BACKFIRES

SOLO? OR NO?

In response to Brian Hennessey’s “Solo or No?” letter in the November issue: Many of us have been conditioned to believe that “being social” is required for happiness, but I’ve not found that to be true. I had an occasional riding buddy in my early twenties but haven’t desired any company besides my bride for all of my riding since. We like to start and end our rides when we want, choose routes on a whim, and leave riding days to spontaneity. After a working career full of office hours it’s pure pleasure to ignore the clock and be free of obligations to others. My advice to Brian is to do what’s fun and satisfying, and not worry about what society dictates.

Lee Gross Visalia, Calif.

I’m now 85 years old and still like to ride even though I don’t do singletrack anymore. I mostly ride dual sport on the backroads of Eastern Utah. Most of the people I used to ride with have quit and sold their motorcycles, though some are now riding electric bikes. I rode and helped put on enduros for over 20 years and never had a problem finding people to ride with. Now, all are younger and I feel like I don’t want to hold them up or be a bother. I like riding by myself. I can stop when I want, change my route, and go home when I feel like it. I’ve had people ask me why I ride solo, and my answer is, “Because I’m the only one I can keep up with!” PS: I really enjoy the new format of magazine.

Eldon “Cap” Kuney Fruita, Colo.

Obviously, it all depends on who you’re riding with! Ride with guys or gals that mesh well with your on-road skills, political affiliations, sports team favs or general outlook on life and you’ve got a better chance of enjoying yourself. Ride with know-it-alls, those who want to prove how “fast” they are, egomaniacs or armchair political pundit/idiots and you’re bound to be driven into the “solo or nothing” camp — which can be loads of fun, of course. I do a little of both these days, but I’m really picky when it comes to group rides. I’m nearing 50 and figure I’ve earned that right.

Greg Lanham Nashville, Tenn.

I’m 62 and have found I prefer riding by myself unless it’s with family. I had a neighbor (15 years older) I enjoyed riding with for years until he traded his XR200 for a WR450 Yamaha. He was only 5’7” and spent most the ride crashing. It got to be more work than fun pulling him and that big 450 out of the holes he managed to fall into. I have met up with folks out on the trail, but usually end up not enjoying the ride all that much and usually leave to go out on my own.

Mike Anderson

Brian Hennessy’s letter about riding solo really hit home. I’m 63 years young, and about to gain another orbit around the sun next week. I used to ride solo back in the late ’70s because I didn’t like to work my riding schedule around other people who didn’t take it seriously, and I now find myself riding alone for the same reason. I use a Personal Locator Beacon, so people know where I am, but I like to cover ground at my own pace. I podiumed in a couple of NHHA Hare and Hounds last year, so I can still make it go if I want. But solo I can go as fast or as slow as I like and use my chainsaw to do some trail maintenance while I’m out there. The key is staying within your ability level and riding smart. I don’t have anything to prove anymore.

Mike Nield Richmond, Utah

At 69 years old, I share the exact feelings as Brian Hennessy. Twentytwo years ago I answered an ad placed in a local off-road publication by a 70-year-old guy looking for an off-road riding partner. We ended up logging approximately 9,000 miles off-road over the years, and it was the best time I’d had in 53 years of riding. He felt the same, but sadly, he recently passed away. I’ve thought about placing an ad, but have decided to just ride solo. I figure if I enjoy it, that’s what I’ll do. I just prepare a little more than usual by writing down the area or route I’ll travel and leaving it with my wife. I still carry a cell phone, spares, tools, and first aid. If I meet an interested rider along the way, I’ll give it a try. And if I meet my fate riding solo, it was doing what I love, satisfied at my age that I’ve lived a fuller life than most.

Edward Frank AMA Life Member

At 50 I’m not quite as seasoned as some, but I do like riding solo off-road. It’s tough to find someone who’s available for an impromptu jaunt, and sometimes I just want to do what I want without worrying if the trail choice is up to someone else’s skills or liking — and on my own timeline. When I got my 2011 Husky TE449 (now a double-orphaned relic of the turbulent history of the brand that I call HusCagivaBeemer) I started doing solo day rides through the glorious

dual-sport USFS roads and local trails from home. My family staged an intervention and decided that my wandering ways were dangerous even though I always carried a phone, so they bought me a satellite device. I love riding and racing, and meeting new friends on the trail, but with the freedom and confidence of having good comms with the family, I can get my crusty, don’t wanna deal with anyone solo days in anytime.

Jeremy Howard

In addition to Mr. Hennessy’s reasons, I like the ability to stop when and where I want, resume when I want, and enjoy the peace and solitude that comes with enjoying the ride and the scenery at whatever pace I feel like that day, rather than having to accommodate and watch out for the habits or pace of other riders. Riding, by its very nature, is a solitary activity. Add in the group aspect and much is lost, for me anyway. I gave group riding a long try quite a few years ago, and quit because of the competitive spirit that seemed to always take over the rides, having to stick to the others’ ride plan and scheduled start times and destinations, etc. As with everything, to each their own…

Gregory Mitchell Jefferson City, Mo.

My answer to Brian Hennessy’s letter would be to suggest he try trials riding. Most of the folks riding trials

LETTER OF THE MONTH

SECRET DESIRE?

November issue, Alps Challenge touring story, small inset photo on page 45: A belt-fed machine gun aimed rather blatantly at a typewriter. Hmmmm.

Jack Bellinoff Georgetown, Texas

Pretty sure that wasn’t intentional, Jack, but we do get to feeling that way at times. Deadlines can be ugly. —Ed.

Letters to the editor are the opinions of the AMA members who write them. Inclusion here does not imply they reflect the positions of the AMA, its staff or board. Agree? Disagree? Let us know. Send letters to submissions@ama-cycle.org or mail to American Motorcyclist Association, 13515 Yarmouth Drive, Pickerington, OH 43147. Letters may be edited for clarity and brevity. these days are longtime off-road riders that now enjoy riding slow. Unlike motocross, where if you fall down you’re likely to get run over and used for traction, trials folks will stop to help if you have a problem during a ride or competition. Truly a gentleman’s (or gentlewoman’s) sport!

Mike Roccanti

I’m in pretty much the same place as Mr. Hennessey. After a lifetime of racing off road the switch flipped when I was about 52. When I go riding with friends I’ll take my vintage trials bike and go putting in the woods while they’re out hard charging. I have no interest in searching out challenges or riding black trails, and I get annoyed when they start “billy goating.” I’ll be 60 in a month.

Jeffrey Brady AMA Life Member

I’m 72, and over the past few years I’ve pretty much stopped riding with others altogether, and I’ve pondered why. Obviously, I have changed. Someone once wrote that Harley-Davidson riders dress like pirates and sportbike riders dress like armadillos. Nowadays, I don’t care to dress like either. So I guess that’s part of it. I just no longer identify as a part of either group. I still love riding, but I don’t care to present myself in any way other than just myself.

Bill Johnston Fountain Inn, S.C.

If you want the social connection but don’t want to ride with others, try a ride to a specific destination, such as a restaurant or scenic area. Pick a time to meet and then enjoy some time with others without having to ride together.

Steven Whitman Danville, N.H.

The best of both worlds, Steven! Good advice. —Ed.