Are You Ready To Go It Alone?

Everyone’s first solo ride is a little different and it’s fun to hear about people’s experiences. With that, I will tell you about my first solo experience. As you read about my experience you will see most of the tips above weren’t part of my ride.

In the 1970s, when I was in my 20s, I rode a small motorcycle, a Kawasaki 100, around town and from one town to the other but not on overnight trips. Then I bought my first tour motorcycle, a Yamaha XS750 triple which came with side bags and a fairing. I knew this would open my riding options and it did. At the time I didn’t have riding buddies but I knew a couple of motorcycle police officers that would have coffee where I worked so I talked motorcycles with them.

One day those officers told me about a rally that would be taking place on the other side of the state. I received the basic information from them and decided to ride over to it. They didn’t invite me to ride with them and I didn’t invite myself to ride with them. Heck, I didn’t even think about doing that. I’m sure they assumed I had riding buddies. Back then you didn’t see many women that rode their own motorcycles much less riding without someone.

When it was time to head for the rally I got on my motorcycle and headed west. I knew I was going to the Fairground in Mt. Vernon, WA, and Mt. Vernon was north of Seattle. That’s all I needed to know to get me started. With Interstate 90 going into Seattle I knew I didn’t want to do that so I headed out on Highway 2 which I knew ended north of Seattle. I didn’t have a map and there weren’t things like phone apps or such a thing as a GPS for personal use. I navigated by direction and road signs.

As I rode west on the rural highway I was in my happy place, it was where I was meant to be. I fantasized about just doing that for the rest of my life. The sky was blue, the air was warm, and I was soaking in the sights. Each blade of wheat in the fields took on a new look. The small towns I rode through looked different, more inviting, and being out there was good for my soul.

At this point, I will tell you I had no idea of what I was doing and I wasn’t prepared, at all. Heck, I didn’t even know how to get prepared. We didn’t have the internet to tell us what to do and I hadn’t learned about motorcycle magazines yet that at least had a little bit of information.

When Highway 2 intersected with I-90 I was a little sad that the days ride would be over soon but at the same time, I was excited to get to the rally. I spotted the sign letting me know which way to turn for Mt. Vernon and on I went. In Mt. Vernon, I expected to see a sign directing me to the fairgrounds but there wasn’t one. I figured I would find it by riding around so that’s what I did. I didn’t find it but it wasn’t long and I saw a group of packed up motorcyclists and I figured that’s where they were going so I followed them. Bingo, they took me right to the rally.

I had never been to a rally and seeing all the riders and motorcycles had me super excited. I couldn’t wait to go look at all the bikes, see how they were set up, and chat with some of the riders but first things first, getting registered.

When I registered I asked them about where to camp explaining I had been told that the barns is where a lot of people camped. I was told the barns had fresh straw in the stalls and I was welcome to camp in one. That was a good thing since I didn’t have a tent, I did bring a sleeping bag though. I didn’t even have a tarp to put my sleeping bag on but another barn camper had one he let me use. Did I mention I wasn’t prepared?

During that rally, I learned about motocamping and a little bit about packing a motorcycle. I was soaking up all the information I could. After a while, I ran across the two officers who told me about the rally and they were surprised I had ridden across the state alone. I didn’t realize that was anything unusual, especially on a tour bike.

At that rally I also learned about the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and AMA clubs. When things were done and it was time to ride back home it was raining and there was no indication it would be letting up. I didn’t have my sleeping bag packed in anything and I didn’t have rain gear. I didn’t even know about rain gear. There was so much I didn’t know and I was learning rapidly and I liked it.

I had been invited to ride back with some of the riders from the Spokane AMA club, The Roving Gamblers Motorcycle Club. They took pity on me and gave me a garbage bag to put my sleeping bag in. They also showed me how to use garbage bags as rain gear to help keep me warm and a little drier than I would have been otherwise. They had me set to ride in the rain.

At that point not only was it my first overnight solo ride it was my first ride with a good-sized group and people I just met. I watched how they were riding and fell into place when I saw they were riding in a staggered formation.

Even though it was raining and much cooler than the ride over I was having a blast and still very excited. I was more nervous on the way back than I was on the way over, riding alone. Being around other riders was a little intimidating since I was so clueless but having fun anyway as I tried to fit in.

We had gotten a late start and we were only about halfway home when it got dark. With the sun down it was even colder with the nonstop rain. Then it started to hail and I was relieved when the lead rider stopped at a bar to warm up. Hot coffee hit the spot. Hail hurts when riding a motorcycle and I had never ridden in the hail before.

While we were there another rider came in and said there was a mudslide over the road ahead but you can ride over it. One of the riders was washed off the road by the slide but she was able to keep her fully dressed Harley upright even when she was in the ditch. Amazing! I hadn’t met her yet, but I did later, and have always admired her.

We were on our way again and I was terrified about the mud on the road ahead. Now dark and still raining visibility was horrible, we were also in and out of fog. I was still having fun while embracing the adventure but I was glad I was with the group and not alone like the first of the trip.

The visibly was so poor I couldn’t see the mud when we got to the mudslide but I could smell it and knew I was there. I worked hard at keeping my cool and followed the rider in front of me. Right after I could smell the mud I could see it which was good since I was able to see tire tracks through it. I sure was relieved when we got out of it and no one in our group went off the road.

When I got home I was relieved and happy to be warm and dry again but loved every minute of that ride. I couldn’t wait to do another ride. I was invited to join the Roving Gamblers Motorcycle Club and I did.

During the time I spent with the RGMC I learned so much about riding, motocamping, and traveling. My solo riding didn’t stop it expanded, I would ride with the club but riding solo was my passion.

My solo riding continues with touring, dual sport, and adventure riding. I still love it and do it as often as I can.