Around the world companion!?

[Innesak]

Thanks everyone for all your help!!

 

[db7db7]

If I were single I'd be in quicker than a bullet leaving a gun and spending the intervening months working on my personality!
In all seriousness I've only done a few 7-10 day tours myself and I would urge you to do a couple of those first before committing to something like this. Touring is amazing but it xan also be very hard work mentally as well as physically. The planning alone is a skill and endeavour.
But best of luck and keep us updated.

 

[albal]

Hi,
I,M a day away from Tarifa, my destination some 2 months from starting in Nordkapp. I'd prefer to keep cycling , so i .m heading to canaries for a rest and a re thinkbefore my next journey. As others have said, timing is crucial with weather issues.
I,Ve been solo since Poland, I get on well with myfellow traveller and was sad to see him go. I,m in late 40's and done a bit of touring. Good luck with your plans.

 

[Brains]

I think you are far better to find a companion (of any age and sex) for the first couple of weeks, or if you can, the first month or two, and then see what happens out on the road.

Also your start time.
The best time to start from Northern Europe would be April/May. Any earlier and long term camping and cycling becomes uncomfortable with the multitude of cold, dark and wet days and nights

 

[Hill Wimp]

@smith4188

This is the man you may want to chat to and have a read of his book too. It's very good.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Steven-Primrose-Smith/e/B00MY4MXYQ

 

[Edwardoka]

I'm already pretty close to packing it all in and doing an aimless multi-month bike tour starting early next year, but I am sadly too lacking in the following departments to be of assistance:
- personality
- sense of humour
- basic bicycle maintenance
- is miseryguts
- ability to scare off bad people
- tolerance for camping more than a few days in a row

The best of luck to you in your endeavour and if I do eventually HTFU and head off on my hypothetical jaunt then perhaps I will see you on the Colle dell'Assietta!

 

[buggi]

Speaking as a 44 year old woman, i think you've got an awful lot to think about safety wise, eg coming on a public forum and advertising for a male cycling partner (i understand why but don't necessarily think that is a safe move, you may not even make it past your first meeting!) not to mention what is going in Europe and the middle east and the actually very short time frame you have given yourself to prepare.

I don't want to put you off either though bcoz i think its a good thing to be impulsive but you need to balance the risk, and i think this is where you may be allowing yourself to run away with the [ very exciting] idea, so i would suggest two things.

Research some companies that do round the world trips. They can be expensive but you would have full support.

Speak to someone who had a lot of experience cycling across continents. I know of someone who does this. I have a male friend who has done, amongst other things TransAm a few times (unsupported, 4000 miles) so is aware of all the risks and he knows others who have done round the world trips. Private message me your details and I'll try and put you in touch.

 

[Edwardoka]

Speaking as a 44 year old woman, i think you've got an awful lot to think about safety wise, eg coming on a public forum and advertising for a male cycling partner (i understand why but don't necessarily think that is a safe move, you may not even make it past your first meeting!) not to mention what is going in Europe and the middle east and the actually very short time frame you have given yourself to prepare.

I don't want to put you off either though bcoz i think its a good thing to be impulsive but you need to balance the risk, and i think this is where you may be allowing yourself to run away with the [ very exciting] idea, so i would suggest two things.

Research some companies that do round the world trips. They can be expensive but you would have full support.

Speak to someone who had a lot of experience cycling across continents. I know of someone who does this. I have a male friend who has done, amongst other things TransAm a few times (unsupported, 4000 miles) so is aware of all the risks and he knows others who have done round the world trips. Pm me your details and I'll try and put you in touch.

Far too sensible! (very good advice though)
In any case, a potential companion rider turning up to meet a 25 year old female for a round the world bike trip is likely to wake up the following morning in an ice bath with their kidneys missing... (no offence to the OP! )

 

[buggi]

Far too sensible! (very good advice though)
In any case, a potential companion rider turning up to meet a 25 year old female for a round the world bike trip is likely to wake up the following morning in an ice bath with their kidneys missing... (no offence to the OP! )

Haha made me LOL

 

[xilios]

For some (more) inspiration check out www.cyclingdutchgirl.com.
My wife and I have been following her for some time now.
I am sure you can ask her for some advice about cycling alone, or with a partner around the world.

Edit / Check out her slideshow / video (Waltzing Matilda) she made in Australia. Every-time we see it we want to just pack up and go

 

[Ticktockmy]

Some years ago, whilst cycling down the east coast of Malaysia heading for Singapore, and home to UK, I meet a Aussie lass in her late teens and she was heading through SEA, Asia, Europe and eventually the UK, she had already ridden up through new Guinea and the Indonesian islands which if you know is can be quite intimidating . She was riding a bike that really I would thrown in the bin. I repaired a few broken spokes for her, and offered her hospitality if and when she arrived in the UK. 18 months later she phoned me from Newhaven ferry terminal asking too take me up on the offer. She had in the main enjoyed the experience and had very little hassle from guys trying to chat her up other than the usual banter the sex staved male members of the islam faith seem to consider appropriate when dealing with western girls. I think the OP will be OK as long as she follows the basic rules for ladies travelling by themselves. Most Lonely Planet guide book carry the rules.

 

[Twowheelxtc]

I think it's a little unfair pointing the finger just at Muslim men.....all faiths and cultures have their (fortunately small) minority of rude or dangerous people. When travelling I've always found the majority of Muslim people to be highly ethical and polite and very generous to strangers.
Being impolite or threatening to women is nothing to do with being Muslim in foreign lands just as its nothing to do with being Christian here.

Was it Mark Twain who is quoted as saying that.....Travel is the enemy of prejudice ....

 

[Ticktockmy]

I think it's a little unfair pointing the finger just at Muslim men.....all faiths and cultures have their (fortunately small) minority of rude or dangerous people. When travelling I've always found the majority of Muslim people to be highly ethical and polite and very generous to strangers.
Being impolite or threatening to women is nothing to do with being Muslim in foreign lands just as its nothing to do with being Christian here.

Was it Mark Twain who is quoted as saying that.....Travel is the enemy of prejudice ....

ROFL.. why do you think I used the word "Banter" and not something like pestering, because from my experiences living in Muslim countries over many years, the younger males do feel obliged to Banter with western women what ever their age.:-)

 

[andym]

I'm not sure I understand why using 'banter' rather than 'pestering' makes such a difference.

In support of twowheelxtc's comment about singling out Muslim men: Youtube: 10 hours of walking in NYC as a woman .

 

[Doyleyburger]

When you get to Oz or Thailand make sure you stuff a cheese burger down DurianRider's gob.