Touring- solo or in pairs or more?

[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!

 

[matticus]

I heard a nice theory from a cycling friend recently. He's toured a lot more than me, especially camping.

He reckons 3 is the ideal group number, as then 1 rider can always choose to drift along in their own thoughts when they want to. (but you still get all the other benefits of company).

 

[ianrauk]

I heard a nice theory from a cycling friend recently. He's toured a lot more than me, especially camping.

He reckons 3 is the ideal group number, as then 1 rider can always choose to drift along in their own thoughts when they want to. (but you still get all the other benefits of company).

As per my post earlier in the thread ... what your friend says 100%

 

[blackrat]

I heard a nice theory from a cycling friend recently. He's toured a lot more than me, especially camping.

He reckons 3 is the ideal group number, as then 1 rider can always choose to drift along in their own thoughts when they want to. (but you still get all the other benefits of company).

I don't agree, any odd number and one rider will be left 'out in the cold' so to speak as the other two 'buddy up'.

 

[Moodyman]

I don't agree, any odd number and one rider will be left 'out in the cold' so to speak as the other two 'buddy up'.

Surely one would find people of similar personalities to avoid friction?

I have seen two people in a large group tour, who vaguely knew each other from a previous trip. They decided to buddy up to share hotel costs. By day 3, it became apparent they were totally unsuited to each other and didn’t talk during the rest of the trip.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Groups do tend to stay in their bubbles and interact less with locals.

 

[ianrauk]

I don't agree, any odd number and one rider will be left 'out in the cold' so to speak as the other two 'buddy up'.

My experience says you are wrong.

 

[geocycle]

Solo for me, I love the freedom that brings. But I tend to only do short trips. If I was to do 2-3 week plus tours I might want company. I’m thinking of such a ride as a retirement present in a few years time and was looking at a more organised group ride.

 

[blackrat]

Solo for me, I love the freedom that brings. But I tend to only do short trips. If I was to do 2-3 week plus tours I might want company. I’m thinking of such a ride as a retirement present in a few years time and was looking at a more organised group ride.

I don't know if naming a company is frowned upon on this forum, but I have ridden a LeJog with Peak Tours and would recommend.
https://www.peak-tours.com/2026-dates/

 

[blackrat]

My experience says you are wrong.

A comment in opposition without any backup evidence, wonderful!

 

[ianrauk]

A comment in opposition without any backup evidence, wonderful!

Look up thread, my evidence is there.