Bikers - Communal Loners?

[Babelfish]

I've been thinking a bit lately while commuting to Welly each day. Fortunately most of the thinking has been around staying alive but on the odd occasion, usually after waving to another bike, I reflect.

Some of the reasons I like the bike revolve around being alone. I have only myself to depend upon. I enjoy not having the "how about that weather" conversations you get in a car, enjoy the solitude of listening to the bike's engine rather than a radio station. The freedom if you will of being "by myself" (lets not mention all the cars).

And then as soon as I see another bike, I wave. I wave and enjoy the human contact of another biker. And if the other bike heading the same way as me I enjoy getting in formation for a while and sharing the road with them.

Obviously there are times where we ride with other people we know, but the connection the bike provides to complete strangers (if they're amenable) contrasts to the otherwise solitary confinement of being alone on a bike on the open road.


Has anyone else contemplated this? No? I'll get me coat...

[Highlander]

Even riding as part of a group the "together alone" aspect is part of the appeal.

[Laxi]

yeah allthe time, I think its the concentration involved in riding tha t can make me feel on my own even on a big ride, its not to say I dont notice the others arround me:blank:

[Conquiztador]

Perhaps not contemplated this in detail. But I do enjoy the ability to ride alone. This might also show my antisocial side.

Then when stopping to fill up petrol and another biker turns up, there is a connection of a sort that you never get when in a car. Then you take off and are alone again.

I just spent 4 days on the road in rain and wind for this reason: to be alone. OK, so I stopped to meet people that I wanted to meet. But all the riding was done alone. It served a purpose: To clear my head, to contemplate where I wanted to go with my life, and to feel some of the freedom I enjoyed when young. I am still waiting for it all to sink in and see what the outcome is.

And there was no i-pods, I stopped when I wanted to, had a JD & Dry for lunch, passed many cars and took side roads.

[p.dath]

Maybe riding is a form of meditation. A way of quietening the mind.

[MotoKuzzi]

Don't consciously think about it, but know what you mean. Part of the appeal is being alone with the m/cycle and concentrating on the ride. Can feel a bit lonely when you stop for breaks though unless you're with other m/cyclists.

[Highlander]

Don't consciously think about it, but know what you mean. Part of the appeal is being alone with the m/cycle and concentrating on the ride. Can feel a bit lonely when you stop for breaks though unless you're with other m/cyclists.

Unless I'm with others I tend to only stop for fuel and bladder management. Have been known to stop for breakfast at 2 in the afternoon having done 600km already...

[caseye]

Having a destination and riding there all by oneself isn't a bad thing, actually meeting up with and formatting with other bikers, even though we don't know them from a bar of soap provides some welcome relief from solitary confinment but sometimes simply doing it on your own is the entire fun of it all.

[Molly]

It makes sense to me. I tend to ride alone but am happy to have a chin-wag with whatever biker is parked up when I stop for a brew.

[Babelfish]

I remember when I used to own a '65 Beetle, and used to play the wave game with other beetles. I think most people, who are relatively normal in a social sense will enjoy connecting in some form or other (sometimes, especially other :buggerd:) with another person.

Perhaps the communal loner concept is better seen as dependant independance. Taking one of the above posts, a person who meditates and explores the self isnt necessarily a person shunning others. Rather someone who has found enjoyment in reflection.

What I do know is that there is strength found in the self analysis that comes with riding a bike, and also in the people you meet...well mostly...the rule changes if you meet a complete nutter (but I shouldnt hold that against DMNTD).

[CookMySock]

I look forward to meeting other bikers heading the same direction, but rarely our abilities match. Usually after a few minutes of riding along with them I get bored and I'm gone with a wave.

Very occasionally the reverse is the case, and some hot head will pass me with an insane scream from his zorst, never to be seen again.

Quite a few times I have scared hell out of people by riding along behind them. Dunno wtf is scary about me, but they weaved around like I had missile lock on them or something, and then the fear in their eyes was palpable when I passed them. Oh well.

edit: theres an old duck in town with a little yellow scooter.. I see her around quite a bit, and I always ride right next her for a while just like she's one of the boys. She gets a huge kick out of it. LOL.

Steve

[sunhuntin]

Having a destination and riding there all by oneself isn't a bad thing, actually meeting up with and formatting with other bikers, even though we don't know them from a bar of soap provides some welcome relief from solitary confinment but sometimes simply doing it on your own is the entire fun of it all.

agreed. i do get rather lonely on my 2 week south island trip. but i like it as well. opens my mind a bit more when i do meet people, whether they are future friends or just shop assistants.
last time i went, i was caught up by a small group just south of chch.
they of course shot ahead, but i was able to stay within sight of them til timaru where they had stopped for food. i waved and continued on to the servo, where they caught me up. we got chatting and i stopped at the next pub with them.
they took a road towards the west coast while i continued on south. they were a nice break from being alone for a days trip, but i was glad to be solo again. specially when i got breathalised by a cop [who found me sober.] the guys would have all been done i think. that was another reason i was glad they left... i dont trust people who ride after having a drink or two.

must admit... my ipod is my best friend. wind noise gets boring after a while. but i need to extend my music tastes as the same 70 songs get boring after 2 weeks of it!

[Babelfish]

edit: theres an old duck in town with a little yellow scooter.. I see her around quite a bit, and I always ride right next her for a while just like she's one of the boys. She gets a huge kick out of it. LOL.

Steve

Do you mean one of those scooters old folk ride on the footpath? If so, I can see where you may be scaring some people when you come up behind them...:shifty:



must admit... my ipod is my best friend. wind noise gets boring after a while. but i need to extend my music tastes as the same 70 songs get boring after 2 weeks of it!

I find all the voices keep me company for ages :crazy:

Seriously though, thats a good point you make. The time spent in solitary does make for a more eager conversation...although I dare say length of solitary would have differing affects. :blink:

[gijoe1313]

I like the variation in my life as a biker, much of my riding is solo - but I do enjoy the group dynamics when I do have a ride in a group.

In the end, I always prefer riding my own ride since I can ride for as long as I like, when I like, to the wop-wops and beyond and nary an objection. Heck all the voices in my head agree that riding as far and as long as I can is the best option! :yes: :yes: :yes: :blink:

I am a modern day monastic monk on a bike!

[Sparky Bills]

I know exactly what you mean and miss it heaps!
Maybe that might all change this summer...
Piekok hill here I come! :cool: You still up for it mate?

[slofox]

Maybe riding is a form of meditation. A way of quietening the mind.

It is for me. Riding alone is my time out. It's the only time out I get. Which is maybe why I ride nearly every day...

[2wheeldrifter]

Happy with my own company.... when i ride on my own, it is time for me, my time. :banana:

Like people who sit and read for hours.... it's what we all do in some form or another, are we so different?

[bogan]

Maybe riding is a form of meditation. A way of quietening the mind.

Is for me too, and certainly a lot easier to do than sitting cross-legged on a cushion.

[Stormer]

Perhaps not contemplated this in detail. But I do enjoy the ability to ride alone. This might also show my antisocial side.

Then when stopping to fill up petrol and another biker turns up, there is a connection of a sort that you never get when in a car. Then you take off and are alone again.

I just spent 4 days on the road in rain and wind for this reason: to be alone. OK, so I stopped to meet people that I wanted to meet. But all the riding was done alone. It served a purpose: To clear my head, to contemplate where I wanted to go with my life, and to feel some of the freedom I enjoyed when young. I am still waiting for it all to sink in and see what the outcome is.

And there was no i-pods, I stopped when I wanted to, had a JD & Dry for lunch, passed many cars and took side roads.

Right on!!

[howdamnhard]

I've been thinking a bit lately while commuting to Welly each day. Fortunately most of the thinking has been around staying alive but on the odd occasion, usually after waving to another bike, I reflect.

Some of the reasons I like the bike revolve around being alone. I have only myself to depend upon. I enjoy not having the "how about that weather" conversations you get in a car, enjoy the solitude of listening to the bike's engine rather than a radio station. The freedom if you will of being "by myself" (lets not mention all the cars).

And then as soon as I see another bike, I wave. I wave and enjoy the human contact of another biker. And if the other bike heading the same way as me I enjoy getting in formation for a while and sharing the road with them.

Obviously there are times where we ride with other people we know, but the connection the bike provides to complete strangers (if they're amenable) contrasts to the otherwise solitary confinement of being alone on a bike on the open road.


Has anyone else contemplated this? No? I'll get me coat...

You say it so well.:clap:

[howdamnhard]

It is for me. Riding alone is my time out. It's the only time out I get. Which is maybe why I ride nearly every day...

Same here, it helps keep me sane.

[Molly]

I look forward to meeting other bikers heading the same direction, but rarely our abilities match. Usually after a few minutes of riding along with them I get bored and I'm gone with a wave. Very occasionally the reverse is the case,

How do you know they're out for a race? Maybe they'd ride rings around you but they're not the sort to race on public roads.

[CookMySock]

How do you know they're out for a race? Maybe they'd ride rings around you but they're not the sort to race on public roads.How did you manage to put "race" in there? I just hum along quicker or slower than others. I bet you ride at a completely different pace to me. Neither of us are racing, its just different.

Steve

[PrincessBandit]

I am a modern day monastic monk on a bike!

Oh reeeeaaaallllly? :laugh:

I usually ride alone and enjoy that, but it's also nice to have company too sometimes. If you are in sync with your riding companion(s) then it is great, but solo riding is a selfish pleasure that I enjoy immensely. As a mum/wife/teacher/etc etc it is very much "me" time when I'm on the bike and out on the road alone. Mmmmm.

As for riding with other bikers who happen to be "going my way", I would never "impose" myself on them. I've never had another biker come up and sit with me on the road and I'd feel awkward latching onto another bike. Maybe a different story if there was some verbal arrangement e.g. chatting with another rider at an eating stop and agreeing to co-ride for at least part of your shared journey.

[Molly]

I bet you ride at a completely different pace to me. Neither of us are racing, its just different.

Steve

I'm sure I do. I just ride for relaxation so not fast at all (though fast enough to land another speeding ticket last week - arse).

It's hard to find people who ride at your own, comfortable pace and moving out of your comfort zone is the easiest way to an accident. It's a rookie mistake.

Do wonder how sport bike riders are able to enjoy their bikes' performance in NZ though.

[Pedrostt500]

I do some of my best thinking when on the bike, also as an old friend of mine tells me, " its the closest you can get to flying while still on the ground", in a car you are a spectator watching the world happen around you in your steel and glass cocoon, on a bike we are taking part in that world.

[taff1954]

in a car you are a spectator watching the world happen around you in your steel and glass cocoon, on a bike we are taking part in that world.

That's the way I've always looked at it - watching the sights go by in a car, or travelling IN the world on a bike.

I enjoy riding with a pillion, another rider, or in a group, but nothing beats the honest solitude of a solo ride. Pick a direction, not a destination, and go. No-one to say slow down, hurry up or why don't we stop here. I'm where I want to be. No apologies for being selfish either.

[Pogo2]

There is nothing better than a corner taken at the right speed and angle. It very similar to the approach and landing of an aircraft - getting the speeds and judgement just ride. Both give enormous amounts of freedom. Although highly regulated, flying gives me great freedom and my mind can go to another place (just don't tell my passengers). Both require you to put a piece of machinery in the right place, at the right time within specific parameters. And in both you can fall too.

Certainly parallels between the two.

[CookMySock]

I'm sure I do. I just ride for relaxation so not fast at all (though fast enough to land another speeding ticket last week - arse). Oops! Yeah I got one some months ago - 119k or some crap.. grr. I'll boof it in a straight line sometimes, or howl around some corner, or pass somewhere shady.. but hey thats my buzz on a bike.


It's hard to find people who ride at your own, comfortable pace..I don't think there is such a thing. If I follow someone, it's because I like being with them - there is more to biking than bikes. If I know I'm more experienced than them and its my turn in front, I'll tempt them to the dark side somewhat, but I won't plow headlong into tight areas I know they can't handle, just in case they follow me with brain in neutral. So it doesn't matter who is following who when theres a newbie with me - I'll think for them.


and moving out of your comfort zone is the easiest way to an accident. It's a rookie mistake. I agree, but one day if you want to learn more, there comes a time to try something new. Then it's a matter of how to extend past a comfort zone in safety.


Do wonder how sport bike riders are able to enjoy their bikes' performance in NZ though.Agreed. That is the main reason I decided to keep my 650 vtwin instead of going to a supersport bike. It crackles along with its' bumpy suspension and whatnot, and I just don't need or want to extend into the twilight zone. There is plenty of mischief to be had as it is.

Sorry, long post. ;)

Steve

[Thani-B]

As for riding with other bikers who happen to be "going my way", I would never "impose" myself on them. I've never had another biker come up and sit with me on the road and I'd feel awkward latching onto another bike. Maybe a different story if there was some verbal arrangement e.g. chatting with another rider at an eating stop and agreeing to co-ride for at least part of your shared journey.

Ive joined random riders when I come up to them, and Ive had a few sit with me. New Years Eve just been I had to work (grumble grumble) but on the way home was joined by two other riders on their way towards their holiday destination (tents, packs etc was the giveaway), and this made my day a whole lot brighter than it was. I dont see a problem with it, if I had stopped where they did I would have chatted to them.

[Mom]

I love being out by myself. As a rule I generally ride alone, often because I dont keep up with the quicker riders in the group. I love it! Actually, I think I prefer to be in my own space, in my own head, doing it all for me. No body behind me that expects a certain level of skill. No one ahead of me hanging back for me to catch up, or worse waiting impatiently for me to turn up.

Actually the nicest way to ride is with a few riders that allow you to simply sit and ride your ride. The comfort of a headlight behind you is immeasurable, specially when your blue lovely plays up. Having someone turn back to find TEC (bloody free thinking wing mirrors) is also a lovely feeling.

[Highlander]

I often ride on my own because I ride during day time mid week while most people are at work.

The rest of the time I ride alone because those I started riding with have dissapeared into the distance. If they get sick of waiting for me they will stop inviting me to ride with them.

[sunhuntin]

As for riding with other bikers who happen to be "going my way", I would never "impose" myself on them. I've never had another biker come up and sit with me on the road and I'd feel awkward latching onto another bike. Maybe a different story if there was some verbal arrangement e.g. chatting with another rider at an eating stop and agreeing to co-ride for at least part of your shared journey.

ive had a few riders tag along behind me, and ive tagged along with a few as well. when someone comes up behind me, i automatically shift left to allow them room to pass if they wish, and it also forces a small staggered formation. i hate being followed so directly by someone behind me. prefer to allow the recommended gap. even in town i will shift.
when i do tag along with others, its mainly my pushing my skill level that gets me there. the boys i rode with down south, only reason i was able to stay so close was by bunny hopping cars. its not easy to stay close on a 250, lol.

i did meet up with _intense_ in wanaka, and we rode together until fox glacier. i enjoyed riding with him immensely as we both had the same interests... stop often and take lots of photos. i really doubt i would have stopped at some of the places had i been solo.
while his speed and skill level were much better than mine, there was no expectation for him to slow down or me to go faster. if there was too big a gap, he would pull over, take some photos and wait.
i also met up with zapf and someone else at the ferry, only to find i had missed them at a town by a day. would have been good to ride for a few k with them as well.

[CookMySock]

when someone comes up behind me, i automatically shift left to allow them room to pass if they wish, and it also forces a small staggered formation. i hate being followed so directly by someone behind me. prefer to allow the recommended gap.If I join another motorcylist or a group, I will sit back and behave in the left half-lane, unless I don't want to be there and then I will pass and leave with a wave.

So please feel free to remain in your position of authority out in front. Your right-half-lane position is the safest place for all of us. So stay out in front and enjoy your leader of the pack position. ;)

Don't worry about more experienced riders behind you UNLESS some retard starts placing his front wheel inline with or ahead of your rear wheel - dangerous - do not permit this - carefully pull to the left and wave them on.



when i do tag along with others, its mainly my pushing my skill level that gets me there. [....] only reason i was able to stay so close was by bunny hopping cars. its not easy to stay close on a 250, lol.Thats fun, and maybe a good way to learn more, but be careful doing that.

Steve

[Babelfish]

I know exactly what you mean and miss it heaps!
Maybe that might all change this summer...
Piekok hill here I come! :cool: You still up for it mate?

Yeah, I'll be there again...although its been nice saving my tyres for a while and being able to use the saved money for other important things :apint:


It is for me. Riding alone is my time out. It's the only time out I get. Which is maybe why I ride nearly every day...

The medatative, time out apects of riding is key. To the point that its one of the reasons I dislike having a pillion (if I ride with another person I prefer her to be HOT....and not on a bike) :banana: (:Pokey:)

But part of this thread is how this medatative state reacts to the stimulus of another biker. From this thread, this stimulus (you can tell I have my vulcan hat on) comes in three forms; bike passing in opposite direction, bike travelling in same direction, biker stationary.

The first tends to be a brief blipvert. Not really a intrusion to the loner status. I brief wave...maybe a thought about their bike or their aesthetics and we're back to humming and chanting mantras.

The latter two tend to be more lengthy and involve further etiquett. I find the key in both situations is how easy the people are to deal with. Meeting new or known bikers while stationary is fun and easy if they feel like spinning a yarn. Sitting behind another biker travelling the same direction, I soon figure out whether they are feeling sociable or not. Body language is quickly accepting, not accepting, or completely fecking ignorant to any other animal, mineral or vegitable (I'm probably the third category) on the road. If its the latter two, I breeze on by with a wave. I enjoy the accepting type though, and there is something to be said about voicelessly bonding with another biker, who has also been in a medatative state up to the point of contact. Something to ponder.

I guess my interest, and what I have often centred a medadative ride state on, is that transitional moment between just me and my voices and redirection of focus to someone else with possibly the only linking factor being our bikes.

[wysper]

in a car you are a spectator watching the world happen around you in your steel and glass cocoon, on a bike we are taking part in that world.

I think you put that really well Pedrostt.

It is like a strange dichotomy... separate and alone from the world but also connected in a way you can't be in a car.

I like the brief connection with a biker passing in the opposite direction.

The slightly longer meeting of the biker travelling in the same direction. Sometimes (usually) they are travelling much quicker than I am and it is a brief encounter, but always leaves a smile as I think it is someone else that 'gets it' and is probably doing something the really enjoy.

I don't often chat to stopped bikers, I am a seriously anti social bastard, but I always like to acknowledge them.

Biking is a great way of being part of a big diverse group, but always being your own person, and able to do you own thing. Together alone.

[slofox]

Is for me too, and certainly a lot easier to do than sitting cross-legged on a cushion.

Lots more fun too...


Same here, it helps keep me sane.

Not sure I can be sane any more...but as you say, it helps.


" its the closest you can get to flying while still on the ground"

Yep. I say that often...

[ready4whatever]

yeh there is a bond between all bikers. they pull over and help if you need help etc when cars wont

[Conquiztador]

I guess my interest, and what I have often centred a medadative ride state on, is that transitional moment between just me and my voices and redirection of focus to someone else with possibly the only linking factor being our bikes.

When out riding I take that to a higher level (higher???). As when I stop and walk in to a pub for my JD & Dry I will then sit slowly sipping on the tall glass alone at a window table staring on my bike, not actually seeing anything but resting my eyes on something I love (that does not argue or need something done now) while my mind travles to everywhere and nowhere.

[Fatt Max]

Great thread..

I like riding alone, I'm a writer and musician and must admit, my best ideas come to me whilst riding. I always bring a notebook and pen with me anyway and I've lost count of the times when I have had to stop in a layby (or bakery) and jotted down whatever crap has catapulted into my cranium.

Saying that, I always wave to fellow bikers on the road and love it when they acknowledge my existance.

As I said, great thread with some fascinating outlooks on riding, cheers my dears

[MaxB]

Definitely agree that solo riding is theraputic.

Plus maybe theres a case of 'what happens on tour, stays on tour.'

Also I think it is good for city dwellers to spend time in the backblocks (if that doesn't sound too stupid) and talk to the locals. City people tend to get wrapped up in their little worlds. I know it does me good to get a few different attitudes and viewpoints from round the place.

[YellowDog]

After a day in the office spent trying to shove your own head up your arse for other people; I agree that riding home has to be the perfect therapy to unwind and put a smile back on your face.

When I used to drive home from the city, I needed a large Scotch when I got home (no, not the wife).

After biking home, I would even consider 30 minutes on the cross trainer before dinner but would generally settle for a beer and to crash in front of the TV to watch the news.

[Babelfish]

When out riding I take that to a higher level (higher???). As when I stop and walk in to a pub for my JD & Dry I will then sit slowly sipping on the tall glass alone at a window table staring on my bike, not actually seeing anything but resting my eyes on something I love (that does not argue or need something done now) while my mind travles to everywhere and nowhere.

Damn it, I'm thirsty now...that throws me into another line of thought, around what we see when we look at the bike....but thats another thread looking into the classical/romantic approach a la Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance


...

Plus maybe theres a case of 'what happens on tour, stays on tour.'



...um, when I said "connect with other riders"....:buggerd:

[MyGSXF]

Great thread! :yes:

I am very much a lone biker.. most of my riding buddies are in ChCh.. so I ride to a destination, party with them.. them ride home again alone. The riding home alone bit can be a bit disheartening sometimes.. because I hate having to say goodbye to my friends, & ride off in the other direction. But then, it's usually been a full on weekend.. so the ride home is a nice quiet time for me.

I generally always wave at bikes coming from the opposite direction to me.. & have tagged onto another bike or bikes traveling in the same direction. & have been tagged onto as well. I don't mind it. Its a nice interlude & some companionship for a while. I like it more if it is just one other bike.. & would guess (& hope) that they are in a similar sort of peaceful bliss that I am in at that time.. & that we can "share" in that for a while. 2 separate people, but together.

Being a solo parent (with a full on noisy ADHD child :eek5:) my bike is my peaceful haven. I can physically feel all the stress & tension melt away when I ride. I have a chance to ponder on my life, what's going on & to bounce around ideas of where I want to go. Riding with a group, I don't get to do that. I'm full on focused.

When stopping for a coffee break.. I too love to sit where I can see my bike. I especially love it when she is loaded up with gear & tent etc. She speaks of special memories, friends, great roads traveled.. of freedom & adventure. I feel at my absolute happiest when I am in my leathers & with my bike, whether anyone else is with me, or not. She is my heart & soul. I not only love her.. I am in love with her :love: