Why Older Motorcyclists Seek Solitude When They Ride

[Willow]

I stumbled across this short (8 minute) piece that seemed to touch me in describing my own riding  self.  If you take the time to listen to it let me know if it touches you.

Oh, and skip the advertisements.

Why Older Motorcyclists Seek Solitude When They Ride

[Oldfishguy]

Yes.

[Hook#3287]

Many truths in that. Time well spent watching.

If I had to guess, over 95% of my riding is alone.

Is that the plan?  IDK, but it is what it is and I've needed 2 wheels and wind for most of my life.

I also have many excellent memories of group rides, like the time Mark took us down a dirt road and pissed Jess off, during a Inzane ride.

I love the solitude, but also the camaraderie of like minded people.

I do find it ironic that the vid producer is talking about being alone and disconnected, while having a cell phone mounted on his handlebars.

But that's just me.


 

[Skinhead]

It definitely describes my outlook.  I'm not afraid to ride alone and enjoy small groups.  I hate large crowds, Madison avenue's image of what we need in our lives.  The fact that every event needs to have rap music associated with it and we need to keep our opinions to ourselves if there is a chance they will offend sensibilities, but we need to tolerate the generally accepted garbage that is part of our modern society.  The MAGA folks are beginning to change that.

The video that follows Willow's(at least on my feed) about Raul Malo and the Mavericks, also struck a note with me.  He recently passed away, and we lost a great vocalist and musician.

https://youtu.be/KkgLC5FM0ws?si=23kCcr8lHQ4FW5xP

[old2soon]

     Quite possibly THE Best description of describing the impossible to non riders! More than once I've thrown a leg over my former Phatt Ghurl and just followed the front wheel. Other RIDERS you've just met at a fuel stop or a quick food place seem to gravitate to one another then leave chasin the wind on their own. Got Friends and Family I like RIDIN with but those solo RIDES seem to be more peaceful as I set my OWN Pace and stop where I Desire and NOT as part of a group RIDE! Found some Interesting roads just followin the front wheel. Hope to find Many More just followin the front wheel!  RIDE SAFE.

[michaelyoung254]

Thank you for posting this. It's definitely worth the time to watch it. In all honesty, this describes as to why I ride. My wife and I ride by ourselves most of the time, and she has her earbuds and listens to music while I use earplugs and simply enjoy the solitude.

[flsix]

At a young age (maybe 12 or 13) I was riding in the woods and edges of fields quite often by myself, just smiling at the freedom and enjoying the bike. As I aged I married and found myself on dual sport bikes. Now I had the opportunity to get to work during the week and the trails on the weekends. Those adventures continued for about 28 years through mosquito and snake infested swamps, sugar sand and salt flats in SW Fl. I came to the realization that as I progressed in years my body didn't bounce as well as it used to. 
To my dismay I sold the last woods bike and bought a street bike. A Honda VTX 1300. In order to have real fun with that type of bike I figured I'd need to find hills and curves which are non existent in my part of Fl. Off I go to explore places like GA, AL, NC, TN, VA, WV, PA, NY, and OH. Mountains I found are great fun. Found a group of VTX riders that got together a few times a year and rode up that way. The most treasured times however were spent riding by myself as it left more opportunities to stop and explore the world.
The VTX was traded on a Valk IS. Now this is a road bike!!
Same situation with the Valk with great group get togethers at Inzane and other scheduled rides.
The Valk has been gone for about 4 years now and no longer live in FL. Hiding out in Upstate SC within 10 minutes of mountains with an 2013 F6B Gold Wing. Loving the exploration of the beautiful creation in this part of the country.
Ride safe y'all, in a group or solo it's great therapy.

[mbramley]

 It speaks to and of me also. Almost all of my rides were solo except an occasional charity ride or a group ride at Inzane. That is until Georgette started throwing a leg over my bike, now finding the time to be truly solo is more difficult but still probably still 60 %

[Oss]

enjoyed that

Wife is not comfortable more than 4 hrs on the bike.  She was really mad at me when we rode 8 hrs to Roanoke in 1 day so I recently bought a folding trailer to get the bike to Inzane  We had talked about it at Inzane that year and I finally realized that if I ever wanted to travel the USA and ride with her that was how it would have to be, unless I flew her there.

All of my rides are solo except once or twice a year we ride together to dinner or friends house

Have not shared riding Valkyries with my wingman (Gman) in many many years now Spearfish was the last ride we had together except for my last fall ride when Baldo, Meathead and Hook and others shared wind over a Columbus weekend  No politics discussed at my rides but lots of razzing

I agree that even a ride to and from my office is better than the day at the office

When I was talking with Valker this morning I remembered that in over 24 yrs we only rode together to get ice cream in Eureka Springs back in 2006 with the VOAi.  Funny how time marched so quickly

[Hook#3287]

enjoyed that

Wife is not comfortable more than 4 hrs on the bike.  She was really mad at me when we rode 8 hrs to Roanoke in 1 day so I recently bought a folding trailer to get the bike to Inzane  We had talked about it at Inzane that year and I finally realized that if I ever wanted to travel the USA and ride with her that was how it would have to be, unless I flew her there.

All of my rides are solo except once or twice a year we ride together to dinner or friends house

Have not shared riding Valkyries with my wingman (Gman) in many many years now Spearfish was the last ride we had together except for my last fall ride when Baldo, Meathead and Hook and others shared wind over a Columbus weekend  No politics discussed at my rides but lots of razzing

I agree that even a ride to and from my office is better than the day at the office

When I was talking with Valker this morning I remembered that in over 24 yrs we only rode together to get ice cream in Eureka Springs back in 2006 with the VOAi.  Funny how time marched so quickly

Evan, that was a great ride    A little to wet for my taste, but excellent time. Good memories from that weekend.

You forgot to mention Brenda, the other (better)  half on the Meathead group 

[Oss]

lol

what happened in the back of the van ?

I dunno

[Jess from VA]

I have all the solitude I need living alone at home.

I ride because I love it, and to get out of the house.

I like to ride with small groups of good riders, but haven't had the opportunity in a long time.

I'm not alone riding; I have Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, Mendleson, Tchaikovsky, Dvorak, Hayden, and all those guys along with me.  Box stock Interstate radio reception is excellent wherever I ride.  

I never take passengers anymore, and wouldn't do it for anyone over 120lbs even if she was a beauty.   

[RDAbull]

Since I retired from teaching 5 yeas ago I have made it a habit to take a long trip each year.  It will usually start or end with a group get together.  Like Dubuque IZ last year or the meet in the middle this year.  To get to the IZ I rode 23 states almost 10,000 miles.  I spend a few days with Punisher in TX, NM and AZ but most of the trip was by myself.  After the MIM this year a rode the east coast up to Canada.  18 states and 5 Canadian provinces by myself.  Right at 5,000 miles.  I learned on my first solo coast to coast a few years ago that when I am by by myself myself, I am in great company.  I think everyone should try it at least once in their lifetime.  Solitude can be truly inspiring, if you let it be.

As I explained to a friend of mine who doesn't ride:  When you drive your car through nature, you are observing it.  When you  ride through nature, you are participating in it!

Now, Will I get to Eureka Springs via the Gulf of America coast or Via California?  Well I did miss Lassen Volcanic National Park last time.  Hmmmm.

[3fan4life]

I like to ride with a small group of friends.

But, as I've gotten older many of my friends that I used to ride with have stopped riding or just don't seem to find much time for it anymore, so I find myself riding alone more often than not.

I learned to ride when I was 8 years old and I can't imagine not riding.

In 2024 I did a cross country ride, 2 of my friends were supposed to go with me.

But, at the last minute they both backed out.

They had solid reasons, that didn't mean it wasn't a disappointment.

I had planned the trip, saved up money to take it and had the time off from work.

Many family and friends didn't understand why I elected to take the trip alone.

For me not going just wasn't an option.

So I set out on my solo adventure.

I covered 20 States in 28 days for a total of 9,200 mi.

Did I wish that my friends had joined me?

Absolutely!

But, I also enjoyed the solitude of it.

For 28 days I did whatever I wanted to do, went wherever I wanted to go, and stopped when & where I pleased.

No group discussion, no plan making, just following the front tire in the general direction of where I wanted to go.

That my friends is freedom!

As for my friends, it would've been nice to share the road with them as planned.

There's something to be said about making memories together.

So, every time I stopped at a major landmark or discovered something that was "interesting" they were texted a picture of what they were missing.

Most of the time it was just a pic with no explanation, just a way of saying, "look at what you're missing".

But still, I enjoyed my time alone and hopefully the memories will linger fresh in my mind for the inevitable time when getting in the wind is no longer an option.

[Peteg]

Thanks! This year my daughter bought me a copy of Zen for Christmas. I told her I read it in the 70's but all I remember was a good read. Zen certianly won't work for everyone, but based on the first couple of chapters it seems like it will have the same effect on me as this video and the first time I read it.

[John Schmidt]

Yes...certainly a good description of how I feel when riding. I can remember when I was an active pilot, at the end of a rather challenging day I often would call the FBO to see if the little C-150 was available. If so, I'd grab it and do essentially the same thing. Take off, open the window and put my elbow out like I would driving a convertible, throttle back and just cruise the area in slow flight while observing the I-4 parking 4-lane lot from 1500'. Being on a motorcycle is the closest thing to that, except I get to chose where I go during those quiet times. I've found being on a trike doesn't change that. Other times I'll take my lady love along cuz she seems to know when I need the quiet time, even though we're both there. Not sure what I'll do when it's time to park it for the last time, I hope it's still well into the future. When I got my first homemade 2-wheel motorized contraption when not yet a teenager, who knew well over 70 yrs. later I'd still be in the wind. I have no idea of total miles, but it's quite a few. Still looking forward to the next curve.

[Rams]

Not real sure I qualify yet.   At 72 I enjoy riding with small groups more than solo usually.  Although riding solo also brings me enjoyable times.   Given the choice I will usually join a small group over most solo rides and will rarely ride in larger than 4 or 5 in the group.    

Getting older and being forced into a concrete wall at 60 mph seems to have made me more cautious of anyone or thing I may meet on the road.

Rams

[F6Dave]

Ever since I can remember, I've always enjoyed riding (and driving) alone, as long as the traffic isn't heavy. And for some reason, on the long (multi-day) rides, I rarely turn the radio on. I'd rather just listen to the engine and enjoy the experience.

When I got my first job developing software in the 80s, I noticed that on the drive home a solution that had eluded me all day would suddenly pop into my head. It became a habit -- I routinely worked through issues while driving. It wasn't just productive, it let me relax more at home.

And it still works. A few months ago I had to run some software I hadn't used in a while. It required a password, and I'd never written it down like I do just about everything. I searched for hours with no luck. Finally I decided to try taking a drive to see if that would help. Amazingly, that password popped into my head just one mile down the road.

[DIGGER]

I guess my 2 cents worth will fit in here and contribute to "Riding Alone". 
I was 21 when I got my first road bike....a Kawasaki H1 500cc 3 cylinder 2 stroke in 1971.   That was considered a road bike back then as only thing bigger was Harleys that stayed broke down and BSA 65's and Triumph 650's.  They werent very dependable either.  There was also the Honda 750 4 cylinder....dependable great bikes they were.    From 1971 on I would ride with maybe one or two riding partners but always liked riding by myself.   I always maintained my bike mechanically...kept track of tire pressures....always kept my oil changes current...etc.   it always amazed me to go for a ride or go on a long trip with someone and they show up with tires worn out and half inflated and they say "Im gonna have to stop somewhere and put some air in my tires....used to aggravate me to death.  I was always a long distance rider and leaving on a trip they want to ride 250 miles and quit for the day.   I found at an early age that riding by myself was my cup of tea.   Stopping when I want and eating what I want.  I ride with other bikers occassionally but ride mostly by myself

[Flyingfree]

If your hitting that many, your crossing at Detroit likely. There is an old Oberon Class sub pulled up on the shore at Port Burwell, ON you can tour. Took out it's fair share of American Navy during exercises in the Atlantic and Pacific. This also gets you off the 401 and onto the 3, a beautiful little lakeside drive without the transports. A stop in Colborne, East of TO, at the Big Apple has great apple bread and pie. Kingston has an old Penitentiary you can tour. Most of it was built by the first inmates from a nearby limestone quarry. They did such a good job they had them build a hospital afterwards up the road. Some of our recent nasty people spent time there. Quebec, stop at a fromagerie, any will do. Cabano has a great one with a salty squeeky chesse curd that will have you ordering it by mail when you get home. NB has the Giant AX, Giant Fiddle and of course the Giant Tides. Seriously, even the docks have to be rigged to deal with a 20ft difference in water level, twice daily. Watching it change at Hopewell Rocks and seeing the waterfall flow in two different directions in Saint John is worth it. Have some Scallops, lobster, and mussels. Big lobster at Shediac NB just before the bridge. PEI...potholes every inch, but not a straight road in sight, even the bridge has a turn in it. Crossing the bridge, stop at the shopping village on the island end.  Every North-South road ends at a beach, doesn't matter which direction you go, many of the East-West ones do too. Don't go to Cavendish, except for Green Gables stuff, the beach sucks. Brackley, Stanhope, Lakeside and Greenwich all beat it hands down. Buy a white t-shirt at Walmart in Ch'town, dig a hole at the beach, bury the shirt, have lunch, unbury the shirt. Perfectly stained in the red mud of the island. Ask a farmer if you can pick a potato, buy some blueberries, get some icecream in Ch'town and take a picture with a ginger wig on. See the Point Prim lighthouse. If you have the time and inclination, visit Rollo Bay in the NE at low tide. Take a small shovel and a bucket, dig for clams and sanddollars, watch out for jellyfish. Take a walk on the Singing Sands at Basin Head, or fore a smaller crowd, and louder sand Little Harbour Beach. Take the ferry off. NS tidal bore in Truro.  The Cabot Trail on Cape Breton is second only to the Dragon. Stop for a visit at the Alexander Bell Museum and imagine his wife delivering his lunch every day from the house to the lab on the 60ft hydrofoil he built her. Try some Glen Breton Scotch. Yes, I said Scotch, with more Gaelic speaking people than Scotland, Gaelic road names everywhere, and more Scottish DNA in their blood the English watered down Scots of today, they won a Supreme Court Battle against the Scotch Whiskey Association of Scotland to call it "Glen" Breton, they just can't call it a Scotch officially, and had to put a prominent red maple leaf on the bottle. Take the Cat home from Yarmouth to Bar Harbour (yes I spelt that right), or drove back through Saint John and stop at the "Chicken Bones" factory in St Stephen, NB. The liquoer is amazing, the chocolates fantasic.

Just my two loonies, and a toonie worth....

Since I retired from teaching 5 yeas ago I have made it a habit to take a long trip each year.  It will usually start or end with a group get together.  Like Dubuque IZ last year or the meet in the middle this year.  To get to the IZ I rode 23 states almost 10,000 miles.  I spend a few days with Punisher in TX, NM and AZ but most of the trip was by myself.  After the MIM this year a rode the east coast up to Canada.  18 states and 5 Canadian provinces by myself.  Right at 5,000 miles.  I learned on my first solo coast to coast a few years ago that when I am by by myself myself, I am in great company.  I think everyone should try it at least once in their lifetime.  Solitude can be truly inspiring, if you let it be.

As I explained to a friend of mine who doesn't ride:  When you drive your car through nature, you are observing it.  When you  ride through nature, you are participating in it!

Now, Will I get to Eureka Springs via the Gulf of America coast or Via California?  Well I did miss Lassen Volcanic National Park last time.  Hmmmm.

[Hook#3287]

lol

what happened in the back of the van ?

I dunno

Ha, me either.  Some things are better not discussed in public 

[F6Dave]

I was 21 when I got my first road bike....a Kawasaki H1 500cc 3 cylinder 2 stroke in 1971.

My first bike was also a Kawasaki Mach III 500 triple. It was a 1970 model that I bought in 1973. It had the very understated dark gray paint with black lettering. I think it was the last year with a drum front brake, which meant that the stopping power was terribly inadequate for such a powerful bike.

But could that bike accelerate! The front wheel lifted off the ground with ease in the first 3 gears. If you had a passenger you had to take it easy with the throttle.

Maintenance was a breeze. Being a two stroke the only oil to change was the transmission. It had oil injection, so you only had to fill the oil tank full rather than add it to the gas. And to prevent plug fouling it had powerful CDI ignition firing very unusual surface gap plugs.

[DIGGER]

I was 21 when I got my first road bike....a Kawasaki H1 500cc 3 cylinder 2 stroke in 1971.

My first bike was also a Kawasaki Mach III 500 triple. It was a 1970 model that I bought in 1973. It had the very understated dark gray paint with black lettering. I think it was the last year with a drum front brake, which meant that the stopping power was terribly inadequate for such a powerful bike.

But could that bike accelerate! The front wheel lifted off the ground with ease in the first 3 gears. If you had a passenger you had to take it easy with the throttle.

Maintenance was a breeze. Being a two stroke the only oil to change was the transmission. It had oil injection, so you only had to fill the oil tank full rather than add it to the gas. And to prevent plug fouling it had powerful CDI ignition firing very unusual surface gap plugs.

Great bikes they were.  I was 21 yrs old and rode that MachIII from Houston to The Grand Canyon and back.  No windshield...no bags.  Great motorcycle.  About a month after I got back it was stolen and I never saw it again.

[Rams]

My first cruiser bike was a KZ1000.  It was fast, furious and fun but my Valkyries completed me in what was needed.

Rams