Why I prefer to ride alone (even if I do enjoy the company)

[R Doug]

1.  No one to critique your riding.  Granted, if I'm doing something completely stupid, I would hope a friend would point out the obvious so I can learn from it.  But, just because I may ride a little faster than someone else, that shouldn't give them arsenal to make some snide comment about it.  "You know, it would only take one old person pulling out of a church parking lot to end your day."  

2.  I don't end up with someone who rides too aggressive for my taste.  Whether it's following me too closely, passing a car the same time as me leaving no room for error, or draws way too much attention to the group by the po po, I can do without it.  You want to ride uber fast and take off, fine.  I'll catch up with you at the next stop.  Just don't do it in a manner which puts me in add'l risk.  

3.  I don't end up with someone who will ride over their limit trying to keep up with faster riders in a group.  Ride your own ride, no body is going to think any differently of you whether your fast or slow.  Just as long as we can end the day together and BS afterwards, it's all good.  I don't want to wait for the ambulance or tow truck.  I have riding to do.  Please stay within your limits.  

4.  I can stop to take a picture, piss, snack break, etc... anytime I want without the guilt of feeling like I'm being an inconvenience to the person(s) I'm riding with that day.

Granted, I could list as many or more reasons why it good to ride with someone.  For the most part, I prefer to go at it solo.

What say you?

[scubadoguk]

+1

[Stripes]

What say you?

I say, no one wants to ride w/ you anyway.      





Sounds good! Very valid & detailed synopsis. I agree w/ most of what you said, but I still like to ride w/ people, old riding buddies & new peeps too!

[cyjo]

I like to ride with people I know and trust. Those people don't care how fast or slow I am. We do our thing and BS at the end.

[redpattison]

Totally agree that riding alone is my preference for the same reasons you stated.Tried the group rides, no thanks. However, I have a few friends i do like to ride with. Still feel a lot more comfortable on my own. Am I anti-social, probably, it is my choice and nobody else`s.  

[J-Mac]

3 riders is cool. Any more then that becomes a hassle.
I only turn on the afterburners when I'm alone.

[MrMoto]

+1. As I usually lead, and use Scala intercoms, I relish the peace and quiet of riding solo and not being responsible for any one else.

Just did 170 miles solo for the the first time in a month. Ahhhhhh.

[SLK50]

I find riding alone, well.....lonely.
I rode solo for 25 years and much prefer the
company of other riders.
What's the point of having an epic ride if
there's no one to share it with.
It's all about perspective. I spend a lot of time alone
so I enjoy the company of others and don't
consider the interaction an inconvenience.

[kendenton]

I find enjoyment in riding both solo and with a few trusted friends.  I have done bigger group rides, both as leader and follower, and there are aspects of that I like as well.

Maybe I'm just too easily pleased?

[cognosticator]

We have a group of 5 guys who all ride alike and go all over the place.  I don't mind riding with them, people I don't know, I would rather go it alone.  I was just thinking about this this morning.  Six of us went on a breakfast ride 60 miles away and a new guy joined us. At breakfast he stated he hasn't ridden much because he doesn't have anyone to ride with.  I got to thinking about how nice it is at times to ride alone, just for the reason you gave.  Do what you want, when you want without trying to accommodate everyone.  Of the six riders this morning, 3 were new to our group, it was only a 190 mile day and all went well.  It would probably be different if it were a multi day ride.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

4.  I can stop to take a picture, piss, snack break, etc... anytime I want without the guilt of feeling like I'm being an inconvenience to the person(s) I'm riding with that day.

This is the key reason for me. I love my lollygagging and then racing to the next stop  

[Hardware]

I like to ride with people I know and trust. Those people don't care how fast or slow I am. We do our thing and BS at the end.

^^^This^^^

I have 2-3 friends who have similar riding styles, are safety conscious and no-drama.  Riding with them improves the experience.  Otherwise, I prefer to ride alone.

[garry]

I enjoy riding with people I know/trust that have similar riding styles to mine. It's nice to have company at gas stops and lunch breaks. Plus, a little back-up in case of a crash, breakdown, etc is good too.

That said, I do enjoy the solo days because I can stop for photos at will. I am prone to near emergency braking without warning for photos. I have passed up countless awesome photo ops because I was leading a small group ride (maybe just one or two others) and didn't want to keep breaking the flow of the ride. I get a lot of satisfaction doing a nice photo-heavy ride report. They're nice to re-live after the fact.

[NEredhead]

I do most of my riding alone and it bothers my family that I do.  Wait until they find out I'm planning
on riding to a wedding in Wisconsin in June.  Have a bike, camera, and a cell phone...will travel!

A couple years ago, four of us rode to Sturgis.  My ex-boyfriend, his brother, their cousin, and myself.
Every gas stop the brother and cousin would smoke two cigarettes each and talk on their phones.  Those
gas stops took upwards of 30 minutes.  It was a miserable trip there taking much much much longer than
it should have.

Riding with a group has no appeal.  Riding with a couple of people isn't too bad...usually.

[monkeybuttpowder]

I prefer to ride with at least one other person. Speaking from experience, there's nothing worse than having something bad happen & be stranded or hurt & alone & not being able to get some kind of help.

[SLK50]

I prefer to ride with at least one other person. Speaking from experience, there's nothing worse than having something bad happen & be stranded or hurt & alone & not being able to get some kind of help.

The dirt surfing I did last year would likely have had a
very different outcome ( much worse ) if I had been alone.
Since then I've had time to re-evaluate my need to ride solo.
I find it very comforting knowing another rider has my back.

[Justin]

I have a very small handful of folks I ride with anymore. And those that I do ride with, ride their own ride. I've had two incidents on groups rides where someone trying to keep up with the faster guys crashed. First one, not so bad, second one had some injuries. So, the few I do ride with now, I never have to worry about if they crashed behind me, they don't ride right on my tail, and if we get split, we'll meet at the next stop.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

I do most of my riding alone and it bothers my family that I do.  Wait until they find out I'm planning
on riding to a wedding in Wisconsin in June.

Heh - do like I did when I rode solo from southern Mexico to Seattle: wait until your back to tell them that you went :-D

[Andrew]

I understand the points made by the OP and agree with most of them.

Group rides, only for short half day stuff and only in a group I know.

Most of my riding is solo and All of my long rides are Solo. After a day or two I don't think I can ride with anyone that long.

Intercoms, OH Hell NO tried that once and that was enough NEVER AGAIN. If you can't make a hand gesture to get your point across I don't need to know.

[Bender]

When i ride alone..i prefer to be by myself.

[maddjack]

You more or less sound like me Doug. ......................That should spoil your day. LOL

[R Doug]

I say, no one wants to ride w/ you anyway.      

 

You more or less sound like me Doug. ......................That should spoil your day. LOL

You're right.  It has.  

[movenon]

Group rides suck for many reasons... TMFP  "to many firkin people"..  

[falconati]

All good reasons.  I like following certain people because they choose fun routes, or ones I haven't seen before.  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Group rides suck for many reasons... TMFP  "to many firkin people"..  

 

[sprint_st]

I would like to ride with others but for the reasons you state I find it more enjoyable to ride alone.  If you have a good riding buddy it can be very enjoyable.  Doug, I've ridden with ServiceRifle since before ESTN07.  I know you have too. We seem to always be on the same page agreeable to whatever the other would like to do, except when I had an FJR and he would drag me down roads built for his GS   .  That consideration for the other rider seems to be what is hard to find.  Similar riding skills helps too.

Four seems to be the limit for group rides.  I don't know how those yayhoo cruisers can stand riding in those packs  

[kendenton]

Good times all  

[2RR2NV]

I like to ride with people I know and trust. Those people don't care how fast or slow I am. We do our thing and BS at the end.

+1

that's why i am usually closing the back door on the group cause i don't care to be hauling butt everywhere. don't want to hold people up.

[Bigpoodle]

Riding is good, generally, if you're in the right frame of mind for whatever the conditions are and the company (if any) can agree on for ground rules.

Riding solo is just about always good, unless something ugly happens where you wish someone had your back.

Riding with a small group of similar skills, inclinations, and equipment, especially if you've ridden together a lot and found a common groove, might be the best (unless you're in one of those need-to-be-on-your-own frames of mind).

Riding with heterogeneous larger groups, well, sometimes it works out great and sometimes not so much.

Riding in massive slow-ass parades once every few years is okay, if only just to remind you what you're not missing. Though sometimes you will get a cool tee shirt out of it.

All better than not riding.

[GRN]

I used to ride with others a lot. Not so much anymore, on road at least... off road on extended adventure is another gig. It's my time, my experience... extra pickles, hold the mustard please. Finding consensus as a member of a group is already far too prolific in family and work life, there is no place for it in my helmet time.

I have adopted more of a I know I'm going east, and in two days I'll probably end up in Glacier Park for two nights, then take two days home. The rest is fairly random, fluid, and spontaneous. I did this particular ride with a like minded soul, and fellow "On-Street" instructor last July, had a blast, enjoyed each others company and desired diversions en rout. All good, and unusual.

We actually agreed to take turns critiquing the others riding. We would swap out the lead spot between gas stops and challenge the follower to come up with two things they saw us do that we might consider doing differently. It was good practice for us professionally, and as riders. That said, I don't know many folks I could or would have wanted to do that with.

[Cheddarhead]

I do most of my riding alone and it bothers my family that I do.  Wait until they find out I'm planning
on riding to a wedding in Wisconsin in June.  Have a bike, camera, and a cell phone...will travel!

Get yourself a SPOT Tracker...that way those who you have left behind can track your progress...and, if you should have a mishap, the tracker can help guide emergency response folks to where you are...

Cheap peace of mind...especially if you are traveling alone.

[GRN]

Get yourself a SPOT Tracker...that way those who you have left behind can track your progress...and, if you should have a mishap, the tracker can help guide emergency response folks to where you are...

Cheap peace of mind...especially if you are traveling alone.

Yeah, what he said. Lost a friend a few years back who went down hard, out of sight in a remote area. They found him 8-9 days later, figured he survived the first two. It's an invaluable investment.

[R Doug]

Cheap peace of mind...especially if you are traveling alone.

Agreed.  I've had mine for 2 years now.  My wife can track my every move and take the drama out of it for her.  And, should I need assistance, I have it no matter if there's cell signal or not.

[R Doug]

BTW, the reason I started this thread is I agreed to do a few rides lately with guys I work with.  Both of them ride bagger HDs and I've always set the ground rules that I may occasionally "check out" on them and will wait at the next major turn.

I really do enjoy riding with like-minded people in small numbers.  There are several who have posted in this thread already that I would go cross country with in a heartbeat (even Jack!).  

As much as I like my coworkers, I got really pissed yesterday (and they knew it) when one of them lectured me at the end of the day about my speed.  Then, another tells our boss that I have "NO FEAR" when it comes to riding.  I already handled the guy who lectured me.  Today, I am going to discuss the "no fear" comment made to my boss.  FWIW, I am in the risk management business.  We are all commercial loan underwriters which make commercial loan decisions starting at $10MM and up to the bank's legal lending limit.  I don't want people I work with to think I'm not afraid of risk.  We are risk mitigate experts so to speak.

When my boss told me what one of the co-workers said about my riding, I replied, "you have to understand that I have countless miles of experience when it comes to riding in the rain.  He has only been riding for two years and fears the rain.  I fear wet roads too, but the difference is I know the limits of my skill and bike's ability."

[viffergyrl]

BTW, the reason I started this thread is I agreed to do a few rides lately with guys I work with.  Both of them ride bagger HDs and I've always set the ground rules that I may occasionally "check out" on them and will wait at the next major turn.

I really do enjoy riding with like-minded people in small numbers.  There are several who have posted in this thread already that I would go cross country with in a heartbeat (even Jack!).  

As much as I like my coworkers, I got really pissed yesterday (and they knew it) when one of them lectured me at the end of the day about my speed.  Then, another tells our boss that I have "NO FEAR" when it comes to riding.  I already handled the guy who lectured me.  Today, I am going to discuss the "no fear" comment made to my boss.  FWIW, I am in the risk management business.  We are all commercial loan underwriters which make commercial loan decisions starting at $10MM and up to the bank's legal lending limit.  I don't want people I work with to think I'm not afraid of risk.  We are risk mitigate experts so to speak.

When my boss told me what one of the co-workers said about my riding, I replied, "you have to understand that I have countless miles of experience when it comes to riding in the rain.  He has only been riding for two years and fears the rain.  I fear wet roads too, but the difference is I know the limits of my skill and bike's ability."

First... Wow. People really will say anything in spite of no experience. Talk about not understanding risk and how to mitigate it (take some riding courses and practice!) Makes me more concerned about your co-worker (you might point that out to him). I'd be interested in hearing the 'rest of the story'. BTW I have a really good friend (still is) who would say a few things about my speed; I would then say a few things about her lack of gear....   That stopped that nonsense.

Context is everything when it comes to who I ride with. M.Brane is my favorite riding partner.   We have radios so that when he runs on ahead he can check back and make sure I'm ok, give status report ("crossing the Tule Creek bridge"), and warn about cagers, bicyclists, sand in corners, dogs, whatever. I match back with a status report ("now crossing the Tule Creek bridge") and requests for bio-breaks ("I need to pee!"  ). Radios are for communication of facts not chit-chat.... Well there are a few sentimental exchanges....   I try to return the favor when I'm leading but he's not that far behind so he usually sees whatever I would report.

As to group rides - I would describe these as 'invitation only' and posted, 'public' rides (like a Fast 400 in SoCal that we do in Region 1). The first one is that you know everyone involved (2-4 riders) and you know the pecking order and habits. These are quite enjoyable with no drama. With posted rides you go in knowing that you are riding with people you may not know as you can't control who shows up. It's about being sociable and a different kind of ride. We usually run a 'slinky' ride - faster riders in the front who will wait at the turns - you just have points where you have to wait for the slinky to catch up. Everyone rides their own ride. Of course you make mental notes about who you'll ride with in the future (or not) and there is usually one good meal.  

I've not ridden by myself in a long time, and I have ridden by myself, but I find it more enjoyable to have a buddy. That's just me.

I've done my share of formation group rides and have no wish to repeat those. I just can't watch the stupidity anymore.  

[cyjo]

Recently my cousin got into riding and going with him has opened my eyes a bit. After almost 20 years on a bike it's nice to be with someone who is cautious and just enjoys the open road. In the past a lot of people I've been with want to show off and my cousin is ok when I move a little faster. (He doesn't bother to try and keep up) makes me mute aware of what I'm doing and now that I'm back north I'm not that much faster on the back roads anyway. That will just take time.in a way I've fallen in love with motorcycles again.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

[sprint_st]

Thanks Doug for my morning entertainment    I know you did not intend it that way, but the irony in your story had me    The absolute most dangerous thing I EVER do on two wheels is passing gaggles of cruisers.  You can predict chicken and squirrel reactions way better than those guys.  I have ridden with you up in WV once and know you to be an excellent rider.  I must commend you for your self discipline in dealing with that situation.  

[R Doug]

Thanks Doug for my morning entertainment    I know you did not intend it that way, but the irony in your story had me    The absolute most dangerous thing I EVER do on two wheels is passing gaggles of cruisers.  You can predict chicken and squirrel reactions way better than those guys.  I have ridden with you up in WV once and know you to be an excellent rider.  I must commend you for your self discipline in dealing with that situation.  

Here's something add to the story.  I recently read a book which I passed along to my boss who also loved it.  I think she understands where I'm coming from.

Here' the book:

[Cablebandit]

I ride with the same 3-4 guys when riding in a group.  Pretty much everyone else hates me so it makes the decision to ride alone most of the time easy.  

[esqualey]

Here's something add to the story.  I recently read a book which I passed along to my boss who also loved it.  I think she understands where I'm coming from.

Here' the book:

Great book, definitely worth many re readings!  Thread heist over.

Paul

[motodog650]

Get yourself a SPOT Tracker...that way those who you have left behind can track your progress...and, if you should have a mishap, the tracker can help guide emergency response folks to where you are...

Cheap peace of mind...especially if you are traveling alone.

Yeah, what he said. Lost a friend a few years back who went down hard, out of sight in a remote area. They found him 8-9 days later, figured he survived the first two. It's an invaluable investment.

What they said. Probably ride solo 85% of the time. Don't leave home without the Spot...

[ConPilot1]

^^^This^^^

I have 2-3 friends who have similar riding styles, are safety conscious and no-drama.  Riding with them improves the experience.  Otherwise, I prefer to ride alone.

Yup. +1

I think it's a great social opportunity to ride with others, and can be fun. Nice to share scenes, memorable spots, lunches + good times with others.

However I think it's key to find riders who are comfortable with your pace and you with their pace as well as overall riding style.

[Dan K]

I like both.  Went riding with a group I didn't know this summer - knew a few of the guys, but had never ridden with them.  It was interesting - immediately found a sub-group I was happy riding with, and later on, when we met up with the rider I knew (he was on a new Multi, majority of bikes were Harleys, with one F800ST), he and I left everyone behind.  Worked out for everyone, and the gas stops and meals are a blast. This was about 16 people.

My usual group rides are 3-4 people, tops, and I do lots of solo riding between Chicago and Michigan.

All in all, I'm usually happy riding regardless of who it's with, but have no desire to do those big parade rides with 100's of bikes, like toys for tots, or what not....In my personal experience, of the riders I've come across, I've found that the majority of people on motorcycles probably shouldn't be on motorcycles... kinda scary.

-Dan

[R Doug]

After some thought, I suppose my REAL thought on this topic is I prefer to ride in small groups with select folks.  But, when it comes to other group rides, I would prefer to ride alone.

That said, how do you decline group rides without coming across as a dick?  In the past, I've simply said to groups of people, "I don't ride in groups."

[Justin]

That said, how do you decline group rides without coming across as a dick?

Just tell them they are too fast for you    

[R Doug]

Brilliant!  That way they will take that excuse as a badge of honor.  

[Bill-Z]

I ride with my wife regularly and enjoy it, for the most part.  Funny thing is, when she leads, she runs along at a pretty good clip, but if traffic somehow causes our positions to shift and she is following, she becomes very slow and I have to be careful not to run off and leave her.  She just drags along behind.\

I have taken several solo trips and have enjoyed each adventure for the opportunity and freedom the orginal poster mentioned.  I reveal in the freedom to turn off on a spontaneous jaunt for no reason without having to justify my actions to anyone.  I would like to make a trip with my wife but I know that she will not feel comfortable with my foolish side road antics.  If we manage to get away, it will need to be more planned and structured.  I thought I'd want to have radios but have learned lately that it wouldn't help with these types of off the plan wanderings.  She just doesn't deal with these types of things very well.  I've come to learn that if I just do it, and let on like it was planned, it works better and is much more fun than trying to sell her on an idea.

I've ridden with larger groups and don't really like it much, but will probably continue to join in because I just love to ride and almost any opportunity is a good excuse to mount and and ride!

[maddjack]

I didn't think you had any fear of rain Doug, respect for less traction but fear,   As far a declining rides , just be polite but firm and tell them , hey I have tried it, it isn't really my thing.

[viffergyrl]

After some thought, I suppose my REAL thought on this topic is I prefer to ride in small groups with select folks.  But, when it comes to other group rides, I would prefer to ride alone.

That said, how do you decline group rides without coming across as a dick?  In the past, I've simply said to groups of people, "I don't ride in groups."

I didn't think you had any fear of rain Doug, respect for less traction but fear,   As far a declining rides , just be polite but firm and tell them , hey I have tried it, it isn't really my thing.

A simple 'No thank you' should suffice.   If you feel you need to say more, how about 'No thank you; I have other plans for that day.' Which is true.   Just because people don't like the answer doesn't mean you are a dick.  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

When my boss told me what one of the co-workers said about my riding, I replied, "you have to understand that I have countless miles of experience when it comes to riding in the rain.

Yeah, but where were you when it came time to cross rivers, dammit?  

[glory racing]

After some thought, I suppose my REAL thought on this topic is I prefer to ride in small groups with select folks.  

how do you decline group rides without coming across as a dick?  In the past, I've simply said to groups of people, "I don't ride in groups."

+1 That is much better stated.

Regarding turning down group rides...I live in the heart of the twisties and am challenged with it all the time.  What works for me is stating, "Thanx for the invite but I already have a ride/route plannned.  It should be a great day for a ride...hopefully our paths cross somewhere along the route.  Yall have fun and I'll be looking for ya."

[R Doug]

Yeah, but where were you when it came time to cross rivers, dammit?  

 

[Smoker]

I feel your pain Doug.

I was at a family gathering (wifes) a couple of months ago, where her uncles and aunts were all there. One of her uncles rides a Sportster, just started riding about 2 years ago. He and a couple other of her aunts and uncles got me cornered at one point (I was trying to read a book) and started talking to me about my reputed fast paced riding style, how dangerous it is, especially when Andrea is on board, you've got 2 boys to think about.... It felt like an intervention. They couldn't believe I could ride a bike like that for hundreds of miles a day, let alone day after day for weeks....

I calmly asked them if they had ever ridden a sportbike. (I know, I ride a FJR, back off) And then asked if any of them had any advanced training in motorcycling. Then I asked Mr. Sportster if he wears any riding gear when he rides. That shut em up.

[maddjack]

Yeah, but where were you when it came time to cross rivers, dammit?  

[Mr_Gone]

"I Ride Alone"
by Lee Clayton

It’s another night in Los Angeles
My passport is restless in my boot
And my thoughts they take wings to wonder
Get up they say man vamoose
And I think about my thoughts of Paris
Of fine wine, women and precious things
And I think about my life on the midnight highway
The life of a renegade king

Twenty years they’ve called me a bandit
Twenty years I’ve been on the run
Twenty years defending my honor
Twenty years harming no one
And I ride
I ride alone, yes I ride, I ride alone

They say there goes a strange one
He sits back to the wall
Noticing conversation
And rarely speaking at all
And he rides, he rides alone
Yes he rides, he rides alone

It’s true I’m not much on talking
It’s true there’s not much I know
But one thing I’ve learned for certain
That you reap whatever you sow
And you ride, you ride alone
Yes you ride, you ride alone

There’s a hawk high in the heavens
A truly magnificent bird
He waits on wings of silver
To bring the glorious word
And he flies, he flies alone
Yes he flies, he flies alone

[Mr_Gone]

I ride alone. I ride my own pace. My schedule is my own. I stop when I want to stop. I ride fast when I want to ride fast. I ride slow when I want to ride slow. I eat where I want. I sleep where I want. No drama whatsoever.

[CosmicCowboy]

Some of my best rides have been with a group. Some of my worst rides have been with a group.

Some of them have been the same ride.

[GRN]

I ride alone. I ride my own pace. My schedule is my own. I stop when I want to stop. I ride fast when I want to ride fast. I ride slow when I want to ride slow. I eat where I want. I sleep where I want. No drama whatsoever.

Yup.

[DrD]

George Thorogood said it best:

I drink alone, yeah
With nobody else
I drink alone, yeah
With nobody else
You know when I drink alone
I prefer to be by myself

Every morning just before breakfast
I don't want no coffee or tea
Just me and good buddy Wiser
That's all I ever need
'Cause I drink alone, yeah
With nobody else
Yeah, you know when I drink alone
I prefer to be by myself

The other night I laid sleeping
And I woke from a terrible dream
So I caught up my pal Jack Daniel's
And his partner Jimmy Beam
And we drank alone, yeah
With nobody else
Yeah, you know when I drink alone
I prefer to be by myself

The other day I got invited to a party
But I stayed home instead
Just me and my pal Johnny Walker
And his brothers Black and Red
And we drank alone, yeah
With nobody else
Yeah, you know when I drink alone
I prefer to be by myself

My whole family done give up on me
And it makes me feel oh so bad
The only one who will hang out with me
Is my dear Old Grand-Dad
And we drink alone, yeah
With nobody else
Yeah, you know when I drink alone
I prefer to be by myself

[hexkopf]

I agree with this 100%. With work and home (mother in law in the house, 3 and 5 year old) the only time I am truly alone and enjoying my life is when I am on my motorcycle...alone.

Also I would rather ride with someone who is a crap rider and cool to hang with as opposed to a total douchebag who's riding skills mesh with mine. One can dream.  

[Ramseybella]

Just found this site and introduced myself as well.

I can agree with all above comments why We like to go Solo.

I love it period, never the less it is fun to have at least one buddy to hang with.
I come to understand our idiosyncrasies as he needs like an hour before we leave in order to leave on time (You know the ones)?
I also know every 200 miles he needs to pump on Espresso (Jeez I always forget the thermos).
And that he can't pull a 9+ hr ride in one shot, last Solo epic ride was from Santa Fe to Idaho falls straight 12 hrs.
I myself get cranky near the end of the day unless I am riding Solo then I know what to expect from myself (drink some Crown Royal in front of the campfire).

Yes I love soloing but I had one event I was glad my friend was along, my shifter linkage broke in Ouray Colorado on a Saturday around 5:30pm and no dealer.
Lucky I had tools blue Loctite enough thread left on the linkage bolt, camp ground attendant with cordless drill and bits and two old Harley riders with four zip ties!!
Drilled out the what was left of the old linkage pin dumped some Locktite and screwed two of the remaining threads into the hole and zipped it tight See results>>

[Hickey]

I like to meet up with people, but I generally prefer to ride alone. I like to ride my own pace and stop when I feel like it without any worry about how much I'm slowing other riders down.

[mxvet57]

I like to meet up with people, but I generally prefer to ride alone. I like to ride my own pace and stop when I feel like it without any worry about how much I'm slowing other riders down.

All i can say i was glad you were behind me when i hit that guard rail in Colorado.

[Hickey]

All i can say i was glad you were behind me when i hit that guard rail in Colorado.

That was scary and could have been so much worse.   /shudder/

I think I was more freaked out than you were.

[Mr_Gone]

Riding with other definitely has its advantages if someone goes down. But most of my riding buddies have succumbed to life — wives, kids, finances, job schedules, whatever — and it's just easier for me to ride alone.

Riding off-road, I wouldn't ride with less than two other guys. That's just me, though, my $0.02. If someone gets badly hurt, one guy stays with the hurt rider and the second guy rides for help.

[Tripps]

When I first started riding, I used to do the group ride poker run thing, but don't anymore. Most of my friends ride Harleys, their idea of a good ride is 30 miles down a poker straight road at 50 mph for lunch and back. But I do have one great riding buddy, Guzzi Dan, we are perfectly compatible as a team. we'll plan a ride, and have absolutely no destination in mind, sometimes I lead, sometimes he does, we end up where we end up, found some cool places, we both like historical abandoned stuff, best I can explain it. He's also my only friend crazy enough to do winter rides. We do 200 miles on a winter day, visiting little local history museums, abandoned canals, neat old buildings and stuff. And neither mind stopping for a drink once in a while to warm up, the more hole in the wall, the better.

My riding bud, Guzzi Dan

[rgbeard]

I don't often get to ride for the sheer enjoyment of it.

I commute on my Goldwing 1200 (but that's now SIGNIFICANTLY reduced with my new job.)
My wife and I take our Trophy 1200 out for 2-up fun
Lately she has her SV650, and I my Speed Triple for solo fun.

The Speed Triple has done lots of track days, but not much fun on streets.

With my new job that's changing.  I am now 100% home-officed, and the Speed Triple sits outside my office window, beckoning me to go for a lunchtime ride.

I live in the heart of some great roads in N. San Diego county, and hope to enjoy it more than I have.

[Real ZX-10]

1.  No one to critique your riding.  Granted, if I'm doing something completely stupid, I would hope a friend would point out the obvious so I can learn from it.  But, just because I may ride a little faster than someone else, that shouldn't give them arsenal to make some snide comment about it.  "You know, it would only take one old person pulling out of a church parking lot to end your day."  

2.  I don't end up with someone who rides too aggressive for my taste.  Whether it's following me too closely, passing a car the same time as me leaving no room for error, or draws way too much attention to the group by the po po, I can do without it.  You want to ride uber fast and take off, fine.  I'll catch up with you at the next stop.  Just don't do it in a manner which puts me in add'l risk.  

3.  I don't end up with someone who will ride over their limit trying to keep up with faster riders in a group.  Ride your own ride, no body is going to think any differently of you whether your fast or slow.  Just as long as we can end the day together and BS afterwards, it's all good.  I don't want to wait for the ambulance or tow truck.  I have riding to do.  Please stay within your limits.  

4.  I can stop to take a picture, piss, snack break, etc... anytime I want without the guilt of feeling like I'm being an inconvenience to the person(s) I'm riding with that day.

Granted, I could list as many or more reasons why it good to ride with someone.  For the most part, I prefer to go at it solo.

What say you?

I ride alone because I can focus, concentrate into a zone of one-ness with tire traction and situational awareness...No distractions.

Also every decision is mine. Speed, stopping, starting, Direction change...

I find this to be to be safer, and extremely satisfying.

[Kawgurl]

I ride alone. I ride my own pace. My schedule is my own. I stop when I want to stop. I ride fast when I want to ride fast. I ride slow when I want to ride slow. I eat where I want. I sleep where I want. No drama whatsoever.

Exactly.  Freedom.  

[Vfourfan]

1.  No one to critique your riding.  Granted, if I'm doing something completely stupid, I would hope a friend would point out the obvious so I can learn from it.  But, just because I may ride a little faster than someone else, that shouldn't give them arsenal to make some snide comment about it.  "You know, it would only take one old person pulling out of a church parking lot to end your day."  

2.  I don't end up with someone who rides too aggressive for my taste.  Whether it's following me too closely, passing a car the same time as me leaving no room for error, or draws way too much attention to the group by the po po, I can do without it.  You want to ride uber fast and take off, fine.  I'll catch up with you at the next stop.  Just don't do it in a manner which puts me in add'l risk.  

3.  I don't end up with someone who will ride over their limit trying to keep up with faster riders in a group.  Ride your own ride, no body is going to think any differently of you whether your fast or slow.  Just as long as we can end the day together and BS afterwards, it's all good.  I don't want to wait for the ambulance or tow truck.  I have riding to do.  Please stay within your limits.  

4.  I can stop to take a picture, piss, snack break, etc... anytime I want without the guilt of feeling like I'm being an inconvenience to the person(s) I'm riding with that day.

Granted, I could list as many or more reasons why it good to ride with someone.  For the most part, I prefer to go at it solo.

What say you?

I couldn't agree with you more.
I much prefer riding alone. I never get lonely. I don't feel like I'm holding up anybody ir riding too fast for somebody else's tastes. I ride my own pace; sometimes leisurely going thru towns but often pretty dialed up on back roads. I have nobody to please but myself.
I enjoy the company of others, but more when the day is done.

[FJRmgm]

+1 - I can ride my own bike at my own pace.