why solo?

Why solo ? When I cycle tour, it's one of those questions. Oh, you ride solo? I'm married, but my wife doesn't like cycle touring. So rather than tag along and
not enjoy it, I go on my own.

Today I'm thinking of this question, as my favourite cycling couple Tim and Cindie Travis http://downtheroad.org are no more. Cindie's filing for divorce. It was a shock to me, as I've followed them on the internet for a long time. Almost met up with them once when they were in Tasmania, but missed the connection. But I always liked it that they were out there, riding along. Now Cindie is back in the US with her lawyer, and Tim is sitting in a village in Nepal.

So why solo? Is it a macho thing? Well there are plenty of female solo cycle tourers. It's not that. More that it's a selective calling. You've got to ride at the same pace. Have a passion for sitting (and shitting) in the undergrowth. Headwind? No problem. Rain in your face all day? Bring it on. 40 degrees in the shade again? OK.

It's an up and down kind of thing, solo touring. The highs are high and the lows are lower. Nobody to complain to. Nobody to share that sunset with - posting it on the net is not the same.

One of the most miserable people I've ever met was a female bike tourer with her partner on the rail trail between Bairnsdale and Orbost. Her whole manner said "I'd rather be anywhere than doing this. This is painful and ridiculous."

So why solo? Just the way things work out.

I'm thinking of Tim, sitting there in Nepal. A very tough time. Hang in there man. You'll work it out.

Comments

Andrew Jennings said…
latest update from Tim is great:

http://www.downtheroad.org/India-Nepal-Subcontinent/Letters_from_bicycle_touring/5.htm
June 30, 2011 at 9:49 PM
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