There’s something wildly freeing about hitting the road solo on a motorcycle. Whether you’re a guy or gal, cruising solo isn’t just a way to explore the world—it’s a reset button for the soul. Trust me, I didn’t stumble into motorcycling at 16 like some did. I was a 35-year-old full-time working mom of triplet boys (yes, triplets) when I finally swung a leg over my first cruiser. At that point, I was juggling a chaotic blend of work, night classes, and soccer practice. Riding became my therapy, my timeout, and eventually, my lifestyle.

Now, more than two decades later—after years on both cruisers and ADV bikes—I’m rolling around on a 2021 Can-Am Spyder RT in the hills of Southeast Ohio. The Spyder was my solution to loving twisty roads but not always loving my anxiety on two wheels. Going to three wheels let me fall back in love with the open road, especially for solo trips. So, let’s talk shop: what should you know if you're planning a solo motorcycle trip—whether you’re male, female, young, seasoned, or somewhere in between?

Know Your Ride and Its Quirks

Before you even think about heading off solo, get to know your bike like it's your fourth child. And yes, I know that sounds dramatic, but trust me—knowing the way your machine feels on a good day helps you recognize when something’s off. That squeak? That vibration? That odd shimmy? Those are your bike’s way of saying, “Hey, something’s not right.”

If you're riding something new to you—especially if you've recently transitioned from two to three wheels like I did—take it on some local solo rides before you venture off into the wild unknown. The Can-Am Spyder RT took a bit of adjustment, but now I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Learn its low-speed balance, storage quirks, and how it handles on gravel or wet roads.

Pack Like a Minimalist, But a Practical One

When I first started riding solo, I packed like I was heading to a deserted island. Now? I pack like a seasoned Gen X mom who’s had one too many overstuffed diaper bags in her lifetime. Keep it tight, light, and useful. Solo travel means you are the mechanic, the navigator, the first aid responder, and the travel blogger (even if it’s just on Facebook).

Key essentials:

• Dry bags or waterproof compression sacks (because you will hit rain).

• Motorcycle tool kit with hex keys, tire repair kit, and zip ties.

• Portable air compressor like the Stop & Go Mini-Air Compressor.

• Rechargeable headlamp—because fumbling with a flashlight while wrestling a bungee cord at midnight is not a vibe.

Plan Your Route—But Stay Flexible

There's a sweet spot between planning and overplanning. You want to know where the next gas station and hotel are, but also leave space for spontaneity. One of my favorite solo detours was a completely accidental stop at Shenandoah National Park, and it turned into a perfect afternoon of scenic overlooks and soul-soothing silence.

Apps like Rever or Calimoto are great for finding twisty roads and scenic routes. Just don’t be afraid to reroute if you find a roadside pie stand that calls your name. (And if you’re not stopping for pie at least once a day on a solo ride, are you even doing it right?)

Women-Specific Safety Considerations

Ladies, riding solo is empowering—but let’s also be real about the need to stay safe. I’ve learned a few things over the years that might sound like common sense, but bear repeating:

• Choose your accommodations wisely. I prefer motels where I can park my bike right outside the room.

• Keep a personal safety alarm or pepper spray keychain in an easily accessible pocket—not buried in your saddlebags.

• Dress for comfort and confidence. That means protective gear, yes, but also layers you can remove in a gas station bathroom without turning into a traveling circus act.

One thing I swear by? The Scorpion EXO Women’s Textile Jacket. It’s durable, has great airflow, and doesn’t make me look like I borrowed my husband’s gear.

For the Guys: Ditch the Ego, Keep the Essentials

Fellas, solo motorcycle travel doesn’t mean you have to be the Iron Butt of Appalachia. Stop when you’re tired, hydrate before you're thirsty, and pack gear that makes life easier—not just tougher.

One piece of gear I always recommend (and yes, my husband uses this too): Airhawk seat cushions. Your rear end will thank you by Day 2. Also, toss in a hydration pack like the CamelBak M.U.L.E. so you’re not constantly pulling over to fish out a water bottle.

Stay Present, Stay Connected

One of the reasons I ride is because it forces me to stay present. There’s no multitasking on a bike—no dishes to do, emails to answer, or kids yelling from the back seat. It’s just you, the wind, and whatever song your helmet speakers are pumping into your ears.

But as present as I try to be, I still keep loved ones in the loop. A quick check-in via Life360 or Garmin inReach Mini can give peace of mind to those waiting at home. Solo doesn’t mean disconnected—especially when you’re navigating backwoods with one bar of signal and a herd of cows judging your tire pressure.

Make Space for the Magic Moments

There’s something uniquely magical about traveling solo. You see more. Hear more. Experience more. I’ve had roadside conversations with strangers, spontaneous stops for live music in tiny towns, and quiet mornings sipping gas station coffee under a foggy sky. These moments remind me that riding solo isn’t about escaping life—it’s about experiencing it more fully.

Don’t worry about sticking to a rigid itinerary. Give yourself room to linger at scenic overlooks, detour into state parks, or ride until the sun tells you it’s time to rest.

If you’re looking for recommendations, I’ve loved rolling through Blue Ridge Parkway, Cherohala Skyway, and even a stretch of Ohio’s Triple Nickel (OH-555)—aka Ohio’s version of a roller coaster made of asphalt.

Closing Thoughts From One Rider to Another

Whether you’re just starting your solo riding journey or are a long-time road warrior, there’s always something new to learn, feel, or experience. Riding solo isn’t just about going from point A to point B—it’s about the space between. It’s where your thoughts get quieter, your stress melts, and your soul feels a little more whole.

So, gear up, ride smart, stay aware, and enjoy the open road for all it has to offer. If it helps, picture a Gen X mom with triplets and a caffeine addiction riding her Spyder through the Appalachians grinning under her helmet. You’re not alone—you're part of the most liberating kind of club there is.