Great points. I've ridden in groups and solo. As a 1st Officer and Road Captain group rides were giant babysitting trips. Solo, it's me, my bike and my gear. I'm free to stop, change routes, camp, meet different riders and people, stop for a meal or anything that comes to mind. My personal safety is on me, not on a mouthpiece in the group. It's better alone. Freedom on my bike, avoiding stupidity and seeing the country on my terms. I totally agree with you.
Hey, do I know you? You took the words right out of my mouth!! My friends are like "You don't like to ride with anybody anymore." Riding / camping by yourself is the ultimate freedom for me, no question about it. I enjoy slowing down and camping, chillin some, hiking when you can. Good exercise, nature, camping keeps me busy at night . I don't dig hotels, because you have got to go to towns more. I had a beautiful camp site on the lake for $ 7.00 a few weeks ago. Million dollar view cheap, I dig. I really like your channel; I am glad I found it. I am 61, in good shape, been riding since I was 10. Having so much fun, riding a WR 250R right now. Peace and safe travels! Kevin
Completely agree. I thought I'd try short group trips; a few of them were enough for me to swear never to go on group rides again. But, I have ridden all around New Zealand, Japan, Australia and now the USA continent, across the Mojave Desert, up mountains by myself with no issues. You just have to be cognizant when you are in remote places you don't take risks and ride well within your skills.
@@kiwikidusa completely agree. Plus the bonus is meeting other independent adventurers along the way. Sharing advice, knowledge, respecting individual goals and maybe, just maybe, running into each other again. Life is an adventure, don't miss 1 minute.
Great information again Pavlin. A lot of riding is basically why do you ride motorcycles, is it for the enjoyment of the ride or is it the social interaction. Group rides are more of a social event where you ride with a group to maybe meet new friends or spend time with old friends, and how many people bought motorcycles because it was a fad between a group of friends, some of these types of people don’t really take motorcycling seriously, they might ride 4 or 5 times a year and don’t do any rider training and so forth to improve their riding. Solo is more of enthusiasts style where the ride comes first and the social aspect comes second, I think it comes down to personality or character traits. In the end it is a question of why we ride, there is a thousand and one reasons but the answers will mainly fall into two groups, a solo rider or a social rider. No one group is correct, it is a case of what environment suits you .
I often ride alone yes you can chose your own route change your mind take a detour do the things you want, stop, take a photo, look at the view, great!! Ride slow!! enjoy the day the only one to please is you, having to please others can be frustrating. Keep em coming Pavlin all the best 👍👍👍
You are absolutely right on groups, I had the most uncomfortable trips of my life a couple of years ago when I joined a group. However, I had one of the best ride trips of my life with just one other buddy a few years ago.
Hi Pavlin, I love this video and agree with your views. I've just completed a 6 week, 10.500 Km trip through 21 countries in Europe riding solo. I must admit, I did miss the chats at lunch / dinner at times, but being able to be totally flexible, stopping when I wanted to stop, not having to stop for somebody to have a cigarette or chocolate bar, going left instead of right if I wanted, riding for a long day or short day as I pleased. I will still ride in groups I'm sure, but I think solo trips are the way for me. Good luck! Nick
Again you have real wisdom to share on this topic Pavlin, and I hope many heed your suggestions, and have better trips as a result. The reality is, we didn't get into motorcycles in the first instance to take our mothers shopping! Motorcycles are inherently selfish, in a negative aspect, or develop independence, in a positive aspect. Either way, you are 'on your own', like it or not, even when in a group, and (as you say) being in a group will not shield you from the dangers, or mishap. Quite the reverse in some instances, as you point out. I have travelled quite extensively in other countries (not usually by motorcycle, which is an undertaking from Australia) - usually with a partner. Allowing for the partner usually saw us hiring (or buying) a car in countries where we stayed for a period. I was married for a long time, and did many long bike trips two-up in this country. Yes, sharing these experiences with your loved one is fantastic, in spite of the inevitable compromises, but the reality is as a couple you are insular, or socially 'self-sufficient'. In this arrangement you are far less likely to be approached by local people, or to engage with the people in these interesting places you are visiting. You are already in company, and less open to strangers. Group rides? Fine for a day or two, but (for all the reasons you mention) they are tiring, and involve a lot of compromise. Some people's gear comes loose, others want to stop to smoke, some have bladder issues, some need to drink too much, with the predictable consequences the next day, etc. Everyone's tank has different capacities, such that you have to keep waiting while the smaller tanks refill, and there are inevitably more stops when you are in a group. Not everyone is socialised the same, or equally considerate of others... Some ride like loonies when they have an audience, and so on. I have had a few excellent riding partners over my many years of motorcycle travelling, but there is usually something. Not many people ride exactly like you do, or want to take the minor roads, or whatever. They don't eat what you do, or have some other difficulty you have to deal with. They snore, or they can't get up in the morning (or else they are up and preparing to go at 6 am!). So I mainly travel alone nowadays, and find that better in many respects. Motorcycling is, by nature, a solitary exercse. Travelling solo allows for the selfishness (or independence!) that motorcycling fosters. It permits you to keep a clearer mind about what YOU really want to do, with less compromise. As others have mentioned below - you can eat what and when you want, and stop (or keep going) at your own will. Don't knock it until you have tried it - it can be quite liberating. You will meet more strangers, and have a more personal experience. You never know - it might actually be good for you. Rather than seeing these interesting new horizons with the same group each time, try doing it on your own. 'Just you and your bike'. That is truly what this pastime is all about, when you strip away the rest of the BS.
Very wise as normal Pavlin. It's nice to ride in a group for some safety, but I still prefer to ride on my own as you see much more and what you won't to see not what someone else wants to see
solo riding is the best, or at least maximum you and your best friend, which is difficult to find a motorbiker best friend...so it's 99 cons and 1 pros...наздраве от Пловдив!
Do motorcycle riders really need to act like guides to the ones behind? This sounds awfully a lot like a bunch of people group hiking, which seems wrong when applied to road traffic. Every motorist should keep safe distance and be individually ready for all hazards, without needing the guidance of a guide. And it's not a race either. Why not just do the following: 1) Set up a destination. Then everyone can just use Google Maps to get there, at their paces, independent of the group. 2) If the destination is informal (some snack bar or gas station along the road), then just tell everyone up front where you'd like to stop. If anyone gets lost, just call them by phone. Everyone should have their phone ready with hands-free. Is hands-free phone answering legal on the motorbike? If not, then it should vibrate in the pocket. The biker should know to pull over to answer it…
Many good points. A group requires a lot of organization which consumes a lot of energy and time which subtracts from the fun of travel. A wise person once said "only one person can wander, two are always going somewhere". Depending on your travel style and goals, this saying might be important.
Indeed many good points. Depends a bit on your mates though. I learned group dynamics and leadership in the mountains and there it‘s a little different. I hope to find a motorcycle group to play around responsibly and safe.
Hi Pavlin I agree with you. I used to ride in groups, but for several years, 4/5000kms trips abroad, I ride alone. The only exception being 11 days in a group through the Himalayas, because of the remote areas. Riding alone allows you to meet interesting people along the way. Cheers Barry,Uk.🏍
Excellent summary of the issues that arise in group riding.. I made a nine month trip from Singapore to London in 1973 with a good mate and it worked perfectly.. We had many, many adventures and some serious mishaps and it was good to have another person to share the experience and to help solve the problem. But for the last 12 years,apart from two trips, I have always ridden alone even in wild, isolated areas. And I love it. It teaches you resilience at times and you get a sense of achievement when you overcome some problem or deal with some hardship yourself. But there is another advantage too. Local people are much more open to you when you travel alone. I remember a trip in Flores in 2014. At that time I didn't have a charging port on my bike. I'd spent the previous night in an abandoned hotel having arrived off a ferry at 1.00am in a town that was locked up for the night. There was nowhere to recharge my phone.. After a few hours sleep I was woken by the call for morning prayer from a nearby mosque. I couldn't get back to sleep so was back on the road at first light. I really needed to recharge my phone so was on the lookout for the first shopkeeper to open up for the day. After about 45 minutes I spotted an Telcomcell kiosk in a little village and the owner was up sweeping his step. I pulled up and explained my problem. He was happy to help and asked me if I would like some breakfast. Indeed I did as I hadn't eaten much the day before. Fifteen minutes later i was tucking in to hot golden brown banana fritters and drinking a piping hot, delicious black coffee. The man's family came out to meet me. His daughter, maybe about 20, had just given birth to her first child, a boy, just a few days earlier. She asked me what I thought might be a good name for the child as they had not yet chosen one. I thought for a while. I was heading to Bajawa to stay that night at a favourite place of mine - Lucas Authentic Homestay. So I said, "I like the name Lucas or Luke.for short". She said the name a couple of times. "Yes", she said. ""That sounds good. I'll talk it over with the priest. We're having his baptism on Sunday." I could not imagine something like that happening if you were riding in a group or even with another person. It is something I will always remember and maybe there is a young boy in Flores who has an interesting tale to tell about how a passing stranger from another land was responsible for giving him his name.
Hi Pavlin, This video was a life lesson for me. *"Life is like a roll of toilet paper, the less it has left, the faster it spins."* That's the summary of the story of human being in the blue dot. I will never forget your father's wisdom. Thanks again for sharing your precious experience. 🙏🏻
Thought-provoking video. I agree completely about the stress of leading a group, of whatever kind. The responsibility is heavy and you can’t relax for a second!
I do both solo and group. I enjoy them both, for different reasons. For my group rides (8 people), half of us have communicators. We don't constantly chatter or give rolling updates of road/trail conditions. It's there for convenient communication when needed, and peace of mind that relieves us from overly frequent mirror checking. The last trip I was on with the group was a 7 day trip. The leader made a few wrong turns, as that's inevitable. No one was angry. We ended the trip a closer group than we started. We are all experienced riders, so no one is pushing it to keep up. Some people prefer to go slower than others, so the pace of the group is on the slow-ish side (aka something around the posted speed limit). If you can't keep up with the group with your 50 hp bike, then one of two things is wrong, and it's not the bike. Either your skill is severely lacking (go practice and improve), or the rest of the group is severely breaking the law (find another group). The reason to ride in a group is not the reduction of pain or shame. It is for the support (aside from the camaraderie and socialization at the end of the day). If your bike has issues (stops running, flat tire, etc...), your buddy might have the needed tool, or know how to fix it. If not, then your buddy is readily available transportation. In a city, a friendly driver may stop and provide the same. But on a remote adventure trail, don't count on it. And if you injure yourself going taking a spill on a remote trail, you may still be able to ride, but who is going to pick up your bike? If your group rides sound familiar to what's in the video, you can change your procedures, tools, expectations, and/or group. If you like solo riding, by all means, do that too.
Pavlin, I am riding for 18 years now, always with somebody. Last weekend I did an adventure alone. Best weekend of my riding life !!! I will repeat and repeat. Love it !
No one to blame or complain about but myself and no one to blame or complain about me. Sole 98% of the time. Recently did a 872km day with one stop for fuel one 10 minute stops to stretch my legs and one to put on rain gear - 6+hrs in the rain and wet roads. This would have been a miserable day in a group and a very long! Instead I enjoyed every minute of it, rain and all. I ate while riding to save time.
I used to go off-roading in group to the african desert when I was younger. All DIY, not with an agency or whatever. Most of the days we were exhausted at the end of the day, and sleeping was not enough to recover. So, discussions for anything became frequent, even fights. The bigger the group, the sooner arguing and sub-groups appeared. I've lost some friends because of that. As I grew older, I got hurt and off-roading was not possible any more, I bought a road bike and went alone to Nordkapp with a totally inappropriate bike. After one month and 12000 km, I knew I would be doing that, alone, forever. I don't mean that I cannot go with friends on a weekend trip, but more than that, always alone, wandering.
Hell yes. GO, do, see on your own schedule. I've ridden with a few close friends some big distances. It went pretty well. To a point. A few of them I never rode with again, others remained friends. I've done most of my travels alone. Preparation, abilities, a very flexible riding plan is necessary. I like looking ahead as opposed to looking in the rear view mirror. That sucks and it adds an unnecessary element of danger. I like to stop, look , photograph, take a shit, eat, rest as I like on my own terms. I ride my ride. Other's need to ride theirs. Do they smoke. Do frequent fuel stops take an hour or so? Talking with locals, bullshitting while you could be riding in safer daylight hours. Size of fuel tanks? I like to put 200 to 300 miles down before my first stop. Many can't do that. I get the bulk of my ride done early. That way I have time to enjoy the sights along the way. Also time distance comes into play when crossing large cities at rush hour heavy traffic or bad weather situations. I run my own clock. I've helped with some large group rides, glad to do it. Pediatric Brain care for kids. Every ride had accidents. Either be up front out of the way or far back in the rear and bobbled headed attention in every direction. This may be the only ride for many of the participants. So very dangerous. Hey take care, all good points in your presentation. If you like group tours take a fing bus.
perfect explanation. 5 years before. i've join a motorcycle club and we ride as minimum of 15 motorcycles each ride. all you mention is correct. now I'm happy to ride solo.
So well summed up Pavlin, you have covered just about every experience of my group road trips and off-road trips. Like you I am a confirmed solo rider, much to the consternation of wife and family. But that will not change. I am comfortable with my own company, and am confident of coverinng most issues I may confront on my travels. Great video. 👍
Fully agree. I'm a social person but when I travel, I prefer to do It alone. I can decide of my speed cruise, do a nap if tired, visit place increase or decrease the km. When I drive alone, I've more time for myself, I feel like a Lonesome Cow-boy riding in the wild desert. Always schocked when people ask me why I travel alone???
I agree 100% , in the past i was traveling with a group of 10 adventure riders , now i'm traveling alone when i plan adventure journeys , i did madagascar ( yamaha TT600) , north vietnam ( XR 150) , cambodja ( honda baja 250) etc, i plan my own tracks, i dislike long distances, i stop everywere to take pictures , i talk to the local people . I had some bike problems in madagascar , i was in an remote area , even there i met goat drivers who helped me. When traveling alone i have the ultimate freedom feeling .
Totally agree Pavlin. I once rode escort for a gold run from Salisbury to Beitbridge on a Honda 500 Four. I only had to worry about the truck, wild animals, land mines and terrs (terrorists), but the truck was my biggest concern. The driver didn’t stick to the agreed speed, but varied according to his whims, didn’t care about any of the hazards, and sometimes forgot I was there - in front of him!! Given the opportunity to join the South African escort team (two bikes and a car), and stay the night in Johannesburg, I rode back on my own after curfew! One of my favourite biking experiences. At one point I was certain there was a group of terrs on the road ahead, so I turned off the engine and lights and coasted along in almost silent mode. Then I stopped and tried to figure it out in the dark, with my Browning at the ready. To this day I have no idea what they actually were. Was told there were no lions in that area. Baboons? Possibly. But I just waited perfectly still until they were no longer visible. After irrigating the fauna, I started the engine, accelerated hard, and rode flat out past the suspect area. Great feeling of being young, alive, reckless and risking everything in the total darkness of an African night. When the toilet roll is spinning slowly. Peace
I rode in a charity motorcycle ride which was basically a parade. It was an interesting experience having the road to ourselves and riding in close formation with police escort. No problem finding the wieners and beans at the end and delivering the toys. I think some people confuse this with an organised group motorcycle ride.
I stopped riding in groups for exactly the reasons you cover here. I was told the three things that would end my motorcycling. Alcohol, too hot into bends and keeping up with others. Great video Pavlin, thank you.
As usual, a standard Pavlin The Practical, Pavlin The Sensible video. This resonated with me quite a bit as I have experienced all the situations that you have listed. I have found a solution to this dilemma by riding with groups on only short day rides and solo on my long distance 15 or 20 day ones. The first ride to Ladakh in 2012 was with 4 other chaps. It had been very pleasant all through. My second Ladakh ride had been solo. I had done one group ride which was possible the worst in my whole life. The rideres were mostly rich, entitled people with big, expensive bikes who were more interested in dangerous driving and boasting about their money than in riding. I had gotten out of that group immediately the ride had ended and never gone back. One major aspect with group rides that I have faced is that of leadership. It is most dangerous to have a democratic, laissez faire attitude to ride multiple days in a leaderless group. There are people who mature and sensible and accept an experienced rider as the leader while there are others who make it a big ego problem. If I ever think of riding with a group on my long rides, it will be a max of 4 riders including me. And all have to be of the same mentality, with similar bikes, similar socioeconomic backgrounds and current situations so that we are comfortable with one another both on the saddle and off of it. A day of two of being irritated is ok but not 3 weeks or more. I am nearly 54 and at my age and as a senior military veteran, I find lesser and lesser people of my temperament and so prefer to ride solo.
I do understand people who like to ride in company and I do it occasionally myself, but I much prefer to ride alone. When I'm alone I can go where I like, as fast (or slow) as I like and I can stop for a break when I like and finish the day's riding when I'm tired. Riding with others is just stress, everyone wants to stop for a break at different times, and everybody has different preferred speeds and usually want to ride further than I would on my own so I end up too tired.. Then there is the fact that some people just start to annoy others after a while.. and then the biting starts !..
I love riding solo. I've been on a few long solo rides. I've been on a few long group rides. My best rides have been with my oldest friend. Two individuals with a bond are the best travel companions.
During convoy ride, usually they asked me to lead… yes it is very tiring. I go solo now.. BTW Pavlin just got myself a new bike Bajaj Dominar 400 UG, cheap and invisible bike.. hope it will last my solo rides.
You speak as a witness to experiences that you have lived and seen. But young men will be young boys on a group ride. Everything you say is true, but boys will be boys.
As always...your absolutely 💯 right, I've always been the lead rider and route planner. Took me a long time to realise, how stressful and tiring it is, I always felt that everyone had a good time apart from me, this year I've done 3 solo trips including a 3,000 mile one, and really enjoyed them, I wouldn't group travel again.
When riding solo, I find myself bypassing harder routes I might take if I was with a trusted buddy. A group of four seems a good, practical max to me, especially for BDRs and backcountry camping/exploring trips.
Hi Pavlin, a very interesting post that I totally agree with! When I ride in a group, it's always about the group, the sensitivities, the expectations, but also the different experiences of the participants. That's why I drive alone, because for me it's about the lasting memories and the impressions I want to perceive while driving, but also the people I meet on the way. This is my motivation to travel. In the group, everything is reduced to the group. However, it is important for me to be on the road in my own style and pace, to take a break when I want to ride routes that I enjoy or not to do certain things. Group dynamics can be very dangerous in these points.
I agree completely. I'm not a fan of group riding even for a short distance. I much prefer to go solo. One of the main reasons I like to ride is being able to be alone with my own thoughts. Not responsible for anyone but myself is the only way to go.
I've found solo highly fulfilling. PAIRED works via lifetime "buddy system" training (mountaineering, sailing, flying, rescue) Highly selective - pairs are PROVEN - complimentary skillsets/mindsets). Autonomous 2's, max flight squad 4. Milspec level comms, no bulllshit allowed. After experiencing ego and highly dangerous dumbshits in "poker" runs or "social" rides - NEVER LARGE GROUPS. "GO ahead, I'll meet up with you there..." Paired for remote isolated travels for a reason. Solo when "walkabout" meander mode. MY LIFE MATTERS.
I have always been riding and touring alone. I am concentrating on my riding, deciding where I want to go and what to do. I ride to relax! I enjoy more when I do not have to follow "a crowd" of people deciding for me. End of story! 😁😎
I've never had group rides longer than few hundred km, but already based on that, I don't quite get the club style group riding approach on multi-day-trips. How come is there just one leader and everyone else follows? It would make more sense for everyone to know the sights, and everyone can ride in their own pace, only regrouping few times a day. You can ride on pairs, alone or occasionally with larger pack, as the situation dictates, and how you chose the route. And you can still have the "evening fun". Well, not sure how well this could be applied to adventure riding, but I believe it would be better, for on road travelling.
Palvin you are not 100% right............. you are 1 000 000% RIGHT. I'm traveling for some time. It was in a numerous groups an with friend as two person. It doesn't matter that I like to ride with this guy but as you said there are millions things that are on you. I'm only speaking English than I had to order hotels, speak with people, do a lot of. And what is more, when something went wrong I was taking this personally, that my fault. I agree with you, everybody can do what they want but I'm sure that people who travel a lot, mostly are agreeing with you. Don't change anything at your channel because it's why I'm watching it 😁👍👍👍 Keep going. Best wishes.
Pavlin, I am riding for 18 years now, always with somebody. Last weekend I did an adventure alone. Best weekend of my riding life !!! I will repeat and repeat. Love it !
Hi Pavlin You always make different topics. I have never see anyone else who produces content like this. Your TH-cam channel is like a motorcycle philosophy channel. I think it is very beautiful and very special.
Agree, I think the safest is one bike with pillion, 2 pairs of eyes is better than one. Two bikes is good two, but 4 people. The Vespa club in Portugal have ride outs, but the riding is a side show to and from the restaurants, one long ride was very tiring.. Interesting you had a accident in Istanbul, we went there last year in the campervan and I think the most dangerous place to drive/ride. I have ridden bikes a lot in SE Asia and feel safer on a bike there, than a car in Istanbul.
The only but the best "group" I ever ride is with my girlfriend...Few years ago she give up on being my pilion and she goes to the scholl, she get the licence and from that moment we traveled every year a long trip around Europe. She is riding a 650, I am riding 1150...safety first on every trip, we adjust our speeed on the trafic conditions, every time flexible schedule that can be adjusted anytime. This year we made a tour of Italy from north to south, beautiful scenery, food and so on....5k km in total, with the start from Romania.
Much better alone. I can stop and smell the flowers when I want. Pee, take a shit, take a nap, visit sites on the way. I've done the caravan thing with my car through Mexico. It was stressful following someone all the time. Sure, safety in numbers, but having to keep up with someone or have someone follow me all day, is not fun. If I ride with someone, it would be with a girlfriend. At least there might be a prize at the end of the day. Also, sharing a bed is cheaper on those rainy days you don't want to camp.
Totally agree.Just returned from a 1200km solo trip.i am an independent spirit and like to make my own decisions, whether it be on or oll the motorcycle. I don't need to be part of a macho group to enjoy the pure pleasure of riding .I agree with you that even one companion can be one too much.Thanks for a great video.Glad to know that there are others who think like me.
My motoclub solved some group problesm with an old hont: newbie and low speed bikes stay in front of the group, so other ppl must stay behind them. It's a good compromise. But not for me, i drive alone :D (another point for small groups or driving with a friend is when you have an accident with a hit-and-run driver)
Leading a group is a harsh lesson in expectation management and conflict resolution. For the first time, this year I’m touring abroad on my own and looking forward to being responsible only for myself. On your own you can talk to strangers more easily, or ignore everyone and focus on a task.
I had a few very long travels with a second rider. But people can go in themselfs to very dark places. When two people are together then one will always tries to rule over the other person. This goes up for everything. That is why i for more then 20 years do my long travels alone. If i want to sleep in my hammock i will go to sleep. Do i need a beer then i drink a beer and so on.
Just done a mini tour, spent I'd say 30% of the time checking my mirrors, a few times followers got lost, a few U turns etc, pain the rear end, far rather go solo or go with a mate who has the destination in his Gps, if we lose each other we will meet up later anyway, hopefully!
I tried group riding. Feels too restricted. I also find that once we stop riding, I'm not really engaging with the other riders. I also prefer to ride at slightly later times than the average rider. I'd much rather ride with one person that I have a genuine friendship with. Plus, the usual combination of ride your own ride while also having a group system tends to halt the flow of my ride.
Such valid points Pavlin. On a journey of potentially 5 weeks; after 3 weeks the bond of friendship built up over 32 years was destroyed. We were brothers in adversity and in fun; whose bond was unbreakable. But yet, after 3 weeks on the road, we were done. I could never imagine that it would destroy such a bond, but the spectre of division and subsequent feeling of abandonment, proved decisive. Thank you Pavlin for highlighting this issue and it's more than seismic repercussions. I travel solo; even if it costs me my life.
Well i enjoy every option in riding as everyone has its advantages: Riding alone as you have all the control and do not need to take care on anybody. Leading a group as it is you hwo decides where to go and which speed you ride. Riding somewhere in the middle as you have to care for nothing. Riding as last as you are able to do your speed, stop, take pictures. One single rule, the group should not be larger than lets say six people, its getting stressy else...
Worse thing about a group is trying to get them moving after a stop, always have someone that don't or can't keep up, then always got the speed freak that rides right on your butt, also there is always one that don't wait at a conner and you lose part of your group.................I ride with a few likeminded riders, or alone... TIPS for lone riding, Take a moment to chat with the old guy sitting outside on a bench, ask the waitress her name tell her yours, take time to visit with people without being in a hurry, ride slower than the speed limit when there's no traffic, all this keeps riding alone from being lonely............. Life is a journey not a destination, the bigger your ego the harder it is to enjoy riding with others (mines pretty big), take a minute to visit any graveyard and realize that nobody remembers you after you have been there for a few years, after 50 years nobody is still alive that even knew you......... PS when I lead a group I understand the limits and I'm doing it as a service to others not expecting it to be easy or even fun, mostly showing people stuff they could never find on their own......Thanks Pavin for your insights...
Motorcycle is like most things in life, you have to solve your own problems, off course it is nice to have firends, but firends cant fix your mistakes/life,... Etc
Why solo? : I have not to talk, I must not listen. I come to myself. Can go to toilet, whenever needed, can ride my tempo on the road. Can take a picture, stop at a Café. Can talk with locals or let me help, if necessary. I am not alone, I am with me. So I have a good companion.
In the US, many motorcycle riding groups are Harley Davidson riders. They usually ride in groups for the social aspect. I tell my wife they should just dress up in their outfits and rent a mini van. That way they can see the sights and talk to each other in comfort. Fuel and food stops would take much less time. I’ve taken several long solo trips. I never ride with other riders. My plan is to have my wife ride pillion on any future trips. My only regret with all my solo trips is that she wasn’t with me to see the sights and share the experiences. I think having to a passenger would be the best way to travel. Of course, you need the right partner, the capability of safely bringing a passenger, and considerable patience.
It's nice to ride with friends.....Yet, while I ride with friends I do 5x less km than while alone..... And I ride the last in the pack, to take care of the wanderers........Yet there were times when nobody waited for me, when I needed to stop or repair a thing. For me it's still a good thing that I do not know what is nicer....alone or with friends...... I agree with everything except the fact that a group should at least help you and set you on your way to recovery and see what things need to happen', then they can decide if they want to continue or not without you......If not, it's not a group, it's just a bunch of people going the same direction......
Solo is much safer I always ride alone. The last time that I rode with a friend he got too far ahead of me and I was forced to ride very fast to catch up and fell. Still my fault but never again. Plus the constant pressure to ride at not your pace is very tiring and frustrating. Cheers Pailin good to see that you are well. Cheers from beautiful South Africa .pepe
I like to ride alone but don't mind a group if it's the small group of my normal riding partners. In total there are 5 of us and tend to not have many issues when adventuring together.
I never truly ride alone as her indoors is always pillion..now iv run group tours for many years now and have done solo ie 2 up lol and I love both but there is way less pressure when solo touring but I do love a group of selected friends to.
Ohh... I loved my solo trip to Italy. You can choose your own speed, the road that you like, the places you stay, the places you stop to admire the scenery.
In remote areas a friend will be good but also an unknown rider can be very helpful for both of you to complete the said remote area, I know that from my own experience
i totally agree. If you feel alone, just stop in a nice café and say hello, keep a smile on your face. In many places, people will come to you and ask how you are, where you come from, if it is not too hard to travel alone. Take care, Pavlin
I travel alone, I do not have many friends that ride bikes and even fewer who take longer trips. I only think you can ride as a group if everyone is on the same page on the stops, KM per day and choice of accommodations. For me it is easier to do it alone. I do go to quite a lot of biking events with friends so I do not always ride alone.
Substantially agree. Much prefer to rode solo, so many advantages. That said, my twin brother and I have been touring together for nearly 40 years and we've got it pretty well sorted.
My view is groups work well when the point is to enjoy a known destination with friends. Solo works well when the point is to enjoy the journey and discover something new.
Great points. I've ridden in groups and solo. As a 1st Officer and Road Captain group rides were giant babysitting trips. Solo, it's me, my bike and my gear. I'm free to stop, change routes, camp, meet different riders and people, stop for a meal or anything that comes to mind. My personal safety is on me, not on a mouthpiece in the group. It's better alone. Freedom on my bike, avoiding stupidity and seeing the country on my terms. I totally agree with you.
Thanks for sharing!
Hey, do I know you? You took the words right out of my mouth!! My friends are like "You don't like to ride with anybody anymore." Riding / camping by yourself is the ultimate freedom for me, no question about it. I enjoy slowing down and camping, chillin some, hiking when you can. Good exercise, nature, camping keeps me busy at night . I don't dig hotels, because you have got to go to towns more. I had a beautiful camp site on the lake for $ 7.00 a few weeks ago. Million dollar view cheap, I dig.
I really like your channel; I am glad I found it. I am 61, in good shape, been riding since I was 10. Having so much fun, riding a WR 250R right now.
Peace and safe travels! Kevin
Completely agree. I thought I'd try short group trips; a few of them were enough for me to swear never to go on group rides again. But, I have ridden all around New Zealand, Japan, Australia and now the USA continent, across the Mojave Desert, up mountains by myself with no issues. You just have to be cognizant when you are in remote places you don't take risks and ride well within your skills.
@@kiwikidusa completely agree. Plus the bonus is meeting other independent adventurers along the way. Sharing advice, knowledge, respecting individual goals and maybe, just maybe, running into each other again. Life is an adventure, don't miss 1 minute.
Great information again Pavlin.
A lot of riding is basically why do you ride motorcycles, is it for the enjoyment of the ride or is it the social interaction.
Group rides are more of a social event where you ride with a group to maybe meet new friends or spend time with old friends, and how many people bought motorcycles because it was a fad between a group of friends, some of these types of people don’t really take motorcycling seriously, they might ride 4 or 5 times a year and don’t do any rider training and so forth to improve their riding.
Solo is more of enthusiasts style where the ride comes first and the social aspect comes second, I think it comes down to personality or character traits.
In the end it is a question of why we ride, there is a thousand and one reasons but the answers will mainly fall into two groups, a solo rider or a social rider.
No one group is correct, it is a case of what environment suits you .
Very well described, thanks!
I often ride alone yes you can chose your own route change your mind take a detour do the things you want, stop, take a photo, look at the view, great!! Ride slow!! enjoy the day the only one to please is you, having to please others can be frustrating. Keep em coming Pavlin all the best 👍👍👍
Thanks for sharing, Marc!
i ride on my own, and all the point you have said are so true, it my vacation time i did ride with a group and it was hell on earth.
You are absolutely right on groups, I had the most uncomfortable trips of my life a couple of years ago when I joined a group. However, I had one of the best ride trips of my life with just one other buddy a few years ago.
Thanks for sharing!!
I absolutly agree with you. A group of three will always be a group of 2 + 1.
Exactly!
Hi Pavlin, I love this video and agree with your views. I've just completed a 6 week, 10.500 Km trip through 21 countries in Europe riding solo. I must admit, I did miss the chats at lunch / dinner at times, but being able to be totally flexible, stopping when I wanted to stop, not having to stop for somebody to have a cigarette or chocolate bar, going left instead of right if I wanted, riding for a long day or short day as I pleased. I will still ride in groups I'm sure, but I think solo trips are the way for me.
Good luck!
Nick
Good!
I totally agree I’ll never do the group thing again worst holidays I’ve had solo from now on 👍👍
Good!
Again you have real wisdom to share on this topic Pavlin, and I hope many heed your suggestions, and have better trips as a result. The reality is, we didn't get into motorcycles in the first instance to take our mothers shopping! Motorcycles are inherently selfish, in a negative aspect, or develop independence, in a positive aspect. Either way, you are 'on your own', like it or not, even when in a group, and (as you say) being in a group will not shield you from the dangers, or mishap. Quite the reverse in some instances, as you point out.
I have travelled quite extensively in other countries (not usually by motorcycle, which is an undertaking from Australia) - usually with a partner. Allowing for the partner usually saw us hiring (or buying) a car in countries where we stayed for a period. I was married for a long time, and did many long bike trips two-up in this country. Yes, sharing these experiences with your loved one is fantastic, in spite of the inevitable compromises, but the reality is as a couple you are insular, or socially 'self-sufficient'. In this arrangement you are far less likely to be approached by local people, or to engage with the people in these interesting places you are visiting. You are already in company, and less open to strangers.
Group rides? Fine for a day or two, but (for all the reasons you mention) they are tiring, and involve a lot of compromise. Some people's gear comes loose, others want to stop to smoke, some have bladder issues, some need to drink too much, with the predictable consequences the next day, etc. Everyone's tank has different capacities, such that you have to keep waiting while the smaller tanks refill, and there are inevitably more stops when you are in a group. Not everyone is socialised the same, or equally considerate of others...
Some ride like loonies when they have an audience, and so on. I have had a few excellent riding partners over my many years of motorcycle travelling, but there is usually something. Not many people ride exactly like you do, or want to take the minor roads, or whatever. They don't eat what you do, or have some other difficulty you have to deal with. They snore, or they can't get up in the morning (or else they are up and preparing to go at 6 am!).
So I mainly travel alone nowadays, and find that better in many respects. Motorcycling is, by nature, a solitary exercse. Travelling solo allows for the selfishness (or independence!) that motorcycling fosters. It permits you to keep a clearer mind about what YOU really want to do, with less compromise. As others have mentioned below - you can eat what and when you want, and stop (or keep going) at your own will. Don't knock it until you have tried it - it can be quite liberating. You will meet more strangers, and have a more personal experience. You never know - it might actually be good for you. Rather than seeing these interesting new horizons with the same group each time, try doing it on your own.
'Just you and your bike'. That is truly what this pastime is all about, when you strip away the rest of the BS.
Thanks for taking the time again!
Absolutely correct! Thanks for sharing!
My pleasure!
Very wise as normal Pavlin. It's nice to ride in a group for some safety, but I still prefer to ride on my own as you see much more and what you won't to see not what someone else wants to see
Thanks for sharing, Richard!
Solo is best. It’s my Zen.
When i ride alone i will be extra careful , i will be taking few or no risks , i end riding by the time sun sets .
Fair enough!
Very nice 👍
Thanks for the visit!
solo riding is the best, or at least maximum you and your best friend, which is difficult to find a motorbiker best friend...so it's 99 cons and 1 pros...наздраве от Пловдив!
Will work for many!
May be you did not find the perfect buddy for you! They are always rare - but they exist ;-)
Maybe...
All my experience you have listed - the truth
Good!
Do motorcycle riders really need to act like guides to the ones behind? This sounds awfully a lot like a bunch of people group hiking, which seems wrong when applied to road traffic. Every motorist should keep safe distance and be individually ready for all hazards, without needing the guidance of a guide. And it's not a race either. Why not just do the following:
1) Set up a destination. Then everyone can just use Google Maps to get there, at their paces, independent of the group.
2) If the destination is informal (some snack bar or gas station along the road), then just tell everyone up front where you'd like to stop. If anyone gets lost, just call them by phone. Everyone should have their phone ready with hands-free. Is hands-free phone answering legal on the motorbike? If not, then it should vibrate in the pocket. The biker should know to pull over to answer it…
The reality is always different!
Many good points. A group requires a lot of organization which consumes a lot of energy and time which subtracts from the fun of travel. A wise person once said "only one person can wander, two are always going somewhere". Depending on your travel style and goals, this saying might be important.
I agree!
That's a great expression. I'll have to remind that one.
I agree too...
Indeed many good points. Depends a bit on your mates though. I learned group dynamics and leadership in the mountains and there it‘s a little different. I hope to find a motorcycle group to play around responsibly and safe.
Hi Pavlin
I agree with you.
I used to ride in groups, but for several years, 4/5000kms trips abroad, I ride alone.
The only exception being 11 days in a group through the Himalayas, because of the remote areas.
Riding alone allows you to meet interesting people along the way.
Cheers Barry,Uk.🏍
Thanks for sharing, Barry!
I always ride alone by choice. Everyone else's choice! 🤡🇬🇧
Excellent summary of the issues that arise in group riding.. I made a nine month trip from Singapore to London in 1973 with a good mate and it worked perfectly.. We had many, many adventures and some serious mishaps and it was good to have another person to share the experience and to help solve the problem.
But for the last 12 years,apart from two trips, I have always ridden alone even in wild, isolated areas. And I love it. It teaches you resilience at times and you get a sense of achievement when you overcome some problem or deal with some hardship yourself.
But there is another advantage too. Local people are much more open to you when you travel alone. I remember a trip in Flores in 2014. At that time I didn't have a charging port on my bike. I'd spent the previous night in an abandoned hotel having arrived off a ferry at 1.00am in a town that was locked up for the night. There was nowhere to recharge my phone.. After a few hours sleep I was woken by the call for morning prayer from a nearby mosque. I couldn't get back to sleep so was back on the road at first light.
I really needed to recharge my phone so was on the lookout for the first shopkeeper to open up for the day. After about 45 minutes I spotted an Telcomcell kiosk in a little village and the owner was up sweeping his step.
I pulled up and explained my problem. He was happy to help and asked me if I would like some breakfast. Indeed I did as I hadn't eaten much the day before. Fifteen minutes later i was tucking in to hot golden brown banana fritters and drinking a piping hot, delicious black coffee.
The man's family came out to meet me. His daughter, maybe about 20, had just given birth to her first child, a boy, just a few days earlier. She asked me what I thought might be a good name for the child as they had not yet chosen one. I thought for a while. I was heading to Bajawa to stay that night at a favourite place of mine - Lucas Authentic Homestay. So I said, "I like the name Lucas or Luke.for short". She said the name a couple of times. "Yes", she said. ""That sounds good. I'll talk it over with the priest. We're having his baptism on Sunday."
I could not imagine something like that happening if you were riding in a group or even with another person. It is something I will always remember and maybe there is a young boy in Flores who has an interesting tale to tell about how a passing stranger from another land was responsible for giving him his name.
Thanks for sharing!
Hi Pavlin,
This video was a life lesson for me. *"Life is like a roll of toilet paper, the less it has left, the faster it spins."* That's the summary of the story of human being in the blue dot. I will never forget your father's wisdom. Thanks again for sharing your precious experience. 🙏🏻
Glad it was helpful!
@@motorcycleadventuresI made a 10 second clip of your father's quote. Sending to all my older friends; riders & non-riders.
Another point - when you are in a group, locals will tend to avoid you. If you are solo, they are more likely to come up and chat, or help if need be.
Yes, I forgot to mention this.
Thought-provoking video. I agree completely about the stress of leading a group, of whatever kind. The responsibility is heavy and you can’t relax for a second!
Thanks for taking the time!
I do both solo and group. I enjoy them both, for different reasons.
For my group rides (8 people), half of us have communicators. We don't constantly chatter or give rolling updates of road/trail conditions. It's there for convenient communication when needed, and peace of mind that relieves us from overly frequent mirror checking.
The last trip I was on with the group was a 7 day trip. The leader made a few wrong turns, as that's inevitable. No one was angry. We ended the trip a closer group than we started.
We are all experienced riders, so no one is pushing it to keep up. Some people prefer to go slower than others, so the pace of the group is on the slow-ish side (aka something around the posted speed limit).
If you can't keep up with the group with your 50 hp bike, then one of two things is wrong, and it's not the bike. Either your skill is severely lacking (go practice and improve), or the rest of the group is severely breaking the law (find another group).
The reason to ride in a group is not the reduction of pain or shame. It is for the support (aside from the camaraderie and socialization at the end of the day). If your bike has issues (stops running, flat tire, etc...), your buddy might have the needed tool, or know how to fix it. If not, then your buddy is readily available transportation. In a city, a friendly driver may stop and provide the same. But on a remote adventure trail, don't count on it. And if you injure yourself going taking a spill on a remote trail, you may still be able to ride, but who is going to pick up your bike?
If your group rides sound familiar to what's in the video, you can change your procedures, tools, expectations, and/or group. If you like solo riding, by all means, do that too.
As I said in the video do whatever is good for you. Thanks for taking the time!
Pavlin, I am riding for 18 years now, always with somebody. Last weekend I did an adventure alone. Best weekend of my riding life !!! I will repeat and repeat. Love it !
Good! Keep riding alone!
No one to blame or complain about but myself and no one to blame or complain about me. Sole 98% of the time. Recently did a 872km day with one stop for fuel one 10 minute stops to stretch my legs and one to put on rain gear - 6+hrs in the rain and wet roads. This would have been a miserable day in a group and a very long! Instead I enjoyed every minute of it, rain and all. I ate while riding to save time.
Thanks for sharing!
I used to go off-roading in group to the african desert when I was younger. All DIY, not with an agency or whatever. Most of the days we were exhausted at the end of the day, and sleeping was not enough to recover. So, discussions for anything became frequent, even fights. The bigger the group, the sooner arguing and sub-groups appeared. I've lost some friends because of that. As I grew older, I got hurt and off-roading was not possible any more, I bought a road bike and went alone to Nordkapp with a totally inappropriate bike. After one month and 12000 km, I knew I would be doing that, alone, forever. I don't mean that I cannot go with friends on a weekend trip, but more than that, always alone, wandering.
Good!
Hell yes. GO, do, see on your own schedule. I've ridden with a few close friends some big distances. It went pretty well. To a point. A few of them I never rode with again, others remained friends. I've done most of my travels alone. Preparation, abilities, a very flexible riding plan is necessary. I like looking ahead as opposed to looking in the rear view mirror. That sucks and it adds an unnecessary element of danger. I like to stop, look , photograph, take a shit, eat, rest as I like on my own terms. I ride my ride. Other's need to ride theirs. Do they smoke. Do frequent fuel stops take an hour or so? Talking with locals, bullshitting while you could be riding in safer daylight hours. Size of fuel tanks? I like to put 200 to 300 miles down before my first stop. Many can't do that. I get the bulk of my ride done early. That way I have time to enjoy the sights along the way. Also time distance comes into play when crossing large cities at rush hour heavy traffic or bad weather situations. I run my own clock. I've helped with some large group rides, glad to do it. Pediatric Brain care for kids. Every ride had accidents. Either be up front out of the way or far back in the rear and bobbled headed attention in every direction. This may be the only ride for many of the participants. So very dangerous. Hey take care, all good points in your presentation. If you like group tours take a fing bus.
Thanks for sharing, Sam!
Love your last line!
perfect explanation.
5 years before. i've join a motorcycle club and we ride as minimum of 15 motorcycles each ride. all you mention is correct. now I'm happy to ride solo.
Thanks for sharing!
So well summed up Pavlin, you have covered just about every experience of my group road trips and off-road trips. Like you I am a confirmed solo rider, much to the consternation of wife and family. But that will not change. I am comfortable with my own company, and am confident of coverinng most issues I may confront on my travels. Great video. 👍
Thanks for sharing, John!
2 - 3 good friends are enough for a good healthy ride.
Fully agree. I'm a social person but when I travel, I prefer to do It alone. I can decide of my speed cruise, do a nap if tired, visit place increase or decrease the km. When I drive alone, I've more time for myself, I feel like a Lonesome Cow-boy riding in the wild desert. Always schocked when people ask me why I travel alone???
Thanks for sharing!
I agree 100% , in the past i was traveling with a group of 10 adventure riders , now i'm traveling alone when i plan adventure journeys , i did madagascar ( yamaha TT600) , north vietnam ( XR 150) , cambodja ( honda baja 250) etc,
i plan my own tracks, i dislike long distances, i stop everywere to take pictures , i talk to the local people . I had some bike problems in madagascar , i was in an remote area , even there i met goat drivers who helped me. When traveling alone i have the ultimate freedom feeling .
Thanks for taking the time!
Totally agree Pavlin. I once rode escort for a gold run from Salisbury to Beitbridge on a Honda 500 Four. I only had to worry about the truck, wild animals, land mines and terrs (terrorists), but the truck was my biggest concern. The driver didn’t stick to the agreed speed, but varied according to his whims, didn’t care about any of the hazards, and sometimes forgot I was there - in front of him!!
Given the opportunity to join the South African escort team (two bikes and a car), and stay the night in Johannesburg, I rode back on my own after curfew! One of my favourite biking experiences. At one point I was certain there was a group of terrs on the road ahead, so I turned off the engine and lights and coasted along in almost silent mode. Then I stopped and tried to figure it out in the dark, with my Browning at the ready.
To this day I have no idea what they actually were. Was told there were no lions in that area. Baboons? Possibly. But I just waited perfectly still until they were no longer visible.
After irrigating the fauna, I started the engine, accelerated hard, and rode flat out past the suspect area.
Great feeling of being young, alive, reckless and risking everything in the total darkness of an African night. When the toilet roll is spinning slowly.
Peace
Thanks for sharing!
I rode in a charity motorcycle ride which was basically a parade. It was an interesting experience having the road to ourselves and riding in close formation with police escort. No problem finding the wieners and beans at the end and delivering the toys.
I think some people confuse this with an organised group motorcycle ride.
Exactly!
Having your beer in the evening together with your friend(s) is the only benefit you have when not riding alone.
I agree!
I stopped riding in groups for exactly the reasons you cover here. I was told the three things that would end my motorcycling. Alcohol, too hot into bends and keeping up with others. Great video Pavlin, thank you.
Thanks for sharing, Ray!
Riding solo is more fun but riding in group is handy in case of a breakdown.
Each has some pros and cons.
solo es better
As usual, a standard Pavlin The Practical, Pavlin The Sensible video. This resonated with me quite a bit as I have experienced all the situations that you have listed.
I have found a solution to this dilemma by riding with groups on only short day rides and solo on my long distance 15 or 20 day ones. The first ride to Ladakh in 2012 was with 4 other chaps. It had been very pleasant all through. My second Ladakh ride had been solo.
I had done one group ride which was possible the worst in my whole life. The rideres were mostly rich, entitled people with big, expensive bikes who were more interested in dangerous driving and boasting about their money than in riding. I had gotten out of that group immediately the ride had ended and never gone back.
One major aspect with group rides that I have faced is that of leadership. It is most dangerous to have a democratic, laissez faire attitude to ride multiple days in a leaderless group. There are people who mature and sensible and accept an experienced rider as the leader while there are others who make it a big ego problem.
If I ever think of riding with a group on my long rides, it will be a max of 4 riders including me. And all have to be of the same mentality, with similar bikes, similar socioeconomic backgrounds and current situations so that we are comfortable with one another both on the saddle and off of it. A day of two of being irritated is ok but not 3 weeks or more.
I am nearly 54 and at my age and as a senior military veteran, I find lesser and lesser people of my temperament and so prefer to ride solo.
Thanks for sharing!
“I think one travels more usefully when they travel alone, because they reflect more.”
~Thomas Jefferson~
Agree!
Riding motorcycles is all about fleeing the freedom.
That’s why I always ride alone..
Less people less headache
Heck, I even heard of a guy that stumbled into a hole and pulled his bike in on top of him! 😉 He was able to handle it with a few good Samaritans.
I have heard this story as well!
I do understand people who like to ride in company and I do it occasionally myself, but I much prefer to ride alone. When I'm alone I can go where I like, as fast (or slow) as I like and I can stop for a break when I like and finish the day's riding when I'm tired. Riding with others is just stress, everyone wants to stop for a break at different times, and everybody has different preferred speeds and usually want to ride further than I would on my own so I end up too tired.. Then there is the fact that some people just start to annoy others after a while.. and then the biting starts !..
That's why I also ride alone.
I love riding solo. I've been on a few long solo rides. I've been on a few long group rides. My best rides have been with my oldest friend. Two individuals with a bond are the best travel companions.
During convoy ride, usually they asked me to lead… yes it is very tiring. I go solo now.. BTW Pavlin just got myself a new bike Bajaj Dominar 400 UG, cheap and invisible bike.. hope it will last my solo rides.
Have fun!
Hi Pavlin, you are so right. You're one of the best. Real world advice. Keep on doing the good work.
Thanks, will do!
Great vid, thanx.
My pleasure!
You speak as a witness to experiences that you have lived and seen. But young men will be young boys on a group ride. Everything you say is true, but boys will be boys.
True!
As always...your absolutely 💯 right, I've always been the lead rider and route planner. Took me a long time to realise, how stressful and tiring it is, I always felt that everyone had a good time apart from me, this year I've done 3 solo trips including a 3,000 mile one, and really enjoyed them, I wouldn't group travel again.
Thanks for sharing!!
When riding solo, I find myself bypassing harder routes I might take if I was with a trusted buddy. A group of four seems a good, practical max to me, especially for BDRs and backcountry camping/exploring trips.
Fair enough!
Hi Pavlin, a very interesting post that I totally agree with! When I ride in a group, it's always about the group, the sensitivities, the expectations, but also the different experiences of the participants. That's why I drive alone, because for me it's about the lasting memories and the impressions I want to perceive while driving, but also the people I meet on the way. This is my motivation to travel. In the group, everything is reduced to the group. However, it is important for me to be on the road in my own style and pace, to take a break when I want to ride routes that I enjoy or not to do certain things. Group dynamics can be very dangerous in these points.
Thanks for sharing!
I agree completely. I'm not a fan of group riding even for a short distance. I much prefer to go solo. One of the main reasons I like to ride is being able to be alone with my own thoughts. Not responsible for anyone but myself is the only way to go.
Good!
I've found solo highly fulfilling. PAIRED works via lifetime "buddy system" training (mountaineering, sailing, flying, rescue) Highly selective - pairs are PROVEN - complimentary skillsets/mindsets). Autonomous 2's, max flight squad 4. Milspec level comms, no bulllshit allowed. After experiencing ego and highly dangerous dumbshits in "poker" runs or "social" rides - NEVER LARGE GROUPS. "GO ahead, I'll meet up with you there..." Paired for remote isolated travels for a reason. Solo when "walkabout" meander mode. MY LIFE MATTERS.
Thanks for sharing!
I have always been riding and touring alone. I am concentrating on my riding, deciding where I want to go and what to do. I ride to relax! I enjoy more when I do not have to follow "a crowd" of people deciding for me. End of story! 😁😎
Thanks for sharing!
I've never had group rides longer than few hundred km, but already based on that, I don't quite get the club style group riding approach on multi-day-trips. How come is there just one leader and everyone else follows? It would make more sense for everyone to know the sights, and everyone can ride in their own pace, only regrouping few times a day. You can ride on pairs, alone or occasionally with larger pack, as the situation dictates, and how you chose the route. And you can still have the "evening fun". Well, not sure how well this could be applied to adventure riding, but I believe it would be better, for on road travelling.
It is what it is!
Always alone, it's a really "mind freedom"
Palvin you are not 100% right............. you are 1 000 000% RIGHT. I'm traveling for some time. It was in a numerous groups an with friend as two person. It doesn't matter that I like to ride with this guy but as you said there are millions things that are on you. I'm only speaking English than I had to order hotels, speak with people, do a lot of. And what is more, when something went wrong I was taking this personally, that my fault. I agree with you, everybody can do what they want but I'm sure that people who travel a lot, mostly are agreeing with you.
Don't change anything at your channel because it's why I'm watching it 😁👍👍👍
Keep going. Best wishes.
Thanks, Robert!
Pavlin, I am riding for 18 years now, always with somebody. Last weekend I did an adventure alone. Best weekend of my riding life !!! I will repeat and repeat. Love it !
That is awesome!
Hi Pavlin
You always make different topics. I have never see anyone else who produces content like this. Your TH-cam channel is like a motorcycle philosophy channel. I think it is very beautiful and very special.
Glad you like them!
Agree, I think the safest is one bike with pillion, 2 pairs of eyes is better than one. Two bikes is good two, but 4 people. The Vespa club in Portugal have ride outs, but the riding is a side show to and from the restaurants, one long ride was very tiring.. Interesting you had a accident in Istanbul, we went there last year in the campervan and I think the most dangerous place to drive/ride. I have ridden bikes a lot in SE Asia and feel safer on a bike there, than a car in Istanbul.
Thanks for sharing!
The only but the best "group" I ever ride is with my girlfriend...Few years ago she give up on being my pilion and she goes to the scholl, she get the licence and from that moment we traveled every year a long trip around Europe. She is riding a 650, I am riding 1150...safety first on every trip, we adjust our speeed on the trafic conditions, every time flexible schedule that can be adjusted anytime. This year we made a tour of Italy from north to south, beautiful scenery, food and so on....5k km in total, with the start from Romania.
Thanks for sharing!
Much better alone. I can stop and smell the flowers when I want. Pee, take a shit, take a nap, visit sites on the way. I've done the caravan thing with my car through Mexico. It was stressful following someone all the time. Sure, safety in numbers, but having to keep up with someone or have someone follow me all day, is not fun. If I ride with someone, it would be with a girlfriend. At least there might be a prize at the end of the day. Also, sharing a bed is cheaper on those rainy days you don't want to camp.
Thanks for sharing your opinion!
Solo every time. Group rides become ego trips.
Totally agree.Just returned from a 1200km solo trip.i am an independent spirit and like to make my own decisions, whether it be on or oll the motorcycle. I don't need to be part of a macho group to enjoy the pure pleasure of riding .I agree with you that even one companion can be one too much.Thanks for a great video.Glad to know that there are others who think like me.
Thanks for sharing!
My motoclub solved some group problesm with an old hont: newbie and low speed bikes stay in front of the group, so other ppl must stay behind them. It's a good compromise. But not for me, i drive alone :D (another point for small groups or driving with a friend is when you have an accident with a hit-and-run driver)
Fair enough!
Leading a group is a harsh lesson in expectation management and conflict resolution. For the first time, this year I’m touring abroad on my own and looking forward to being responsible only for myself. On your own you can talk to strangers more easily, or ignore everyone and focus on a task.
You will love it!
I had a few very long travels with a second rider. But people can go in themselfs to very dark places.
When two people are together then one will always tries to rule over the other person. This goes up for everything.
That is why i for more then 20 years do my long travels alone. If i want to sleep in my hammock i will go to sleep. Do i need a beer then i drink a beer and so on.
I perfectly understand you!
Just done a mini tour, spent I'd say 30% of the time checking my mirrors, a few times followers got lost, a few U turns etc, pain the rear end, far rather go solo or go with a mate who has the destination in his Gps, if we lose each other we will meet up later anyway, hopefully!
Thanks for sharing!
I tried group riding. Feels too restricted. I also find that once we stop riding, I'm not really engaging with the other riders.
I also prefer to ride at slightly later times than the average rider.
I'd much rather ride with one person that I have a genuine friendship with.
Plus, the usual combination of ride your own ride while also having a group system tends to halt the flow of my ride.
Do whatever is best for you!
Yes. Groups are difficult to adjust to. Our group rides proved this. And budget has to do with it. Some run out of money sooner. 😂
Thanks for sharing!
Such valid points Pavlin.
On a journey of potentially 5 weeks; after 3 weeks the bond of friendship built up over 32 years was destroyed. We were brothers in adversity and in fun; whose bond was unbreakable. But yet, after 3 weeks on the road, we were done. I could never imagine that it would destroy such a bond, but the spectre of division and subsequent feeling of abandonment, proved decisive.
Thank you Pavlin for highlighting this issue and it's more than seismic repercussions.
I travel solo; even if it costs me my life.
So you learned the hard way!
Well i enjoy every option in riding as everyone has its advantages:
Riding alone as you have all the control and do not need to take care on anybody.
Leading a group as it is you hwo decides where to go and which speed you ride.
Riding somewhere in the middle as you have to care for nothing.
Riding as last as you are able to do your speed, stop, take pictures.
One single rule, the group should not be larger than lets say six people, its getting stressy else...
Fair enough!
Worse thing about a group is trying to get them moving after a stop, always have someone that don't or can't keep up, then always got the speed freak that rides right on your butt, also there is always one that don't wait at a conner and you lose part of your group.................I ride with a few likeminded riders, or alone... TIPS for lone riding, Take a moment to chat with the old guy sitting outside on a bench, ask the waitress her name tell her yours, take time to visit with people without being in a hurry, ride slower than the speed limit when there's no traffic, all this keeps riding alone from being lonely............. Life is a journey not a destination, the bigger your ego the harder it is to enjoy riding with others (mines pretty big), take a minute to visit any graveyard and realize that nobody remembers you after you have been there for a few years, after 50 years nobody is still alive that even knew you......... PS when I lead a group I understand the limits and I'm doing it as a service to others not expecting it to be easy or even fun, mostly showing people stuff they could never find on their own......Thanks Pavin for your insights...
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Motorcycle is like most things in life, you have to solve your own problems, off course it is nice to have firends, but firends cant fix your mistakes/life,... Etc
Exactly!
Why solo? : I have not to talk, I must not listen. I come to myself. Can go to toilet, whenever needed, can ride my tempo on the road. Can take a picture, stop at a Café. Can talk with locals or let me help, if necessary. I am not alone, I am with me. So I have a good companion.
Absolutely!
Peer pressure leads you to take risks, like smoking, drinking alcohol, drugs, overtaking when you don't want to.
True!
In the US, many motorcycle riding groups are Harley Davidson riders. They usually ride in groups for the social aspect. I tell my wife they should just dress up in their outfits and rent a mini van. That way they can see the sights and talk to each other in comfort. Fuel and food stops would take much less time. I’ve taken several long solo trips. I never ride with other riders. My plan is to have my wife ride pillion on any future trips. My only regret with all my solo trips is that she wasn’t with me to see the sights and share the experiences. I think having to a passenger would be the best way to travel. Of course, you need the right partner, the capability of safely bringing a passenger, and considerable patience.
Fair enough!
I always travel with the Reverend Doctor Phillip Lambay. If he cant fix m he can give m the last rIghts.
Good!
It's nice to ride with friends.....Yet, while I ride with friends I do 5x less km than while alone.....
And I ride the last in the pack, to take care of the wanderers........Yet there were times when nobody waited for me, when I needed to stop or repair a thing.
For me it's still a good thing that I do not know what is nicer....alone or with friends......
I agree with everything except the fact that a group should at least help you and set you on your way to recovery and see what things need to happen', then they can decide if they want to continue or not without you......If not, it's not a group, it's just a bunch of people going the same direction......
Fair enough!
Solo is much safer I always ride alone. The last time that I rode with a friend he got too far ahead of me and I was forced to ride very fast to catch up and fell. Still my fault but never again. Plus the constant pressure to ride at not your pace is very tiring and frustrating. Cheers Pailin good to see that you are well. Cheers from beautiful South Africa .pepe
Hi Pavlin, i am 64 years old, i have been biking since i was a kid. You are so so right. Ride on your own @
Good!
Personally, I prefer to ride solo. I ride when I like, and where I like, at my own pace.
Good!
I like to ride alone but don't mind a group if it's the small group of my normal riding partners. In total there are 5 of us and tend to not have many issues when adventuring together.
Good!
I never truly ride alone as her indoors is always pillion..now iv run group tours for many years now and have done solo ie 2 up lol and I love both but there is way less pressure when solo touring but I do love a group of selected friends to.
Thanks for sharing!
Ohh... I loved my solo trip to Italy.
You can choose your own speed, the road that you like, the places you stay, the places you stop to admire the scenery.
Absolutely!
I am doing a long trip on my own next year. It is a little but scary so good to hear all the plus points. Like your stile so have subscribed.
Thanks and have fun on your trip!
In remote areas a friend will be good but also an unknown rider can be very helpful for both of you to complete the said remote area, I know that from my own experience
Yes, true
Omg ! I had gone through the situations you mentioned . Mostly.
So you know!
i totally agree. If you feel alone, just stop in a nice café and say hello, keep a smile on your face. In many places, people will come to you and ask how you are, where you come from, if it is not too hard to travel alone. Take care, Pavlin
Agree!
I travel alone, I do not have many friends that ride bikes and even fewer who take longer trips. I only think you can ride as a group if everyone is on the same page on the stops, KM per day and choice of accommodations. For me it is easier to do it alone. I do go to quite a lot of biking events with friends so I do not always ride alone.
Thanks for sharing!
So true! …and not only for motorcycle traveling…
Only for Honeymoon you should bring someone with you 😄
I agree!
I've learned over the years, go alone or with only close friends that you know very well. Otherwise, not worth the journey.
Exactly!
I always prefer the solo ride, no pressure and I can enjoy the places I go without someone moaning that they are bored.
Good!
Group rides are great …. occasionally. Solo is great always. 👍🏻
Couldn't agree more!
I agree with you, traveling at your speed and time is how i enjoy riding and have adventure . Alain
Good!
Substantially agree. Much prefer to rode solo, so many advantages. That said, my twin brother and I have been touring together for nearly 40 years and we've got it pretty well sorted.
You are twin brothers. This is completely different story!
@@motorcycleadventures Yes, identical twins, actually.
My view is groups work well when the point is to enjoy a known destination with friends. Solo works well when the point is to enjoy the journey and discover something new.
Fair enough!
Your father was a very wise man.
Life is like a toilet roll....🤣🤣
Yes, he is a clever man!
My idea of an adventure might be a compromise for others - a planned disaster is a waste of time.
Agree!