haha!
Great responses here. I'm like shadow, all of the time. TW is my time to be stupid. I'm young, without children or a serious girlfriend, so I use TW to escape the modern world and head for wilderness. I have a couple of dual sport friends, but rarely go out with someone else. My introduction to the dual sport world was a solo event and 90 percent of the land surrounding this area, I've discovered by myself. I often run into pairs of riders that nearly always ask, "are you here by yourself" I proudly (and sometimes stupidly) admit, yes.
There is so much talk on this forum and others to always venture out with another. I know there are many here who are solo riders and will continue to be, like myself. Although it is a great experience with another and usually I would prefer to have a friend with, there is a unique thrill being alone in the wilderness that can not be duplicated with a partner. The thought of complete reliance on a machine, being far from the reach of civilization, with minimal food and no easy access to water (only beer) really hones my perspective of life. Much like climbing, the intimacy shared with Earth is magnified when alone. With climbing (free solo) there is no gear, just yourself, your shoes and fingers and the rock. Your every moment dictates whether you'll see the summit or spend the last few moments of life pondering what is next as you free-fall to the surface of Earth.
There are more opportinities to appreciate the surroundings and take them in completely when alone, in the quiet and desolate surroundings. Very meditative, I believe; it is my escape from life. Call it stupid, but I like the danger and the thought that my life is mine to uphold and should I present myself with a situation, it is up to me to bring myself out of it, it a safe and respectable manner - I really can't get enough of it.
Perhaps what I mean from this, is that I am stupid every ride I take alone. I bring minimal tools, snacks, and water and usually plenty of beer. I am always about 5-20 miles outside of cell phone reception (1-3 hours from the city), so communication is not present. I never tell anyone where I will be or when I will return. I find an extreme enjoyment solo riding into the wilderness while being slightly intoxicated on my beer - which could be arguably very stupid. But, I have successfully put over 10,000 miles on TW this way and have enjoyed it every moment. I have a cracked (fixed) engine case, some bent (still factory) levers and handles and a few scares for reminders. I'm never out of control, damaging to myself or the environment, nor do I pass on any disrespect to others while out and about. Actually it's quite the opposite. I find enjoyment talking with random riders that stop and stop myself, for others to check on their well-being.
Anyway, to each his/her own and I find that emergency situations provide thrills to me and the thrills untimately hone my perspective for life and grow my appreciation for the earth we walk everyday.
Wheew! I digress. I can't wait for Spring
-Adam
