Advice How to plan and find a touring partner

[snorri]

The only problem for me, and its something I'm going to have to learn to get over when I start touring, is that I feel very self conscious when I'm on my own. I have never been able to sit in a pub by myself or go to a restaurant by myself. I really feel like the loner.

It never bothers me when touring but I often take something to read whilst waiting for the meal to be served or while drinking. Any decent pub will have a newspaper behind the bar, just asking for it breaks the ice which could start a conversation.
Oddly, I seldom go in to a pub alone on my home territory.

 

[Arch]

The only problem for me, and its something I'm going to have to learn to get over when I start touring, is that I feel very self conscious when I'm on my own. I have never been able to sit in a pub by myself or go to a restaurant by myself. I really feel like the loner. But this will be a barrier I hope to break through. If anyone has any advice or expereince on that, i'd be happy to hear about it.

Have a book or newpaper to look at, then you aren't just sitting there like a dummy. Or even your map, go over your day's route again, look at the stuff nearby, plan tomorrow's route. I can look at a map for ages, and chances are someone will say "Where are you come from/going to..." giving you a chance to chat.

I don't like going into a pub on my own, even here at home, meeting friends, I like to meet outside. But when you're on your own, you don't have a choice, and you just get on with it. And strangely, I'll often find myself striking up conversations, although I consider myself shy. Only stuff about the weather perhaps, but I surprise myself... But I'll also happily sit alone for the evening in a B and B room or hostel lounge, reading or watching telly.

It might differ overseas. Over here, we tend to ignore each other until we have a reason to interact. In France, you walk into a shop or cafe, and it's 'bonjour!' all round, even if you've never seen them before or will again. Doesn't mean you have to them converse with them all, but it breaks the ice.

 

[Muddyfox]

Have a book or newpaper to look at, then you aren't just sitting there like a dummy. Or even your map, go over your day's route again, look at the stuff nearby, plan tomorrow's route. I can look at a map for ages, and chances are someone will say "Where are you come from/going to..." giving you a chance to chat.

Brilliant Advice Arch

When you stop in a town or village try to find a Wet pub that does bar meals as opposed to a restraunt type pub .. the wet pubs will generally be more single male orientated and easier to strike up a conversation or ask route advice etc etc

Simon

 

[hubbike]

Have a book or newpaper to look at, then you aren't just sitting there like a dummy. Or even your map, go over your day's route again, look at the stuff nearby, plan tomorrow's route. I can look at a map for ages, and chances are someone will say "Where are you come from/going to..." giving you a chance to chat.

Yep, this chimes true to my experience too. I can also stare at a map for a remarkable amount of time...

Another thing. If you have just finished reading a book you could try, "Hi, sorry to interupt, I overheard you were speaking English...I just wondered if you had a book you might be willing to exchange." A conversation is almost bound to ensue. you might go for a beer or just have a little chat...plus you get a new book!

 

[mike1026]

Like most people on here I prefer to solo tour, I do find it irksome to have to compromise over everything from meals to how long to spend looking at a view. I wish you lots of luck and hope that you can find someone who will have the same hopes interests and aspirations on tour.
I myself have the same problem when alone in a crowded place and tend to feel exposed so you have my sympathy. The only way I deal with it is on a personal level. Another method I use is to find outdoor seating areas and sit at the edge this has another advantage in that you can keep an eye on your loaded bike. It never ceases to amaze me at the interest people show in a fully loaded touring cycle!
As a member of the CTC I certainly endorse the other comments, there are benefits of insurance and advice as well. Other organisations are Sustrans, The association of Lightweight Campers (see also Camping and Caravan Club) the Backpackers Club or a local BUG (Bike User Group) get information from your local Council Transport Department. You could of course form your own local club. Also check out your local events during Bike Week in June.
After 30 years of daily shaving, wearing shoes and suffering the stress of a dangerous job; I am glad that I can enjoy my third age in peace, in sandals and bewhiskered.

 

[Arch]

Brilliant Advice Arch

When you stop in a town or village try to find a Wet pub that does bar meals as opposed to a restraunt type pub .. the wet pubs will generally be more single male orientated and easier to strike up a conversation or ask route advice etc etc

Simon

So that's less good for me. It's why I like cafes. I've nothing against talking to men, but a lone female walking into a pub full of them can be a bit intimidated...

 

[Muddyfox]

So that's less good for me. It's why I like cafes. I've nothing against talking to men, but a lone female walking into a pub full of them can be a bit intimidated...

Point Taken

I was trying to come from the angle that the Restraunty type pubs would be full of couples out having a meal and less likely to engage in conversation or be interested in a cycle tourers maps

No Offence Meant

Simon

 

[Arch]

Point Taken

I was trying to come from the angle that the Restraunty type pubs would be full of couples out having a meal and less likely to engage in conversation or be interested in a cycle tourers maps

No Offence Meant

Simon

No offence taken, I was just making the 'Arch is a girl?!' point... I'd probably still prefer a pub with bar meals to a more restauranty one. But I'd probably go for a cafe if available. (More chance of cake).

I often wish village pubs operated as cafes during the day, somewhere where you could order tea and a cake. Many villages have a pub, but cafes can be a bit thin on the ground in some areas.

 

[andym]

Brains mentioned the CTC's touring holidays. I think if you're starting out, it's well worth considering going on an organized, 'supported', trip. There's CTC but also Skedaddle, Explore, Exodus and plenty of others.

Advantages are more sociable, not having to carry your luggage, a backup mechanic and little prospect of getting lost. Downsides (for me at least) are that they are definitely more expensive (especially when compared with camping or staying in hostels) plus I don't get to go at my own pace or make impromptu detours, and being in in a little British bubble when abroad.

 

[Muddyfox]

I often wish village pubs operated as cafes during the day, somewhere where you could order tea and a cake. Many villages have a pub, but cafes can be a bit thin on the ground in some areas.

With Brittish pubs closing everyday because they cant survive against the cheap alcohol being sold in supermarkets these days ... you could be onto something there Arch

Simon

 

[hubbike]

I love pubs. Especially country pubs miles from anywhere. And especially pubs with a beer garden. If you ask nicely they almost always let you camp in the beer garden and then you can have a meal, a pint and a wash in the Gents. Touring Perfection!

 

[Arch]

With Brittish pubs closing everyday because they cant survive against the cheap alcohol being sold in supermarkets these days ... you could be onto something there Arch

Simon

There's a pub near me that diversified into selling veg boxes and takeaway pizza.

It would be brilliant to be able to get a cuppa and cake in almost any village - there's a real desert for cafes in one area I ride through, whereas I pass several pubs. I know many do coffee, but a cafe atmosphere and light food would be good. I suppose there might be licensing issues with kids.

In a French bar/tabac, you can equally drink coffee or Pernod, but they don't tend to have food. However they generally don't mind you eating the croissant you bought in the bakers.

 

[BigonaBianchi]

I thik its cool to ride with a partner, it can get very lonely on a long solo tour...but it has to be th eright person or you are defo going to end up solo anyway

 

[vernon]

Solo touring is no big deal. I've never been short of conversation with locals and fellow cyclists. I've benefitted from numerous acts of kindness and generosity from total strangers.

There again I am happy in my own skin and do not crave company on tour despite being an affable and gregarious chap.

Last year I acquired some fellow riders by chance when I got off the ferry at St Malo and enjoyed a week's riding with them the craic was good. We parted company after a week as our routes diverged at Orleans. I was looking forward to the parting as I was then master of my own destiny again even though I'd had a great time.

 

[aqaleigh]

After getting back into cycling, being inspired by the efforts of Mark Beaumont and realising how much I hate my job I've decided to take up touring. I plan to start with a few 50 mile efforts then work my way up to a C2C and eventually plan to complete a cycle from Manchester my home to the south of France.

How do I go about finding a riding partner, are there sites set up for these sorts of things? All my friends are lazy layabouts.

CAn anyone recommend a good book that I can buy on the subject of planning a trip?

Cheers

What area are you? - I have done a few solo tours including St malo to Costa Blanca through south of France and am doing lejog this year but I am always willing to ride with a partner and get some mileage in touring
If you are close by let me know - Im in Ascot

Cheers
leigh