Hi Dave,
I've done a lot of solo travel both on bikes and backpacking. Traveling solo on a bike is kind of a Zen experience in your head, but with a few moments of terror and excitement thrown in. (I refer to the actual riding part) Lots of time to let thoughts run wild, relax and take in what your eyes see and dig the magic cadence of the machine beneath you. As a gear head I like to tune into the bike and learn its ways. This will keep you occupied on long stretches. You can talk to your bike (but don't tell anyone if she starts talking back!)

If you enjoy your own company and don't go stir crazy then good chance you'll get along fine. Takes a while to get this down and learn how to enjoy it. But I love solo travel, even though I also go in small group rides quite a bit too. Both have their ups and downs.

I would not follow a strict formula in your travels. Make up your own rules and change them as needed. Do some research, set some goals and GO!

If you hook up some other riders or meet new friends along the way, go with it. If you haven't been, I'd recommend Spain and Andorra for good Spring/Summer exploring, maybe even a week or two in Morocco. Just magic places.

Having a riding partner reduces costs a lot and adds security in places.

Doing shorter duration rides to start is smart, IMO. Helps in figuring out the packing, sorting the bike properly and really think about the whole idea of long range bike travel.

Thanks for your replies guys, i like the idea of hostels hadnt thought about those. I think i will take a long weekend or something sometime soon and head up the west coast of scotland solo to test the water.

I stay in the south of scotland so its not too far, and its a cracking place.

Cheers guys, set my mind at ease now

Dave

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Ive done the europeon trip with a group and hated it ! and there all my good friends but I found it too frustrating..... your either trying to catch up or hanging around waiting for others.

Last year I went solo and loved it... managed to talk to quite a few people and when there was no one around I would just read a book, fill my diary or just sit and watch the world go by.

This year Im having 6 weeks in Europe but attending a couple of rallys, so that way I will see my friends and have my own time and space

Cheers
Geordie

If you are just getting into the long term travel, might I also suggest the DVDs on this sight. Very informative (and inspiring).

Since I have never done solo long term, I cannot comment on it, but I do enjoy some of my short solo trips. I agree that I think the ideal would be primarily solo connecting up with people and friends periodically.