days ago. Took less than one hour to put it together. I took it out for a trial, packed it with about 20lbs, which is probably not alot, but I was so, so pleased with how easily it pulled. This trailer tracked really nice. There was a couple of times when I forgot I was pulling the trailer and ran up hit the curb(no damage). I will have heed the given advice and remember to pack light, because the space will tempt you to fill it up. Outside of what I've already have packed, I will be adding at least 10 more pounds including my U-locks.

I have been ridding in the same area for about one year, and see the same faces often. The ridders are pretty friendly and will usually smile and wave. When they saw the trailer tacking, I was surprised by those who wanted to stop and have a conversation about the trailer and my plans. The trailer is surely an attention getter and conversation piece.

I'm just curious, and please feel free to disregard these personal questions, and please don't read anything into it -- I'm trying to figure out if I fit into the group of women who could do a solo tour.

How old are you and how fit are you? Do you have a family? Husband, kids?

What's your motivation for taking a solo tour? Do you have a personal goal you hope to achieve?

I think it's a very exciting idea. Every time I'm out on my own, in my last few miles of a 20+-mile ride, I think how great it would be to take off on a solo tour.

I just finished a cross-country drive with my daughter, and it was excellent. I love traveling like that. I think I could do a short tour, but I'm not sure about a long one.

You're really inspiring me here. Thank you! And good luck with your packing.

A while back, when I was contemplating doing a tri, I asked what to pack in the transition bag and got some great responses. What would you ladies pack if you were going on a solo tour?

Roxy

Hi Chann,
No, I have no problem with answering your questions. I am 48 and will be 49 in November. I think I'm quite fit. I cycle 4 to five days a week, doing 50 t0 70 miles each ride(no hills in South Florida). I do light weights(power 90) 5 to six days a week before or after cycling. Two teenage sons, and I'm a graduate student- working part-time, which gives me a bit of time to take tours, at least for the next two years. And also being the big "D"(divorced) helps. Only the passion for cycle touring has inspired me. What I'm hoping to achieve, as stated earlier is to simply do everything that I've wanted to do and not be put off by fear.

As for packing, I really was sure what to pack outside of the given, such as, tent, sleeping bag, ect. I read some of the tour journals listed on Crazy Guy on a Bike website, and tailored my list from others.

If this is what you like, as one lady stated here, "Go for it!"

I'm sure I've posted this link previously, but it fits right in here:
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?...c_id=2126&v=JK this is one of our recumbent group. Sylvia left on a solo tour in July of 2007, and she is still touring :-) She went from Portland to Vancouver Island, back down the Pacific Coast to Mexico, through and around Mexico, New Zealand, Australia and later this fall heads to Vietnam and Asia.

What I have learned from Sylvia and Myrtle, you're only limited by the limits you place on yourself :-)

Have a fun shake-down 4-day tour, and then a fabulous solo tour, where ever you go - and keep us posted.

Edna

Oh my gosh! Now that trully inspiring. I'm ready.........

Channlluv,
What I have done in my quest to start touring is starting small. We have done a few overnighters to the local state park, and out and back overnighter on a local rail trail and a few local two and three day trips. With each trip I have refined by packing list. It's a trial and error thing that seems to be working well. We are in the first stages of planning a two week tour in the Canandian Rockies next summer. We'll most likely do a few more local trips before then. Even a short overnighter can teach you alot. Lisa

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Originally Posted by Biketouringrook

Hi Chann,
No, I have no problem with answering your questions. I am 48 and will be 49 in November. I think I'm quite fit. I cycle 4 to five days a week, doing 50 t0 70 miles each ride(no hills in South Florida). I do light weights(power 90) 5 to six days a week before or after cycling. Two teenage sons, and I'm a graduate student- working part-time, which gives me a bit of time to take tours, at least for the next two years. And also being the big "D"(divorced) helps. Only the passion for cycle touring has inspired me. What I'm hoping to achieve, as stated earlier is to simply do everything that I've wanted to do and not be put off by fear.

As for packing, I really was sure what to pack outside of the given, such as, tent, sleeping bag, ect. I read some of the tour journals listed on Crazy Guy on a Bike website, and tailored my list from others.

If this is what you like, as one lady stated here, "Go for it!"

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YOU are my new hero. Seriously. How brave you are to live your dreams like this. I can't wait to hear how your planning and tour progress. Thank you for sharing that personal information.

I've got a good bit of training to do before I can think about doing a real tour, but I do like bikerhen's idea of doing the out-and-back overnighters to local parks. That's a super idea and not nearly as intimidating as a longer ride to parts unknown. We have lots of really great camping parks around here, too.

Now, for the gear...

How do you plan what roads to take?

Roxy

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Originally Posted by channlluv

Now, for the gear...

How do you plan what roads to take?

Roxy

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Start with the basics, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, (the ground is a lot harder these days), cook stove, food, clothes and whatever else you think you need. Althought after hauling a bunch of "stuff" around, you'll start to realize just what you can and can't do without. :rolleyes: You might want to check out crazyguyonabike.com. There is a lot of good information to be found in people's touring blogs. But you really have to just jump in and give it a try. :D The best part of starting local, if something goes wrong, like the huge thunder storm we had on our first trip out, or you forget something really important, like the tent, you're close to home for some support. :D

As for roads, the local ones I know. Further from home I study the map and plan from there. If your talking cross country, check out Adventure Cycling maps. They have some good one. I live near a couple of adventure cycling routes. One local(ish) tour I have planned uses some sections of their maps that I have combined with the roads I know. It will be a week to ten days tour. I haven't done it yet but I will someday. That darn needing to work and pay the bills thing really interferes with my bike riding! Another source is to check the routes of local organized rides. They are usually run on bike friendly routes and could be used as part or all of a route to a local camping spot. Hope this jump starts some ideas for you. bikerHen

It really does. Thank you.

I was at my daughter's middle school orientation this morning and as I was looking at the school calendar, I found myself thinking, "Hmm...October 16 is a holiday, long weekend, family road trip..."

Yeah, here we go. Woohoo!

Roxy

When I started with the notion of an independent toure, I first went on a couple of supported tours just to get the feel of the whole thind. I went on one tour in NY for 400 miles and 8 days with camping. Then went on a second one to the Florida Keys, wich was only 75 going, camped over night and cycled back 75 miles, but lost of fun, nice people and great entertainment.

As for the roads, this will be a great challenge for me. I have no geographical skills, at all. Nevertheless, I have a Garmin 605 GPS that I will load with North American maps, and I will get maps from Adventure Cycling.

I get such a rush talking about this. I wish for you all the goodness and best in making your decision.

How many pairs of bike shorts do you take with you, and how do you/do you wash them as you tour? (Trying to figure out what I should be doing for my little ride next month! :) )

Channlluv -

That's the spirit! Just go.

DH & I noticed recently that we both had (the same!) two days off so we just tossed a few things in backpacks (we ride 'bents and hang the backpacks off our seat backs), tossed a coin as to direction, and took off to a nearby small town for a wonderful get-away. Historic (and cheap!) hotels and fried dill pickles anyone?

We had a blast. You will too. Go for it.

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Originally Posted by owlice

How many pairs of bike shorts do you take with you, and how do you/do you wash them as you tour? (Trying to figure out what I should be doing for my little ride next month! :) )

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I took two shorts and two jerseys for my week long tour. The best tip I got about laundry, was to wear your bike clothes into the shower with you to wash everything at the same time. I refined this to the following technique when faced with coin operated showers. I use one coin at a time. Start with shorts off and pour soap on them, then get the shorts wet and scrub while rinsing myself with my jersey still on. When time runs out take off the rest of my clothes, soap them up and scrub. When rinse everything and me, with the next coin. When time runs out again, hang up the wet clothes and start scrubing me. Your technique my vary. We had a shower that cost 25 cents per minute and it was the shortest "minute" I ever spent. It took five quarters to get me and my clothes all clean. :D

Drying the clothes can be more of the issue. If you have good weather, just string up a clothes line to dry them. Don't forget to pack a clothes line and a couple of clothes pins. :cool: We had a couple of rainy mist days along the coast so nothing would completely dried overnight. You can A: Hang your clothes off your panniers or trailer to dry, attach well. My sister lost her favorite shirt. Or B: Stop at a laundromat when you pass through a town. Or C: Just wear wool because it doesn't have to be laundred as often. :rolleyes: bikerHen

Thanks, bikerHen; I appreciate the info!!

all this talk of touring is making me want to do an over-nighter again- SOON. No more vacation until December, but there's always the weekends...

Thanks for the re-inspiration, ladies. Of to my atlas and gazetteer...

Here he is! Practice makes perfect, I hope. November 12th is the date.......Attachment 10024

Beautiful setup! Love the bike, and the Burley is nice, too. :)
How does it handle? I've only pulled a trailer one time loaded down with groceries and it felt like I was dragging the bike through mud.

Woo hoo for you!!!:D:D:D:D:D

That is one serious touring rig. I like it.

Now all you have to do is get out there and enjoy it.

Thank you! The trailer tracks really nice. I have about 25lbs in it now, with maybe 10 more lbs to add, includding locks. I absolutely love it. It pulls, turns, and decends really nicely. At times, I forget it's back there. The info pack says it can pull up to 100lbs. One of the many good things about it, things are not stacked on top of each other, making it easy to find whatever I need. It also has little inside side pockets. I can hardly wait.......

Hi I don't know if you have seen this journal, it was posted here one other time and I was absolutely entranced. 70 yr old woman went solo from Maine to Montana. She had only 6 days of riding left to make it to Seattle but she took a free car ride home to Canada. Very inspiring!

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/p..._id=96915&v=9f

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Originally Posted by donna322

Hi I don't know if you have seen this journal, it was posted here one other time and I was absolutely entranced. 70 yr old woman went solo from Maine to Montana. She had only 6 days of riding left to make it to Seattle but she took a free car ride home to Canada. Very inspiring!

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/p..._id=96915&v=9f

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What an amazing story! I admire her spirit. So, so cool.

Not to give any spoilers, but the fact she was only yelled at once? Awesome. (Of course, imo, people should have been cheering her on!)

Kudos to her accomplishment.

I'm getting inspired, too. On my last ride I was thinking "I wish I could just keep going and not stop!"

I talked to my husband about it and he said he wouldn't mind making a trip with the camper and having it waiting for me at the end of each day. That would be very convenient for me and fun for him, but there's something about just going alone that seems so much more peaceful and adventurous - and it would feel so FREE!

Well, I did my trial overnight camp out before I start my tour, and I have learned the following things:
1. check everything twice even if you are positive you have it packed (I took my bike looks, but forgot the keys).
2. Take at least two forms of I.D (I had to pay an extra 10 bucks, because I could not prove that I was a county resident).
3. Wet wipes are a must and very handy (I took about 10 and used them all).
4. Take more tent stakes than you will actually use (I end up bending two of the stakes).
5. Only place your immediate supplies in your handle bar bag (I carreid way too much stuff in the handle bar bag).
6. A front helment light is a good thing (I had no place to put my front light without it being blocked by the handle bar bag).
7. Charge all chargable equipment at least a day before setting off (I waited to charge my camera battery only 4 hours before leaving, and it never got fully juiced, so I could not take pictures).

I take off for my four day tour on Thursday, Nov 12. I'm glad I discovered these things, but I'm also sure there will be more to come with this trip.

Thanks for the suggestion to take an overnighter.

thanks for sharing your lessons learned! All good things to keep in mind.

I'm so excited for your trip!!!:D Good luck, watch out for beautiful Florida weather, and have a BLAST (and check in when you get back)! I can't wait to hear all about it. :)

Have a great time! Take notes! Share when you return! Have a great time!!!

How was it? Please tell!

I totally apologise for my long delay in providing details.......I was so overwhelmed when I retunred with classes and other stuff. But here goes:
The trip was better than I had expected. Solo touring is so awesome! I had not one bad experience that turned me off, not even when I got lost. Although I did bunk out.......When I arrived at my first campsite, it was night time, and I was frightened to death when a racoon came up from behind and tapped me on the leg. He would not go away. He walke all over my tent that I had laid out. I had to spray him wiht my "Halt." to get him to leave (that's just like a man).

The camsites were beaustiful. There weren't many tent campers, most were RV's. I felt totally safe throughout the whole trip. On state park facility was so hughe, it had to cycle another 5 miles inside of the park to reach the campgrounds. I had only one flat tire on my trailer, and no other malfunctions. At one point, after setting up my tent, I was so tired, I fell asleep whilet texting on my phone. When I awoke the next morning, the phone was laying on my chest.

Lesson Learned:
1) you can never have too many lights or batteries (my flashlight began acting up, so I had to make use of my bike light)
2) don't take all of you daily meals along, just take breakfast (I was so tired when I arrived at my camp site, I did want to cook anything. Once I cycled to Burger King).
3) If you have a bike map, follow it (I was trying to follow both my bike map and Garmin GPS. I was so confused. The GPS took me through some of the seedest neighborhoods)!
4) if you are not familiar with the area, and not sure where you are going, don't listen to you MP3 player ( I missed my turn and went ten miles out of the way before becoming suspicious).

Now, for my next adventure, I will be touring the "Underground Railroad" from Milford, OH to Erie, PA. At the start of April I will drive to Ohio, park my car somewhere safe, cycle to PA and cycle back to OH where my car will be waiting. The trip should be around 900 miles, providing that I don't get lost. For this trip I purchased some cold weather cycling clothes, a North Face Minibus 23 tent (oh, yeah, forgot to tell you all that I ripped the screen part of my old tent trying to scare the racoons away that sound like ten thousand creature trying to gain entrance), and a North Face Women Green Kazoo sleeping bag. I am so excited about this trip. There will be so much history to see.

In either July or November, I will tour the last leg of the "Uderground Railroad" into Ontarion, if it's not too, too, cold in November.

Again, I apologise for the long delay.

So glad to hear back from you BTR! Love the pictures!! Glad that you had a great time and that you really enjoyed yourself! I get freaked out at night when camping alone- every sound sounds like a million zombies coming to eat me. ;)
Thanks for reporting back. The UGRR sounds fantastic- can't wait to hear all about it!!

Ride on!