Cycling holiday- on your own or not?

[Hill Wimp]

not so much these days. We did tour the lakes about 20 years ago for a week... I know he's got it in him but just want to see him do a few big rides on consecutive days first.

Get him out at the weekend, show him what 20 miles is like. Get him out next weekend and pop in an extra 5 miles, he won't notice.

 

[snorri]

Solo touring.
I have enough stops along the way to cater for my own interests, if I was also stopping for the interests of others I would never get anywhere.

 

[ColinJ]

I just worry about being bored once the day's cycling is done should i do it solo.

Do it in one day and you wouldn't have that problem - you'd probably be too tired to do anything other than shower, eat and sleep!

 

[MontyVeda]

Do it in one day and you wouldn't have that problem - you'd probably be too tired to do anything other than shower, eat and sleep!

 

[ColinJ]

A more sensible suggestion ... Do the tough western half on day 1, then stop in York overnight. Day 2 would be easy and leave plenty of time to go home by train?

 

[vernon]

I'm in Berlin Hauptbahnhof waiting for the sleeper train to Paris on my back to the UK after seventeen days in Europe with a pal. It's the second time that I've toured with someone and it does have its disadvantages as you lose the ability to be spontaneous. Locals are less likely to speak to a pair of cyclists too. Don't get me wrong one we have had a blast but I wasn't as exposed to the customs and cultures of the Czech Republic and Germany as I would have done had I toured solo. I've never been short of conversation opportunities with the locals when touring solo.

 

[Dayvo]

I've done two six-week trips: one with a mate, one solo.

I enjoyed both very much for different reasons, but if I were to chose, then I'd go solo almost very time.

The misses wants to do a longish tour with me, but I don't think that would be a very good idea.But don't tell her I said so.

 

[MontyVeda]

I'm in Berlin Hauptbahnhof waiting for the sleeper train to Paris on my back to the UK after seventeen days in Europe with a pal. It's the second time that I've typed with someone and it does have its disadvantages as you lose the ability to be spontaneous. Locals are less likely to speak to a pair of cyclists too. Don't get me wrong one had a blast but I wasn't as exposed to the customs and cultures of the Czech Republic and Germany as I would have done had I toured solo. I've never been short of conversation opportunities with the locals when touring solo.

Would you advise on whether or not it's safe for Lancastrian to do a solo tour through Yorkshire

 

[Aga]

This is it, I'm going solo then Best go and start planning the route

 

[Chris Norton]

Why not go down the route of warm showers? Cycle on your own, bunk down in a friendly like minded individual/couple/family who will no doubt show you the best of what the place has to offer and give you the company you may need.

If I ever go on a trip, http://www.warmshowers.org/welcome would probably sort my trip out.

 

[ufkacbln]

My normal life is so driven by appointments and timings I want to meander, stop, start and explore when I am away from work

I book B and B on Saturdays (because of Wedding bookings) and Sundays (often places close), but apart from that I tour as I feelon the day.

I have often diverted many miles and abandoned routes to investigate something or visit a church or historic site at someone's suggestion

That is the beauty of touring on your own.

 

[MrJamie]

I'm not sure really. I wanted to do a cycling holiday with friends, but aside from matching up time off work, you have to be lucky to have friends who want the same balance of cycling and holidaying, similar fitness etc etc.

Some of the solo rides on here people have done look great, but i'm not very good at sparking conversations with strangers, so wouldn't be the option for me!

 

[MontyVeda]

My answer is yes and no.

I love touring with Mrs R (we've just finished the North Coast cycle path). If she isn't free then I'd prefer to tour alone. I hate doing anything in a (large) group and will always try and keep away from crowds if possible. I'm not agrophobic or antisocial just prefer quietness, solitude and my own company.

quite... on the other hand, there's always "you did it without me?" from the potential other party.

 

[MontyVeda]

...
Some of the solo rides on here people have done look great, but i'm not very good at sparking conversations with strangers, so wouldn't be the option for me!

not only am i excellent at not being very good at starting conversations with strangers, I'm a genius when it comes to failing to maintain the conversations strangers start with me... but i wouldn't let that completely put me off a few days solo touring. I'm happy enough with my own company.

 

[ufkacbln]

quite... on the other hand, there's always "you did it without me?" from the potential other party.

This is clearly not the case!

I was being considerate and doing a Recce to see if it was one a route we can do together.

I have done quite a few tours with my Wife where I have already done the route, but we have then missed out the grotty bits, or taken a better route thus improving her experience................ or at least that is what I tell her!