Old, Alone and On a Motorcycle! | 51 Days on the Road, Aches, Pains and Disappointments 

I’m 72 years old. I traveled all over the lower 48 in my younger days. I left home on my Sportster when I turned 18, and I didn’t look back. ( I was an only child, so I know how to be alone and enjoy my own company.) Now all old riding buddies are dead or disabled. I’ve got severe rheumatoid and osteoarthritis now. It hurts like Hell to ride 100 miles a day! And I’m riding a comfortable BMW nowadays. Maybe you’ll inspire me to hit the road again, although it may be just 100 miles a day. ♥️🏍️💨🏁

Riding alone you can put on more miles and avoid the controversies and be so much more versatile. At 73 I have no problem just going on a lone adventure I love it

Really nice summary of your trip, Craig! Having over 3 million miles running big trucks, I have been to all 48 states as well as the lower Canadian provinces, so riding solo is not a problem for me. At 69 years of age, what I am faced with is an awful lot of friends who are dealing with age issues, loss of spouses, dementia and it goes on and on. They are scattered all over the USA. What I would really like to do is take a some one or 2 week trips on my motorcycle, spend a day or two with each, get to know the local attractions, reminisce and let them know how important they have been throughout my life as well as giving them a big hug. These people helped me through a near fatal case of cancer 5 years ago and I love then dearly. That would be my great adventure.

I made the ride to Alaska last summer in 2023. I started riding motorcycles in 2021 after turning 65. All of my 40,000+ miles of motorcycle travel I’ve done solo. As you said, when you are with someone else, or a larger group, people are less inclined to engage with you. They don’t want to intrude. Travelling alone, I have conversations with others almost every place I stop. For instance , when I stop for fuel, if I look around, I will almost always see someone watching me. All I need to do is acknowledge them by saying something like, “do you want to buy a motorcycle really cheap”, or even just a nod and a smile, and I’m in a conversation, or having lunch with a new friend. Family and friends always ask me if I’m lonely when travelling alone. I tell them, I’m never actually alone. On the trip to Alaska in particular, I saw many of the same travellers over and over again. It’s a long trip, but there are only a few different routes across the wilderness. Some of the people I’ve met on my trips I still keep in touch with years later.

Old dude here too. I took my first solo trip a couple years ago to see an old sea bee buddy in Sedona. I left a couple days earlier than he could take off work. It was great. Gassed up in New Mexico and the attendant said hey the ice cave is really close you should take a look. Great day for me. I ate when and what I wanted. Gassed up and stayed where I could. I thought I would be lonely not sharing with the wife or a buddy and I was just a little bit but the hood outweigh the bad. It was on a big ass Harley so it was comfortable. Now days I still have that bike but now a 411 himi and a 300L. I could see getting a larger adventure bike and being able to take a few more roads that is not cool on a big road bike. Thanks for the video and inspiration. People across this great country are very cool when not in a large group or on social media which I haven’t had. I have served and love my country and all that’s in it. More people should get out and away from tech. Thanks again Craig I think haha. Swing through Missouri some day brother.

"You don't get yesterday back & you can't buy a minute!"

Thanks for the update. I'm 73 this year. Last year I rode the Dempster. This year I had "planned" to ride both the Dempster and Dalton BUT as it got close to departure the weather wasn't looking good AND there were fires in the area so I changed my route entirely and headed East (to see relatives). But, on night 3 that all changed. I had a medical issue which I haven't had before and decided that I needed to return home (I was close to Thunder Bay and home is Calgary). It took me 4 days to get back because part of my issue was extreme tiredness and I couldn't ride for more than about an hour before I had to stop and rest and in some cases nap for an hour. Needless to day, it was a long hard ride back (about 2,000Km). Got back, got a Docs appointment within 3 days, got blood work done and was told to head to Emergency RIGHT NOW! Turns out my Kidney's decided to partially shut down. Anyway, my month plus trip ended up being a week followed by a Hospital stay and I'm in the midst of a 3 to 6 month recovery period. But, that had me questioning riding my 2022 R1250GSA. I've now put that bike up for sale and I'll be looking at a '25 GoldWing as I've decided I'm much more interested in riding pavement than gravel plus having GoldWings in the past I really like how they ride and the protection. We'll see how things go over the next few months.

A good travel partner is hard to find. But they are priceless when you do find a good one. Good humor in the face of adversity is very important.

I'm 61 and riding alone around Europe on a 2013 Vstrom 650. I'm on day 104 out of a planned 138, so getting towards the end. I talk to myself a lot. I write short stories on FB and take pictures when something catches my eye. Very few frustrations; just two. Forgetting to put my earplugs in every damn morning, so I ride off and have to stop 2 minutes later to de-kit and put them in. After this many days you'd think I'd be better! The other frustration is having no one to talk to, because I'm the only English speaker in the area. I get what I need by smiling and pointing, but a conversation now and then would be nice. :)

This year I travel about 970 some odd miles from Texas to California Last year I rode from Texas to Florida then up to Virginia and back. About 3,800 miles. I was 72 years old for that East Coast trip. Both trips I did solo

LOL, my GF asked if I wrote your script! She said we sound exactly alike talking about riding alone. I always say, as arrogant as it sounds: "I know what I bring to the table, and I don't mind eating alone." I'm glad you had a safe trip!

I retired in 2022 (67 now), and felt it was time to start riding again. Because of many orthopedic issues, I needed an auto trans. I bought a pristine preowned Suzuki Burgman Executive with low miles, and hit the road. I’ve made several long trips from New England (my home also), but nothing like Alaska or 12,000 miles. The longest I made was 5,000 round trip out to Yellowstone. I met a lot of nice people, and had a lot of fun. But I realized quickly how much my age affected long trips, even being in decent shape. I think the most important thing is to take your time and set small goals for daily mileage. I averaged around 300mi a day, sometimes less. Left early AM, and was off the road by supper time. The journey is the fun. The destination is secondary.

Craig I'm 70 and just done a 4,000 mile trip to Morocco and back and lost about a stone, (14lb) lost about a Jeans size my trousers were falling off me at the end. Visiting a Muslim country during Ramadan helps, no snacking all day. Found my Triumph very comfy and excellent for the trip

I’m 48, going through a divorce, and have dreamed of something like this for a while. Maybe once the dust settles, a road trip like this would help establish a new normal. I always appreciate the conversational nature and calming effect your videos bring. Thank you for taking the time to share yourself with the rest of the world.

I am 66, and rode my 1050 Vstrom solo around the entire US. I visited 25 states, in 53 days, covering 10,133 miles this spring. Did a very similar trip last year, covering 10,016 miles in 45 days. Have also done several smaller trips in the 700-2000 mile range. In all, I have ridden 26,000 in the last 16 months. I totally relate to what he says about meeting people. Almost every day I would have random chance enounters with wonderful people all along the way. If you have the time and resources to do such a long solo trip, I heartily encourage you to.

I just turned 70 and have been riding since I was 14. It's amazing how similar our riding styles and preferences are. we do everything the same down to the deer skin gloves, but mine are from Lee Parks. 😁

One thing I will say. That is a hell of a trip you took solo. More than I have ever attempted. Good job.

Always enjoy your videos, of course. At age 73 all my riding buddies have given it up. That depresses me as i miss our joint rides but it certainly doesn't keep me from getting back on the road. I leave in a few weeks for 12 days in Utah and can't wait. Yeah, I miss my riding buddies, but I still pound out 700 miles per day (the inventor of highway pegs deserves a special place in heaven!!) which my buddies would never have tolerated.. But, as you said, pros and cons to both forms of travel.

I turned 65 a few months back. I understand your trip and feelings exactly. I am glad you had a great trip. No matter how much our bodies and minds get older we need to keep going . Meeting people and living life is great therapy .

Riding alone , I talk to my creator , and search for home , Iam the wrong side of 57 , riding a motorcycle solo is like meditating . Also riding is freedom , but when the ride ends you understand it’s not the ultimate solution to being lost in life , we all know we are in a complex mind blowing illusion that is meant to be unravelled . Before it gets too late …or not . I think I ride searching for a home in another universe.

loved the video, thanks.I did a 21 state 9k mile ride a few months back.At 60 I know us riders are hesitant but we need to go out and do the adventures like you.Get out there guys.,you won't regret it.

Thank you so much for sharing with us all Craig. I just retired and planning my bucket list trip for next spring. I will be 64 and with the information you so graciously and continually provide it's giving me a higher probability of being a safe and successful adventure of a lifetime.

Great video Craig, thanks, you touched on a lot of points we all have to deal with. As for traveling alone, I did that for many years and completely enjoyed it, I’m 72 now and have found the last couple years I would rather have a good buddy with me on long trips, enjoy the company, like th e feeling you have a buddy with you if times get hard, and of course the cost of hotels has gone through the roof so having someone to share those expenses is a real help. As for aches and pains , well at 72 they are a constant daily thing with me now but throwing a leg over my bike and going are still worth the discomfort, LoL.

I'm a truck driver. I'm alone for days on end. I guess it must be different if you aren't used to it? But I enjoy the solitude.

I’m a long haul trucker…. 27 years… I’m looking forward to taking that trip on my triumph. Love your videos

Thanks for the video. Im 74 yrs old and I am the LDR cordinator for the British Motorcycle Owners Association here in Mackay, Queensland Australia. All our rides are group rides and over the years they have varied from 6 to 10 people attending. 4 is a great number as the larger numbers is a kin to "Herding Cats on a dark night" without a shotgun. 😅 our rides are all prebooked and no camping ( too old to be lying on the ground) We get many comments." Boy you guys are really living the dream". Tip my hat to you riding solo.👍😉

You’re a good man Craig Ripley

I did 10,000 kms from Nova Scotia down South to Jacksonville, over to Nashville, then back up North to Ontario to home. It’s a challenging thing to do solo. You never know if you can do it until you actually try. I watched videos like this to prepare mentally and physically. Thank you for sharing.

I just watched this portion of your summary. Myself, I enjoyed riding solo much more than with a partner. About three years ago, I left Massachusetts for what turned out to be a 7,200 mile trip. I went to Charlotte, picked up a friend, and we left for a great journey. We went as far as Montana, then came directly south through Yellowstone. We split in Colorado, and that began the best part of the whole trip. The first day out, I was ready to turn around and end the whole thing. He kept riding fast, getting way ahead of me, and there was no reason for it. We said this was a vacation, not a race. I told him how I felt the first night. It got better after that. I told him if he wanted to do a mountain road faster than me, to just go and I’ll catch up later. The problems were when we were on the highways. I had a Gold Wing, he had a Kawasaki sport tourer. He headed home from Colorado, I went to Houston, then took 4 days to come home from there. Anyway, just sharing that experience. I no longer ride. I felt that my skills were diminishing, and I already survived getting hit three times. I was about your age on my trip also. Good luck, safe travels.

Craig. Well done you. I long ago gave up touring in a group....someone wants to have a coffee, someone needs gas, someone needs to take a leak. Round trips of 3000 miles in Europe, conversations in my head, though I sing to myself too. Like you, I've met people/ bikers on the way, though just because someone's on a bike does not always equate to good company. Haven't done the mega miles that you have but at 70 years old do it regularly. Being cool with your own self is so important. Book wise, try Scott Fitzgerald, Hemmingway or Ian McEwan. Keep on truckin'. Iain.

it 35 years i always travel alone and i prefer that. sériously , more free and more spiritual :)

I really appreciate your insights on travel and planning. Glad your trip went well and you were able to adjust your trip and still make it enjoyable.

You need to be a special person to solo ride, I’ve rode coast to coast many times and always did it with a friend I hate to solo ride but now that I’m getting older and my friends are not riding anymore I’m going to try it, I’m not going to sit home and wish I was riding, thanks for the video

Nice video, great trip! Meditations is a "come back to often" read and the perfect companion for a long, solo trip. Thank you for the video! 😁

LonRyder here:: Craig, you are simply bad ass. Such as you, I am the same age. Have owned more motorcycles than I can count. Today on my KTM Adventure 890 I rode to death Valley, to return to my home, and watch your video. again, you are simply bad ass!!!… I truly respect, and agree with everything you are saying. You are the motorcycling guru of the big Alaskan adventures…. I watched a number of your shorts, but really wanted to see this video. Stress free is the only way to go when you hit our age. Just want you to know, That you inspire me to continue riding, Which I do on a daily basis. Next week I’m planning on 1000 mile trip up to northern California to see family then to return home. PS should you ever make it to Southern California, you will have a room with air conditioning to stay in, steaks on the grill, cigars in the box ready for you. As we say in the motorcycling world, let’s live to ride another day. Peace to you, be blessed and enjoy the ride.

Great info Craig. I think we emailed back and forth. I just turned 57. Recovering from two knee surgeries back In October and December. Hoping to head out west from Rhode Island 8n September. Thanks for the info. Great content

Great hearing about your trip, Craig. I guess I’m a solo rider at heart.

Craig as usual very detailed video. Ears perked up for me when you talked about posture. I’m 70 and when I drive long distance I get a knot in my neck next to shoulder blade, due to bad posture. On the benefit of riding alone. I joined my friend’s H.O.G. Club in Honesdale Pa and did a trip to The Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Mountains. We did 577 miles to Bristol Tenn. in mid nineties temperatures. On the motorcycles at 8 a.m. drove all day to the next hotel which wasn’t until 8 p.m. like that all four days. It was hot!! When I got home my wife said I looked exhausted. Took me a week to recover. If I was alone or with a friend would of not done so many miles. The downside of groups

Thanks for sharing Craig. Very informative. Enjoy your videos. Ride safe.

All alone is right. We all are

Thank you for sharing. Years ago I did the camping thing off the bike and climbed Half Dome. After that I was done. It is so much more convenient and refreshing to motel camp. And the reality is it's not that much more in cost.

Yes I made it :) trying to learn every day stil at my age of 58 , thanks for sharing

On packing and unpacking; I Love having a routine so the process is fast and easy. Collapsible color coded packing cubes work very well for me, especially as I get older and more forgetful. Each cube has it's specific place in one of my 3 luggage pieces and a specific location in most rooms I stay in.

Fantastic video! Doing similar in Canada, can really identify. Was glued to the screen for this one. Thank you for sharing Craig!

i did solo 4,000 mile trip in 1969 on a new BMW. always will go solo because i actually can enjoy my own company, im in charge do what i want go and stay where i want to. its the best way on conflict or arguments. all you described is how i feel. i was typing as you described we were like twins.

My longest solo ride was 52 days, 15,319 miles alone at 65 also. was a great trip from BC Canada to Newfounland Canada and back via a side detour through eastern US and back to BC. Broke my big toe on my left foot first day, thankfully I have a heel/toe shifter or I would have been done first day. Done the Southwest US last 2 years, once alone once with a friend.....kinda like riding by myself.

I think as I have aged and hit senior status for me personally longer mile days on a motorcycle and even more so day after day has much less appeal to me in this stage of life. I find for traveling and exploring a much smaller and lighter dual sport which rides well on a hitch carrier and a van to travel the road miles, act as a camp base and use the bike to explore an interesting local area a couple of days before moving on is a better way to still enjoy some of the adventure as we go. Cost can still be kept very reasonable by primitive camping or taking advantage of the camping discount afforded to seniors with the National Park pass and avoiding eating meals out rather than fixing them in camp is a much more relaxing way to go. Set up correctly you do not even need a tent and set up your sleeping area off the ground in the van and in a much more weather and security secure environment than in a tent. I also find that setting up and breaking down camp is much more enjoyable when you are only dealing with maybe a tarp, foldable chair and table and a few odds and ends rather than a full blown set up every day I have an AWD Astro van which does this duty very well actually and although no heavy off road vehicle does well on like reasonable fire service types of roads where ground clearance is not an issue and the AWD makes traction on wetter surfaces more surefooted with a lesser chance of becoming stuck. Adventures do not need to stop because of age just adjusted to fit in with ones physical abilities and kept to where they are still an enjoyment rather than a chore.

Craig, I felt as if we were sitting at your table, rehashing your trip. Excellent debrief. Had a total knee replacement two years ago, so being able to stretch out on highway pegs is super important. I gain weight when traveling. Your leftover home fries looked delicious! I am 68, 6'4"/240. Welcome to Medicare! Ned in SC

Very deep thoughts and insights! I really appreciate the fact that you rode this and gave yourself time to relax and enjoy. I have yet to get out and road trip, but when I do, I'll enjoy the ride versus trying to make a timetable or mile range. I'm almost 59 and have some health issues, but with reasonable expectations and good time management, I will get out there. I'm still a working stiff and have only been riding my Spyder RT Limited since I got it last year, but I have planned many trips.

You are very brave to ride a triumph that far.

OMG, I had to laugh at this video. You literally said everything I do, even your spreadsheet looks like mine! Plus I rode to Alaska this June and I also own a Tiger. The fire you mentioned between Dawson City and Whitehorse - some people I met while waiting had been there almost 20 hours waiting to get through. I was lucky, I only had to wait about 3 hours and yes it was about 34 miles following the pilot car the entire time.

Excellent summary. I really enjoyed hearing your story. All the best in the future. Jovan

Excellent Craig. I did the ride to Deadhorse from Anchorage a few years back. Then Portland to Anchorage last May. Also did Denali on another trip on a bicycle. You did an excellent job covering all the bases. The ride to Skagway was great (drone whitehorse). Skagway was really junky. We rode the ferry to Haines, which is a sweet little village. Then on to Tok and Anchorage. Denali can easily disappoint. She only lifts her skirt maybe once in 5 days. Worse in July-August which is rainy season. And you can only go in by bus as you probably know. If ever up again, head to Kenai and take the boat ride to the fjords. Wow! Thanks again!

Great video! I'm going to be 60 y.o. next year when I go from NY to AL....

I agree on the issue of people coming up to you when on a trip. So often, the folks that have approached me do ask a lot of the same questions but that's perfectly fine! A lot of those interactions are great as folks either want to know more about my Tenere or the gear. Sometimes they are folks who wish they could just get on a bike and take a road trip and probably never will have the opportunity to do that. I see it as a minute for them to get first hand insight on what it is like to travel by bike and maybe even get inspired to do it themselves. I hope that anyone traveling by bike would be kind to those who are inquiring and give them a moment of your time.

I'm 66yrs of age. Been riding on road for 47yrs. I two best friends have died on me. So I truly enjoy riding alone. God is with me always..

Riding my bike is the best time to think of issues.

I always enjoy the post ride debrief videos. Nice to hear what worked out well and what didn't.

LOVE long solo motorcycle trips! U learn a lot about urself when u spend a lot of time with ur knees in the breeze. Priceless! 🎉

Reading Marcus Aeralius sounds like a smashing good time! You old party machine!

67 and have been doing solo trips since the 80s. I prefer doing what I want, stopping when I want , camping when and where want etc. I am not anti social and talk to many prople on trips. Took a 12 day jaunt to Nov Scotia and did the Cabot trail this year and enjoyed 12 days of perfect 70s weather. All the trips I took with people always had some drama at some point .Whether it was breakdowns(twice ,not me). Losing someone( before cell phones). Illness(not me) etc. All my solo trips have been accident , drama, illness free. Alot of people cant imagie traveling alone,and many like your self and me like it ,but like people too. All I require is a good book at night.

What a trooper! Thank you for sharing.

Hi Craig, I’m with you on this and many thanks for sharing. Often I think of myself as a tourist who travels by motorbike rather than an explorer or some kind of expedition. Many thanks from the UK.

Fantastic video! I just completed a similar solo trip on my GS and virtually everything you discussed here really resonated with me. Keep up the great work here.

luv to you man feel the breeze and stay strong!!!

Thanks Craig. Your approach to motorcycle travel is spot on. I have enjoyed the RU-vid Shorts as your trip unfolded. Enjoy the remaining riding season!

Man, you and I are dialed into the same frequency. I have a Honda NC700X right now so it is not the most comfortable bike for long trips but I’m hoping to go back home to Colorado and see the parents soon. Great video.

Nice video man, I'm from North Pole Alaska. Did the trip on scoot 3 times so far. No problem by myself but at night it's just you. No help if you have any problems on road. I did like having morning java in a Cafe side the road. Did meet some nice folks along the way. Again nice video. Thanks

Nice trip Craig, me and my wife did the Alaska trip from Montreal to AK's Arctic Circle sign in 2017 we were both 55 at that time. I rode a new Suzuki V Strom 650 and she rode a BMW f700gs for that trip...all motels no camping , all restaurants mostly rode from 9am to 3pm...37 days no mishaps. We were in Fairbanks on Summer Solstice June 21st ..the day we went to the Arctic Circle sign it was about 78f and sunny we had the weather gods on our side. 😎 For me I don't like to ride solo I get bored and don't like group riding for long trips...with the wife it's also safer 2 bikes if one breaks in the middle of nowhere and with our Senas we communicate together .

I'm 67 in a few days still riding but it's a struggle now worked in the coal mines of South Wales GB I have osteoarthritis hands knees ankles sholders 2 hours riding is enough I get a burning in the neck and down the shoulder blades, i dangle my legs take the pressure off the knees , stop several times which helps, Interesting video, That's why I'm looking to change something more upright riding position, or I'll need to stop riding 😢,

Great review and comments. You made some key points that I greatly agreed with having done a similar trip ( not alone) in 2022. 300 miles a day is great, and that's what we did mostly, with one or two 400+ in there. We went to Oregon via roughly US20 with some variation to avoid Chicago and Cleveland in July and then circled back via Idaho, Montana, S and N Dakota. It was hot and we found it best to hit the road early, like 7 latest, often earlier. That way we'd get 100-150 in before it got super hot. Stop for breakfast after getting an hour or two down the road. Stop for lunch mid day, decide how much further we felt like going and then look for a hotel. We never once made a reservation other than calling ahead an hour to two, and that worked very well. Big yes on hydration. So important. Big agreement on the nature of traveling with friends and the need to reach consensus on routes, rest, meals etc. It was not a problem but as you point out, it has to be accounted for. I would never have done a trip like that with guys I didn't know well with similar riding styles and habits. I have pondered doing it again solo and your insights are very good. Thanks!

I have ridden with friends but I prefer going solo especially long distance. Going with friends always involves some compromises. Where to eat, stay when and how long to stay etc. My riding Buddies like to go hard and fast most of the time, I like to stop often and see stuff and take photos. Not having buddies when something goes wrong is a concern but I have dealt with problems alone in the past so it’s all good going solo for me.

Dude you have this figured out! Congrats on doing this and living your best life now while keeping it simple.

Excellent summary Craig. Your point about limiting your daily miles to allow for stops, side trip visits, or just getting to the hotel earlier to relax is well taken. That is the exact reason why an out west trip (from OH) we have been planning for years is going to be put off until I retire. When I shared the brass-tacks details with my wife which included the daily riding miles given our nearly 3-week time allowance, she kind of panicked. There were many days of well over 400 miles, which as we all know on a motorcycle can quickly become 10-12-hour days. We're both in the camp of the journey is part of the vacation, and if there's something you want to see or do along the way, having an aggressive riding schedule doesn't allow for that and can lead to frustration, irritability and tiredness. In other words, setting yourself up for failure. You and I are nearly the same age (I'll soon turn 63) and recognizing and allowing for our limitations makes a huge difference. Thanks for the update. Look forward to more as you get time.

Great 👍 Vid mate , I’m 56 not long ago did a trip alone as well ( I’m from Australia) I done around 2500 miles in about 12 days or so , was my second trip on my own ( first was in New Zealand ) that was a fantastic Solo trip meet heaps of people and ride with a American guy for a few days as well . This trip was very different, didn’t see many other riders and camped a lot and for the first 2 days stayed at mates places . Other than that was very quite for me and to be honest I did get a bit lonely and came home early, actually rang the wife and said I missed her “ and actually ment it 😂😂😂 I do like company. BUT as you say the positives are as you say 1. Stopping when you want to take a great photo etc , 2, people coming over and talking to you and 3. Flexibility to change plans which is fantastic being on your own . But yes the worst time is at the end of the day with mostly no one to talk to . Other than that it does have a lot of positives. I also stop around 4-5 ish in afternoon when camping and 5 -6 when staying in pubs or Motels etc . I’m doing a trip to Western Australia from Eastern Australia in October it’s around 3500 miles one way . Will be seeing a few mates the way and maybe have a some mates along ( if not I’m not worried about it ) Carry a camel back helps as you ride . If you get the right camping gear and sleeping mattress will be amazing.

Thanks for sharing your experiences, insights and wisdom Craig! Here's to more great adventures at 65 and beyond!

I have traveled a lot from Florida since retiring. Unfortunately i may have to give motorcycles up as i have tinnitus and cannot handle the noise:( Ride as long as you can brother. Godspeed.

I think you covered everything very very well and I think you're planning and your way of thinking lines up with mine very close for travel been putting this trip off for years so I'm going to do it and I'm coming up on 67 in about 4 months😅😊🎉

Thanks for sharing your ride. Like you, I’m very comfortable riding and traveling solo, always have been. Ride safe, keep on keeping on.

old man here 40 years old 😜lone wolf no club I have several friends for trips, but I have always done the best trips alone, especially abroad outside of Greece, because I live in Greece, traveling solo is incomparable to any other the travel means etched in your memory.... Love your content keep going bro you are the Man 😎🤟 born to ride ⚡ride to live

This was great! Thankyou Craig. My trip will be mid September. For the first year ever, I tried to convince a friend of almost 30 years to come with me. He has now been staying at my place with his camper in my driveway for 10 days. Thank GOD he didn't say yes and he spent time here now. He has issues I'd find intolerable if traveling together.

Craig. I thoroughly enjoy your videos, experiences and perspectives to riding, thank you! We are very similar in our approach. Would be great to meet some day! Cheers.

On your way back as soon as you posted your short in rapid City at the hotel on the hill. I was on a work trip just coming into rapid City from Nebraska. And I couldn't figure out which there were three of the hotels you mentioned and I assumed it was the one off of The interstate. And then I decided not to go try and find you because who knows when you actually posted that short. I just thought it was fun. The happenstance that you happen to be there and I was so far from home.

Some may ask why I would sit through 45 minutes of a discussion of someone's trip. Well I enjoy it more than the video sometimes to hear the details of how a trip works. Having history at this Channel I know you make sense. Thank you for the details of pain prevention specially the hand stretch. Glad you made it back.. I just finished a 5 day trip to the Tetons and I added miles of off road out of Alpine Wyoming up the Grey river. This off road part justified all my off road bike enhancements.

Some very valuable info decanted from experience concerning many important issues for the senior moto traveler. I must thank you for sharing this.

I think it must be our generation that does not need many distractions like music when we ride... I enjoy my thinking time on the bike and even when I had a Harley Road Glide with a sound system I never used it... I tried the helmet comm thing and to be honest it was annoying and I got rid of it... even thoughI have and use GPS maps I still look at a paper map and bring them just in case !

your a much younger version of myself even the beard/cigar. Padron 1964, preferd. i wont, but at 80 i would love to do it again . still ride locally own 4 motorcycles now.

Hi Craig, good video. I'm with you on most things except for preplanning accommodation for the day. I prefer to make the call on the nights stop in the early afternoon. On my two trips to the USA this has been mostly trouble free, couple of times I have had to go a bit further to find lodgings and food. People are more likely to strike up a conversation when you are solo, also my Kiwi accent was often a conversation starter. Looking forward to next May to get started on my next trip

I have always ridden alone, except when my Dad took trips with me. He stopped riding at 87. As for pain, the Iron Butt Association recommends a couple of Motrin when you start your day. It might not be needed if you aren't racking up the miles, but it can still be a useful idea. Isometric exercises while riding help too. I like the freedom and timelyness of solo riding...the only person holding things up is me! Keep on riding! {!-{>

Good video I can go on a trip by myself if no one can go. Lucky for me I have a friend who I get on well with, e have done many trips no issue.I flew to Thailand for a motorcycle tour by myself and I got to spend time with some great people on my tour and other tours. I think just go do it and everything will fall into place

Life truly is a give and take kind of thing my friends, at that , life will live it self if you let it.

Howdy from Anchorage. Love the Palmer Tshirt.

I’ve got a similar background been riding over 50 years got off Harley’s because the weight. Bought crf300L. But I like your white framed glasses.👍

Great video….

Just experienced a big frustration. Travel 2 days & a night to see Colorado Springs. The first 3 days of the visit allergies were very bad so didn't get to enjoy anything. Then when allergies got under control the weather turned bad. Oh well, on my way to Arkansas in the morning.

thx for sharing this

I have done a number of trips over last 3 years, a couple of cross country US and expensive travel in Baja. I use a couple of websites for free camping and have seldom been let down. Yes many places are better than others but it makes for less expensive extended trips. I have my set up and tear down to a science and although never my preference I can make camp in the dark or rain in a matter of minutes and have a decent place to sleep in a few minutes. I meet people all over and the combo of company and alone time works well. I encourage people to work toward getting your kit as compact and absolutely useful as possible. Hotels and motels are also part of my normal and on the bike, I use those days to really, really work, clean bike clothing, go to shoe repair, change oil, go shopping, to a bar and restaurant, do some food prep for a few days in front. I have ridden of course w random people but also have hooked up w riders from Craigslist and other sites, that are around same age , similar riding goals and budget.. It's much easier and cheaper than you think and w a tiny bit of homework you can have multiple days per week that cost less than @$10 bucks plus gas .

Hey, I love your glasses. They suit you well and reflect your personality. You are a modern fellow. And, after seeing your video, I can tell that you are a good man. Your generosity is well appreciated. Je suis un francophone ontarien et je pilote deux motos : I ride a Honda ST1300 and a Honda CBF 600 around town. I live in L’Orignal, Ontario. We enjoy beautiful roads in our area. You should visit us.

Really enjoyed your re-cap of the trip...... I had to laugh about some of your frustrations regarding packing/unpacking/trips to the bike etc. I have to share one thing I try to do on my long distance travels and that is to try to have all clothes etc laid out for the morning and pack my bags before I go to bed. (Of course excluding the typical morning routine/essentials, I find it very easy to finish/pack the few essentials that I left out.) I find it less complicated and makes it easier to start my ride each morning. I enjoy your content and perspective..... Thanks!

Hello and wanted to reach out as I live near Moms and recently bought the Tiger 850 after watching your local review- would really like to chat as I’m 69 and want to plan some adventure rides in NE and a trip to Canada before planning some larger trips- let me know how we could chat. Great video and very inspiring. Steve