Women solo trip from Alaska to South America

[Biker Chick]

Hi All
I am currently on a RTW on a 650 dakar and have travelled from Dubai to the UK with a male friend of mine.

Unfortunately, our original plan has gone a bit tits up and we will now go our separate ways. I am flying myself and the bike to Toronto on the 20th August and then plan to ride up to Alaska and then down to South America on my own.

I'm 30 years old, British and although I can ride a bike, I am in no way an expert and have no clue whatsoever about bike maintenance etc! Do you think I'm crazy for doing this on my own, particularly South America?

Does anyone know any other women or websites of women who have travelled this route on their own? Is there anything I should be particularly aware of as a solo traveller (apart from loneliness and letchy men I suppose!)

Thanks
Lou

[Toyark]

Hello Lou
The best laid plans eh? !!
not to worry- one door closes and ten others open.
Lois on the Loose is a fun book to read
Load of women info stuff in the ....women's section!
Bike info also
you have a p.m

[John Ferris]

This is a link to "Lois on the Loose"
Lois on the Loose

[maria41]

You have also Annette, she is currently travelling solo on a DR650 (from aLaska to Ushuaia).
Her website is here: Alaska to Argentina - Annette's Adventure

No you're not crazy! Just do it! (Damn I sound like a TV advert. But then if I say "yes you can" not much better - why every nice line has to be stolen by adverts!!!)
Anyway, you will find plenty of help on the way. You'll have a blast!

Enjoy your trip,

Maria

[Biker Chick]

Hi All
Thanks so much for your messages and support. I've looked at the websites of the lovely ladies that took on a mammoth solo trip like this and its really encouraging and spurred me on.

It seems I'm not the first crazy biker chick and I certainly won't be the last!!!

Only a week now till I arrive in Canada and all I can say is bring it on!

Lou

[Sheikyabooty]

You can do it, I have complete confidence in you on and off road and I wish you all the luck in the world! If you ever need anything just drop me a line.

And maybe see you on the road!

sam

[Charlotte Goose]

Lou, you are by no means mad, and bloody good on ya for embarking on this adventure.

When I got worried about travelling solo and what might happen I disregarded real danger as a worry because it will normally be out of your control, sh*t happens! Then the next worry would be how will I fair on the achievement, and decided to remove any idea of success and failure - no right or wrong choice, just do, just get on and do! Whatever happens its the exprience that counts, good bad indifferent. No expectations, no concept of being good, okay, better, or worse. I can just about ride a bike and what I know about mechanics you could write on the back of a postage stamp.

You probably didnt need me to babble on about all this stuff, but just thought I would share what I went through.

On a more practical note, I am going to be in the US by the beginning of September and my bike will be with me hopefully by the beginning of October. I'm on/beginning an RTW trip, but we'll see where that leads, perhaps south, perhap TDF and after, I dunno! Keep in touch, and if you want any company or help or just a chat, that would be marvellous!
Take care, safe riding. Go well.

Char xx

[STG06]

Lou....if, after spending time solo, you start to crave some 'community' connection, think about scheduling in the Sept 24 27 HU Meeting set for Mattole Grange in Northern California.

At previous events, current travellers always get a warm welcome at these events, including picking up lots of good contact and travel info.

Just a thought...

Stephen

[Biker Chick]

Hi Charlotte and Stephen
Thanks for the messages and I will certainly keep in touch.

I do feel more confident about this and I hope that I will be able to meet some of you on the road, I will certainly pencil this in my diary!

Only a few sleeps to go and feeling strangely excited more than nervous. Looking so forward to a new adventure.

Lou

[Alexlebrit]

Lou, I just sent you a couple of intros via facebook to a couple of friends (in that facebook kinda way) who've biked a fair amount on their own, and are very friendly too.

See knew there was a reason we'd added each other.

Oh, and bon voyage, send postcards!!

[Tiffany]

Hi Lou
I can guarantee you will have a great time, I travelled that same route including Deadhorse, on my own a few years ago and ended up being on the road for 14 months,
It can be lonely at times but it is always easy to meet or hook up with people.

There is a route map, description and photos on my website if you're ineterested.
Also, pm me your email and I can send you a contact list for South America.

ride safe, have fun and enjoy.

[BlackBeast]

Give us a shout when in Vancouver.
Ride safe.

[Biker Chick]

Hi Guys -Blackbeast, Tiffany and Alex
Wow, its so refreshing to get so much support so a masssive thank you!

Well, I arrived today after a terrible flight from London. Bad weather meant that my flight to toronto was then sent to Ottawa and then had to wait to get back to Toronto when the weather cleared. It took nearly 20hours!

So after a quick sleep I went to face the Canadian customs to get my bike out and am happy to report that I was riding out of the airport in an hour on my bike! Fantastic, this was cheaper and much easier than Turkey!

I'm now having a few days off to go shopping for warm clothes and then heading North. feeling really excited.

I will keep in touch
Lou

[BlackBeast]

If you have the time, these are 2 must's on your trip across:-

:: Icefields Parkway ::

Travel Guide for Waterton Lakes Park, Alberta, Canada

We did it it on our move across the country in a mini-van, now just need to go back on the bike.

[PFM84]

This is my post on this site but I think what your doing is great! I don't have any advice but if you come through the okanagan valley in bc you can stay at our cottage!