Solo Travelling and making friends
 

This is specifically for women (altho I'm sure some guys have the same problem).
I ride my bike quite a bit on my own, in the UK and abroad, although not beyond europe as yet, and am quite a sociable person.

I've found that if I meet other solo bikers they are usually willing to chat. But when meeting a group of bikers (both in the UK and abroad) guys seem reluctant to even say hello - even though it's obvious I'm on my own.

Last year, whilst in Austria, I was forced to stay in a few B&B's due to torrential freezing rain. I deliberately selected bike friendly places where other bikers were staying. However, even though I speak a little German and it was obvious I was also riding a bike, I was ignored. It could be that they would have blanked any stranger but I felt quite intimidated and unwelcome.

Are guys worried about chatting to a solo female biker?

Do other women travellers find it difficult to make friends en-route and any advice to improve the situation appreciated.

Not this guy...

I have done most of my bike travelling alone and certainly found it more lonely in some countries.

I have been touring the USA for a couple of months and have found that my bike generates lots of attention and therefore the opportunity to chat. Even had a HD rider with patch and high bars make a comment! Though that was at a set of traffic lights so it didn't go any further than that.:mchappy:

I think that in Europe people are more wary of approaching a single woman so that they don't cause offence. In the USA guys seem to be more forward, but that is the culture there.

Perhaps if you are in a foreign country with plates obviously not local, then you might be approached more but then you come up against the language barrier.

Even in England, I would not necessarily be approached when I was on my own. I took the initiative myself and would go over and start the conversation.

I think it is a cultural thing. I was recently in Northern Italy and pulled up to a ferry behind two German bikers. I got off the bike, said hello, tried to chit chat, and they did not so much as acknowledge my existence, kinda weird...

It probably has to do with cultural differences. Both country culture and group vs solo culture. Throughout the USA and Canada I have not had any big problems making connections with solo bikers. The same was true for Mexico and Central America. People were very willing to speak to me throughout the whole area.

Whenever I ran into a group of bikers (2 or more) it became near impossible to make connections. I had teamed up with a male for 5 days in Central America and we ran into a group of about 20 Norwegian bikers in Copan Ruinas, Honduras. They barely had the time of day for us and showed zero interest in us and our own trips.

I have had experiences of being given the cold shoulder, mostly by males, but even that has been relatively rare. I do believe that there is a bit of awkwardness that sometimes hinders males from making these contacts with females ...and vice versa. Of course we also have to accept that not everyone will connect with us, regardless of the situation.


...Michelle
www.scrabblebiker.com

Just because someone rides a motorcycle, whether down to the supermarket or across continents, it does'nt mean that they're happy-go-lucky, chatty, self confident, "in your face" type people. There are just as many miserable, whining creeps on bikes as there are in cars/buses/trains/retirement homes.

Simply look forward to the day you meet someone who posts on Horizons Unlimited :clap: and keep smiling.

edit; I keep my mouth shut 'cos I'm stupid and I try to keep my crash helmet on at all times 'cos I'm ugly too.

Well, guess you girls have to come here to Portugal than!

btw, that happens mostly with guys out there whom just don't have any self-confidence to approach any women much less a biker women!

Good luck and safe trips! ;)
Vando

Oh - I never thought of that! doh
perhaps I could grow a beard to blend in a bit more (I've already got the moustache.... :blushing:)

Thanks for all your comments. I've made a mental note to buy a HUBB sticker for my bike.......

California warmth
 

I have to agree it can be very frustrating as a woman travelling alone. I find it much worse in Europe but then it is my fault 'cos I don't speak the lingo so for the last couple of years I have toured in California.
Totally different!! Everyone talks to you regardless of age sex etc.

They are just so friendly and warm I can't wait to go back. I did stay in one hostel in San Fran and shared with 7 others and not one person spoke which I found a bit odd. Not the best hostel but amazing location so it was worth it.

I am very sociable and sometimes have to stop myself talking to strangers just incase they get the wrong idea.... or think I am a little bit cookie!

Jane

Solo travelling and making friends
 

Hi Elaine..

I´ve been reading women´s topics because I am planning to take my wife (on her own bike) for the first time on a trip here in mainland Europe. Normally I like to ride solo but there are times that I hardly speak to anyone unless spoken to. When I encounter larger (male) groups there is hardly any contact and with smaller groups maybe a few civics...that´s mostly it.
If I would encounter a solo female rider I think I would wait untill spoken to for I would be a little hesitant , not to give any false impression or something of that nature. I love to see women riders, there should be more of them and remember , us men can be a little insecure at first so maybe you should take the initiative in these encounters...speaking for myself, it will overcome my initial reservation and I would be quite happy for some social contact.
A cultural thing?! I don´t know...I,m Australian born, grew up in Amsterdam where I currently live and always had women around. Anyway, hope to run in to you one day and I just might be brave enough to start a conversation!
Take care.. Robert

Hey Jane
I've just noticed you're in Leeds - if that's Leeds, Yorkshire - snap!
If you fancy meeting up for a coffee sometime, drop me a note. There's a handful of female bikers in Yorkshire that I ride with & there's always room for another :)