Leaving Thursday for tour

[KathiCville]

Good for you!!! Have fun and ignore the naysayers!

I've taken 90 percent of my vacations alone over the years and generally prefer to sally forth solo. Great way to recharge and explore without worrying about whether your partner or mate or friend is in sync with your energy level, mood, interests. I haven't done any bike touring solo yet, but it's on my list.

Just use common sense and listen to your gut! Have a ball!!

[channlluv]

I can't wait to read your blog. Do be careful, but enjoy the adventure. I get a lot of that same kind of concern because I like to ride alone. They mean well. And I don't even tour! I'm riding around safe bike paths.

I guess it's big-city thinking.

I hope you learn a lot about yourself. Safe journey.

Roxy

[Biketouringrook]

My, my, my how I envy you! This will be over 900 miles......very nice! I now do all of my tours solo, and love it. All will be well with you. I've come to learn that people out there seem to have a great deal of respect and total interest the cycle tourist. They will rush to engage in conversation and extend their services if needed. Are you going to take the Little Miami Bike Trail? If, you, have a nice 100 miles free of traffic and all other interferences, depending on your exit point. May you enjoy your travels! I look forward to your postings.

[MomOnBike]

Good luck! I wish I were going with you.

Don't worry about the nay-sayers. What do they know? They have no experience touring.

When I went on my first tour, my brother wanted me to take my gun along. I didn't need it. All, and I do mean all of the people I met and talked with were kind, helpful and positive. I suggest you leave your gun at home, along with the kitchen sink and anything else heavy like that.

Me, I worry more about mosquitoes than people. (So take bug juice of your choice)

Do take your smile and sense of humor. They don't weigh anything and are so useful on tour.

Also, don't forget to take pictures. You can't take too many, really.

[soprano]

The FedEx truck just came and took my bike away. Yikes! I'm having the bike shipped separately because it is cheaper, more convenient (that box weighed 65 lbs, no way I want to haul that on the airport bus) and doesn't involve the TSA trying to search and repack my bike.

Thanks for all the words of encouragement. I've taken many smaller solo trips before and I've always enjoyed traveling alone. I get to decide what time I get up in the morning, what restaurants look good, etc.

Biketouringrook, my parents live 3 miles from the Little Miami Trail. I was 11 years old when the first trail went in through Xenia. We thought they were nuts. I'm sure that many of the locals still think that the trail system is nuts, but the trails are recognized as a community asset and the tourism dollars are very welcome in that area. As an adult living far away, it's really cool to hear nice things about the area I grew up in.

emily_in_nc, good luck in Belize!

[Biciclista]

good luck on your ride! i got similar admonishments when i went to Sicily.. " you can't go there ALONE"

have fun. you can do it.

[Roadtrip]

Someday, I think it would be cool to do a tour like this, so will be following your travels. I'm from the Queen City as well, and have ridden the Little Miami many times, the first longer distance ride I did was on that trail in fact.

Wish I could ride the first few mies with you... Tho I've no doubt you'll do fine flying solo. Will try and turn the ac on high so it'll be a little cooler around here when you set off!

Shannon