Touring- solo or in pairs or more?

[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.

 

[mikeIow]

An interesting question!
I like to cycle with a pal for an adventure…although my big “retirement” gift to myself was to do LEJoG, & essentially did it solo, albeit with about a dozen pals joining in for various bits, from a few hours to a few days!
No idea what 2026 might bring, mind….

 

[froze]

I have no choice I have to go alone, I don't know anyone where I live that even would want to go overnight on a bicycle not alone for days on end; plus I don't know anyone who has that sort of time; plus I don't want to travel with someone I don't know at all or very little, I don't want to find out a week into the ride that one of us or both hates the other or each other!

The crazy thing is that almost everyone that I know who rides are mostly too scared to even ride on roads, they stick to bike paths! Weird.

 

[Jameshow]

K

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).

Gets a bit awkward at night!🤣😍

 

[madcyclist09]

I have only done 2 camping trips and both solo and enjoyed both

 

[Psamathe]

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

My observational experience as well. Solo I've found amazing friendliness in campsites, had people from camper vans bring over cups of coffee before I've setup and had a chance to get my stove out. Once even had somebody bring over a plate with full supper 'cos she thought I might need it.

Same when non-cycling travelling (groups tend not to interact outside the group).