As usual, no BS advice. I have ridden alone and in a group, and i know from those experiences that group riding is not for me. Meeting up with fellow travelers at predetermined places and sharing highlights of our travels over a meal and a few drinks is definitely a joyous experience, but the journey itself is essentially a personal one and needs to be approached that way, i believe. I've had more great experiences, and met more wonderful people travelling alone, or with one other person, than i've ever had in a group. A group is largely self sufficient, and self contained, and limits scope for new interactions with strangers in my experience. When alone people seem to open their hearts and homes to you more - that is my experience. If one is fortunate enough to have a like-minded riding companion then that is the best of all worlds, otherwise it comes down to ones confidence in dealing with the 'cons' of solo travel in order to benefit from the many wonderful advantages it brings. 'Love the vlogs, and the community here is very positive, which is great to see. Keep it up. Jase.
From enduro perspective the magig number is 3. If one of you have a serios injuries, 1 man stay with you ( in case of colapse or wild animals approaching - you are defensless in that state) and one go to seek help. Nice job, thaks
I just bumped into your channel and I've started watching all your videos. it's really a great channel. I wish these videos reach out to more people. I always ride with a close friend of mine. We both go on long trips and have lot of things in common. Always enjoyed riding with him.
Even as a newbie, I prefer being alone. Like meeting as I go as I am a people person, but the trip goes as I want to go. love all these videos a lot.)))
Totally agree with you that 2 is a best number. I really dislike riding in bigger groups, however it has big advantage that you failed to mention, it is luggage sharing. Everyone need to take his own clothes apart form that everything can be shared, you can load one bike with tools, second one with medical supplies, third with camping gear, fourth with food etc. This is biggest advantage of riding in bigger groups for me.
I've been watching a lot of your videos. Why do I like them so much ? Because you don't bore me with blah-blah like so many others who think they're so smart and are making long videos with 80% of blubbering and 20% of real information, at the best.... You've got a great style: subject, your own information or opinion and that's it, no nonsense . That's great, and that's why I will keep watching your channel ! Thank you for sharing your experience with such a down to earth manner !
Many riders/climbers/divers/outdoor-people are very! individual!! persons!!! They gain for adventure, nature sensations, culture enlargement, freedom, peace and yoga.... how can that work in a group? On a holdiay trip no-one is willing to be in a kind of "military boot camp"!!! The first member sleeps long, the 2. likes no milk in the coffee, the 3.wants to wash the socks in the coffee can, the 4. polishs the bike every day, the 5. has trouble with the gear, the 6. doesn.t like the evening food, the 7. has too much alcohol in the night, the 8. stops always taking photos, the 9. wants to read the bible at the campfire, the 10. washes his feet in the cooking pot and so on and so on. No, thanx! I ride with one friend, who I know --- or alone. On trips I meet so many people, we ride for a session, if we want and some of them become friends later on. In a group - if it doesn.t work - it needs only ONE, who can spoil the party. In a group I.m mostly a part of the craziest or unreliable member. You can find so many people on the globe during the trip, there are 7,2 billion. Bye ;-)))
Waaaw! Crisp clear, direct and detailed tips! After watching each of your clips..... I am as if loaded with tons of confidence on motorcycling hobb. I am catching up, 3 or 4 of your vid clips I watched everytime I am youtubing. You're a legend.
I have a grandson who is one year old now. In a few years I'm going to start showing him your videos in the hope that he grows up with your attitudes and approach to life.
Totally agree with all your pros and cons for both group and single ride. I have tried riding in a group of 5 and 2. Funny part is as you mentioned I did face the issue while riding in 2 but it was good because my partner met with an accidental on the trip, it is no man's land, had to get some help at the near by village to place his bike over the night and to drive him by car to a hospital which was around 35 kms away. After this I gave up riding alone although I still enjoy riding alone when there are people around.
@Motorcycle Adventures: You pointed out a very good point on behalf of group riders: Loneliness: Many people can.t stay with themselves, they always need entertainment. They talk and talk... or they can spread a very strange atmosphere producing a "roaring silence". Good video and very good ideas, you bring to our community! I like yor videos!! ;-)))
Looking at it from just a fault tolerant standpoint, riding with two bikes together doubles the chances of something going wrong on at least one of the bikes, but it decreases the severity of that "something". For example, small boats that go offshore will often have two outboard engines instead of one large one. If one engine has a problem, then they can often limp back to shore with the remaining engine. In the case where you said that you had a cell phone and could call someone, but you could not tell them where you were, there's an easy solution to that. Most cellphones have a GPS on them these days and even if you don't have a data connection and can't find the road / trail that you are on, the GPS knows your coordinates (latitude and longitude). It's possible that the mapping software on your phone doesn't give you access to this, but there are free GPS apps that you can download for your phone that will give you the raw data that is coming from the GPS chip or at least display the numerical value of the coordinates for you.
Number 1 con for group riding...kickstand up time in the morning. I clocked my friend on a 14,000 mile ride this summer. I even video recorded his brutally slow pace in the morning hoping to find something in it I could offer help to make his routine more efficient. Nothing worked. Leaving an average of 1 1/2 hour late, then wanting to stop every 30 minutes for more coffee is not my idea of a good time. A few times I looked ahead to another point and told him I would meet him there so we could hang out. That removed the conflict of the pace of travel. It may not be a solution for everyone, but it worked out pretty well for me. My first ride as a brand new rider was alone on a 30+ year old Honda cruiser on a 5,000 mile round trip to Sturgis motorcycle rally. Anything could have gone wrong, but that was the only trouble free trip I have ever had. Funny how that works out. When I have traveled with more than one, there has always been something that went wrong either bike or personality issues. I've done it both ways, but I really prefer it by myself.
I do both. if with my lady we ride alone But with friends we can chose. Sometimes I ride alone and find people approach me more. I like this . Also i can be selfish and ride when and where i want as you say. I can meet the group again in the evening to talk about the day. But sometimes good to ride together. We are all flexible and my friends understand my need to be alone with the bike sometimes.
Hi Pavlin great videos always!!!. You should make one about the first travel you made by yourself. That will give us another perspective about you, and how you became the toughest adventure rider. Congratulations!!
An old time biker from India....currently riding a Versys 1000....watched quite a few of your videos....must say your advice is almost spot on in every aspect of motorcycling.....ever in India and wanna ride the highways here...give me a shout....
Thank you very much for watching and for this commend. I definitely will come to India in some stage. Drop me an e-mail to zhelev.p@abv.bg to have your contact details.
Hi ,Excellent videos, having had a broken leg after a simple off,I couldn’t agree more about riding on your own. I was lucky somebody came along to pick me up and call an ambulance, and this was in the Pico mountains of Spain.I dread to think about the consequences fo being somewhere remote. Having a ride buddy is a great way to share the ride. Thanks for the common-sense. Al Houghton.
Excellent! I love your matter-of-fact approach to the subject of the moment. The foundational experience you possess and share with us is invaluable. Thanks for your wonderful videos! :-)
I agree with the 2 people riding together. Me and my best friend ride together. I have the XT660R and he rides a BMW F700GS. Both with the panniers. We use the bluetooth headsets, and just ride wherever the bikes and road takes us. And since your XT660Z Teneré is similar to my XT660R, your videos are very helpful. I'm starting to explore longer trips on my bike. Thanks for all your helpful tips and hints. And I will be ordering your book as well.
Another great subject for video, and you presented the options well! I have come to the same conclusion, that 2 people of like mind and skill level make the best travel companions. Keep up the good work!
Totally agree. My friend and I had a tough time at first, but eventually we synced our riding styles and we did 10,000 miles over the summer. A good friend can help a ton. That said, my buddy moved to the other side of the country, so I'm back to riding solo. That said, my mileage has dropped off since he left as it's also good to have a friend who pops in and says, "Dude, we should go for a ride. Where do you wanna go?"
Yeah, same thoughts. Thanks for video. If you travel alone - better to have tire kit, medpack (and take basic courses how to use it) reserve fuel and use good equipment. For me personally - riding alone is much more easier psycologically, hard to match another style, especially when another bike is much more powerfull and rider is more experienced. But you also grow in skill with them much more faster and getting a faster bike )
I think every rider needs to answer this question for themselves. It's good to know the benefits and risks of each. I prefer riding alone, especially on long trips.
I have been forced to face the cold reality of having to ride alone because I take my riding more seriously than most people that I have met and it make for an incompatible riding relationship. The thing is, it took years before I could figure out and understand what was going on. I have had a few perfectly good friendships completely ruined after just a few hours of riding. Riding has a way of revealing what people are truly made of because there is nothing to hide behind once you get on the bike and start riding. I continue to search for one or two other guys to ride with but until then 99% of my riding is done alone.
By experience the sweet spot is riding with one or two mates. Group of three is ideal. Of course, you have to pick the right mates, people who share the same value and travelling style. With one or two friend it's easy to have an homogeneous team. From four troubles start !
I like to travel alone, gives me total freedom. Sure it can get lonely in the evenings, but there are always people around for a chit chat. And if not, I read a nice book, have a nice meal and decide for next day. Last week it was so warm, I decided to stop at a lake and do some skinny dipping and laid down for a couple of hours. Nobody tells me what to do.
I avoid group riding, I may not be best rider out there and I know it, but group riding in Philippines is risky, when people don't follow the rules and traffic laws enforced enforced, it makes hell to ride with a group. I have seen group riders, I understand the brotherhood, but it's not for me. I am more of an endurance type and I can't be hassled to slow down or rest, plus I do have work and other things which might force me to stop in the middle of the session, find a cafe and work from there. Been riding for 2+ years, started with my first ever bike, a 180cc Kawasaki Rouser, now upgraded to Versys 650. I love the bike and I am learning each day, to me riding solo is the way to go, not worried about personal or bile security, I avoid being a target, always carry something to protect myself and keep to the main roads. I also have my gf with me on most of my trips, I do tend to avoid being batshit insane when driving and if I drive too fast my backseat limiter comes on and pads me to slow the fuck down :D.
@Lord Turban Most I hate in groups are: #1 coming so close behind, nearly to sit on my panniers! #2 being an extremely "free human being": Eats/drinks/ takes fuel/pisses always NOT at times, the others do!!! #3 very expensive gear/clothes/bike, but not serviced or know, how to use the gear, #4 people, who are alone inside, but looking for a safe group or "tv entertainment"... they are only sucking the group, #5 eating, but not washing the dishes, #6 drinking the good wine from others, but buying the cheapest, #7 always smiling and friendly guys, but vulcans inside, #8 eating their chocolate secretly in the sleeping bag, #9 being a "helpful refugee" (not political meant), when help is desired, #10 the typical "sorry, I have two left hands"-companion.....
The only downside for me solo is that I am not sure anyone will believe the amazing places ive found !....and if I am stuck up a track somewhere it would be nice to have help. I don't worry about security anymore as I felt `chained to the bike` if I worried all the time , I use a cover if I am away walking up the hills or leaving it a few days, and enjoy my day. Common sense and a feel for the area is worth a heavy chain imao
I've had my bike all over North America and never worried about security. The only problem I have encountered that is entertaining to overcome is taking good pictures and videos of the amazing places I find along the way. I've missed some key pieces of video occasionally, but for the most part I've been able to capture the ride.
..i prever lonely for long civilized places but like you said the magic number is really work,it will make you two more close and if the cap fit then wear it;you will find a lifetime friend..,it's depend upon personal attitudes and approach..sometimes it's hard to find the fit buddy..riding Solo is always risky,and I have been through many accidents that hard to explain,potty situations;But you find that You have no choice..
I only ride with my wife as a passenger! I found it's better this way because I'm forced not to ride over my riding skills. When you are responsible for another person's life, besides your own, you simply don't do some shit you otherwise do while riding alone.
There are ways to alleviate some risks. If you have the money, get a Garmin InReach unit. It's a satellite communicator, you can send and receive text messages and also ask for rescue like 911, from all over the world, even without cell coverage. It has an integrated GPS so if you call for rescue they immediately know where you are and you can send location info to your friends if you need a bit of help. Only issue is that you need to be conscious to use it so if you have a big accident it may not help, however you can also arrange with some friends at home so that they call the rescue if you don't send them at least, for instance, 4 locations per day, and they will know your last location so it can help a lot with the search. Also don't forget appropriate travel insurance to cover the rescue and medical costs or you'll be sorry. And if you don't have the money, at least carry a cellphone with integrated GPS, flashlight, and a whistle.
I was traveling 6 months in south east asia, 4 months of that on a motorbike through vietnam ans laos. to sum up my experience: I think you can do trips alone for a short amount of time (depending on you of course) in areas which are well developed, so the next fuel station, repair service or the next bigger road in general isnt far away. But after such a long time I felt quite lonely at the end why I would not recommend it. but sure, thats pretty subjective. Besides that I can just underline the final statement of the video: for any longer trip in lonelier areas you should definitely travel with someone else. actually something pretty similar happened to me. I was on a really fucked up and steep dirt road in the middle of nowhere in Laos. there was a big hole (also 1-1,5m deep) and unfortunately I slipped inside. I had the choice: walking back several kilometers to find hopefully some locals and describe it with hands and feet that I need some help or trying to get out my 120 kilo bike by myself. I tried the second option and it took me around 45 minutes. and yeah I was also pretty wasted after it. Luckily I didnt have a flat tire. so yes, again: if anything serious happens to you in such a situation you are totally fucked...
Generally speaking I love riding alone in streets, but off-road riding is indeed very dangerous and it would be always good to have a friend around and in off-road situations it can be more fun to have friend around. But I also strongly advice not to ride in bigger groups. Stupidity grows exponentially grows within them.
I like riding with one or two others when I am in Argentina. Bikes are old and something aways breaks. Flat tires are a way if life. In the US I ride mostly alone or with one buddy. Big group? I don't think so.
I love to ride slow and enjoy the soft air, open up my visor a little bit to feel the air through my face, i'm not fancy a high speed group riding, i love to take it slow around 30-60km/h. I just got out of a group who spend the time speeding up to 100km/h, it did not suit me and it is dangerous,.
Pavlin, in another video of you, you suggested to ride alone rather than group. So, is this the final deduction to ride with 2? BTW, another great video from Pavlin!
You're only as efficient as your least efficient rider. I choose to limit my groups to 2 or 3. Riding alone? I have to pee, so you pee, I want to camp, so I will camp, I want a motel, I get a motel and on and on... Again another brilliant video...keep them coming my friend.
I like 1 or 3. With 3 there are no arguments, a majority rules, while 2 can never decide anything. If someone is hurt, with 3, one stays with the injured person, while one goes for help.
Formula for long distance road riding. The amount of potential, realized joy that one can derive for a long ride is inversely proportional to the number of other assholes one drags along.
I personally chose to ride solo..That helps to connect more with nature and my spiritual self...Even though lot of risks are involved but aren't risks supposed to be a part of life?
My rule: only travel with people whom you are willing to separate from temporarily (1 hour, 1 day, 1 week, etc) when it's more comfortable for either person (no hard feelings) or group (large groups can be broken into small groups).... Or with people whose bullshit and annoyances and complaining you will happily suffer in order to be around them!
In group, petrol needs don't line up. so every 30 minutes someone will need petrol :- ). Or every 2 hour, you form a queue on a petrol station. Not so enjoyable either..
I avoid to ride alone only on road not offroad and maximum agree with you for ride with somebody how have same style bike budget riding style and thinking of the world . magic number 2 :)
I have heard that the faster rider goes always at the end of the group.Is it true?I ask that because you said that the leaders drive fast trying to impress the newbies
Those are some really good points! I am planning a solo trip. My plan for the case of a breakdown or accident is a personal gps tracker to get my coordinates and use a sat phone for calling in remote places. If I'm really hurt i could press the sos-button on the tracker and have someone at home get me help. I'd rent the sat phone for the trip. What's your opinion on that?
Refurbished Iridium phone can be had for $550. It's prepaid so you can control that aspect, but they do offer monthly reasonable cost plans too. Beats getting stuck in a place with no cell phone signal.
I can do shorter trips in group but prefer solo on long run. You can take a girl on backseat for company and can still ride like you want. But that has another cons/pros to it. :D
Riding alone: Take a GPS tracker with an SOS button Bring a motorcycle recovery system Bring a tire repair kit and spare front tubes Riding in a group: Bring nothing, mooch off others. Saves weight and fuel.
You are the guy! The “real experience ” adventure biker . We all know the difference . Very straightforward and true. We all appreciate your advices.
As usual, no BS advice. I have ridden alone and in a group, and i know from those experiences that group riding is not for me. Meeting up with fellow travelers at predetermined places and sharing highlights of our travels over a meal and a few drinks is definitely a joyous experience, but the journey itself is essentially a personal one and needs to be approached that way, i believe. I've had more great experiences, and met more wonderful people travelling alone, or with one other person, than i've ever had in a group. A group is largely self sufficient, and self contained, and limits scope for new interactions with strangers in my experience. When alone people seem to open their hearts and homes to you more - that is my experience. If one is fortunate enough to have a like-minded riding companion then that is the best of all worlds, otherwise it comes down to ones confidence in dealing with the 'cons' of solo travel in order to benefit from the many wonderful advantages it brings.
'Love the vlogs, and the community here is very positive, which is great to see.
Keep it up. Jase.
Thanks for taking the time Jason!
From enduro perspective the magig number is 3. If one of you have a serios injuries, 1 man stay with you ( in case of colapse or wild animals approaching - you are defensless in that state) and one go to seek help.
Nice job, thaks
totally agree with you, riding solo all the way for me but for longer and more dangerous trips 2 bikes is the way to go.
I just bumped into your channel and I've started watching all your videos.
it's really a great channel. I wish these videos reach out to more people.
I always ride with a close friend of mine. We both go on long trips and have lot of things in common. Always enjoyed riding with him.
Even as a newbie, I prefer being alone. Like meeting as I go as I am a people person, but the trip goes as I want to go. love all these videos a lot.)))
"Hey, you have a flat tyre" :-) you have a great way of sharing without sounding smug, thank you.
Ha, ha ha, thank you! I did not look it that way!
Totally agree with you that 2 is a best number. I really dislike riding in bigger groups, however it has big advantage that you failed to mention, it is luggage sharing. Everyone need to take his own clothes apart form that everything can be shared, you can load one bike with tools, second one with medical supplies, third with camping gear, fourth with food etc. This is biggest advantage of riding in bigger groups for me.
I've been watching a lot of your videos. Why do I like them so much ? Because you don't bore me with blah-blah like so many others who think they're so smart and are making long videos with 80% of blubbering and 20% of real information, at the best.... You've got a great style: subject, your own information or opinion and that's it, no nonsense . That's great, and that's why I will keep watching your channel ! Thank you for sharing your experience with such a down to earth manner !
Thank you so much for the kind word Leo!
Many riders/climbers/divers/outdoor-people are very! individual!! persons!!! They gain for adventure, nature sensations, culture enlargement, freedom, peace and yoga.... how can that work in a group? On a holdiay trip no-one is willing to be in a kind of "military boot camp"!!! The first member sleeps long, the 2. likes no milk in the coffee, the 3.wants to wash the socks in the coffee can, the 4. polishs the bike every day, the 5. has trouble with the gear, the 6. doesn.t like the evening food, the 7. has too much alcohol in the night, the 8. stops always taking photos, the 9. wants to read the bible at the campfire, the 10. washes his feet in the cooking pot and so on and so on. No, thanx! I ride with one friend, who I know --- or alone. On trips I meet so many people, we ride for a session, if we want and some of them become friends later on. In a group - if it doesn.t work - it needs only ONE, who can spoil the party. In a group I.m mostly a part of the craziest or unreliable member. You can find so many people on the globe during the trip, there are 7,2 billion. Bye ;-)))
Very true, thanks for adding!
I really enjoy this guy’s accent. YOU ARE THE BOSS.
Thats all true Pavlin, i agree with you but, i think the magic number is 3 persons!
Great video as usual, thanks!
Waaaw! Crisp clear, direct and detailed tips! After watching each of your clips..... I am as if loaded with tons of confidence on motorcycling hobb. I am catching up, 3 or 4 of your vid clips I watched everytime I am youtubing. You're a legend.
Great info. I've got to say, I'm really enjoying the videos from this chanel! Nice work and thank you =)
Hi Dan,
thank you very much for watching and commend it! Ride safe!
I have a grandson who is one year old now. In a few years I'm going to start showing him your videos in the hope that he grows up with your attitudes and approach to life.
Totally agree with all your pros and cons for both group and single ride. I have tried riding in a group of 5 and 2. Funny part is as you mentioned I did face the issue while riding in 2 but it was good because my partner met with an accidental on the trip, it is no man's land, had to get some help at the near by village to place his bike over the night and to drive him by car to a hospital which was around 35 kms away. After this I gave up riding alone although I still enjoy riding alone when there are people around.
this channel is so informative! keep up the good work! liked and subbed
I totally agree with you, two is the magic number. You have many opinions to be considered. Thanks a lot
You are welcome!
@Motorcycle Adventures: You pointed out a very good point on behalf of group riders: Loneliness: Many people can.t stay with themselves, they always need entertainment. They talk and talk... or they can spread a very strange atmosphere producing a "roaring silence".
Good video and very good ideas, you bring to our community! I like yor videos!! ;-)))
Thanks Henry!
Looking at it from just a fault tolerant standpoint, riding with two bikes together doubles the chances of something going wrong on at least one of the bikes, but it decreases the severity of that "something". For example, small boats that go offshore will often have two outboard engines instead of one large one. If one engine has a problem, then they can often limp back to shore with the remaining engine.
In the case where you said that you had a cell phone and could call someone, but you could not tell them where you were, there's an easy solution to that. Most cellphones have a GPS on them these days and even if you don't have a data connection and can't find the road / trail that you are on, the GPS knows your coordinates (latitude and longitude). It's possible that the mapping software on your phone doesn't give you access to this, but there are free GPS apps that you can download for your phone that will give you the raw data that is coming from the GPS chip or at least display the numerical value of the coordinates for you.
That is fine, but I was having old Nokia phone. No internet or so...
Number 1 con for group riding...kickstand up time in the morning. I clocked my friend on a 14,000 mile ride this summer. I even video recorded his brutally slow pace in the morning hoping to find something in it I could offer help to make his routine more efficient. Nothing worked. Leaving an average of 1 1/2 hour late, then wanting to stop every 30 minutes for more coffee is not my idea of a good time. A few times I looked ahead to another point and told him I would meet him there so we could hang out. That removed the conflict of the pace of travel. It may not be a solution for everyone, but it worked out pretty well for me.
My first ride as a brand new rider was alone on a 30+ year old Honda cruiser on a 5,000 mile round trip to Sturgis motorcycle rally. Anything could have gone wrong, but that was the only trouble free trip I have ever had. Funny how that works out. When I have traveled with more than one, there has always been something that went wrong either bike or personality issues. I've done it both ways, but I really prefer it by myself.
As I said in the video, each one of the ways has some pros and cons, we have to find out which one is the best.
I like to ride alone. Yearly a trip of 3000 km. Small bike MZ 660 Skorpion 1 cylinder. I like your channel and good info. Thanks!
Thanks for taking time and watch my videos Paul!
I love your content because it's very honest and transparent
Keep it up
I agree, The Buddy System Works! Semper Fi, Can do and 1*SRT
Man i like your accent! That’s what keeps me watching your channels!!🤣👍🏼
Thanks!
I do both. if with my lady we ride alone But with friends we can chose. Sometimes I ride alone and find people approach me more. I like this . Also i can be selfish and ride when and where i want as you say. I can meet the group again in the evening to talk about the day. But sometimes good to ride together. We are all flexible and my friends understand my need to be alone with the bike sometimes.
Correct, I am the same.
Very good points , Great Video. Thanks so much for passing on your riding wisdom and experiences.
You are welcome anytime!
Hi Pavlin great videos always!!!. You should make one about the first travel you made by yourself. That will give us another perspective about you, and how you became the toughest adventure rider. Congratulations!!
I might do it, thanks, man!
An old time biker from India....currently riding a Versys 1000....watched quite a few of your videos....must say your advice is almost spot on in every aspect of motorcycling.....ever in India and wanna ride the highways here...give me a shout....
Thank you very much for watching and for this commend. I definitely will come to India in some stage. Drop me an e-mail to zhelev.p@abv.bg to have your contact details.
Hi ,Excellent videos, having had a broken leg after a simple off,I couldn’t agree more about riding on your own. I was lucky somebody came along to pick me up and call an ambulance, and this was in the Pico mountains of Spain.I dread to think about the consequences fo being somewhere remote. Having a ride buddy is a great way to share the ride. Thanks for the common-sense. Al Houghton.
Excellent! I love your matter-of-fact approach to the subject of the moment. The foundational experience you possess and share with us is invaluable. Thanks for your wonderful videos! :-)
You are welcome anytime Tom!
I agree with the 2 people riding together. Me and my best friend ride together. I have the XT660R and he rides a BMW F700GS. Both with the panniers. We use the bluetooth headsets, and just ride wherever the bikes and road takes us. And since your XT660Z Teneré is similar to my XT660R, your videos are very helpful. I'm starting to explore longer trips on my bike. Thanks for all your helpful tips and hints. And I will be ordering your book as well.
Thank you very much Charles! Enjoy your trips!
Another great subject for video, and you presented the options well! I have come to the same conclusion, that 2 people of like mind and skill level make the best travel companions. Keep up the good work!
I will, thank you for watching and ride safe!
Totally agree. My friend and I had a tough time at first, but eventually we synced our riding styles and we did 10,000 miles over the summer. A good friend can help a ton.
That said, my buddy moved to the other side of the country, so I'm back to riding solo. That said, my mileage has dropped off since he left as it's also good to have a friend who pops in and says, "Dude, we should go for a ride. Where do you wanna go?"
Yes, I will agree, a good friend is a must.
Subbed. I am looking foward for my very first long ride trip this year. You helped me a lot with the dos and donts. Keep it up man!
I am glad that I did. good luck on your trips!
Yeah, same thoughts. Thanks for video. If you travel alone - better to have tire kit, medpack (and take basic courses how to use it) reserve fuel and use good equipment. For me personally - riding alone is much more easier psycologically, hard to match another style, especially when another bike is much more powerfull and rider is more experienced. But you also grow in skill with them much more faster and getting a faster bike )
I will agree with everything you said. Thank you for watching and ride safe!
Great tips and trick i completely agree since i have some experience in this area great contents keep it up
I will, new video every week. Thanks for watching!
Hi friend..
I think the best way is to ride just with you...you're great
Great tips !!!
Very useful video :-)
Keep making videos like this 😎
Great video, as always. Thank you. I haven't seen all, yet. But I'm going to. Good rides, ride safe. Ciao.
Thanks!
Love you! My thought process is exactly like yours.
Your advices are help me a lot. Thanks and keep it on.
This was the main idea of the channel, to help you to make the trips easy. Thanks for watching and ride safe!
Another good video and wonderful advice! Congratulations!
Thank you my friend!
I think every rider needs to answer this question for themselves. It's good to know the benefits and risks of each. I prefer riding alone, especially on long trips.
Agree
I have been forced to face the cold reality of having to ride alone because I take my riding more seriously than most people that I have met and it make for an incompatible riding relationship. The thing is, it took years before I could figure out and understand what was going on. I have had a few perfectly good friendships completely ruined after just a few hours of riding. Riding has a way of revealing what people are truly made of because there is nothing to hide behind once you get on the bike and start riding. I continue to search for one or two other guys to ride with but until then 99% of my riding is done alone.
I perfectly understand you. Sometimes to be alone is much better, but there are some situations where the help will be highly appreciated.
absolutely agree with you. the magic number is 2. nice video..
Thank you for watching!
you most welcome
By experience the sweet spot is riding with one or two mates. Group of three is ideal. Of course, you have to pick the right mates, people who share the same value and travelling style. With one or two friend it's easy to have an homogeneous team. From four troubles start !
Very true.
I like to travel alone, gives me total freedom. Sure it can get lonely in the evenings, but there are always people around for a chit chat. And if not, I read a nice book, have a nice meal and decide for next day. Last week it was so warm, I decided to stop at a lake and do some skinny dipping and laid down for a couple of hours. Nobody tells me what to do.
Agree
I avoid group riding, I may not be best rider out there and I know it, but group riding in Philippines is risky, when people don't follow the rules and traffic laws enforced enforced, it makes hell to ride with a group. I have seen group riders, I understand the brotherhood, but it's not for me. I am more of an endurance type and I can't be hassled to slow down or rest, plus I do have work and other things which might force me to stop in the middle of the session, find a cafe and work from there.
Been riding for 2+ years, started with my first ever bike, a 180cc Kawasaki Rouser, now upgraded to Versys 650. I love the bike and I am learning each day, to me riding solo is the way to go, not worried about personal or bile security, I avoid being a target, always carry something to protect myself and keep to the main roads.
I also have my gf with me on most of my trips, I do tend to avoid being batshit insane when driving and if I drive too fast my backseat limiter comes on and pads me to slow the fuck down :D.
Do what ever suit to you and your trips.
Motorcycle Adventures love your channel though, keep up the good work.
@Lord Turban Most I hate in groups are: #1 coming so close behind, nearly to sit on my panniers! #2 being an extremely "free human being": Eats/drinks/ takes fuel/pisses always NOT at times, the others do!!! #3 very expensive gear/clothes/bike, but not serviced or know, how to use the gear, #4 people, who are alone inside, but looking for a safe group or "tv entertainment"... they are only sucking the group, #5 eating, but not washing the dishes, #6 drinking the good wine from others, but buying the cheapest, #7 always smiling and friendly guys, but vulcans inside, #8 eating their chocolate secretly in the sleeping bag, #9 being a "helpful refugee" (not political meant), when help is desired, #10 the typical "sorry, I have two left hands"-companion.....
nakakahiya mang aminin, pero napaka daming kamote riders ang pinas na nakakahiya sa international community.
Back seat speed limiter... 😄
The only downside for me solo is that I am not sure anyone will believe the amazing places ive found !....and if I am stuck up a track somewhere it would be nice to have help.
I don't worry about security anymore as I felt `chained to the bike` if I worried all the time , I use a cover if I am away walking up the hills or leaving it a few days, and enjoy my day. Common sense and a feel for the area is worth a heavy chain imao
I've had my bike all over North America and never worried about security. The only problem I have encountered that is entertaining to overcome is taking good pictures and videos of the amazing places I find along the way. I've missed some key pieces of video occasionally, but for the most part I've been able to capture the ride.
Informative as allways!Thank's!
Super, you should start a club, I like your style and experience. Rgs. Tom
Very informative advice! Keep it up!
..i prever lonely for long civilized places but like you said the magic number is really work,it will make you two more close and if the cap fit then wear it;you will find a lifetime friend..,it's depend upon personal attitudes and approach..sometimes it's hard to find the fit buddy..riding Solo is always risky,and I have been through many accidents that hard to explain,potty situations;But you find that You have no choice..
Excellent talk as usual
Much appreciated
Practical advice. Thanks 🙏
You know what? I just think exactely like this. Thanks a lot!
I only ride with my wife as a passenger! I found it's better this way because I'm forced not to ride over my riding skills. When you are responsible for another person's life, besides your own, you simply don't do some shit you otherwise do while riding alone.
Correct.
totally agree, two people are good!!
There are ways to alleviate some risks. If you have the money, get a Garmin InReach unit. It's a satellite communicator, you can send and receive text messages and also ask for rescue like 911, from all over the world, even without cell coverage. It has an integrated GPS so if you call for rescue they immediately know where you are and you can send location info to your friends if you need a bit of help.
Only issue is that you need to be conscious to use it so if you have a big accident it may not help, however you can also arrange with some friends at home so that they call the rescue if you don't send them at least, for instance, 4 locations per day, and they will know your last location so it can help a lot with the search.
Also don't forget appropriate travel insurance to cover the rescue and medical costs or you'll be sorry.
And if you don't have the money, at least carry a cellphone with integrated GPS, flashlight, and a whistle.
I was traveling 6 months in south east asia, 4 months of that on a motorbike through vietnam ans laos. to sum up my experience: I think you can do trips alone for a short amount of time (depending on you of course) in areas which are well developed, so the next fuel station, repair service or the next bigger road in general isnt far away. But after such a long time I felt quite lonely at the end why I would not recommend it. but sure, thats pretty subjective.
Besides that I can just underline the final statement of the video: for any longer trip in lonelier areas you should definitely travel with someone else. actually something pretty similar happened to me. I was on a really fucked up and steep dirt road in the middle of nowhere in Laos. there was a big hole (also 1-1,5m deep) and unfortunately I slipped inside. I had the choice: walking back several kilometers to find hopefully some locals and describe it with hands and feet that I need some help or trying to get out my 120 kilo bike by myself. I tried the second option and it took me around 45 minutes. and yeah I was also pretty wasted after it. Luckily I didnt have a flat tire. so yes, again: if anything serious happens to you in such a situation you are totally fucked...
Like your videos but you need better sound. Maybe a cheap mic could do the trick! Thanks for your tips.
It is done for the new videos, but this one is old and I cannot do anything about it, sorry!
Generally speaking I love riding alone in streets, but off-road riding is indeed very dangerous and it would be always good to have a friend around and in off-road situations it can be more fun to have friend around. But I also strongly advice not to ride in bigger groups. Stupidity grows exponentially grows within them.
Agree
Great points, thanks!
I still think ill ride alone.
I'm not too adventurous.
Nice n informative.
Ride alone it's not good at all. It has a lot of benefits.
I like riding with one or two others when I am in Argentina. Bikes are old and something aways breaks. Flat tires are a way if life. In the US I ride mostly alone or with one buddy. Big group? I don't think so.
Good!
I take solo and group trips, they are both great.
I agree. Thank you for watching!
I always like to travel alone... but yes 2 is perfect
Agree!
I love to ride slow and enjoy the soft air, open up my visor a little bit to feel the air through my face, i'm not fancy a high speed group riding, i love to take it slow around 30-60km/h.
I just got out of a group who spend the time speeding up to 100km/h, it did not suit me and it is dangerous,.
Whatever suit to you and your riding style.
Wooooow so enjoy riding with the family 👪 members as an alternative..
Yes, but not everybody have this luck.
Pavlin, in another video of you, you suggested to ride alone rather than group. So, is this the final deduction to ride with 2?
BTW, another great video from Pavlin!
I finished riding alone, what you will do is depends only from you!
@@motorcycleadventures ok
Thx for your advices!
You are welcome again!
Very good advices, thank you.
Motorcycle Adventures i'drive only since 4 years and it's funny because it's exaclty what a do when i travel with my bike. keep well
a basic first aid kit for MCs (with tube tires) should include the necessary tools to repair a flat 🤔.. et Voila!
True
Really useful thanks!
yeah keep making these videos
you have the content and that's the most important
I will, new video every week. Ride safe!
Perfect bro .....
Thanks ✌️
Great topic :)
You're only as efficient as your least efficient rider. I choose to limit my groups to 2 or 3. Riding alone? I have to pee, so you pee, I want to camp, so I will camp, I want a motel, I get a motel and on and on...
Again another brilliant video...keep them coming my friend.
Hi Mark,
thank you for watching again! Next week topic is " Long motorcycle trip - when you are ready? "
Sept 6-20.
COLORADO/ one day loops.
Nice
Also prefer riding alone 🤟🏾🤟🏾
Good!
2 or 3 is perfect
Whatever number suit to you.
I like 1 or 3. With 3 there are no arguments, a majority rules, while 2 can never decide anything. If someone is hurt, with 3, one stays with the injured person, while one goes for help.
Solo - zero compromise where i want to go, how long i want to stay
True
Formula for long distance road riding. The amount of potential, realized joy that one can derive for a long ride is inversely proportional to the number of other assholes one drags along.
warner johnson words of wisdom,grasshopper 😎😎🏍🏍🏍
I personally chose to ride solo..That helps to connect more with nature and my spiritual self...Even though lot of risks are involved but aren't risks supposed to be a part of life?
I agree about the solo ride.
I travel alone, I find the easiest thing to ruin my ride is A SECOND OPINION 😎😎🏍🏍🏍
Great Video
Thanks!
i do solo and group. I really love solo riding and if i have group, max 3 members include me.
Agree
My rule: only travel with people whom you are willing to separate from temporarily (1 hour, 1 day, 1 week, etc) when it's more comfortable for either person (no hard feelings) or group (large groups can be broken into small groups).... Or with people whose bullshit and annoyances and complaining you will happily suffer in order to be around them!
Well advise...fr kuala lumpur..
Thanks!
In group, petrol needs don't line up. so every 30 minutes someone will need petrol :- ). Or every 2 hour, you form a queue on a petrol station. Not so enjoyable either..
True
Preferably alone, but in "special" countries it is better in group, never greater than 4.
I will agree with you. Thank you for watching!
I avoid to ride alone only on road not offroad and maximum agree with you for ride with somebody how have same style bike budget riding style and thinking of the world . magic number 2 :)
True
I prefer riding alone or with very close friends.
Good!
Is a Carnet required for Iran? Is there a maximum cc allowed in Iran for travellers?
Yes, carnet is required. About the cc, many people entered already with big bikes.
i like to ride up to 4 riders. Riding longer ride alone in my country can be an issus. Too many risk of accidents.
Thank you for watching and commend!
I have heard that the faster rider goes always at the end of the group.Is it true?I ask that because you said that the leaders drive fast trying to impress the newbies
I never seen fast rider to stay at the end of the group.
Those are some really good points! I am planning a solo trip. My plan for the case of a breakdown or accident is a personal gps tracker to get my coordinates and use a sat phone for calling in remote places. If I'm really hurt i could press the sos-button on the tracker and have someone at home get me help. I'd rent the sat phone for the trip. What's your opinion on that?
No matter alone or in group always ride safe! The most important is to comeback home in one piece.
Refurbished Iridium phone can be had for $550. It's prepaid so you can control that aspect, but they do offer monthly reasonable cost plans too. Beats getting stuck in a place with no cell phone signal.
If you ride alone you must have to avoid terrains that too risky.
Agree
I can do shorter trips in group but prefer solo on long run. You can take a girl on backseat for company and can still ride like you want. But that has another cons/pros to it. :D
Correct. Thanks for watching!
ive seen almost all videos from you but the sound is terrible in half or more of them maybe is the camera you recording
From almost two years the camera is changed and the audio is good. The videos you are talking about are old.
Riding alone:
Take a GPS tracker with an SOS button
Bring a motorcycle recovery system
Bring a tire repair kit and spare front tubes
Riding in a group:
Bring nothing, mooch off others. Saves weight and fuel.
Correct.