Going Solo

When I first started getting back into bicycle touring a few years ago, I was going through an independent streak and decided to go it alone rather than asking someone to join me. My decision bothered some of my loved ones even though I'd done automobile-based road trips on my own before. Those outings seemed safer to them.

Honestly, I had a few fears myself. I hadn't camped alone before nor had I used a camp stove. My previous bicycle travel experiences were on supported tours. To ease the fears of us all, I planned my trip such that I stayed with a different friend nearly every night thus no tent to set up, or food to cook on a one burner stove. I had a blast and did a second, similar trip a few years later.

The 'friends and family' strategy is only one way to reassure your loved ones you'll be okay. You could also show them the maps you intend to use, ones full of helpful information that follow well-established routes like those found on the Adventure Cycling Route Network. In addition, a short reading list can be helpful. My two best suggestions are articles from Adventure Cyclist magazine, one by John Schubert and another by Christina Uss. Lots of people, men and women alike, do solo bike tours every year and document them online so you could choose a couple of journals for them to read as well.

Mostly, you have to decide it's in your best interest to go and then do it in spite of anyone's fears. They will get used to the idea, especially when you return grinning from ear-to-ear, brimming with new found confidence and ready to tackle your next big adventure.

photo courtesy of Jenn Milyko

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GEOPOINTS BULLETIN is written by Jennifer 'Jenn' Milyko, an Adventure Cycling cartographer, and appears weekly, highlighting curious facts, figures and persons from Adventure Cycling's Route Network with tips and hints for personal route creation thrown in for good measure.