Taking a motorcycle trip by yourself is a unique and rewarding experience. It presents challenges that do not otherwise come up in a group setting. One of those challenges is keeping yourself entertained. You will have several hours of downtime each night before you turn in and often in rural locations or in the middle of nowhere.
Solo motorcycle trips can be both exhilarating and relaxing. You can ride a bike to a lot of amazing places, which is half the fun. Solo motorcycle touring can give you the opportunity to explore new places, meet new people, and learn more about yourself. So, if you’re looking for an adventure, consider taking a solo motorcycle ride. You won’t regret it!
But, what do you do to kill the time when solo motorcycle touring? Of course, there are obvious solutions like, reading a book, listening to music or podcast, listening to audiobooks, etc. Those are good options, but let’s look at a few more interesting ways to stay busy.
Here are 5 ways to make the most fun out of your solo motorcycle touring.
1. Go Fishing
Fishing is a great way to pass the time when you ride solo, especially when traveling through the mountains. Take advantage of mountain streams, rivers, and lakes along the way and catch yourself some dinner. Here are a few tips on fishing while on a solo motorcycle ride.
- Do some research before you leave on your trip and find out what kind of fish are biting in the areas you’ll be traveling.
- Make sure your fishing license is up to date and valid for the state you fishing in.
- Check with local park rangers or bait shops for regulations on size and limits, or if a certain lake is caught and released only.
Here are a few suggestions on what to pack on your motorcycle so you can go fishing while on your trip.
- Rod and Reel – of course, you’re going to need a fishing pole and a reel. Set up your line before your trip based on the type of fish you are most likely to catch. Consider using a telescopic rod. They pack down perfectly for a motorcycle and don’t take up much room on your bike.
- Tackle box – again, do some research before you leave, and pack a small tackle box with hooks, lures and bait that will catch whatever fish are biting in your travel area. Some extra fishing line and some small hooks are always good to have along in case you need to make any repairs to your tackle or rod. Don’t forget to bring a small multitool with pliers to remove hooks and cut lines.
- Bait – Live bait doesn’t take up much room and if you prefer to fish with live bait, you can purchase a small container of night crawlers along the way, just be sure to pack them in a place where they will keep cool.
So, with a compact rod and reel, a small tackle box, and the right kind of bait, you can go out early in the morning before you pack up and leave for another day of riding solo. Fish doesn’t take long to cook, and would make a great breakfast.
Additionally, here are a few more ideas about the tools you may consider carrying while fishing on a motorcycle trip.
- Lure Assortment – You’ll need a variety of lures to attract the different types of fish you hope to catch. These can be easily packed in a small tackle box. So, next time you’re at the bait shop, pick up an assortment of lures for your trip.
- Fishing Net – A small fishing net will come in handy for landing your fish. A net is useful for landing fish that are too big or too slippery to handle with your bare hands. A fishing net can also be used to help you retrieve lures that have been lost in the water.
- Fishing Knife – A good fishing knife is essential for cleaning your catch. A sharp knife will make quick work of cleaning fish. It’s also a good idea to have a knife on hand in case you need to cut line or bait your hook.
- Fishing Line – You may need extra fishing line in case you break your line while out fishing. It’s also a good idea to pack an assortment of different weights and sizes of line to accommodate the different types of fish you may catch.
- Waders – If you’re planning on doing some fly fishing in mountain streams, you’ll need a good pair of waders. Waders will keep you dry while you’re standing in the water and will also help to keep you warm in cold mountain streams. Also, you can find waders that are specifically designed for motorcycle travel. They have zippered legs that make it easy to put them on and take them off while on your bike.
- Fly Fishing Vest – A fly fishing vest is a great way to keep all your gear organized and within reach. Again, there are vests specifically designed for motorcycle travel. They have plenty of pockets for storing lures, flies, your license, etc. and often have a built-in hydration system.
2. Bring an Instrument and Learn to Play It
Instead of listening to someone else’s music, you could learn to make your own. Obviously, you can bring your tuba with you on your motorcycle, but there are plenty of musical instruments that are perfectly suited for such a trip, some can even fit in your pocket. Here are a few suggestions:
- Harmonica – Inexpensive and easy to play. They are small and easy to pack. They don’t require any power except the power of your lungs. Bring an instruction book and it won’t be long before you’re playing some blues. Did you know that doctors prescribe playing the harmonica for patients with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.) Apparently, it helps with strengthening the diaphragm. So, not only are you being entertained by your mad harp skills, you’re keeping your lungs in top shape.
- Mandolin – A little bit bigger than a harmonica but still small enough to fit in a jacket pocket. The mandolin is a great choice for a solo trip on your motorcycle. They have a bright sound that will carry well when you’re riding solo down the road. You can find small travel mandolins that are easy to pack and won’t take up much room on your bike.
- Tin whistle or penny whistle – This is a traditional Irish instrument that is relatively easy to learn. It’s a long, narrow whistle with 6 finger holes and a 2-octave range. It’s inexpensive and very compact so it’s easy to travel with. Bring along a lesson book and you’ll be stomping your feet to an Irish jig in no time.
- Ukulele – A bit bigger than the other suggestions, but, a typical concert ukulele is about 24″ in length, and the soprano ukulele is even smaller. Get yourself a beginner ukulele book and start learning the basic chords and by your first night, you’ll be singing by the campfire. You’ll need to take good care to protect it from moisture and from being crushed, so pack it well. It’s a great choice for a solo trip on your motorcycle. They are portable and you can find them in a variety of price ranges. The sound of the ukulele is very mellow and soothing, perfect for when you’re relaxing around the campfire at night.
- Backpacker’s Guitar – If you’re a guitar player there’s no need to leave home without your instrument. Backpacker’s guitars come in compact sizes and, while still larger than the ukulele, it might be a good option. They don’t sound as good as a standard guitar, but if you’re only entertaining yourself, it may not matter. Again, pack it well and protect it from rain or moisture.
3. Draw, Paint or Write
Riding out in the countryside or in the mountains will provide you with a lot of inspiration to create some art on paper. Drawing or painting is the perfect way to pass the time. If you see something along the way that you want to recreate, take a picture of it on your cell phone. If it’s already dark when you want to draw, fire up a headlamp and have at it.
Drawing doesn’t have to be limited to just pencil drawings. Consider packing a small set of colored pencils or pastels. You could also carry a few sheets of pastel paper for your dry pastels. I like to carry mine in a small tin box. It’s compact and easy to pack.
If you like to paint, watercolors are a great option. A small set of paint and a few good quality brushes will work along with your sketch pad. Sketch out a pencil drawing and make it pop with color using your paint set.
A long solo trip can give you a lot of time to think and sometimes you want to get those thoughts down on paper. Pen and paper is all you need to chronicle your journey or create a great short story. Many people have developed the habit of daily journaling and you don’t have to give up that habit when you’re traveling.
Also, when traveling alone, you are almost guaranteed to have uninterrupted time so you can concentrate on your writing. Why, you may even be able to finish that novel you’ve always wanted to write.
If you would rather not write by hand, or your thoughts flow so fast your handwriting can’t keep up, considering bringing an iPad or tablet computer with a portable keyboard. Keep in mind, however, that this will require charging and should be included in your list of items that will require battery power.
4. Visit Local Tourist Spots
Every town, no matter how big or small, has a history. And if you love history, consider visiting a local museum to find out how the town was discovered and how it’s evolved over the years. But, in any town, your adventure starts with a visit to the local visitor center.
The visitor center will give you an idea of what’s available to see and do. They can give you advice on the best restaurants or watering holes and nearby attractions. Consider staying for a day or two if you’re in a larger town. If you’re in a small town, find out where the locals like to hang out. You may end up having a great conversation, or make a new friend along the way. You would be surprised at how many people will want to chat with you when you ride up on your motorcycle.
You can also visit the local farmer’s market. No matter where you are in the world, there is always a farmer’s market somewhere nearby. And what’s great about farmer’s markets is that they are typically only open on weekends. This means you can hit the road early on Friday and make it to your destination in time for the market.
The produce at farmer’s markets is always fresh, and you’ll often find a variety of homemade goods as well. Baked goods, honey, jams, and jellies are just a few of the things you’ll find. You may even find someone selling handcrafted jewelry or pottery.
One of the great things about riding a motorcycle is that you can go places that most people can’t get to with a car. This includes setting up camp in some of the most remote and beautiful places. If you love nature, consider packing a small tent and some camping gear.
You don’t need a lot of gear to camp comfortably. A good-quality sleeping bag, a comfortable air mattress, and a small stove will get you started. Don’t forget the insect repellent and sunscreen!
Geocaching is another great way to explore any town, big or small. Basically, it’s a modern-day treasure hunt where people hide small containers called “geocaches” and then post the coordinates online. Anyone can then go and find the cache.
To get started, all you need is a GPS device or a smartphone with GPS capabilities and the free Geocaching app. Once you have the app, you can search for geocaches near your location. When you find one you want to look for, the app will give you directions on how to get there.
5. Whittle
Can you picture an old man sitting in his rocking chair on his front porch out in the middle of the Louisiana bayou whittling a fox out of a piece of scrap wood? Well, that could be you too. Grab your favorite pocket knife and a piece of wood laying around and see what you can create.
There are a lot of great books available to teach you some basic wood carving techniques. Take one with you or learn it at home, then practice your new skills on your trip. You can whittle without any special tools other than a good, sharp pocket knife, but it you find yourself want to do some more advanced carvings, consider adding some specialty wood carving tools to your saddle bags.
There are a ton of specialist whittling tools available, some with special shaped handles and unique blades for different types of cuts and carving techniques. You can also get these tools in pocket knife form, such as the Schrade Old Timer which has six folding specialty blades in one pocket knife. Check out the prices here on Amazon (affiliate link). You might also considering getting yourself a thumb guard to prevent cuts if you happen to slip. Whittling is a great pass-time that has been around for ages and you might be surprised at what you can create while on a road trip.
As you can see there are so many ways to keep yourself entertained on a solo motorcycle trip. You simply have to pick one, or several, that you love to do. You’ll never get bored.
Conclusion
A solo ride can be some of the most adventurous and satisfying experiences you’ll ever have. While fun riding with friends is usually a good idea, there are also many compelling reasons to take a solo ride. Many riders prefer solo riding more than traveling in a group, and for good reason. On a solo ride, there is no one but just you. Your sole responsibility is to keep yourself happy, which is simpler than attempting to satisfy the needs of others. Such factors can also boost your excitement for your first solo motorcycle trip .
Although exploring your surroundings and seeing where the road takes you can be interesting, having a purpose or destination can also make a solo ride more enjoyable. Therefore, it’s a great idea to take solo trips at some point in your life.
When packing for you are riding solo, it’s better to pack light and only bring the essentials to ride safe. Also, for comfortable riding, it’s essential to get your bike serviced before a long trip. In addition to your riding skills, it’s better to learn some basic skills before going for a ride. Consider learning how to fix common motorcycle maintenance concerns, such as a flat tire, before going on a trip for solo riding. Duct tape and bungee cords are useful to have on hand since they can fix almost anything. You can get a tiny, travel-friendly tire repair kit to fix a flat tire. Apart from these, it’s a good idea to carry your emergency contact details in order to avoid any adverse situations and ride safe.
With a little planning, you can hit the road with confidence, knowing that you’ll be prepared for anything. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your first solo trip on your motorcycle today!
Have a fun ride!
