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Most of my travelling (I'm lucky that is pretty extensive) has been alone. I'm an only child I don't know if that makes a difference but ultimately if I wait for company it'll never happen.
I find often that I wished someone was there to share certain experiences and loneliness was a real thing, more so when my mental health in general was on the floor. I've since solved that.
My only bike tour was 4 months and over all I'm heavily more in favour of the solo type with chance meetings along the way. Ups and down but they were mine alone, no having to worry about anyone else. Stop n push on as I please, it's invaluable to me. I now really appreciate my own company so I've worked out where I'm at, which is cool.
Edit: one thing that seems to sting in my memory is that a few of my friends that cycle a bit were asking about my exact route for the last leg home. I got it in my head that they'd join me at this certain point and no body was there. And when I got back, to my dad's house, he wasn't home either. I washed and sat in front of the TV like nothing happened. Was quite surreal.
Stoo61-
Ups and down but they were mine alone, no having to worry about anyone else. Stop n push on as I please, it's invaluable to me.
This is definitely something I appreciate as well about touring alone. The amount of freedom to do as you please is fantastic.
Overcoming challenges alone also gives an extra sense of adventure and accomplishment to me personally. I wouldn't mind sharing the ups more with other people though.
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When single, I think solo touring is great. You're more open to meeting people so you put yourself out there more. When in a relationship, going solo I find I'm a little bit sad I can't share some amazing things with my partner. So, good and bad to both, I reckon. Also, if you ride as a couple you tend not to be as open to meeting new people because you can exist in your own bubble a lot.
Tijs
hippy
Slightly off topic, but I thought this was an interesting point.
I’ve been thinking a bit about touring alone lately. A lot of people are dumbfounded when you tell them you’re going on a three week tour, solo. For me it began out of necessity; I didn’t really have anyone who was willing to join. So it became the norm for me, now almost seven years ago.
But last year I discovered that touring with someone who's on the same ‘wave length’ (both physically and mentally) can actually make some things easier, mainly when it comes to decision making (something I more often than not struggle with). It can also help with motivation.
Somewhat surprising to me, a feeling of ‘why am I doing this alone?’ came over me, when I set off on my own again from Leipzig after having toured with @Tijmen for five days prior. I still like touring solo and will continue to do so, but I’m definitely more open to sharing the experience with someone else now.