Never had any trouble with my mate Nobby:

https://picasaweb.google.com/1044429...34523241696210



Andy

I prefer to ride long trips solo or with the wife on the back, I/we can go at our own pace, its nice to not get either slowed down to other peoples agenda or to constantly be wishing you'd stopped to take that photo, but 'they' don't like to stop. There's only a few friends that I would consider doing a long trip with. You will invariably meet people on the road heading in the same direction as you and you might ride with them for 5 minutes or much longer depending how you get on.

You will find your own pace that you are comfortable with the more you ride.

I ride Motorbikes because I love riding motorbikes (Ive always got a big grin on my face under my helmet) and the freedom it gives me to travel where I like, don't turn it into something that becomes a chore, life is too short.

Andy, Nobby looks like the perfect riding buddy, always ready on time, never takes the comfier bed in a hotel room, never needs a pee break, possibly not much good with a spanner, but there again, neither is my wife!

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Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
http://gipperstravels.blogspot.ca

If you are New and really "into this this" lifestyle of Adventure riding then I promise you will find others soon.

Because while this might be "scarce in your neck of the woods" you must understand it will never happen uless you are on the road, traveling, exploring and on long trips. This is the meaning of Adeventure riding.

You are bound to finde people who will want to travel with you.

I often organise and take groups of friends and sometimes their friends abroad . i even considered it as a possible when i retire - however there have been persons who have driven me to distraction on occassions . Examples being no recovery insurance ( only found out when the bike broke down ) , not getting up on time , dicking around when filling up and going fast on a straight but then braking heavily on an apex , no map or details of the hotel despite it being sent to them this all conspires to cause grief for all the other group . i think the no more that two rule is best to be honest but it would have to be with a very like minded person who does not get a sad on if plans change or you want a bit of personal space . Fortunately i have two ridng mates like that so i am very lucky
And to think i dont even charge for the above either ..........................

Im happily divorced and remarried my bike. I also have a mistress: a second bike. One is the comfortable wife for the distance and the other the mistress to ride hard for a quick romp. I love my wife and mistress and want to be alone with them. I believe only 2 should share a bed so only go with my bike. Like most women they are jealous of my time and affection.
I never do long trips with anyone else. I will do a day trip with at most 3 bikes. Anything more, sorry mate, you wont see me. That is a parade, not riding. If I wanted that I would get a harley and make a real spectacle. Somehow I dont see stopping all the time because someone must smoke/pee/ rest their bum or is tired as riding. Nor is a committee meeting necessary to alter plans. Leave that for Brussels.

As far as a pillion, I will take my son. My daughter hates bikes. They are too young to have a licence. An adult? Let her ride her own bike. Gravel with a pillion sucks

On your own or with some one else. That's the question.


Both have there up's and down's. Go on your own and you are looking for company to talk to at the end of the day. Problem is, if you don't drink it's hard to meet any one. I've done it both. On my own, and with someone new. The first one turned up on a bike with no rear foot peg's fitted. When ask why he took them off, answer was he don't take passenger's. So knew then if I broke down he would ride off. Latter he got a puncher with no kit to repair it. So let him use mine, no hat at night gave him my spare. But in fact we where two people going to the same place, but each on their own. Strange that. Second one. Was more or less the same. On the crossing at Dover for three week's out to Greece. He tell's me he has a mental problem. Then getting ready to get off the ferry, drop's the bomb shell that he's not sure how far he is going on the trip. Turns out to be three day. Then he turned round and when back home.


Finding some one to gel with on a trip. Is like gold dust. There are a lot of key board traveller's, who change their mind's at the last min. People don't think the same. I'm out twice a year, all way's looking for some one to come with me. Reason are keep's the cost down if you are sharing. Some one to talk to. There is all way's the thing of. You don't know every thing. So sharing knowledge help's you on your way. Wish you the best of luck in what ever you do.
John933

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To buy petrol in Europe. Pull up at station. Wait. Get out a 20 Euro note, then ask someone to fill up the bike. Give person money. Ride away. Simple.

I'm going to be travelling with a group of 4 biker friends next year. Everyone has their different tastes though. I'd advise against setting off to travel with someone you don't know though, because they could turn out to be a nightmare! So either go it alone if you feel comfortable to do so or go with people you know well and trust. Either way, have a great time!

I had a long and thoughtful reply typed up but lost it. Summary: Solo is best if confident. Partner is you want the extra security but with an understanding you're both independent travellers who can split at anytime.
However nothing beats a pair of boobs pressed against your back.

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I'd rather die regretting what I did, than what I did not do.
http://arransadventures.com

I take it that's not man boobs

I am doing a trip to Thailand and Laos in about 34 days alone, but you are never really alone as there are enough people out there to meet and engage with. But going alone you have the choice if you do want a bit of 'me time' and also the choice if you want to seek company.
Also going alone you will be doing what you want to do on a daily basis rather then having to do what others want.
On the other hand if you are with someone else there is immediate help at help at hand should something happen
It six and 2 three's
I agree with others...if you are going in a group I would say don't unless you get on with them well.


Wayne

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The Balkans
https://new.horizonsunlimited.com/poi_entity/8417

I agree with everyone above.

Its very hard to find someone who wants to do the same destinations, at the same time, on the same budget, who speaks the language, who knows how to fix their own bike, who........... etc etc

I've been riding dirt and road bikes for about 15 years. This trip I've been riding ALONE for 4 weeks from Santiago, Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Paraguay and now Santa Cruz in Bolivia. I am craving to meet someone friendly, doing the same trip as me. Being in bed at 11.30 New Years Eve was a low point for me (very lonely), but easily the lowest point of my trip so far was the last 300+ km of the worst road ever in Paraguay in 40 degree heat and no water for 6 hours.... then when I eventually hit the asphalt, I crashed at about 100km/h tearing open my forearm. I nearly died that day (28/12/14) but was rescued by a local. I nearly gave it all in that day. I paid the guy who helped me $500USD for helping me.

I guess, my point is that you are better off with someone incase of emergency and to avoid loneliness even if your trip varies slightly. I've backpacked all over the world (mostly alone) and often meet people in Hostels but very few this trip.

My KLR650 has been at Kawasaki for two days. I've been riding dirt and road bikes for about 15 years. (I love riding 'em .... I just can't fix 'em) I can't even change a tyre, so after my accident, I'm trying to stick to the more popular routes for the last 6 weeks of this trip. Hoping to meet loads of people at Uyuni (the Dakar on the 10th January)

I'm loving the ride but probably wouldn't set off to ride in a non-english speaking country again alone

Cheers

Bartman
p.cornish@hotmail.com

The only big trips I've done so far have been in Europe and the USA. Both times I rode solo and had no problem with it at all... I'm not one of those people who needs to be in company constantly, so it was actually pretty great to get some time alone with my thoughts, the changing scenery, twisty roads etc.

Now that I'm contemplating my first more adventurous multi-month trip I'm torn on this topic though. On one hand, the thought of spending months in constant company with anyone other than a friend I know very well sounds potentially horrific! On the other, I could imagine that having a friend with you in far-flung places would increase your confidence to interact with the people you meet along the way.

When on my trips so far, I've had a few 5 or 10 minute chats with people I've met along the way... but I couldn't see me randomly deciding to spend all evening drinking with anyone I've met or anything like that.

Maybe this is just a case of me needing to push myself out of my comfort zone a bit more when interacting with strangers though... more than needing a traveling partner.

Anyway, this thread has been food for thought... so thanks all!

For me it is easier to connect with locals without any friends or travel companions around. This way I am forced to connect with locals and it is also easier for them to come and talk to me.

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www.whereishemuli.eu
Riding round the World

Facebook:WhereIsHemuli

Solo or duo, you are gonna have a lot of fun. Like everyone said just talk to people and see if you can find someone you get along with. If not, riding a bike to the sunset by yourself is satisfying enough imo. Have fun on your trip!

I am a late arrival to this thread but it is still valid. It's a tough choice at times as to whether to travel with a group or alone. Short journeys can be manageable with a group but there is always some dynamic that causes an issue.

On my last group ride to Europe I found myself trying to get away from the others to have some me time hence my next trip is solo. Also, as my next trip is some 3 months long there is a fair chance if I asked someone to join me they’d say no. Even the girlfriend said no, I'll fly and meet you at certain places.

The end result is I am looking forward to the trip and what it will bring but worried about having to make decisions without some other input from someone else.

I guess that’s the thrill!