One of the things I love the most about riding is the solitary experience. Riding alone provides space from the mental and emotional distractions that can dim my awareness that I am living a blessed life. On these solitary rides, it’s easy to feel a sense of adventure, especially when traveling in the more sparsely populated areas of Central Pennsylvania. It’s during those rides I am having an adventure.
I’ve always admired the work of writers who share their stories of solitary adventure in the wilderness or at sea. Reading Edward Abbey and Colin Fletcher led me to my own solitary hiking and backpacking adventures. Being dependent on no one but myself fuels a level of excitement and satisfaction but let’s be honest, my solo adventures, on foot, and on the road have taken place in the safe confines of the Eastern United States.
A few days ago I came across a video by a young woman named Noraly who describes herself as a 32-year old, Dutch, solo-female traveler – currently on a mission to travel the world by motorbike!
One particular scene at about 11:40 into the video where she comes upon a torrent of water rushing across the road and plunging off a cliff gave me the chills.
Frightening video. Courageous woman. She must faith — in herself, and in other people in the world. One note — I’m amazed she never swears or curses!
If you fancy yourself an adventure rider, or dream of creating your own adventure, this video is worth watching. Mud, dirt, gravel, rain, heat, cold, dogs, protesters and more await.
She’s riding alone through places like Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan. And generally across the planet. As I watched one of the videos I realized I could never do what she does. I have neither the courage or pluck to venture into the unknown alone.
I’ve enjoyed watching the films with Ewan and Charlie traveling across the globe and I know they faced challenges and hardships. So do the men and women who undertake the guided adventures of myriad ride companies. But being alone. That’s different.
The people who quit their jobs, sell everything and venture out into the world are a different kind of human being. I admire what they do. I could never do what they do. At best I can live vicariously through the stories they share.
Here are a few others you might want to check out if solitary adventure interests you:
Mike Saunders — 69,000 miles on his Honda Ruckus
Stephanie Yue — on the road with her Vespa GTS 250
Lois Pryce — epic solitary rides on her Yamaha XT225 Serow
Part of me would love to see my name on that list. But it’s just not me. My adventures will remain casual, safe, and in my mind.
Be well, be safe, and enjoy the road!
