Touring- solo or in pairs or more?

[brommieinkorea]

I have always toured solo but I am now 71 and have had a couple of serious, life threatening, health scares in the last ten years. I'm fully recovered.

Age and possible health issues have persuaded me solo touring is no longer a sensible option. I ride regularly with two very good friends, we have much in common and similar attitudes to life and cycling. We've tried to plan a couple of tours but life keeps getting in the way.

I do have a plan to go on cycling holidays with a company like Saddle Skedaddle in the future. My understanding is the group often splits in to 2s and 3s or even solo with a backup vehicle. That would work for me.

The key to successful "private" touring with others is everyone in the group must be roughly equally matched from the cycling perspective. All rubbing along well and being of a similar outlook would be a good idea.

By "private" I mean organised between a bunch of friends.

But, unless your mates are doctors, or military medics with their medical equipment, what good does it do if you keel over on the road ? Just someone to mark exact time of death to save the authorities the investigation ? I've been paying taxes for a while now and would just as soon the coroner have to guess, he's gotta earn his pay ya know.

 

[PaulSB]

But, unless your mates are doctors, or military medics with their medical equipment, what good does it do if you keel over on the road ? Just someone to mark exact time of death to save the authorities the investigation ? I've been paying taxes for a while now and would just as soon the coroner have to guess, he's gotta earn his pay ya know.

Is this a serious question? I've suffered a heart attack and a brain haemorrhage. I'm 120% recovered from both. As it happens because I was able to take action myself and call 999.

I'm epileptic. If I had a seizure, which for me is fortunately extremely rare, I wouldn't be capable of calling an emergency number.

So it makes complete sense to be with other people. You may be happy to die a potentially avoidable death, myself I'd be happier if someone called a doctor.......I hope my wife, sons, their wives and my granddaughters would appreciate it as well

 

[simongt]

My preference is solo. I decide a destination, travel at my own speed, stop where and whenever I please and arrive at my chosen destination via whichever way serendipity has decided.
Couldn't do that with a companion unless they are also as easy going as I am - !

 

[yello]

I have toured with my brother but mainly solo. Even with my brother, he being a stronger rider would leave me behind on longer climbs, and I'd relax into my own pace and world.

 

[teeonethousand]

I have toured with my brother but mainly solo. Even with my brother, he being a stronger rider would leave me behind on longer climbs, and I'd relax into my own pace and world.

I am just like this with my brother😁

 

[oxoman]

I have always toured solo but I am now 71 and have had a couple of serious, life threatening, health scares in the last ten years. I'm fully recovered.

Age and possible health issues have persuaded me solo touring is no longer a sensible option. I ride regularly with two very good friends, we have much in common and similar attitudes to life and cycling. We've tried to plan a couple of tours but life keeps getting in the way.

I do have a plan to go on cycling holidays with a company like Saddle Skedaddle in the future. My understanding is the group often splits in to 2s and 3s or even solo with a backup vehicle. That would work for me.

The key to successful "private" touring with others is everyone in the group must be roughly equally matched from the cycling perspective. All rubbing along well and being of a similar outlook would be a good idea.

By "private" I mean organised between a bunch of friends.

These organised tours are great if your not 100% on route / ability or just not confident enough to go solo. Great for those who have little bike repair knowledge.I've now done several solo overnight trips along side small supported group rides like Skedaddle or Pedalpower to name 2. I've done multiday KAW with glorious gravel. The supported rides have been solo or with mates. Most recent being lakes and dales with cycle active. The bike courier / mechanic was kept busy by others with dodgy brakes and broken front mech. Currently planning king John way and rebellion way for next year both solo. King john way may be this yr if chance. I personally think there's something for everyone assuming they can afford it.

 

[Jameshow]

But, unless your mates are doctors, or military medics with their medical equipment, what good does it do if you keel over on the road ? Just someone to mark exact time of death to save the authorities the investigation ? I've been paying taxes for a while now and would just as soon the coroner have to guess, he's gotta earn his pay ya know.

You need someone to stop your Strava and dig the hole..!

 

[brommieinkorea]

Yes, if I had health problems that could be fixed by timely medical attention, I'd think that having someone to call an ambulance might be good. But ,like most,I don't have any underlying health conditions and when I get to the age where I may just fall over dead there really isn't much anyone can do. I would much rather die mid ride, maybe while still rolling, than any other way.

 

[tyred]

Always alone, I don't have anyone else to tour with, and even if I did, I'd probably just get irritated by them!

 

[oxoman]

As previously mentioned i cycle predominantly alone but have done groups etc, the only thing I always do now is carry a BC card that has a small photo of me on and medical issues plus medication etc. I have several old out of date cards but keep the medical / medication details upto date. Recent 4 day trip with mates in the lake district we all knew each other's medical problems and had phone numbers in case of emergencys as did our partners.

 

[RobinS]

We always tour as a pair. It has advantages that two people are less likely to make a stupid mistake at the same time, if stuff goes wrong there is someone else to bounce ideas off, and you can support each other, and on a longer multi-month tour you know there will hard times, bad weather, breakdowns etc. Also you can pool kit, share stoves, pans etc, even toolkits so you each carry less. We share a tent which also saves weight.
I am fortunate though, I tour with my wife of 40 years, we know and tolerate each other's strengths and weaknesses, when one is struggling the other helps rather than getting resentful about delays etc. I don't think I have ever met anyone else I would consider doing a long tour, sharing a small tent with!

 

[matticus]

We always tour as a pair. It has advantages that two people are less likely to make a stupid mistake at the same time, if stuff goes wrong there is someone else to bounce ideas off, and you can support each other, and on a longer multi-month tour you know there will hard times, bad weather, breakdowns etc. Also you can pool kit, share stoves, pans etc, even toolkits so you each carry less. We share a tent which also saves weight.

Indeed. There are loads of advantages to having a "team-mate". Others:
- watch your bike while you're in a shop.
- help figure out public transport. maybe hold your bike while you find your tickets.
- safety stuff (discussed earlier).

For me, I just like having someone to discuss the various sights/joys as you meet them. Solo i tend to arrive in (say) a cafe, and immediately bombard the polite-but-bored-stupid staff with tales from the previous 4 hours!

 

[blackrat]

Would be nice, if the other cyclist was compatible, if not, solo it is.

 

[Gillstay]

I tend to travel with a Welshman, or an Australian. Two people works best for me as sociable and poor on language's.

 

[Cathryn]

I tour with my husband and son and love it! I’ve toured solo and have thoroughly enjoyed that too - I’d love to do it again sometime soon because I found it so empowering and confidence- building but I really love sharing these experiences with my boys!