Solo Adventure Riding. How to do it right.

In this video I discuss how to go solo adventure riding. There are many people out there that will tell you shouldn't go solo adventure motorcycle riding but I disagree. If you follow the instructions I set out in this video you have a great time, stay safe and get home. One of the biggest things to consider is the motorcycle you ride. If you are riding a 550lbs adventure motorcycle like a BMW R1200GS/R1250GS ask yourself if that is really a great motorcycle for solo adventure riding. Maybe consider riding a smaller, lighter adventure bike like the KTM 390 Adventure. Make sure you tell some where you are going and when you plan to return. And, most importantly always carry extra water when you are out trail or forest road riding on a motorcycle.

[@michaelh6002]

My rule has been if you have no cell service while riding along, always have a back up, that would be a inreach or spot device. I’m retired firefighter my training has always been to have a back up plan or way out. Thanks for another great video job well done.

[@rogermeyer860]

I made the mistake on a recent trip not checking in before I ran out of cell service and not enabling my Garmin inReach...Thankfully i was ok, but family was worried sick/lost sleep...

[@owenlushadv]

Great video, solid advice. I put 15,000km (9000 miles lol) on my Africa Twin this year, about 60/40 on/off road. And %80 of the riding was solo. I follow all the same guidelines (mostly, occasionally I used poor judgement as well lol) with the exception that I carry an InReach. As soon as I’m getting off the beaten path my wife can track wherever I am, and it also provides that sos capability and the messaging has been a huge help on occasion. Also carry everything I need for basic repairs like you said, and I agree with carrying the tube. Despite my tires being tubeless as well I also carry a tube just in case.

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

God I can’t wait. Got my 390 Saturday. Put 6 miles on it to get it home then got hit with a blizzard for the last 5 days of 5’ of snow. Not even the mail has ran since Monday. Some time in 2023 when it gets warm I’m gonna be solo camping on my bike as much as possible.

[@OneOldManRiding]

Solid advice. Especially to be willing to turn around. Men as a rule tend to think of using common sense as "quiting," and place ourselves in bad situations.

[@stephaniemusick171]

Great video. Even experienced riders need to hear that it’s ok to not push too hard, especially if you are alone. I liked your line “ride for tomorrow.”

[@johnpagejr.7628]

I also ride alone and I could not agree with you more. Very good advice.

[@patrickpabalan7359]

Thanks Matt I really need this when excitement and adrenaline kicks in I ride stupid this keeps me grounded love all your video content kudos

[@eatevos]

A couple of weeks away from getting my first on road bike which is also the 390 adv. Really enjoying the videos and all the tips that help guide someone like my self just getting into things. Cheers from New Zealand

[@advmatt]

Happy trails and exploration! Glad these videos have been useful.

[@rogermeyer860]

Great tips Matt! I'm a solo rider too. I made the mistake on a recent trip not checking in before I ran out of cell service and not enabling my Garmin inReach...Thankfully i was ok, but family was worried.

[@AllenFreeman]

I agree with a lot of this. I've also done thousands of miles of solo hiking, and hear all the same things about how I shouldn't hike alone, yada yada yada. Over the years I've developed habits that help to reduce risks, though they're never fully eliminated, in any activity. I'm working to figure out what those habits should be when I'm on my bike. I do carry an InReach device. I often find myself in places with zero cell service, both on the bike and when hiking, and want to be able to communicate in case of an emergency. And whenever I'm heading out I think about what I need with me to be able to spend the night if necessary, and still be able to extricate myself the next day.

[@advmatt]

You have the experience you need to do it right. Thanks for commenting.

[@sipeb7543]

Great advice, I would only add that it’s worth maintaining a reasonable level of physical fitness. If something bad happens it helps a lot if you can cope physically and mentally with the challenge.

[@advmatt]

That is great advice. As a mountain biker I often take fitness for granted.

[@daveraskin5199]

Good advice, especially about turning around and lighter bike

[@bedehliang]

Thank you for the good advice. I was in a bad situation before with my GSA and luckily there was cell service to call for help...

[@seisamigos397]

Great advice but like some of the others I always carry a Spot just in case. By the way, that choice of a Bon Appetit Bear Claw is spot on!!

[@zzzsydneyhom1379]

All good advice! I've found that riding at night is also best avoided if possible to avoid smacking into kangaroos...

[@advmatt]

Great tip. I try to never ride at night as well. Here the concern is deer or elk.

[@curtiscummings2008]

Great video. Been riding over 50 years and solo most of the time preferring off-road. Like your work and thank you for sharing with the riding community. One recommendation for safety is to carry a PLB (personal locator beacon) In-Reach, Spot or the like. I have carried one for years and also carry a satellite phone. Use the Spot to check-in along routes so my wife knows daily progress. Luckily, the satellite phone has only been used for assisting others in trouble in the backcountry. The phone may be a little overkill but it sure does provide an added sense of personal security. You are right on about going light for the bike. As I age I keep going lighter currently on a highly modified DR650 and find it much easier to handle and pickup than the 1200GS or Africa Twin. Keep up the great work. Really enjoy your videos.

[@ldreese33]

I cannot wait to get my 390 Adventure in the spring

[@zap5936]

Thanks Matt for the good advice. Myself, I make sure my bike is properly prepared maintenance is up to speed and I'm up to speed. I use a lot more calculated caution. I don't take undo risk like trying to cross a flooded area. But still have fun and even make sure when I wild camp that I'm properly prepared.

[@advmatt]

Great advice on keeping up with bike maintenance.

[@thedudetravels6737]

I'm pretty much in the same boat. Love the adventure and I have very few people to share that love with. Most of my friends ride big baggers and have no interest in off road. When I want to set out on an adventure it's usually alone. Great tips here. My main rules are have common sense and don't ride above your skill level. I tend to take it much slower and easier when alone. I also do a lot more research and try to find out as much info as I can on the tracts I'm looking to ride. I'll choose easier routes whenever possible and try not to embark on anything to hairy when alone.

[@advmatt]

Great rules to ride by, especially solo. Solo riding is a lot fun and much less stressful than riding with others. Ride on.

[@ageless1003]

Thanks for sharing the info Mat !

[@gpnmoab1]

Great info. I do carry a Garmin inReach mini and also carry the rescue insurance just in case I seriously hurt myself. It also sends my position to my wife and others every 10 minutes. Also a very good first aid kit with a blood clotting pack, wire splint and tourniquet. I do very much agree ride well within the limits of your skills. I take solo trips every year into places I rarely see others and it never worries me at all. As you know preparation is key. A well maintained bike is also key. If you have the space, carry a quart of oil and steel reinforced epoxy for metal fixes especially in you punch a hole in an engine case. All these items I mentioned take very little space.

[@advmatt]

I have been considering getting some sort of communication device. No excuse, just haven't done it. There is a lot of value in it. Thanks for commenting.

[@MobMoto]

Good video, nice job. I cant always wait on others either. Sometimes it looks like we are making bad choices, but we are just finding the limit. Lol But.......there is a level of acceptable risk. I agree, having the right tool for the job helps me be more successful. Its like you said before, "wrestling big bikes off-road is overrated." Lol I try to do as much as I can now to make the job easier and to be successful, but that's a learning experience. ha

[@advmatt]

It's always a learning experience, but then it increases our limits. Ride on!

[@ozemsadventureofrandomstuf252]

Nice one Matt! 👌

[@soilsmanadv6673]

your first advice can be taken care of by an inreach explorer...my wife can track where I am every 10 minutes and if I am in a single spot and haven't contacted her that i am resting, exploring, or doing something else she can text me to find out if there is a problem...it also allows me to get help if there is a problem...The rest of your tips are useful.

[@advmatt]

I have been considering getting one, just haven't done it yet. Need to.

[@bigsky2063]

This video should be required viewing for ALL adventure riders. Well done, sir! New sub!

[@advmatt]

Thanks, really appreciate it!

[@alexandergutierrez8097]

Excellent you are the best.

[@brucekendall52]

Good advice,thanks.

[@gcprost]

I ride solo on adventure trips. I would agree with most of what you said; however, I do ride with a Spot.

[@advmatt]

I am considering getting one for this next year. California deserts are really remote.

[@CallMeJazz]

I've come to discover the same thing. If I only rode in a group, I'd never ride.

[@advmatt]

Get out and do it, don't wait for others.

[@yoheysmo]

Matt your my mentor! I recently did an a 6 day alpine pass tour of Colorado. My clothing choices made me very comfortable with the exception of my gloves. I purchased winter gloves that got wet with sweat. My hand were my downfall. I stopped every ten miles to warm my hands on the engine. I was going to install Oxford heated grips. Then I watched your video. You do not use heated grips but heated gloves. What do you recommend? BTW, my wife subscribes to your channel and she is not even a rider!

[@advmatt]

Yep, I dont have heated grips, but I am considering it. My heated glove liners have done the trick for me.

[@BreezyRider66]

Great advice, for tubeless a 12v compressor & dynaplug kit is essential for me and if the tools that come with the bike don't already have it, a means to loosen rear wheel nut to adjust chain. Loved the mauling your bike out of a rut at the end, you sure couldn't do that with a big GS...

[@advmatt]

I got tired of wrestling the GS, which led me to this bike. I carry all those same tools.

[@davidpoffenbarger3686]

Good info, especially regarding bike size. I ride alone almost always for the same reasons you do and ride a Africa Twin. I'm pretty competent on it, but not sure how many times I could pick it up if I had to. I do ride a KTM500 EXC for dual sport stuff and appreciate the lighter weight but not sure it's the best bike for longer BDR type rides. Time will tell as I start doing more of this type riding... Thanks for the great vid...

[@advmatt]

Light weight transformed offroad adventure riding for me. It's worth giving it a try. I did ok on my GS but it could be stressful. Now, on a light bike, it is so much more enjoyable. Thanks for commenting.

[@battlejitney2197]

GREAT tips! You might consider a adding few tips around solo camping on a solo adventure trip. The footage from that corner on Cinnamon Pass in Colorado: I was just there 3 weeks ago and had to stop in the very same spot to let traffic come down. Section #2 of the COBDR should be avoided on the weekends at all costs. Don’t ask me how I know! 😉

[@advmatt]

The corner was from Ophir Pass, but I know which one you are talking about. No room to pass. I like your video idea. Cheers.

[@anxiousappliance]

Always enjoy the vids - good info and advice - thanks.

[@stephenwitte8783]

Thank you! Very nice video. Regarding flats. I ride a drz400s and once attempted to change the tires. I got the front done but made several flats. I can't imagine successfully fixing a flat on the trail by conventional means, so I opt for heavy duty zip ties, liquid slime, and a pump. I hope this will work if ever needed.

[@advmatt]

Your solution should help you get out where you can find help. Thanks for watching.

[@adventuremulemoto]

Great video Matt! I am an idiot. I am old and weak and still adventure ride/BDR my GSA alone. I can't help myself. For some reason I find great amusement riding my ridiculously huge bike over stupid terrain (except sand.) I do bring along an In Reach Mini, turn around A LOT and check my ego. Usually riding at 5-6/10ths. The big girl is on the ground a bunch and the one thing that I do get tired of is unloading in order to pick her up...but it is what it is. I am not willing, nor do I find any enjoyment at all with the road element on a small bike. Different strokes right? Keep up the good work!

[@advmatt]

You are brave, but I understand. You seem to know your limitations, kind of... It's just good to get out and do it anyway possible. Cheers.

[@bransonbasher6534]

Small bike FTW! I even go so far as to tell the fat guy on his overloaded big bike "I'm not helping you pick that thing up." If you can't pick your bike up by yourself then don't go off the pavement with it. Damn sure don't expect others to help you pick it up all day.

[@advmatt]

Love it. Great encouragement to go smaller!

[@walangpakealam]

i used to ride solo, exploring backroads and even trails. one time i crashed going down a steep-ish, rocky pass. it was a fairly lonely, isolated road. i was unable to lift the bike up. good thing a local passed by and helped me get the bike up. after that ordeal i stopped doing solo trail/exploration. its just no worth it. the 390 is not a light bike. i might do solo stuff if i am on a light 150cc bike like a crf150 or a ct125.

[@advmatt]

The 390 Adv is much lighter than a typical adventure bike, but not as light as a enduro or mx bike for sure. It does have luggage carrying ability unlike the smaller bikes. Thanks for commenting..

[@BlackdogADV]

I’ve been to the Arctic 3 times, rode to South America and explored most of remote parts of Nevada all alone. I use a Spot but I’m thinking a Inreach is in my future. I can change tires on the side of the road. I’m 72.

[@advmatt]

I have seen some of your videos. You are an inspiration. I hope to be able to do those trips once my kids get old enough for me to be gone longer periods.

[@the-LeoKnightus]

If you ride with others, try and make sure those other riders can pull their own weight when the unexpected happens. Or else you will quickly be put in a position where their safety is your sole responsibility.

[@advmatt]

Great point. I try to only go out with experienced riders.

[@Delgaarn]

i do agree if i waited for someone to ride with i would never ride though i'm not mechanically inclined

[@advmatt]

Never a bad time to learn how to work on your bike. Thanks for commenting.

[@johnanicker4459]

“I lack good judgment” 😂

[@motorclaw]

Hi Do you ride your 390 long distance on the highway? That's the only reason I ride a bigger bike. I wish I lived close enough to beautiful places to get away with a small bike :/ Great vids Matt!

[@advmatt]

I try to stay off of high speed interstate highways. This bike does great cruising between 55 to 65 mph. It's more comfortable than my 1200GS, just doesn't have the power for the sustained high speeds. It's perfect for back roads and offroad riding. Thanks!

[@bendingthetube]

Continued solid advice. thanx! Looks like you’ve changed your windscreen setup a couple of times since the first “overseas” order. What’s your current set up?

[@advmatt]

I still have the Givi wind screen but added an extension. It is a mix of several parts to get the wind over my helmet road riding.

[@Stevens007one]

Yep... it's always better to die another day!... wasn't that a Bond movie?

[@markcollins5026]

Man, just make sure you carry a side iron !

[@mauihugebong]

Thanks Matt! Always enjoy your videos. Like you I ride mostly solo because I can’t always find a partner with similar interests and available time off. I’ve been “adventure” riding (across US three times, entire TAT, into Mexico and Canada, etc) for over 15 years all on the same bike 1997 BMW 650 Funduro. I’ve always been careful and luckily managed to avoid any real trouble- I avoid technical off-road stuff solo. Well, this year I’m on a different, slightly bigger bike and did a couple of BDR rides with partners and one solo cross country pavement ride (North Carolina to San Diego) on the new bike. Here’s my question… Next year I want to do either a 4-5 week ride up to the Arctic Circle (Dempster, Canol) which is remote but a lot of pavement and not technical or do 2 weeks on the Continental Divide Trail which is mostly off pavement. Im not sure which trip I would be most comfortable on alone at this point given I’m not as technically familiar with the new bike and my body is not what it used to be - pushing 60 years now… Your thoughts?

[@advmatt]

You are an inspiration to all riders. Thanks for sharing all you have done. As for your question, both Dempster and Dalton Highways can become really challenging so dont discount how serious those final sections can become. The CDT will be have much less chances of finding help, but with some proper planning you could reroute around the most challenging parts or be ready make changes while riding. Canada requires a negative Covid test to enter. If it is still that way next summer it might be a pain in the butt. I want to do both rides so I am not sure what to suggest. The CDT may be more physically challenging for a longer duration. Maybe do that one first. Let me know what you decide.

[@mauihugebong]

I would prefer not to be solo on either route. I think it’s the remoteness of riding in NWT, Yukon and Alaska that has me most concerned if there is a mechanical failure or serious injury. And then there is always the potential for a bear encounter gone bad… Would you do Arctic Circle solo?

[@advmatt]

@@mauihugebong yeah, I have been working on plans to do the Artic Circle, both roads, solo. I just cant get away from work long enough right now. I also know it will cost a lot to do it so I am waiting. I think the Dalton has enough traffic to get help, however the Dempster may not be as busy. Bears are definitely a concern. I am not the best person to ask since I havent ridden either yet, but they are doable.

[@mauihugebong]

@@advmatt Thanks for your opinion… I see plenty of KZbin posts of people doing it successfully solo and so I guess it would be foolish not to go just because I don’t have a riding partner.

[@advmatt]

@@mauihugebong do what you are comfortable doing. I would offer to go with you but I can't get enough time off. I have spoken to a handful of people that have done and it they ended up in hotels way more than they expected. It does make it easier than camping. No matter what you decide you still get to ride.

[@stevehestenes7412]

Hi Matt! You mentioned that you would carry a spare tube for your KTM 390 Adv (before you changed to spoked rims). What size tube did you carry? Do you have any recommended brands or types of tubes to carry? Would you only carry one tube that could be used on both tires? Thanks!

[@advmatt]

I carry a 19" tube that can be used in the rear in a pinch. I dont have a favorite tube brand, but I do try to use and carry heavy duty tubes.

[@philb2475]

I've been meaning to ask you earlier after following you for a while...have you already or are you planning any trips in or around europe/eurasia? btw спасибо за трудоемкость для нашего расширения знания и еще вопрос...есть возможность с тобой связаться по этому поводу?

[@advmatt]

I desperately want to ride through central Asia. Covid has made a mess of that so for now I am just waiting. Next summer is up in the air. I might have to stick to the United States and Mexico. You can email at [e-mail]. я очен плохо говорю по-русски, но я попробую.

[@JohnTYoung]

I drink alone. Does that count?

[@advmatt]

Of course it does. So do I, a lot.

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

Have you used the crash apps ? My gps app I use has it in it. If I crash it sends a text to my wife and anyone else I want as well as calling 911 and geo tagging my location to several people. I had one small wreck last year and it didn’t have time to fully activate because I was up and back on the bike in 30 seconds so I was able to shut it down from calling in the military lol.

[@advmatt]

I don't use anything like that. I really need to get a GPS beacon but I have been too cheap and lazy to do it.

[@matthewcollier5911]

For your moto camping adventures do you have a list of gear you take with you?

[@advmatt]

I dont have a list for my normal trips but I did a packing video for my trip to Baja. It was a different trip but a lit of it remains the same for every trip. I should do a video for this. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKe2n6mBir2Uqpo

[@matthewcollier5911]

@@advmatt awesome I'll take a look at that. I am just doing research on the ktm 390 as my first bike and I love to go backpacking/camping

[@matthewcollier5911]

@@advmatt another thing, I'm 6'3" 250 lbs, should I be looking at getting a stronger bike? Or would this be comfortable for my height

[@advmatt]

@@matthewcollier5911 I dont think your weight will be a problem but you will have to make some modifications to get the bike to fit you, bar risers, lower footpegs and a taller seat should do the trick.

[@rgh622]

Baby heads 😯

[@advmatt]

You know, the small rocks the size of softball. 😬

[@Delgaarn]

whats that gas can on the luggage rack

[@advmatt]

Rotopax.

[@tempestandacomputer6951]

How's the 390 on the highways?

[@advmatt]

I did a video on it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYW9mHmLmNR4m8k

[@momocam1]

carry a satalite phone