I have just discovered your youtube channel, Paul. What a gem! I've been binging all of your content and look forward to every video you make in to the future. Cheers!

Wise, wise words. I prefer solo riding, though it's great to ride with a stranger for a day or two.

"... bike touring is for crazy people, and I don't argue with them because I haven't completely ruled that out." LOL. Best. Bicycle. Tourist. Commentary. Ever.

I love your style Paul and the information. Honest and real. Wheels on a bike is a great channel as well. Keep riding.

Wow! I was not expecting a shout out! Thank you, Paul. I appreciate it. My preference is to ride solo because I can go when I want, where I want and make things up along the way. Pros and cons to solo and group travel for sure. Having said that, I will be riding with a friend soon, for 10 days, and I look forward to that. I will then ride solo again. Need to balance things out. 😉

I've been riding solo for many years now. I just don't get lonesome.. I'm happy to meet other riders and spend a little time or share a campsite. .One time in New Zealand I met up with a chap from Christchurch who only had a ten speed. I was riding a mountain bike with a granny gear and walking a lot of the hills. The guy kind of inspired to ride harder and keep up with him. Eventually our paths diverged and I rode on alone with renewed energy for the big hills. On one trip, I lived with a lady in a two person Timberline tent for seven months. We stayed good friends throughout the trip but pretty much knew we were incompatible by the time it was finished. I've done several group rides, Ragbrai, Grabaawr. Candisc. to name a few. I'd rather be out on the highway alone than be in a crowd. Ragbrai was pretty amazing though, to share a highway with upwards of twenty thousand other bicyclists. The nights were a little bothersome when there was a big group of frat boys partying it up until 3 am. Also, I really don't like camping in groups. I like to be off by myself, away from the crowd. On those big group rides, I would find a nice quiet spot far away from the herd. And then somebody would come over to where I was and plop their tent down a foot away from mine! It's too bad your wife doesn't seem interested in bike touring. She seems like a really nice lady.

i started doing solo overnighters which i loved as an introvert but i recently went with my kousin and it was great times. TSR is def my preferred method tho!

I am definitely a people person, i like being around friends and family, but when im on a ride its TSR all the way. The advantages outweigh the disadvantages in so many ways, you dont have to consult with anyone about any decision you make, you want to take a side road, you take a side road, you want to stop, you stop. same applies to the speed you want to go at, when you want to stop to eat, what time you want to start or finish.etc etc etc. The list is endless. Plus you tend to meet quite a few people on your travels anyway so alls good. Great video as usual 👍 Ride safe.

I too have just discovered your channel. Your videos make me smile. 🙂 🇨🇦

I dig your style dude, I'm enjoying these tales and wisdom from a bicycle Sioux, may the tail winds be with you !

This channel is exactly what I needed. I really enjoy your content and I’m grateful for all the information. Thank you.

I've toured alone, with my two sons individually and the three of us, and did a mass supported ride on the Erie Canalway to see what that was like. I enjoyed them all. After a 3 month 3,100 + mile solo trip I met a woman at work who was about 10 years my senior. My impression of her was that she was very nice, personable, educated (graduate degree), competent in her professional job, and she was attractive too. During one conversation my trip was the discussion topic... I was floored when she said to me "I don't like myself well enough to spend that much time alone." Such a thing had never occurred to me until she said that! In the 36 years since then I've met other touring cyclists who expressed similar sentiments and/or were too worried about the risks of traveling alone. They found their niche in fully supported tours or self supported group touring. Me... My first big trip was solo and my next one will most likely be solo too. This as finding someone crazy, and compatible with me, and with a compatible schedule is challenging! I agree that there is some accommodation that will work for anyone who wants to try touring... just put yourself out there!

I need to do a tour with someone with experience. I have done bike packing trips but I tend to put my head down and ride my bike without taking in the sights. I found it helpful to hike with people slower than me so I would slow down and see things I would notice otherwise. Anytime you want to take a newer bike tourer/ packer on a slower trip let me know, I would be up for the slower pace experience.

I just really love your simple style of video. Your personality, etc. I came across your KZfaq channel on Bikepacking/touring pages on Fb and I’m glad I checked them out!

Great film, look forward to watching your next adventure, many thanks!

Hi Paul, I’m new to bike touring and your channel which I’m enjoying immensely! So many of my questions have been answered by listening to your advice. Thank you for sharing your wisdom!

Solo, I find suits me. For the same reason you mention. I do meet others on the road and share time. I use the same style of security, but my past experience makes me able to take care of myself. I'm really not the person someone would want to sneak up on in the night. PTSD was the reason I started camping more, I was always more at home away from people in the open air.

Recent subscriber here from Newcastle UK. Loving your presentation, straightforward and to the point and obviously speaking from your hands on experience. Love it. I usually tour with 4 or 5 pals I’ve known from school (we’re 50 ish) and yes, we still get on each other’s nerves. One day I’m just going to get on my bike and set off into the sunset. Just to see how it goes.

this video was awesome, thank you for addressing the big elephants in the room.. to go solo or not. I once tried to go on a 12mi ride with my sig. other.. didnt work out... tried again to go on a 20mi ride with them.. still didnt work out.. so now, I ride strictly solo. we just have 2 different riding styles and its not worth the angst riding together causes.

Bike touring with someone is like sharing an apartment with them. It can, and has, ruined friendships. And you are so right about self-reliance.

Great channel. I’ve been touring since 1978. You are right that there aren’t a lot of folks who are primarily cycle tourist. I am also too slow for most people where I live. Your videos are spot on. Total self reliance is a fundamental part of solo touring. I am a life member of Adventure Cycling and really enjoy self contained tours with ACA. I rode the Trans Am, self contained, with ACA in 2019. You really need to do a video on the Western third. It is by far the best section of the US I have ever done. Missoula to the Oregon Coast. Keep ‘‘em coming and stay safe out there.

Could you a video of how much it cost to do a touring bike trip? I love the way your share your bike touring experience .

I ride alone mostly ...in a situation similar to yours, so I can relate! Thanks!

I mainly do solo and for years have described the advantage being able to do what you want when you want. Next week on a solo hike/bike trip

Love your videos Paul! Keep them coming.

Starting in 2019, I have done four bike tours with a sister: GAP/C&O Canal, KATY Trail, a self-designed route that included three contiguous rail-to-trails in Wisconsin, and the Ohio to Erie trail from Cincinnati to Columbus. Our ages are 76/75. We preplan our days and pre-reserve our campsites/hotels. That is the sum of my bike touring experience. I imagine that soloing can be serendipitous and I would like to try that. My advice is this. Do it with someone you know, your friendship will help overcome differences. Acknowledge your similarities/differences and how they might affect your partnership. Share your plans, expectations and concerns before and during your adventure. Commit to being individually self-sufficient, but leverage individual strengths. If you find yourself relying too much on your partner, acknowledge it and offer to compensate. Prepare yourself for problems resulting from your differences and deal with them gracefully. Be assertive. Be flexible. Be grateful. An example of our incompatibility is that we don’t bike at the same pace. We accept it. One person waits for the other.

I am a solo rider. I prefer the solitude. I agree with the T.S.R. completely.

Your advice are so worth considering. You’ve thought this through!

I have found group guided tours useful when cycling overseas where conditions are unfamiliar. For example on a riding trip in Japan, where so many things are very different, it was a relief to have a guide. Same to a lesser extent in New Zealand. But in Australia (where I live) It was relatively unstressful (though exhausting) to ride alone recently from Sydney to Brisbane.

Nice video Paul (as always). Solo all the way for me. I simply find far too may things along the journey to check out. I can't imagine that would ever be interesting for a riding partner.

I rode alone on a tour of 11 days. I stayed in B&Bs or hotels every night to keep my husband and Mum from worrying. My husband would track me using the phone app and it gave him peace of mind, knowing where I was. I often wished I had someone with me during times of worry or stress on the tour (ie...oh my gosh the place I was going to stay is booked up, what am I going to do now?) - but I never wished I had anyone with me while I was actually cycling. It was absolute bliss being out there by myself. My favourite bits was when there was no traffic, and it was just me, the wind in the trees, and the little sounds of animals scurrying through the leaves. It was pure heaven. If I'd had a mechanical issue I would have been in trouble, as I don't know much past the basics, but luckily I didn't. Didn't even have a flat tyre. Didn't even get rained on. Talk about blessings! The only reason to ride in a group would be for the mechanical support. The best thing about riding solo is going the speed and distance that you're comfortable with, not having to keep up with anyone. You can just do your own thing in peace and quiet. It's so wonderful. It got to the point when I resented having to talk to people at the B&B. =D This video reminded me of how fun the tour was, and makes me want to plan another one. Maybe I'll look into a guided tour if I can find one that's slow enough.

Thank you for bringing back the piece of memory that phone calls in those days were cheaper ar certain times of days ❤️

While I don't do long or even medium length tours, I just love the sense of freedom when you have everything you need to stay out overnight. I've started using my bikes more for errands and trips to the grocery store. I live out in a very rural area so the closest store is 6 miles away. It's a shame that we live in such a fast-paced world that we can not take the time to ride our bikes everywhere instead of in a car. We have to use a car to save time so we can work a lot to afford the car and the insurance. I'm toying with the idea of getting rid of my car and just using the bike.

Currently bike touring to Berlin and KZfaq just recommended your channel. Really interesting videos and thoughtful commentary!

Well Paul, because of you, I am planning a solo tour of C&O and the GAP trails in June. I bought a used Surly in great shape, and now I am racking up miles to ready myself for the trip. Thank you for great videos.😊

I'm 60 now and have had to have my right knee replaced 3 years ago so I have to take care of myself. I recently have gotten into backpacking in the last 6 months as well and I pretty much have to go alone on those excursions also. I recently purchased a Garmin InReach Mini and it gives me a boost of confidence knowing that I can send out an emergency SOS signal and communicate with my wife via text messaging 24 hours a day anywhere in the world completely off-grid from any cellular service.

I like the idea of solo touring (my fitness rides are always solo), but I definitely have safety concerns about camping solo. If you get injured, having someone to get help could be life saving.

I think it is all about being comfortable in yourself. You pick your route. You decide when you stop. The only person you have to get along with is yourself..

Heya Paul, thanks for another awesome video! I am mostly a solo bike rider for many of the reasons you mentioned. I am by nature an introvert. I am slow and most people think I am crazy. I love plotting my routes, researching trails and food and camp spots. That said, I have had a couple of amazing weekend rail trail adventures with our daughter! She loves to camp and campfires. Great connections over the kilometres, conversations. Glad I didn't miss out on that. Great shout out to Wheels On A Bike! She has a great attitude! As do you! Her safety tips are great for solo female cyclists and practical and level headed but she encourages womento take it on with joy and freedom. Now I'm going to ride my bike!

I bought Axiom front pannier racks for my bike with my allowance, now I am saving up for the pannier bags to carry my hammock and pillow...thanks for the encouragement...👍👁❤☝️

Thank you Paul for another great video. One day I hope we do cross paths and ride together for a while. If you’re ever on the east coast let me know.

I love how you sum it up in the first 20 seconds! You hit all the points to consider. My introvert side feeds on riding alone. No drama, no conflict, no deference to someone else’s preferences. I have no one to blame but myself when things don’t go as planned. I don’t think I’d be brave enough to tour on my own without technology, though. Incident detection on my Garmin + texting loved ones at the end of each day provides a level of security. I tell my family that if anything happens to me on the road, to remember I’m doing what I love to do.

I'm an old hiker/backpacker. MANY folks think what I did in the old days was for CRAZY people. Sleeping on the ground. Bathing in a cold river. Eating dehydrated food. Doing your nature call in the woods 😅. These days I stay at campgrounds and hotel/motels/hostels. ALWAYS hike with friends. Safety in #s. Bike on.

"I don't have to share my toothbrush with anybody else!", this is classic! God bless you, Paul!

I think it must be the second or third time I wanna say: You are absolutly right. Great video. Thanks

Its a pure joy listening to you.

Thanks for sharing ,good stuff.🚴‍♂️👍

😅, love the commentary in your video. Pros and cons for all issues. I am too slow for everyone, so I mostly ride alone. I love the classic weathered gear paired with the new, cool jacket( warranty return or a gift?). Lol , lol !

Thanks for sharing your experience. I plan a solo bike trip and your advices helps a lot.

This is re-motivating me to get back out and ride thanks man.

Ha! I saw a lot of bike channels, so...i can say that you are special!! Something unique! It is like i watch a very good classical movie!!

Just pure one hundred per cent common sense Paul,thank you .

Group tours in my younger days, I've been solo as I become wiser in my golden age. Serenity and mental health are more important to me now.

What gem of knowledge! A great informative vid!

Yep, I like solo touring unless it's a short and scenic bike tour with my wife. The problem with a small group is pace and who is the alpha dog for decisions. Great video!

Getting to start my trans-America ride. I live about 90 minutes north of you. Like your videos

Thank you Paul you inspire me to get off my butt stay safe looking forward to your next

Excellent advice. I set off across the US with someone I hardly knew. It was like marrying the wrong person. Then I did the Sierra Cascades solo and had a great time. Ran into a couple I got on with like a house on fire, rode 500 miles with them. What a blast.

Riding the tour divide this summer. Starting alone but hopefully I meet some other cool bike tourers and we ride for a bit.

Hey Paul! I only recently discovered your channel. I love it, your experiences are so like my own. I'm from the UK, and I first crossed the US alone in '87 at 31 years of age, my first ever bike tour, then I did it again in '90-'91 with my girl friend (now my wife, so we obviously didn't get on each others nerves too much). I can't say one trip was better than the other. Each time we cycled around 4500 miles, camping almost every night. On my first trip I did all the same things wrong that you mentioned on your channel. I'm now 66 and retired, and my bike trips are around 500 km in 6 days with one days' rest. And hotel beds!!!

I’ve only been cycling for a wee while, I’m in my late 40s. I’m up to cycling 30 or so miles in a day but I have only ever been out alone. I’m conscious of slowing everyone down because I’m not as experienced or as fit as others and it would only stress me out if I was holding everyone back, which defeats the purpose of going out. I also like being able to set my own pace, even crawl if I have to. I also don’t know anyone who cycles. I’d like to try riding along with others occasionally and I love meeting cyclists along the way and stopping for a chat and a coffee and cake. It’s a really nice way to break up a journey. I aim to do the NC500 next year as it’s on my doorstep and I’ll probably do it solo. Although, I’m also conscious of being female and riding alone but I think as long as I book hotels along the way and I’m riding through the day it should be fine.

Nice one Paul, merry Christmas to you and yours.

Thanks for another adventure.

Great video, thanks for sharing.

Some of us have several other people in our head with us so when we tour "solo" we still are in a group.

thanks Paul, pearls of wisdom

Hi Paul My name is Dennis the roofer.. I thought you looked familiar to me and just before the video ended I said that looks like my friend Paul… I looked for your name and it said Paul it’s got to be you…lol CHIMNEY CHASES!!!! Thank you for sharing your knowledge on safe enjoyable practical bike touring…I rail trail on my ebike on weekends and enjoy on and off road biking. I am new to touring,Your video The DARKSIDE of Bike Touring was the first I’ve seen on the subject and thought it was very well done….I’ll be watching your videos and giving a thumbs up.thanks and ride safe I’ll comment again soon Thank you Dennis Mansueto

This is the million dollar question!

Great vid, thanx dude.

I pretty much do solo touring myself. Like you stated, I'm too slow to ride with anyone else...🤣. I like to take my time. I have a good friend that does day tours and has done a couple mini credit card tours with me, but he's not into the bikepacking camping thing, so I'm on my own on longer self-contained excursions.

"I haven't ruled that out" I snorted out loud and choked on my drink

When I am asked why I tour alone, this is what I answer: If looking for a riding partner... You need someone who will have the same vacation time as you (easier said than done, especially if you are able to get several weeks vacation at once...) You need someone who will want to go to the same place as you (i.e. where is the ride going to take you?) You need someone with similar riding abilities, otherwise, either you will always be waiting for them, or they will be waiting for you You need someone who has similar tastes/affinities as you... if you like to stealth camp, while they need a 3-star motel at the very least, it's not going to work. That's why I find it easier to just ride alone...

I'm always going solo. I love it. Matter of fact I'm bike touring right now. 👍

your videos always make me chill 😜

Thanks Paul! Just discovered your channel, love your style! There's few things I like better than horizontally enjoying a bike-touring-video-binge after a day in the saddle. The only problem is, now I want to ride my bike again, but my legs need some rest real bad... Well, maybe tomorrow I guess... Greetings from the Netherlands!

Same with me.. Solo bike touring..🚴‍♂️❤👍

I always enjoy your demeanor and great information, Paul. I live about a four hour car drive from you. We humans are as varied as snowflakes, so I like the way you seemed to be telling folks to just set out on the road and find your style. It's all good, as long as you're riding your bike in the social setting you prefer. Thanks for all the work you've put into what you're going to say, editing it, etc. Great stuff always.

Thanks for the content Paul and your realistic approach on bike touring. Younger, I was a performance rider. Solo riding was my thing. Now in my 60s, it's the other way. Riding in formation helps maintaining stamina.

Great topic and discussion. Bad weather can be a common foe for touring cyclists to ban together short term. Better to compare notes with an experienced rider before continuing on blindly.

Dude sharing my messkit is off limits so is my tent .. people should be equipped to have their own stuff

I hope our paths cross, so we get to hang out together. Since I live and bike 🚴 tour in Sweden, we at least get to hang out together on your channel. 😊

Related to other videos - Can you talk about the maps on which you show your progress? They are cool.

Will be solo short touring for me this summer.😀

Great advice

Thank you

I'm biking from Denver to Los Angeles in August! Your channel has encouraged me and been helpful! Any tips on camping along the way? or how to make your route? thanks!

I solo hiked the AT, CT, and TRT. You are never really alone on those hikes - so many others doing the same. I am very curious to see if the same thing is true on the TABR.

I like to ride solo. I don't like compromise which inevitably leads to friction.

When I bike ride solo, I try to post pictures on Facebook and Instagram, as much as possible, to share the scenery and to let people know that I'm Allright :)

Your vids are fantastic

H-E double hockey 🏑 stick's 😂. I know what you mean Paul

Hi Paul, love your videos. You got me interested in building a touring bike for more comfort. Are there any vintage bikes you could recommend as a base to start. I really like your upright riding posture. Thanks for all you do.

Always solo, for me. The few I've ridden with others were not fun.

Well I often start in a group but I’m so slow / distractable I end up solo cycling. Usually back in the group by evening.

Solo is just perfect 🙂👌🏻

Curiously, I heard someone point out that when they were traveling solo it made them less threatening to others and they found people more willing to help, look out for them.

Paul, we're one year apart and we're living parallel lives in the Chicago area. I was pedaling my trusty Bianchi all over DuPage county in the late 70s/ early 80s. Wish I joined you on your trip to Minneapolis. Keep pedaling my friend.

Most of my tours are solo...I have done quite a few with a group, most were fun but sometimes too much drama goes on.

I travel solo because when I have free time people I know that cycle don't and vice versa. I have traveled with people going the same direction but I travel a little slower so I'm passed up.

Hey Paul, is that Kevin you mentioned you went bike touring with living in San Diego now? I might have stayed with him during my last bike tour, he mentioned he also toured with a couple friends in college. I realize it's not the most unique name but there's only so many of us crazy bike tourists!