Nobby no mates touring
Discussion
I’ve never done any touring. Apart from one super naked all my bikes have been sportsbikes. I’ve done a few track days over the years (not as many as I would like).
I know most of the roads local to me so find myself taking the same routes all the time. I like the idea of touring but friends with bikes either not interested or finding dates that work for all too difficult.
I know there must be companies that organise tours (I am thinking long weekends in the UK to start with). Any one on here used them? Any than can be recommended?
I know most of the roads local to me so find myself taking the same routes all the time. I like the idea of touring but friends with bikes either not interested or finding dates that work for all too difficult.
I know there must be companies that organise tours (I am thinking long weekends in the UK to start with). Any one on here used them? Any than can be recommended?
Birky_41 said:
Really does make all the difference having a good group to ride with
There are plenty of groups that specialise in this. If you are on Facebook for all the crap it has this area is good... Just use the search function of it
I generally prefer riding on my own (but then, I’m not a big fan of people at all). I do not mind the odd trip/run with a group, but touring I definitely prefer alone or two/three max (last trip I managed in 2016 was with GF as pillion, no other bikes, so not quite the same).There are plenty of groups that specialise in this. If you are on Facebook for all the crap it has this area is good... Just use the search function of it
Sorry OP, no help to your actual question!
MCI Tours.
I went on an escorted tour with them to the Pyrenees in 2003 on my Todd.
Your choice whether to socialise with the others or not.
Escorted tours by their nature tend to attract the Gore-tex brigade on bikes at the more boring end of the spectrum, but there were a few others on the tour I went on.
Got a few complaints about my riding amongst the former in the bar at night according to one of the others, which was amusing.
I went on an escorted tour with them to the Pyrenees in 2003 on my Todd.
Your choice whether to socialise with the others or not.
Escorted tours by their nature tend to attract the Gore-tex brigade on bikes at the more boring end of the spectrum, but there were a few others on the tour I went on.
Got a few complaints about my riding amongst the former in the bar at night according to one of the others, which was amusing.
I have used MCI tours for an organised self guided touring holiday and they were great. Basically they just take all the hassle out of arranging everything for you, even down to supplying sat nav files etc. Its not any more expensive than trying to book yourselves as they are obviously getting groups discounts over a season.
Also done the Cannonball bike run a few times and may do again when it fits in to my work/holiday schedule. www.cannonballism.com. Its basically an organised holiday tour/rally with like minded riders to have a beer with in the hotel in the evening. All the hotels are booked, and usually luxury boutique hotels. Dinners and some booze each night are included, including a great party at the end.
You ride to the start hotel, get briefed and then each day after breakfast you put your bag on the support van which goes to the next hotel (so no luggage to carry all day).You get the route for the day during breakfast and ride with whoever you like, dont worry about going alone you will always find others who want to ride a similar pace to ride with (no one is allowed to ride alone) There are usually 35-40 bikes booked - everything from adventure bikes to cruisers. Usually 250-300 twisty miles per day on well researched and previously recced routes.
You will meet a great bunch of friendly guys and girls from all over Europe and USA. Some may have ridden or flown thousands miles just to get to the start. I went alone last time as none of my mates could get time off, as did quite a few others, I ended up riding in a multi national group of 4 and had a great time.
Also done the Cannonball bike run a few times and may do again when it fits in to my work/holiday schedule. www.cannonballism.com. Its basically an organised holiday tour/rally with like minded riders to have a beer with in the hotel in the evening. All the hotels are booked, and usually luxury boutique hotels. Dinners and some booze each night are included, including a great party at the end.
You ride to the start hotel, get briefed and then each day after breakfast you put your bag on the support van which goes to the next hotel (so no luggage to carry all day).You get the route for the day during breakfast and ride with whoever you like, dont worry about going alone you will always find others who want to ride a similar pace to ride with (no one is allowed to ride alone) There are usually 35-40 bikes booked - everything from adventure bikes to cruisers. Usually 250-300 twisty miles per day on well researched and previously recced routes.
You will meet a great bunch of friendly guys and girls from all over Europe and USA. Some may have ridden or flown thousands miles just to get to the start. I went alone last time as none of my mates could get time off, as did quite a few others, I ended up riding in a multi national group of 4 and had a great time.
If it's just a long weekend in the UK to start with how about doing the North coast 500 or similar on your own? The route is already well established and is well catered for.
If solo stuff isn't for you I've seen good reviews of MCI tours, I'm more a solo or with a couple of mates type so I've never actually used a tour company for anything.
If solo stuff isn't for you I've seen good reviews of MCI tours, I'm more a solo or with a couple of mates type so I've never actually used a tour company for anything.
cmaguire said:
MCI Tours.
Escorted tours by their nature tend to attract the Gore-tex brigade on bikes at the more boring end of the spectrum, but there were a few others on the tour I went on.
This puts me off escorted tours outside of off-road/enduro/dirt bike tours.Escorted tours by their nature tend to attract the Gore-tex brigade on bikes at the more boring end of the spectrum, but there were a few others on the tour I went on.
I am similar, no friends who are into bikes.
Too late for this year but you would be very welcome to join us next year.
www.old-gits.org
Sign up to the mailing list for news of when the planning for next year starts.
www.old-gits.org
Sign up to the mailing list for news of when the planning for next year starts.
Speed addicted said:
If it's just a long weekend in the UK to start with how about doing the North coast 500 or similar on your own? The route is already well established and is well catered for.
If solo stuff isn't for you I've seen good reviews of MCI tours, I'm more a solo or with a couple of mates type so I've never actually used a tour company for anything.
If you decide to do the NC500 be aware that accommodation is very hard to find on the day - you need to plan and book in advance. Camping would be easier to arrange on the fly.If solo stuff isn't for you I've seen good reviews of MCI tours, I'm more a solo or with a couple of mates type so I've never actually used a tour company for anything.
just go and do it op.
I started going on weekends away by myself around 3 years ago. Met others on trips along the way and now all the trips I go on there are at at least 3-5 of us.
We go on a min of 3 trips a year around Ireland and the same around Scotland/rest of UK and in fact are heading across to Scotland on the 30th for the weekend. (7.30am ferry to cairnryan on sat morn and home on the 19.30 ferry on the monday). We have a 5 bed room booked in a hostel with ensuite and a pub directly across the road just up from Fort Augustus as a sleeping base. Sunday will be skye/applecross and the general area getting lost.
You would be more than welcome to come on any of our trips but as we are from N.Ireland it would mean a days trip to met up with us before the acual trip starts.
I started going on weekends away by myself around 3 years ago. Met others on trips along the way and now all the trips I go on there are at at least 3-5 of us.
We go on a min of 3 trips a year around Ireland and the same around Scotland/rest of UK and in fact are heading across to Scotland on the 30th for the weekend. (7.30am ferry to cairnryan on sat morn and home on the 19.30 ferry on the monday). We have a 5 bed room booked in a hostel with ensuite and a pub directly across the road just up from Fort Augustus as a sleeping base. Sunday will be skye/applecross and the general area getting lost.
You would be more than welcome to come on any of our trips but as we are from N.Ireland it would mean a days trip to met up with us before the acual trip starts.
I’d say give it a go yourself. Riding alone can be great, you stop where you want, ride at the pace you want, eat where you want, and you end up meeting local people and going out in places that you never would if you were in a group.
If the issue is that you are worried about what might happen, then stick to Western Europe, where you have enough hotels, police, bank machines and tyre repair centres that you will be just fine.
If the issue is that you are worried about what might happen, then stick to Western Europe, where you have enough hotels, police, bank machines and tyre repair centres that you will be just fine.
bogie said:
I have used MCI tours for an organised self guided touring holiday and they were great. Basically they just take all the hassle out of arranging everything for you, even down to supplying sat nav files etc. Its not any more expensive than trying to book yourselves as they are obviously getting groups discounts over a season.
Also done the Cannonball bike run a few times and may do again when it fits in to my work/holiday schedule. www.cannonballism.com. Its basically an organised holiday tour/rally with like minded riders to have a beer with in the hotel in the evening. All the hotels are booked, and usually luxury boutique hotels. Dinners and some booze each night are included, including a great party at the end.
You ride to the start hotel, get briefed and then each day after breakfast you put your bag on the support van which goes to the next hotel (so no luggage to carry all day).You get the route for the day during breakfast and ride with whoever you like, dont worry about going alone you will always find others who want to ride a similar pace to ride with (no one is allowed to ride alone) There are usually 35-40 bikes booked - everything from adventure bikes to cruisers. Usually 250-300 twisty miles per day on well researched and previously recced routes.
You will meet a great bunch of friendly guys and girls from all over Europe and USA. Some may have ridden or flown thousands miles just to get to the start. I went alone last time as none of my mates could get time off, as did quite a few others, I ended up riding in a multi national group of 4 and had a great time.
No support vehicle to lug your crap around anymore unfortunately.Also done the Cannonball bike run a few times and may do again when it fits in to my work/holiday schedule. www.cannonballism.com. Its basically an organised holiday tour/rally with like minded riders to have a beer with in the hotel in the evening. All the hotels are booked, and usually luxury boutique hotels. Dinners and some booze each night are included, including a great party at the end.
You ride to the start hotel, get briefed and then each day after breakfast you put your bag on the support van which goes to the next hotel (so no luggage to carry all day).You get the route for the day during breakfast and ride with whoever you like, dont worry about going alone you will always find others who want to ride a similar pace to ride with (no one is allowed to ride alone) There are usually 35-40 bikes booked - everything from adventure bikes to cruisers. Usually 250-300 twisty miles per day on well researched and previously recced routes.
You will meet a great bunch of friendly guys and girls from all over Europe and USA. Some may have ridden or flown thousands miles just to get to the start. I went alone last time as none of my mates could get time off, as did quite a few others, I ended up riding in a multi national group of 4 and had a great time.
See black-k1's post above. Similar to what I saw when I posted the same question as you, back in 2011.
Despite knowing no one in the group to start with I have been on tour with that group every year since. I've also added additional touring time before / after the "old gits" tour, and made some good mates on the way.
Im currently typing this from my hotel room in Fussen on the way to the dolomites, before meeting with the old gits in the south of France next Saturday. I've got some cracking routes to do. The ride down here from Luxembourg today on the autobahn's was great.
My advice to you is if you want to tour, go and do it. If you wait around for others you might not get another chance. I know its nice to be with others in the evening but it's more liberating than you think touring on your own.
Get booked on next year's old gits. You won't regret it. In the meantime go and explore.
Despite knowing no one in the group to start with I have been on tour with that group every year since. I've also added additional touring time before / after the "old gits" tour, and made some good mates on the way.
Im currently typing this from my hotel room in Fussen on the way to the dolomites, before meeting with the old gits in the south of France next Saturday. I've got some cracking routes to do. The ride down here from Luxembourg today on the autobahn's was great.
My advice to you is if you want to tour, go and do it. If you wait around for others you might not get another chance. I know its nice to be with others in the evening but it's more liberating than you think touring on your own.
Get booked on next year's old gits. You won't regret it. In the meantime go and explore.
cmaguire said:
bogie said:
I have used MCI tours for an organised self guided touring holiday and they were great. Basically they just take all the hassle out of arranging everything for you, even down to supplying sat nav files etc. Its not any more expensive than trying to book yourselves as they are obviously getting groups discounts over a season.
Also done the Cannonball bike run a few times and may do again when it fits in to my work/holiday schedule. www.cannonballism.com. Its basically an organised holiday tour/rally with like minded riders to have a beer with in the hotel in the evening. All the hotels are booked, and usually luxury boutique hotels. Dinners and some booze each night are included, including a great party at the end.
You ride to the start hotel, get briefed and then each day after breakfast you put your bag on the support van which goes to the next hotel (so no luggage to carry all day).You get the route for the day during breakfast and ride with whoever you like, dont worry about going alone you will always find others who want to ride a similar pace to ride with (no one is allowed to ride alone) There are usually 35-40 bikes booked - everything from adventure bikes to cruisers. Usually 250-300 twisty miles per day on well researched and previously recced routes.
You will meet a great bunch of friendly guys and girls from all over Europe and USA. Some may have ridden or flown thousands miles just to get to the start. I went alone last time as none of my mates could get time off, as did quite a few others, I ended up riding in a multi national group of 4 and had a great time.
No support vehicle to lug your crap around anymore unfortunately.Also done the Cannonball bike run a few times and may do again when it fits in to my work/holiday schedule. www.cannonballism.com. Its basically an organised holiday tour/rally with like minded riders to have a beer with in the hotel in the evening. All the hotels are booked, and usually luxury boutique hotels. Dinners and some booze each night are included, including a great party at the end.
You ride to the start hotel, get briefed and then each day after breakfast you put your bag on the support van which goes to the next hotel (so no luggage to carry all day).You get the route for the day during breakfast and ride with whoever you like, dont worry about going alone you will always find others who want to ride a similar pace to ride with (no one is allowed to ride alone) There are usually 35-40 bikes booked - everything from adventure bikes to cruisers. Usually 250-300 twisty miles per day on well researched and previously recced routes.
You will meet a great bunch of friendly guys and girls from all over Europe and USA. Some may have ridden or flown thousands miles just to get to the start. I went alone last time as none of my mates could get time off, as did quite a few others, I ended up riding in a multi national group of 4 and had a great time.
Thanks for all the replies.
Think I will start with some weekends by myself.
Generally I prefer riding alone or in a very small group. When I started back on road bikes I joined the local IAM. Enjoyed chatting with them and stopping for bacon sarnie and tea but the pace didn’t suit me.
Next year’s old gits tour sounds good.
Now just need a touring bike...
Think I will start with some weekends by myself.
Generally I prefer riding alone or in a very small group. When I started back on road bikes I joined the local IAM. Enjoyed chatting with them and stopping for bacon sarnie and tea but the pace didn’t suit me.
Next year’s old gits tour sounds good.
Now just need a touring bike...
bogie said:
cmaguire said:
bogie said:
I have used MCI tours for an organised self guided touring holiday and they were great. Basically they just take all the hassle out of arranging everything for you, even down to supplying sat nav files etc. Its not any more expensive than trying to book yourselves as they are obviously getting groups discounts over a season.
Also done the Cannonball bike run a few times and may do again when it fits in to my work/holiday schedule. www.cannonballism.com. Its basically an organised holiday tour/rally with like minded riders to have a beer with in the hotel in the evening. All the hotels are booked, and usually luxury boutique hotels. Dinners and some booze each night are included, including a great party at the end.
You ride to the start hotel, get briefed and then each day after breakfast you put your bag on the support van which goes to the next hotel (so no luggage to carry all day).You get the route for the day during breakfast and ride with whoever you like, dont worry about going alone you will always find others who want to ride a similar pace to ride with (no one is allowed to ride alone) There are usually 35-40 bikes booked - everything from adventure bikes to cruisers. Usually 250-300 twisty miles per day on well researched and previously recced routes.
You will meet a great bunch of friendly guys and girls from all over Europe and USA. Some may have ridden or flown thousands miles just to get to the start. I went alone last time as none of my mates could get time off, as did quite a few others, I ended up riding in a multi national group of 4 and had a great time.
No support vehicle to lug your crap around anymore unfortunately.Also done the Cannonball bike run a few times and may do again when it fits in to my work/holiday schedule. www.cannonballism.com. Its basically an organised holiday tour/rally with like minded riders to have a beer with in the hotel in the evening. All the hotels are booked, and usually luxury boutique hotels. Dinners and some booze each night are included, including a great party at the end.
You ride to the start hotel, get briefed and then each day after breakfast you put your bag on the support van which goes to the next hotel (so no luggage to carry all day).You get the route for the day during breakfast and ride with whoever you like, dont worry about going alone you will always find others who want to ride a similar pace to ride with (no one is allowed to ride alone) There are usually 35-40 bikes booked - everything from adventure bikes to cruisers. Usually 250-300 twisty miles per day on well researched and previously recced routes.
You will meet a great bunch of friendly guys and girls from all over Europe and USA. Some may have ridden or flown thousands miles just to get to the start. I went alone last time as none of my mates could get time off, as did quite a few others, I ended up riding in a multi national group of 4 and had a great time.
MCI offered this service previously but no longer do so.
MrsMiggins said:
Speed addicted said:
If it's just a long weekend in the UK to start with how about doing the North coast 500 or similar on your own? The route is already well established and is well catered for.
If solo stuff isn't for you I've seen good reviews of MCI tours, I'm more a solo or with a couple of mates type so I've never actually used a tour company for anything.
If you decide to do the NC500 be aware that accommodation is very hard to find on the day - you need to plan and book in advance. Camping would be easier to arrange on the fly.If solo stuff isn't for you I've seen good reviews of MCI tours, I'm more a solo or with a couple of mates type so I've never actually used a tour company for anything.
jumpingloci said:
I did this last year, it was a great laugh even in the awful weather we had.Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff