Bikepacking solo

[PhilH]

Do you bikepack alone or do you consider it too dangerous? I ask because I'm planning a week-long solo trip in the Sierras for this summer. The riding I'll be doing is tame enough- dirt roads, mostly- but I'll be a long way from other people, cars, etc. And if you do go solo, do you consider a Spot-type device essential? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

[Aushiker]

Virtually all my touring and bikepacking is alone, including my longest tour of 3,000 kilometres. Never bothered me and I like how I don't have to "fit in" with others wants. I do carry a inReach SE so my family can track where I am etc for their peace of mind as much as anything.

[Yagi]

Not to detract from this one, but here's another thread started for the same topic.

http://www.bikepacking.net/forum/question-and-answer/how-many-of-you-go-solo/

I, for one, do go solo.  I feel like it keeps me from doing things that I normally wouldn't.  I seem to summon some kind of hyper-awareness.  Riding a dirt road is easy.  Should I ride that super gnarly downhill and risk breaking my wrist like I did with my buddy on the CT?  Hmmm... maybe not. 

I do like the alone-ness, though.  Not having to rely on anybody, or anybody relying/waiting on me is exactly how I like it.  Self-supported.

[RonK]

Ah, solitude. Yes.

[windowace]

Solo. Spot is not essential, but one hell of a good idea.  I pretty much always have mine with me, for my safety as well as the possibility it could help someone else. Beware those dirt roads.  Loose gravel has taken me down more than once.

[chrisx]

I'll be a long way from other people, cars, etc.

great plan.  is one week enough?
Spot?
Then the other people can find you.

[Adam Alphabet]

Only you know the answer... Do you trust yourself to get out of a jam and do the best you can to not get yourself into one in the first place?
I do and have done 99% of my rides and trips solo. I love it.
On tours and trips I carry a SPOT. My family and friends are happier for it.

[offroute]

Hi, Phil,

Some inspiring relies here...

I do almost all my bikepacking solo, and I consider my PLB de regeuer for any remote riding, partnered or not.

Here's a primer on devices:
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/personal-locator-beacons.html


Trips-of-a-lifetime are tough enough to pull off singularly. If I had to partner up for activities always, I would not be able to go on most of them. It took six years to sync up with my wife for the divide. Of course the buddy system makes anything safer, and "dangerous" is a relative term. Ultimately it's a personal decision made by you and your family. Some people simply do not like to be alone; for others, it's bliss. Cheers...