Who has toured solo?

[coddy]

I ask as this year for the first time ever i have a 3 night trip away touring on the bike.
I've only traveled with friends before as i'm not the sort of person who is comfortable striking up conversations with strangers so I have always had companions to share the evenings with.

Those of you who have toured alone how do you while away the hours once the days riding is over as i'm a bit apprehensive about being bored and maybe homesick if I'm sat on my own all night.

[GeoffS]

Where are you going?

[Elmer J Fudd]

Me; I prefer it, no-one else to accommodate etc. just do your own thing. I would normally do a 9 or 10 day trip around France / Germany / Switzerland every year or two and I love to be on my own for that time.

I take a Tablet thing with kindle app on it and read / look at maps or what's a good detour etc. but mainly just get chatting to the locals. Bar staff are usually friendly as they are speaking to people all the time. I once spent an evening speaking to an Italian Barmaid, in French, in a bar in Germany (she also spoke Spanish and Portuguese but little English). Never saw her again, but a fun memory. Another time I stayed at A B+B in France and they didn't speak English and my French is not that good, we went out for dinner and went to....... a Pizzeria (you couldn't write that one), but the owner had previously been a chef at a Hotel in Inverness, so sat down and translated for us. It was great fun.

It will depend on where you are going, but just make an effort. Dave Grohl said in an interview I watched the other day about being nervous, that yes he had been, but realised that that energy was wasted, so just F*****g go for it. (paraphrased).

[tcbandituk]

I toured for the first time on my own a couple of years ago after taking early retirement.
I rode to the South of France stayed for a week and rode back.
I have been going down there on and off for years so used to the trip, but this was the first time without anyone else (I usually go with my wife (who rides a Bonnie) or a group of bike mates) as they all work still.
It was a bit strange the first time having been used to company, but when travelling, by the time I'd clocked up the miles, checked into a hotel, freshened up, had a nice leisurely meal etc, it was nearly the end of the evening anyway.
I'm not the chatty sort but it's surprising how many Brits you end up chatting with when travelling through France when they see you have a GB plate.
Riding the bike also means you end up having a few pidgin english/french etc conversations with other bikers as well    (I only speak a very little french badly despite my best efforts)
Once down there, days are spent riding or doing whatever I want, then the evenings are spent with either a bottle of vino and a good book or, if I can't be bothered to cook/get a takeaway, then I wander around the local town, stopping at a restaurant.

I prefer my bike holidays with company, but with all the free time I have, if I didn't go on my own, I'd be sat at home....
Had another one booked last year but it's been bounced until this June, when it'll probably get bounced again to next year the way things are going with covid in France.

[grizzlybear]

I love touring alone, been all over Europe. Go where you want, do what you want etc etc.

As for being bored, go for a walk (with a beer), read a book and seeing as we in the 21 century, do a blog 😀😀

[fac191]

I would just take Geoff with you. Longing for your own company you will.

[Paulhere]

Hopefully we'll all be out & about June 21st onwards. Get bored in evening in a B&B/Hotel sat on your own.

I camp so plenty to do, set up, cook scran, plan next day's ride over a beer. Other campers like to know what you been up to & where you're going. Have another beer or stroll to local pub for an hour, time for bed.

[Stevie.P]

Originally Posted by fac191

I would just take Geoff with you. Longing for your own company you will.

 :492:  :492:  :492:

[sezian]

Why not ask if anyone is interested in joining you (if you want company). I've met and hooked up with people on this forum a couple of times and had some great adventures.

[KildareMan]

Years ago on my freshly rebored B120 Kent to Lands End.  Best adventure ever.