Why I Ride Alone 

I like to ride alone because I hate going 80 mph just to stay up with everyone. I like to see the scenery and enjoy the ride.

Riding alone is my meditation.

I've found in my experience----54 years, any more than 3 riders together is too many. I almost always ride alone.

I don't get why people get into bikes then spend every waking minute riding in a pack. To me it's the antithesis of what riding a bike is all about.

Don’t worry you are not alone. I love riding solo

I like going when I want, where I want, and stopping where and when I want, and enjoying the road and scenery alone, in peace, unencumbered by rules or other people's whims. If that's considered being a dick these days, then so be it. I'm bothering no one. Ride safe, no matter how you do it.

Been riding for 50 years by myself. Low stress and enjoyable rides. At my age really do not care what others think or do as life is short....enjoy!

You are 100% right on. Many people on motorcycles have no knowledge of what I call lane discipline. The second most dangerous place to ride your bike is in a practice session for novice racers. The most dangerous? In a group ride with people you don't know.

I always ride alone. Set my own pace. Stop and go when I want. 😎✌️

I love riding alone. Not a crowd person and don’t like the peer pressure that naturally presents itself.

I've gone from a "large group rider" to a small group rider to . . . . a solo rider over the years. I'm happily married and I love my wife very much. But every so often I just need to get on my bike and go for a ride. I can stop to take in a scenic view . . . . I can stop for a cup of coffee . . . . I can accelerate whenever I want if I feel it is safe. This is alone time for me . . . and I value it greatly.

I tried the riding club thing and they were nice enough. No issues like you described, but they rode to eat. We spent about 4 hours on a ride and half of that was sitting in a restaurant talking and joking. Not judging, mind you, this was their club I was hanging around, it just wasn't my thing. I prefer to ride my own pace, my own route, my own times. I think there are group oriented people and nomads. One isn't better or worse, just different.

That is why I rack up most of my miles riding alone.

If I wanted to ride with a bunch of people, I would have bought a bus.

I definitely agree with all your reasons for riding alone. I prefer to ride alone for a few more reasons. I'm a long distance rider,&have found that traveling with others you tend to get caught up in their agenda of the trip. I soon find that things I wanna do,or see takes a low,if any importance in the other riders mind. Riding alone I can travel the speed I want,cover the miles each day I prefer, & stop/see/photograph as I want.

I rode over 35 years. I spent very little time on group rides. Too many yahoos out there that have no idea how poor of a rider they are. It's dangerous enough when you have excellent control of the bike...

As one who's ridden most all my life (I'm now 70 years) if find riding with groups to be about the most dangerous riding one can do. People just aren't aware that sudden, braking, change of speeds, and erratic riding habits have a chain-effect on the whole group behind them. Also, if you have 10 different riders you have 10 different ideas of where to go, how fast, and ways to get there. I ride solo, for a reason.

When I finally have time to go on a ride, for a few precious hours away from my job and family, all I want is peace, freedom and free roads for myself, my bike and my thoughts. That's why I ride alone. I can understand you very well.

I ride alone to be free of other people. There is peace and freedom in solitude.

I love riding alone.

You are not alone in your way of thinking. The things I've learned driving motorcycles, big trucks, and cars taught me that close quarter driving is unsafe.

Completely agree, the best parts of riding alone are, you make all the decisions, from start to finish you decide when and where, no compromising with anybody✌️

My sentiment exactly. Stay safer by riding solo.

Group riding is one of the more dangerous things to do on a motorcycle. Never again.

Completely agree. I ride motorcycles as a form of therapy and solitude, not something that needs masses of others to enjoy.

You, are definitely my brother in the wind. I started riding way back in the early sixties. My older cousin taught me to ride on a Triumph Cub. There was many pieces of advice given to me, but the one thing that stood out most was his advise " Ride Your Own Ride" . By this he meant that say when you are at a traffic light and some one hits his horn, because you aren't moving fast enough for them, don't pay attention to it. You don't move that bike until you are satisfied it's safe. I have lived to that ever since. At 18 I decided to join a club. Wasn't much more than a group of guys riding to the bar. On one occasion when I guess the bar was a good distance away we were riding in formation. As we drove along I saw something that I wanted to look at and I left the formation and went on my own. At the next club meeting they wanted to find me 25$ . So I dug in my pocket and low and behold came up with a finger for them. Quit right then and there, and never joined another club. Nothing against clubs, there just not for me. Some years later, my riding partner talked me into a ride with a HOG chapter. I got a mile down the road when I knew that it wasn't for me. To many newbies, and invincible show offs. I left that pack and never rode in a pack again. That was in the eighties. No thank you. I will admit that I am a loner type period, but I don't ride packed up ever. In the mean time, my cousin gave me another piece of advice."Keep the shiney side up"

Unless you are in a club that rides together constantly it’s not good to ride with others you don’t know. I prefer to ride alone, with my woman on my bike. I ride hard for hours at a time and rarely stop for anything. In a group it’s like herding cats.

The problem with Harley riders in groups is that they all of a sudden think they're Hells Angles!

26 years on the street. Many years prior on dirt bikes. 98% of my riding is alone. It’s my quiet, alone time. I don’t want to deal with other riders around me. Playing follow the leader. I shut my mind off and forget about bills, work, people…

I totally agree with you, brother. I hate riding in groups of people that I don’t know, you have no idea other people skill levels, so I just do my own thing

I ride alone, the only time I ride with other people is when it is someone I know who can ride. I like my pace, when I want to stop, etc.

Approaching 70 I still want to be out on my bike as much as possible but I haven't ridden with anyone for over 20 years, don't plan to either. I can stop, go fast, go slow, go wherever I want because I don't have anyone to worry about.

I love riding alone. My time to think and evaluate my life.

Nope...I'm with you! I like to drive my own speed, stop when I want, eat when and where I want and venture off unexpectedly. I never drink while on my bike and this is an issue sometimes. I also like my alone time with my thoughts. I contemplate life and family, sing to myself and sightsee...very therapeutic!

Long ago I did ride in a group a few times. I rarely ride fast, but that group really liked going really fast. I was out of my comfort zone and stoped riding with them. I did'nt understand what the h*ll they were thinking going small country side roads like it was a race track. Nowadays I enjoy setting my own tempo and relying on only myself.

True freedom on the road is actually being alone. Just you, the road, the scenery, the engine rumble and wind slapping the face. Not gonna worry about anyone being left behind or being lost. Down side of that is when sh1t gets in your way, you`re gonna have to handle that one alone. Which is absolutely fine and normal to me.

Big riding groups always include unpredictable idiots and torturous fuel breaks. While I’ve enjoyed many long solo adventures (ah the joy of doing whatever I want without compromise), sometimes it’s really sweet to share memories with a skillful friend or two with a shared riding / travel style.

100% agree with you. I see so many people riding that shouldn't be riding, flying by intersections, tailgating other drivers, acting a fool on 2 wheels that is not even fun. I ride because I love riding, not because I have a death wish. That's the reason I ride by myself.

0:38 the amount of duckwalkers and foot draggers is absurd... big machines, no skills

I've been riding for 50+ years . Other than a group of select long time friends , I prefer to ride alone , for the exact reasons you point out. Too many weekend rookies gravitate to these dealership get-togethers.

I also ride alone , it seems like when you ride with a group they are always pulling over for something. No brother riding alone is always better.

Totally agree 👍 1) Since everyone rides at different speeds, you’re guaranteed to be riding faster or slower than you would like, which is unsafe. 2) Every 15 minutes someone will need a comfort break, fuel, food or get lost or left behind…etc Probably only been on 3 large group rides and each time I swear “Never again” 1 or occasionally 2 mates but no more.

One of THE most critical skills to develop as a rider is to know when to say "I am out" and be ok with it.

I'm with you, riding alone is the way to go!

I feel EXACTLY the same. One group ride was all it took to convince me I do to do this ever again!

I'm with you - I ride alone 99% of the time. I wouldn't mind having a friend or two to ride with but the few guys that I trust and who ride like me (brisk pace but not stupid fast) were left on the east coast when I moved to Arizona 4 years ago. After 55 years of riding, I went on my first group ride with 20-25 guys, mostly on adventure bikes. Everyone that I observed on the ride appeared to be competent, experienced riders (I don't recall seeing any Harleys in the group - hmm, could there be a correlation between type of bike and rider skill?). Anyhow, we got into some nice twisty roads with beautiful sweeping corners. Ordinarily, I try to stay within 10-15 mph of the posted speed limit to minimize the risk of tickets. Pretty soon I found the group pushing 80mph through the corners and nearing 100 at times. As a former roadracer/trackday rider, I was able to keep up with the group. However, when a couple of guys passed a car in front of us, I too went to pass the car, and quickly discovered that my 900cc adventure bike (purchased only a couples months before) did not have nearly the acceleration from 80 mph that my Ducati or GSXR 750 have. I had the throttle pinned and while I'm attempting to pass the car and get back into my lane before the passing zone ended, a car is approaching me from the opposite direction. I managed to get back into my lane but not before I ran out of dotted line. It wasn't scary close but afterward I thought to myself, "What the f*** did I just do, and why the f*** did I do it?" I never would have done that riding alone. On the racetrack, I always rode my own ride and focused not getting sucked in by a faster ride ahead of me. Then why the hell did I do what I just did? Anyhow, after the ride, I decided that group riding wasn't for me and I'm back riding and camping alone on my adventure bike. For safety, I always give my wife a map and directions with planned route, and she can track my location on her iPhone.

I wake up early on Sundays, walk my steel beast out of the neighborhood so as not to disturb the dreamers when she eagerly roars to life. Full face helmet, full gear and a prayer. The streets are empty, the highway is all but abandoned. Open her up and turn her loose, she sings and devours the asphalt miles. Head up into the Cascade mountain pass and push her to her limits, she knows i trust her and know her well, she delivers me from this hell.

I like to ride and downhill ski alone. It enhances the feeling of freedom in both sports.

I ride bicycle and Motorcycle and ride alone on both. Stopping at stop signs and simply following the rules, I get more respect from cars on the bicycle, same on the bike move with traffic, keep good distances steady speed keep lane changes to a minimum. Feels good to be alone on the road

Agreed, especially for group rides with strangers. I have, however, been on rides with five or six experienced riders and had a good time.

Yup, riding alone is golden. I ride with a good friend occasionaly., never side by side, always leave following space just as if we were driving cars. Much more relaxing and safer that way.

The HOG club I belonged to had a safety officer who checked tires and other items. If you had bald tires he would tell you get them replaced before the next ride or you are not joining. He had strict rules about riding staggered and about using signals if there are road hazards. In 6 years and about 30 long rides we never had one incident.

I'm in my late 60s, been riding since the mid-70s. Still ride. I went on one group ride, didn't know what I was getting into. Over half the people thought it was a race, they were passing uphill with a double yellow line, going 3 wide, all kinds of stupid shit. I slowly drifted to the back of the pack and stayed there. That was enough for me. I enjoy riding with a friend or two, but no more big group rides!

My whole life was work, work, work. I seldom ride socially and have never been associated with groups. Here I am at 73 still riding alone after retirement. I don't mind.

Preach it! I did a large group ride once. It started badly and got progressively worse. Everything you described I saw happening on this ride, except the oncoming lane maneuver. Never again! I ride a lot, and often when people hear that they'll say "we should go for a ride sometime". My answer is always that I ride alone. I want to stop when I want to stop, leave when I'm ready, turn a corner if something catches my interest, ride as fast or as slow as I want to, and not worry about anyone but me.

That's why we ride alone mate. The longer I ride, the more I avoid group rides. For exactly the same reason you mention here. I feel you mate, and I'm pretty sure there's lots of us riders feeling the same way. Enjoy your rides and stay safe ❤

Yeah, riding in groups with strangers can be dangerous. You never know the skill level of the other riders so things can go bad real fast.

I agree. I definitely prefer riding alone.

I have done a couple of charity runs locally, and it is hard work. People riding badly, people showing off, and a general feeling of "today, we own the road". I'd far rather ride solo or with one trusted friend.

I just got my first bike 2 months ago for the sole purpose to get away to myself. Thank you for making this video .

I agree with you completely. I never ride with more than 1 or 2 other riders for the very reasons you cited in your comments. I am 80 years old and have ridden for 60 of those years, and have never had anything but a minor accident.

Group rides are the fastest way to spoil a good ride.

Totally agree with all points. I ride alone.

I too don’t like to ride with people that I don’t know. Several years back I was on a MD poker run, riding in a pack of about 10 bikes. Going into a curve to the right at about 45 mph on a 2 lane highway, the guy in front of me goes straight, across the suicide lane and into the grass. Somehow he managed to ride it out and get back on the road at the back of the pack. At the next stop I asked him what happened. He said the bike wouldn’t turn, which puzzled me. So I asked him if he knew what countersteering was. He did not. I explained the concept to him and asked him to try something once we got going again. I said once we get going, try putting a little pressure on one grip and watch how the motorcycle responds. I could see him behind me doing little weaves. At the next stop, he thanked me for teaching him a very valuable lesson.

Right there with ya. I usually get stuck behind some bagger who thinks a loud stereo and even louder pipes is cool.

I ride alone, with nobody else , when I ride alone I prefer to be by myself. GT

I don’t trust anyone I don’t know. I pretty much only ride alone. And I never ride with anyone I don’t know.

Totally agree man! I just did a group ride last week and it also reminded me why I only solo ride. Too many inexperienced riders eager to join the biker community (confidence over skill), too many guys playing tough-guy and not having the skill to back it up, no etiquette (staggered, only cruise at even numbers - speed discussed before hand, signals laid out, time/distance before stops. etc), bikes with different size tanks and guys with different sized bladders, people wanting to constantly stop to eat/sight-see, it's an absolute pain dude! I always ride solo, and if not, I have one buddy I'm okay with coming. Every once in a while we all need reminders as to why group riding is the pits. You are bang on man.

Why on earth someone would EVER want to ride with someone else is something I could ever understand, in 74 years of cycling.

I've always ridden alone because it's my relaxation time and don't ride fast because I'm not looking to set speed records. I'm just out to enjoy the ride.....when you ride fast, your reflects have less time to react and there's a higher chance of having an accident.

I lost my best friend due to a guy riding with him(behind) and constantly tailgating him, and then coming up next to him, falling back again and on and on it went. This was all on a small country two lane road. Traffic was not an issue at all, but the constant crap of the guy he was riding with, made my friend lose concentration, and while looking back to see where his friend was now, when he turned his head back forward, it was too late. A Pickup truck that was at least 3 car lengths ahead, was now at a dead stop for a deer or whatever, and although he was only doing about 25 MPH, there was no time to stop, and he ran into the back of the stopped pickup and was killed instantly. He had over 50 years of riding experience, but this guy with him was a relative newbie and his constant darting to and fro had caused by friend to lose his concentration on his own riding, and it killed him at less than 30 mph. Thanks, and God Bless

People in general drive me nuts 🤣👍🏻🇨🇦

Not at all. I almost always ride alone. Too much drama, BS, etc, I want to just enjoy my ride, think things over.

I completely agree with you. I know there are some advantages to ride in group, especially when you are far away from home, because there is always someone to help you in case of accident or some trouble with the bike. But I love to travel in my own pace, stop when I want, to eat, get something to drink, to rest, to go to bathroom. I hate to depend on others to chose when to departure, when and where to stop, to refill the tank, etc. I love and appreciate my freedom and independence.

I’m just like you, don’t like riding with folks I don’t know, or the way they ride, I tend to follow my own path 😊

Rode bikes for 45 years and didn’t get hit because I used the principle of real estate. It is your best friend so ride with as much of it around you as you can.

Completely agree. Haven't ridden in a group for years, and don't plan to start again. My one riding buddy moved away and i didn't know anyone else who rides. Ok by me. I also enjoy the solitude and a chance to free myself from my own image.

Me and the wife stopped riding in groups, poker runs, toy run etc. Twenty years ago. Too many people don't know how to ride in groups. In fact the last toy run we went on was around 2001 not a very large group, about 100 bikes for a toy run. 4 accidents before we left the parking lot.

I did a charity ride and a fellow rider wiped out. He and his Softail slid 6’ in front of me. Other riders made sure he was ok. I went home immediately. I seldom ride with others, and am usually quickly reminded why. It’s enough challenge to worry about the cars and not worry about your buddy.

I ride alone 99% of the time. I only ride with friends that are skilled riders. Once while riding to a bike rally I was passed by a group of riders. They were a long ways behind and I kept my speed up because I did not was to get behind them. They passed me going 100 miles an hour and once they passed they slowed down to an annoying speed. The rider at the end of the group , now in front of me, turned his head and while dragging his foot on the ground and looking down at the curb behind his bike. By the time the word moron came to mind he hit the curb and was on the ground. I helped stop traffic while the others picked up the pieces. They went to the hospital and I went to the rally.

In Batman Forever, Robin said, "A man has got to go his own way." I'd say there's some truth to it.

Nothing wrong with that. I prefer to ride alone too. Go where I want, when I want, and at the speed I want. Got some buddies who haul ass wherever they go. I prefer to putt along and enjoy the scenery. I also avoid interstates and any 4 lane limited access roads. Really like back country roads. Stay safe

I’ve only been riding for two years and the entire time I’ve been riding alone and like most people said in the comments, love having the time to make my own decisions and go whichever way I wanna go. I’ve been looking to ride with others, thinking it would be a blast and it might be, but most of the comments seem to indicate it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. Now I’m content with continuing to ride alone. Maybe find an occasional buddy to ride with would be good but great to hear and read everybody’s comments.

Hundred percent agree with you. I prefer alone, or one other person I already know. Varying speeds, weird riding styles, random braking to look at a squirrel, etc. Who needs that in a large group. Just turns the ride into a chore.

I experienced the same thing all through my life and became a lone rider decades ago. When I want to stop i don’t have to feel bad because others have to wait for me. It’s much more enjoyable to ride alone or with someone you know

I am 70 and I ride alone also. I am not a selfish rider, but riding alone, I can stop when and wherever for whatever reason, so u keep on keepin' on sir. From south Texas, ride safe!

Nah man your doing your thing, nothing wrong with that.

I never liked riding in a group either. Also, stopping every 30 minutes or so always frustrated me. Ride alone and go where you want, ride how you want, and stop when/where you want.....more enjoyable!!

I agree with you 100%. I got one life long friend who I ride with when we can.

I Totally agree with you. Pack riding is a recipe for trouble.

Riding in a small group of riders who know each other is one thing but riding in a large herd of Starbucks heroes is always fucked.

Never ever ride side by side

I stopped riding those charity events after attending a few , too unorganized with too many inexperienced riders , there was always accidents

Alone as you’re only as good as the newest rider, plus I don’t want to end up in a bar.

That speed up, then slow down is the worst.

It's not selfish to want to be safe and avoid speeding tickets.

I left a group of “riders” that I thought had more experience than myself. EVERY ride was like playing an accordion. No constant distance, no constant speed and lots of panic breaking. And the ole ……look left……..turn off the throttle…..look straight ahead ……..full throttle to catch up to pack. Ride alone it’s safer.

At least when you are alone you trust everybody riding with you.

You’re absolutely right! I used to ride in groups for a few years back, and since last year, I decided I couldn’t be bothered anymore with people and their inconsistencies… I don’t have the patience anymore so I ride alone! Easier and safer! Ride safe! 👊

Well spoken. I’m not a pack guy either.