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Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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  #1  
Old 16 Jan 2009
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Hi Laura

I would reiterate all of the above comments, especially 'Lars'. I would never travel any other way, but solo. In my opinion it is the best way. I recall my first trip overland to India thirteen years ago. According to others, I was going to get kidnapped in Kurdistan and if I survived that, I would most probably get lynched in Iran, neither happened, bar from making loads of new friends. Its amazing how fellow overlanders attract each other, whether you meet someone at a border crossing or you meet someone at a camp site. The beauti of travelling solo is that you can choose whether to spend a few days/weeks travelling with someone else or not. In addition, should you get lost you only have yourself to blame, and if you do not have to considor anyone else when it comes to routes, sightseeing etc.

As for solo riding being hard core, that is nonsense (depending on the trip of course) its no more hard core than if you were travelling with someone else.
I'm sure you don't feel it necessary to pair up everytime you go some where in the UK, why should travelling through Europe be any different.

You go ahead and travel alone, you won't regret it.

Good luck

Mike
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  #2  
Old 16 Jan 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by baluchiman View Post
Hi Laura

I would reiterate all of the above comments, especially 'Lars'. I would never travel any other way, but solo. In my opinion it is the best way. I recall my first trip overland to India thirteen years ago. According to others, I was going to get kidnapped in Kurdistan and if I survived that, I would most probably get lynched in Iran, neither happened, bar from making loads of new friends. Its amazing how fellow overlanders attract each other, whether you meet someone at a border crossing or you meet someone at a camp site. The beauti of travelling solo is that you can choose whether to spend a few days/weeks travelling with someone else or not. In addition, should you get lost you only have yourself to blame, and if you do not have to considor anyone else when it comes to routes, sightseeing etc.

As for solo riding being hard core, that is nonsense (depending on the trip of course) its no more hard core than if you were travelling with someone else.
I'm sure you don't feel it necessary to pair up everytime you go some where in the UK, why should travelling through Europe be any different.

You go ahead and travel alone, you won't regret it.

Good luck

Mike
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  #3  
Old 16 Jan 2009
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Stay out of bars when alone.
Best!
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Last edited by mollydog; 24 Mar 2009 at 18:45.
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  #4  
Old 16 Jan 2009
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Hello,
I can't contribute much that has not been said here already, but actually I'll be doing pretty much the same thing.

Starting from Romania I'll be going to Ukraine, catch the ferry to Istanbul, ride through Bulgaria, do a quick loop in Albania, have a look into Europe's youngest Nation (Kosovo) and then finally hit the Adria and head north, where home is. Most of it alone

So obviously my Advice is don't worry to much. Like somebody stated here earlier people have a horizon and whatever goes beyond that appears dangerous and irresponsible to them.
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Old 17 Jan 2009
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Ach, I love this site sometimes. How brilliant to see so many positive responses in such a short space of time.

Lots of sensible advice, too, including the most sensible advice of all... "go ahead and do it."

--Mike
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  #6  
Old 17 Jan 2009
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one ? two ? whats the difference.
If you are going to get kidnapped, (which is highly unlikely in Europe e.g. the Balkan) they can as well kidnap you and your mate. (two persons make about the same impression on a guy with an automatic weapon as one person does.) Actually, if I think a bit longer about it, two persons equals more ransom money, so better travel alone

(/me went solo from switzerland to india. never felt threatend anywhere on my trip)
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  #7  
Old 17 Jan 2009
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Josie Dew has a good book about her travels in Europe and elsewhere solo by bicycle. I think it´s Wind in My Wheels or something. It´s got an account of when something went badly wrong, and her reflections after the event happened. She sums up the risks very well.

If I ever get home I can lend you the book, but you can probably get it in a library or shop.


cheers,
Doug
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