Going it alone

The joy of discovering the world solo on your bike

I discovered Solothurn, this off-the-tourist-path city, when cycling the Swiss Mittelland.

There are many ways to be a tourist on a bicycle. Guided bicycle tours are a good way to discover the joy of playing tourist on a bike. That style fits many people’s lifestyles. A guide keeps you on track, provides support, and is familiar with the route. Your only job is pedaling the bike, enjoying the surroundings, and having a great time.

 On the other end of the bike touring spectrum is going alone and touring solo on a bike. It may seem daunting. It is not as difficult as it seems. Start by outfitting your bike with panniers (saddlebags) or bike packing bags on the frame. These are two different styles of carrying your supplies on a bike. There is an endless supply of videos and articles to begin your research to determine the style that fits you.

The weight you carry impacts your daily mileage. You must understand your on-tour cycling abilities carrying an extra 25 to 50 pounds. Practice loading your gear in your bags and cycle the planned daily distance. An excellent option when not having your gear in order yet is to carry water-filled milk jugs of the same weight.

“I have discovered that coming up with an interesting plan (and committing to making it happen) is virtually all you need to do to guarantee an interesting, challenging and rewarding experience.” ― Alastair Humphreys, Microadventures: Local Discoveries for Great Escapes

You are the planner of everything and responsible for all that happens on your time on the bike. Should you encounter a flat tire or bike malfunction, you are the mechanic who gets you back on the bike. Carry the basic tire repair supplies and tools. Spending more time planning in the months before a tour pays off handsomely. Be a Boy Scout. Be prepared.

Here are six things that keep me enjoying touring solo on my bike.

1. Reflect and Relax. Free of distractions, the time is yours to ponder life by immersing yourself in the world you encounter at the speed of a bike. We tend to value our time with others and minimize the enjoyment that alone time brings to our mental well-being. Alone time is a time for growth and reflection.

2. Interesting conversations.  When you tour solo carrying your belongings on a bike, people talk to you. They want to hear your story. Hearing their stories, the history of the area, and their advice as a local shows that you are not alone on the tour.

3. The feeling of accomplishment. Challenging yourself and setting out on a journey you alone are responsible for is life-changing. It gives you a boost and grows your self-confidence. There is something special about cycling the last mile and crossing the finish line alone to savor the victory.

4. Living outside of your comfort zone. You stretch your abilities and grow in many ways while on tour. We mostly live in our comfort zone enjoying the good life. We improve our lives by challenging our comfort zone living on the edge and outside the zone.

5. Lifelong memories. Some of the most vivid memories from my bicycle tours are when I cycled solo. Discovering new places, meeting interesting people, challenging my abilities, enduring mud, rain, and unrelenting sun, and smiling at the end of the tour are memories that remain with me.

6. The time is yours. No one else dictates your schedule. You don’t report to anyone. Stop and take photos. Take a rest and soak in nature. Spend the day with fewer miles and more adventure. Controlling your time is something we can’t do in most of our everyday lives.

Renting a bike in Prague and exploring the city by bike

In summary

Venturing solo to discover the world by bike is life-changing. I guarantee it will transform how you see the world and broaden your view of cycling. Your first solo adventure does not need to be hundreds of miles. It can be overnight or a weekend getaway. Challenge yourself to venture into a new world of cycling.

“Thankfully there is a tiny sliver of my brain that fights back. Without it I would never do anything interesting.” ― Alastair Humphreys, There Are Other Rivers