The Dangers of Solo Motorcycle Touring

[@tw364]

You’re a talented story teller, Itchy.! Enjoy those on the road stories

[@tonyc2912]

LOL, I wouldn't call that "the dangers of solo riding", I would call that "this is why I love riding solo!"

[@kenjohnson8752]

I’m with you...solo riding clears the mind and ride where the hell you want at your own pace!

[@bertlbarm4374]

When I could still ride a motorcycle, I was almost exclusively on my own, just me and my bike all over Europe, but that has been a thing of the past for 20 years, I wish everyone who is lucky enough to be free, dry roads and tailwinds

[@BrandonJohnson-yb8xn]

I’m a young buck 24 riding my soft tail slim all around as much as I can! I have collected many stories from rally time to solo trips. Keep these coming please! Keeps me happy at work. Thanks buddy! 🤘🏻

[@viking670]

Great story telling brother,. I have the picture of it in my head so clear because of your great way of conveying it !

[@r12rtpilot]

You are a good story teller. I enjoyed this video!

[@KMRB951]

Thanks for sharing your story! Every single road trip that’s longer than 100 miles has some surprises to offer. I ride here in Sweden and for example a couple of days ago I took a ride after the sunset and temperature dropped to freezing point.. had to go slow because the wind made it even worse, the helmets visor got foggy and roads where really slippery. I made actually a short video about that.. it’s on my channel. However, it’s always fun. Even the bad days become fine memories! Keep on that fine storytelling! ML&R/Heikki

[@FatherTimeRides]

Sound like a very interesting and on-the-toes ride. 👍

[@jimwms1able]

Great storm story. My wife and I were riding two up in Colorado close to Vernal Utah. We were headed to Grand Junction and the rode looked like it turned east. The clouds were pitch black with lighting. We decided to keep going because we would skirt the storm...wrong! We drove right into the storm. Dime/quarter size hail began coming down. Lighting striking all around us road was covered with hail. Temp dropped from the 70’s down into the low 40s to upper 30’s....We made it but what a ride. Also, get the gas issues out that direction. Especially in Utah. Thanks for the story.

[@majorlifts]

Thanks for the stories, its lonely out here in covid ville, we are in 100% lockdown now so its good to hear others and their adventures

[@LindaCBMediaGroup]

Mark, love your stories! Only 1 thing, I'm itching to even up your mustache. 🤣 My late husband had a full beard and mustache, and when his got really uneven, it was time to get neatened up, just a little. I loved his beard/mustache long, and full.

[@LindaCBMediaGroup]

@@itchymoche 😁

[@dollarbill2219]

You're a good storyteller, I can identify with the stories...had a few..keep up the good work.

[@ape3774]

Respect from over the pond

[@DanielTPeace]

Thanks for sharing, I love riding out west, miles and miles of miles and miles. People are hospitable and you get to appreciate what a great land we live in. Ride Hard, Diel Free!

[@letitrest4662]

Mine is a Yamaha fjr1300a. I get about 210 miles, if I grease it down the road. Without reserve. In 2016 I took a 7835 mile trip in 20 days. Definitely know what you mean about getting nervous, over the thought of running out of gas. I came close riding through Kansas, and it was 97 degrees. My rule of thumb is stop every 100 miles or so. It allows you to top off, and stretch. If only long enough to throw in 2 or three gallons, and get going again. The "peace of mind" is worth it. I had a strange encounter myself. Was in western Nebraska, just out of Colorado, and blistering heat. About 6:30 in the evening. The plan was to make it to North Platte, for the night. Up ahead I'm seeing, storms, and figured on suiting up, before the rain. I'm on I-80, cruising at about 85 mph, and I see an exit. Nothing there but an abandoned gas station. I'm thinking, I'll pull in suit up in the lot and hit the road. I pull off, and in to the lot. Standing there leaning against my bike with one leg lifted to put my suit on, when I hear a voice say "hey there". It's some woman, about 70 years old, in leathers. Looking like an old biker be-otch. At his point I'm thinking what's this broad doing hanging around a closed gas station. At the same time I'm keeping my eyes moving, thinking," is she distracting me so her looser boy friend can come up from behind me and club me" ? I didn't ask her what she was doing there, but we talked for ten minutes or so, and I told her I needed to get going. The more I think about it, the weirder it seemed.

[@billyholcomb1711]

Hey just an other typical day on the road hu? LOL I may be a bit older than you. I started touring in I guess in 1969. Course back then most called it crazy . Yes economic my high school counselor asked me bought if I had some type of death wish. There may be days when I wouldn't see another motorcycle on the road. It was nothing like it is nowadays for shure. Helmet laws, headlight laws , prof of insurance and a M stamped on your license. I remember how excited I got when I got a Harley with a electric starter. And the technology today is way off the charts from when I started. But the feeling of freedom, independence and adventure has always felt the same. God be with you and your wife my friend. Maybe someday we can ride together. . . Billy.

[@harleyhawk7959]

I love all that new technology crap for riders, keeps all them of nice remote roads. none of them know how to read a map. LMFAO.

[@jackr.4119]

I like to here your stories. Your a good story teller..thanks for sharing..

[@maximo92f]

Most of my best road stories are from traveling alone. For some reason I never have the same quality of stories to share when I travel with others. This story, and several of my own , from traveling out west are the reason I mount a flat gas can to my bike or carry one in the saddlebags. West Texas, New Mexico, Utah and Western Colorado, gas can be few and far between.

[@shanestewart488]

Pretty cool listening to your stories mate. Old time bikers know what it's about. Tuning in from Australia and prayers for yuour wife i hope she's doing well

[@braydneate9068]

Shane Stewart hey man where abouts in Australia are you? I’m in Melbourne

[@shanestewart488]

@@braydneate9068 I'm in Adelaide mate.

[@TheZiggZaggShow]

Cool stories..you should do them daily...it was very interesting. It kept my attention....wanna here more stories!

[@jetdoctn]

Lived up in Montana in Great Falls for 5 years, know exactly what your talking about when pulling into what you thought was a town but in reality is just a couple of buildings. Loved it though. Got to where I didn't like to do a lot of night driving just because of the wild life and if something happened help might be a long way off. Great story Itchy, keep them coming.

[@506curtis]

Ha wow that's a wild day. I love touring solo its the excitement of the unknown. But i always carry and extra can of gas. Well actually I usually pack everything but the kitchen sink ha, but at least I know I have enough stuff to get through just about anything. Keep up the good videos i can't wait until spring so i can go out and start making some more of my own stories.

[@bongothom]

I live in the heavily populated southeast where fuel is never an issue for me. Then I took a tour out west and ran into the same problem of towns without gas stations... definitely makes you nervous. You have a great channel. Please keep posting.

[@GlitterPoolParty]

I've seen that abandoned fas station in Utah. I was driving out of CO and north the SLC. but I got a flat tire right there. The day I was there, thete was a creepy RV parked at the gas station, so instead of pulling off in that side, i pulled over and way off the road just across the highway and called AAA. They advised that help was 3 hrs away. My copilot and I were keeping a wary eye on the RV while we figured out how to change the tire. My post here is assurance that we made it out alive despite our wild imaginations.

[@stagesixx]

That made me smile. The thing with the trucks man, like a scene from a movie. On my three outwest tours, we never got too far off the beaten path, but my buddies did a month long trip and were freestyling with their navigation. At one point (Wyoming, Colorado, somewhere around there)it was so remote the fuel situation got critical and they didn't know what to do. They had to decide to move forward, or go back. So they had to backtrack for gas and figure it out. Then, me and my girlfriend took an Eaglerider Ultra Classic all through Utah and Arizona on one of their turnkey rental trips. It was the best trip ever! But we were swimming in the hotel pool at Lake Powell ( I think that's what it was called), it was a beautiful, fun evening. Then this mentally weird adolescent kid starts following my girl around in the pool and being too friendly and saying weird stuff and I had to pull her away and get in between them, but I didn't have to throw down.

[@batman66ism]

Glad you were listening to metal and love this story you are an awesome individual who just happens to have blessing in your favor at the right time

[@alripley5335]

Solo- the way to go. Do as I please.

[@garyshinn4626]

While out on a road trip in 2012 from South east Ky. to North west Ark on my Sportster, I got concerned a time or two as in The boot heel of Missouri and North east Ark I kept finding boarded up towns with no gas and no body around just deserted . I am going to make that run again this spring, hopefully things are better there now.

[@bigal5269]

There’s been a couple times coming through western Kansas and I wondered if I was going to make it to the next stop for gas I can basically make it 180 miles but coming out to Colorado heading through western Kansas or heading through Western Nebraska it’s almost 200 miles in between some of those truckstops and there’s nothing on the back roads whatsoever

[@nordland2235]

I got a flat out in the boonies way before cellphones on my Bonneville.....what cars that did go by would not stop for a long hair bearded biker....finally a guy in a pickup stopped......he said he had just got out of the Navy and he offered to take me and my bike back to civilization.....when we got to my house I offered to pay him but he said no thanks...and drove away......I almost felt like he was my guardian angel.....had a weird feel about it......but I sure was thankful.

[@garyposthuma9607]

came out hanksville Utah 95 south 150 miles though fry canyon no gas station whole way met two vehicles the whole way lucky filled in hanksville

[@BrewCityRider]

Enjoyed that itchy, thanks for sharing.

[@bigal5269]

I usually ride by myself anymore I did join the local HOG chapter from the dealership but after a few rides with them then getting ran into the back of by somebody else because it was too big of a group and a lot of newbies that had joined and finding out it was more of an go out and eating club and the fact that they would ride somewhere hundred miles from where I’m at and it was ride home by myself anyhow because it seem like people just took off and head to different directions without the group once we were somewhere so now I just ride by myself or with one or two other friends

[@letitrest4662]

Rode through Ogden, Utah. OMG, that must have been the windiest ride I've had.

[@randyfarnsworth7825]

Cool vibe!

[@timalbright2428]

Good story. Let's face it those situations are what make touring fun. I prefer to tour alone also. Rubber side down and let the miles roll on.

[@7316bobe]

Must agree. I tour on my own and MUCH prefer it that way. I can do what I want, when I want, and how I want. Keep the faith bro and catch you further down the road. Bob

[@fordfan3179]

When in doubt, head on out! I've been riding about 45 years legal on bikes. (Longer illegaly, lol) but I agree, I love riding by myself. If the Mrs wants to tag along, fine but I know it's s different kind of trip. I still do bike camping. I did like 2000 miles though Ontario a couple years ago over a two week period and camping all but two nights. I've ridden in all the places you've mentioned. I've even ridden in Europe. I do have a couple guys I will ride with occasionally and oddly enough, they're both cousins. In fact I'm one of six cousins who are from five of my mother's siblings who all ride long distance touring. Something genetic there I guess. But anyway, they're great to ride with because everyone is self sufficient and knows how to ride. We're all "around" 60 and we've all been riding most of our lives. Thumbs up!

[@17ultralimited69]

My brother and I were on a road trip through west Texas. His gas tank was smaller than mine and he radioed to me that his fuel light had come on. That meant he could go another 30-40 miles before running out. Well we went through at least three or four ghost towns and sure enough he runs out. I went on to find gas and met a Texas state trooper who said just few miles up the road there was a ranger station that had gas. I went there and got two gallons of gas for 20 bucks. When you gotta have it you’ll pay it. Turned around and got him fueled up and headed to El Paso. Let’s just say we never let that happen again.

[@jansirkia3809]

Great stories1 Thanks for sharing!

[@herrmahlzahn6924]

I like to drive alone. No one speeding me up, no one slows me down. It's my speed not that of others. I decide where to go, where to stop, or whether or not to change a route. The question of how long I stay at the campsite is just a discussion between me and the camp- administrator. Safety? What can happen? Motorcycle drop in the boonies? Just imagine you ride an 1800F Nomad or an Electra Street Glide Ultra, fully loaded with everything up to the kitchen sink hanging on it. So be careful and wait until a truck driver can help. WoW that takes time. Motorcycle break down? Absolutely no worries if you have a AAA gold cart or similar (for example) in your pocket. The gold cart is a bit more expensive, but you definitely have enough free tow miles to get to the next bike-shop. AAA also pays a hotel for the duration of the repair, and if the repair is no longer possible, AAA will arrange a rental car. So in that case rent a Pick-Up Truck, put your motorcycle on the back and go home. You can also send the motorcycle home with a shipping comp and fly home yourself. Or check Greyhound if you poor like me (LoL) So be a member of a Motor-Club that covers Motorcycles and compare what they will do in case of….. There are many out there, not only AAA. You need common sense, you don't get involved in a fight. Remember only Stupid stand his ground. You know every town has that girl causing a ton of problems. You are not local, you on a trip. Know where you are. Always have a real paper road map on hand, and be informed about gun laws, reciprocity if you carry license….. Solo riding is not as dangerous as one might think, if you know what you doing. Ride safe.

[@chrismorris9065]

Diddo what Jack R. said. Keep sharing, fun to listen to.

[@nordland2235]

My friends mom n dad divorced and his mom moved from their home in Detroit to Seattle WA. and she asked her son to drive her car out to seattle and she would pay for the trip back for him and myself.......we stopped in Indiana and filled the trunk with beer and took off for the wild west....we went thru Sturgis a day after the rally.....and there was still a lot of bikers everywhere...had a hard time finding a hotel room...we ended up staying at a bed n breakfast...a place called..."The Mansion House motel" then we were going through Yellowstone and some bikers were surrounded by buffalo....thy looked kinda scared.....then we bedded down in Butte Montana....this was a little motel and we got a room next to a bunch of bikers sleeping off a major drunk......this place was made out of cinder blocks and I did not get any sleep...the bikers were snoring sooo loud...you could hear it thru the walls...man what a racket.

[@brandonjones2717]

The storm on 191s by chance? Notoriously bad weather. Snow in July bad. Very Beautiful though.

[@Joe-kb1sm]

I know you from somewhere/somewhen. Cleveland Ohio area perhaps. ??? I'm positive that I've met you. I've been riding a 79 Iron Head for 40 years, before that a 72 Superglide. What's left of my brain is thinking either the old Louie Run, or more probable, Ohio Bike Week.

[@donald2106]

After one such trip, I bought a gallon fuel container that fit in my saddle bag.

[@jeffshelburne5727]

Great story, I remember riding with a friend last year and we got caught in a hellish rainstorm. His boots were waterproof, but all the rain came through his pants leg, and I swear it seemed like he was pouring water out of his boots for about 30 minutes. He ended up with swamp feet, and blisters to boot. Carry and extra pair of flips, or something I say! lol

[@quilcene1]

I reckon the freak was gonna wax yer tank haha. Keep the stories coming itchy. Irish

[@BigDaddy-rg8gb]

Yeah.

[@dejonsmall9886]

Itchy, I've had that oh I should have filled up moments. 2 years ago I'm heading home to Las Vegas from visiting my daughter in Mesa AZ. when I went through Wikieup AZ, I knew I should top off, but gauge said I was good for 60 miles. Kingman is 47 miles away. I keep looking at reserve and it's getting lower and lower. That pucker factor had me bound up until I hit the 40, it was touch and go until I made it to Love's. Never again will I do that again... Please do more stories, it's enjoyable...

[@susancates9544]

Frank here again. Mark,you said:"LOOKING AT THE MAP........." S0 it was centuries before GPS I guess.

[@michaelwilson8461]

"coming" towards me... lmao Then follows up with "Pulling off" on the highway lol But as for riding alone, I cant ride with others for long. To me its all about the solitude and freedom. I love meeting other riders in a Tim Hortons parking lot shoot the shit for a while swap war stories and possible destinations etc.. even catching up with a random rider on the road and play a little leap frog or just cruise for a few miles. But ultimately there is a reason I have no passenger pegs. Only problem is when your dirt poor , traveling alone can be a worry. Ive been on roads for hours with out seeing another vehicle let alone a town. A break down, a misjudgement of fuel reserves, a random moose, a rider error etc.. could turn your trip sour pretty quick when your traveling alone. All things considered, worth the risk to me.

[@kennethlauer4735]

Monticello, UT to Gallup, NM on the 491 is breath taking. You can see for a hundred miles on New Mexico.

[@openroadandoutdoors9716]

we all have our own stories, don't we

[@theone2be33]

What are your tips for long distance riding? Im thinking about tires, engine, what to wear, not wear. Food, water.

[@mhough3]

Thanks for the stories!

[@steelhorsecountry5245]

I was in Tennessee a teenager boy came up to me asking for money to buy gasoline for his car. I told him I only has enough money to get back home. Yeah, Wyoming is a nice state nice people. People in Wyoming area are not in a hurry laid back people willing to help others.

[@hm6769]

WOW, your storm adventure reminded me of mine when I was coming back to the west coast from NY. While I was riding through Indiana or Ohio I was ALMOST struck by lightning. I was blinded by the light for about 10 seconds. I was doing 85 mph trying to out run the storm. It was truly scary. I love riding my 2008 Ultra Classic. :{)

[@scottwilloughby3840]

He wanted you to scratch his itch lol I like to go it alone also I work at a forensic psychiatric center and you can’t dream up the stories and they’ve been closing these places and these people are out there many many of them are out there amongst us be safe I’m already itching for the first ride of next year peace and blessings to you and the family!!!!

[@dalethebelldiver7740]

Good stories. I’m like you; I don’t get rattled when weird shit happens. I’m seriously thinking of using my frame to hold extra potable water and fuel. I can make it so the fuel is pumped up from the frame or gravity and manually drain and pour into the tank. The water idea could be used for drinking coffee, or radiator needs or even first aid. I have to really measure the available volume space to see if one or the other or both is doable. I’m a welder fabricator/boiler maker. I figure I can do this. IF; it’s worth it.

[@jandblawncare8570]

I don't know what I would have done with the first guy, probably pushed him back but if he kept coming I'm sure it wouldn't have been pretty lol. We're planning a trip like that, back roads, maps instead of GPS (until we need GPS lol). We might not get that far west but gonna try! Hope all is well!!!

[@lavishoutdoors1561]

Avenged sevenfold, I like your taste😎😎

[@America-jy9hz]

Lavish OutDoors what’s the song called. Sounds like a cool song.

[@hunteroftruth4986]

I had a similar incident 20 years ago. I told the dude that was a good way to get his business blown off and reached for my back pack which had nothing in it but my school books. He was at least smart enough to leave the area! Did though have a 357 in my truck 50 feet away!

[@michaelwest4525]

Good story . Riding alone is a mixed bag for sure . I like riding alone most of the time but there are sure times when a partner would come in handy . I definitely don’t care to ride in a pack . Just too structured and confining for me . It goes against the freedom of the ride .

[@cob00927]

Dang...wackin off and walkin?? Talent!

[@bibertkirk]

Doug Murray I work with the developmentally disabled. They may masturbate in the open because they don’t understand “like you do” to do it in private” why make fun? He enjoys it just like you do!

[@dodisscriptvideos6961]

What a day! Be careful sweetheart I ride seli in my molo, I mena... I mean I ride solo in my semi [crazy keyboard] I’m a TruckerGirl, just brought myself a Harley. I’m a Lone Wolf or as I rather like to be called, a Free Bird Thanks for the wonderful vids Be Safe Sweetheart

[@ralphfernandez4231]

Reminds me of wild hogs at least they a group you alone not a good feeling

[@ElectraWillem]

A guy asked your for some help, it started raining, and you run out of gas. A regular bikers day! 😂😂😂😂 Great story!

[@waltwynn-sandiegonorthcoun8475]

Then Came Bronson...

[@throttletherapy9998]

Luv story time. As far as the situation with crazy guy I think that was a good call, I will keep that in mind if something even remotely like that ever happens to me.

[@danielcharles-b5f]

You’re an attractive man Itchy and I’m surprised this doesn’t happen to you more often.

[@kennylawry2167]

@@itchymoche I can only imagine what he would of done when he got to your bike

[@BigDaddy-rg8gb]

Lol

[@denniswilliams1118]

I. Know. About. Rain. Stroms. And. Out. Running. Them. My. Wife. Always. Said. Ride. Towards. The. Blue. Sky. We. Did. A. Rode. Trip. Form. June. To. September. NC. To. California. And. Back. Best. Time. Of. My. Life. Hope. Alls. Well. With. You. N. Yours.

[@jusbeeb4416]

Maybe the guy walking up was a subscriber? LMAO

[@delmarl7038]

Beat the brakes off of him. Leave him laying... you make an effort to get out of the situation he keeps coming he wants it

[@richardanderson4916]

Hahahaha!!!!!!!! ROFL!!!😂

[@chuckthesham5195]

I think the guy wanted to stiffen your mustache, lol.

[@2serveand2protect]

...and no "Children Of The Corn"??...

[@jameshanley1933]

You should’ve asked him if he had enough lube!!😂😂

[@davidostrowski7256]

I always carry about a dozen cherry bombs in my saddle bags ! That will keep the weirdos away !

[@chuckthesham5195]

Those truckers would have lost their licenses for life had they been caught.

[@gucci4871]

That's a dangerous situation surprised me didn't think I'd hear about a masturbating aggressor .lol

[@TheTruckerlyn]

Great story of O I am a little more professional of a driver than them to pulling doubles

[@mevik3835]

But can u back them up were i come from we back up are dobb

[@dalemasyk1583]

hmmmm zombie dude i would give him a quick zap with the zapper , 2nd the truckers thing 45 cal theirs front tire fckers , 3rd you had an gaurdin-angel with you , lol fck i know the feelin bro its fckin scrary shit not knowin if there is gas station

[@yepisaidit100x]

LOL!

[@hunteroftruth4986]

Remember brother your the one who does not like cops! Until you need one right!

[@darkhelmetsplane]

Did you give those truckers the finger? They deserved the finger. The guy with his hands in his pants deserved the finger too, but he would have had some fun with your finger if you gave it to him... so best you didn't give him the finger.

[@itchymoche]

The truckers took me by surprise and I was just in survival mode... like get the heck out of their way. And then just that quick they were gone. Not much time for a finger.

[@darkhelmetsplane]

Yeah, not really too much you could do there... but they still deserved the finger.

[@JCcanU]

the guy only wanted to look at the bike , I know many people with Downs SMI severely mentally impaired , some have no idea it is wrong to self stimulate in public . I worry most about Meth heads Tweaking they rather kill you and rob you and try to ride off on the bike . I think you met a Tweaker . NOT a Down syndrome , Twerking they run their hands up down inside their clothing do a little dance . its easy to get the 2 confused . all my road trips not one time I been scared on edge yes intimidated only when 20 young Bloods red bandanas and tattoos surrounded me they was ohh ahh over the bike , but went on there way . Sure I was thinking this is it . but in all Never had a bad experience being solo . Even had a Grisly in my camp Ranger was shooting whistle pops Fresno CO.

[@letitrest4662]

Thinking about those truckers blocking you. There's been times like that, that I've wished I had a brick with me.

[@larmar]

Waste of time!