Touring - females on tour

Our friend bill's request of a female companion for a tour of Australia got me to thinking. Rather than hijack bill's thread and risk depriving him of finding his female co-tourist, I decided to ask my question under a new thread.

2009 marks the 30th anniversary of when I purchased my first real bike and began bike touring. Over that thirty year span, I have logged thousands of miles on my tours. I have come across precisely ONE solo female bicycle tourist, and that was over 20 years ago. About 25 years ago I met a pair of females on tour. Aside from these two instances, every bike tourist I've met on the road has been male solo, male pairs, male groups, couples or mixed groups. Some of my favorite and most compatible day riding partners have been females so it's a little disappointing that more don't tour.

I was wondering what experiences others have had with encountering female tourists. I'm under the impression there are very few willing to go solo or only with a female partner. However all my tours have been on self-determined routes and avoided established routes like the TransAm. It's very possible I haven't been riding in the right places to encounter them.

I'm asking this question simply out of idle curiosity. Just to be clear, I don't need lectures about why women won't travel alone. There are lots of good, valid reasons for that. I'm just curious about your experiences and if they differ from mine. Did those of you that have ridden the TransAm encounter female tourists on a routine basis? Do you live in an area that is frequented by numbers of bicycle tourists, including females?

I encounter at least one female cycletourist every time I go on a tour. :)

I encounter at least one female cycletourist every time I go on a tour. :)

Me too. :) And sometimes I tour with my teenage daughter.

Judy

I'm pushing 100,000 miles.
I've run into many women.

On my first cross-country trip, I ran into a solo woman finishing her cross-country trip on my first day out. She gave me advice about putting a wet sock around my water bottle - advice I still use today. Later, I met a Japanese woman heading westbound at the former Cincinnati hostel. We went out clubbing and traded notes on the route ahead.

I met a group of women touring in eastern North Carolina. Their group leader went to get some munchies and they snuck out the cigarettes. I met a woman touring up the Alaska Highway and we rode together for a while. I met a woman at Mercey Hot Springs and we rode across the Central Valley before heading our separate ways.

On my first full day of my 2005 tour, I rode with a woman who was riding the Pacific Coast. We met at the Pigeon Point hostel. I couldn't have asked for a better touring companion for that first day.
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=3Tzut&page_id=26285&v=RZ

I'm not sure why you don't encounter solo women - since they are clearly out there. Granted that there are not as many - and granted that women face greater risks in a society that is anything but equal in terms of personal safety.

Then again, (if you are a guy - I am not sure)
I suspect that I go to a different church than you do -
and that may have a bit to do with approachability.

Contemporary women tend to not let sexist conventions dictate their behavior. They might ask why shouldn't they also enjoy solo touring if that's what they want to do. The danger perceived is not of their doing and the law and modern social mores are on their side. They won't let the dangers, alleged or real, prevent them from doing what they want to do. And that is good.

I've run into women riding solo or in pairs on the Trans-Canadian Hwy, the Lewis & Clark, and on the Pacific Coast. The sense I've had is that they welcome companionship that revolves around making their venture successful, such as sharing route information, memorable cafes, and nice campgrounds. In fact, conversations not much different than when running into men.

However, I will treat women differently. I will let them be the ones to initiate a conversation. I'll wave, but keep on peddling unless they actually stop to talk. I won't go to their campsite - ever - and make sure that I take a circuitous route to the bathroom to avoid running into them in the dark. At a cafe I won't sit with them unless explicitly invited to do so. In other words, on tour I give them as broad a berth as I can until they convince me that my presence is welcome. Even then, I periodically double check on whether my presence is still wanted.

Of course all of this *****footing around is a PITA, so frankly I avoid contact with women tourists and hope they avoid me too.

I saw a few groups of women riding the GAP and C & O last summer. Including these nice folks in Cumberland.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3144/2804554943_dff40919cb_b.jpg

I don't understand the OP's point.

Me three ;D

I've encountered only 3 other solo women on tours, couldn't begin to guess how many solo guys - dozens? It's not as common as solo men. And also not as common as women traveling with men.

It's also not as common on supported tours (yes, sorry, I do supported tours too). Most women on supported tours go with a friend or partner/husband. Guys have acted surprised and told me I'm brave for doing a supported trip solo. :wtf: I guess it's just American society as a whole - people don't expect women to do stuff without a man around.

In my other sport, rock climbing, it's similar. There are tons of guys out on long-term climbing road trips (dirt bagging, living in their truck, climbing bums) and very few women. You do meet a few, and they are usually really strong and often also really damaged as people, but the ratio is probably 1:20 gals to guys.

Cyclesafe, your comments are interesting. It's commendable that you are sensitive to not being intrusive, but sad that you find it a burden. Why not just treat them the same way you treat guys? That would probably be more normal for everyone concerned. My $0.02, FWIW, YMMV, etc. etc.

I tour solo, but I've never met another female on the trail touring solo.

Last summer I passed a lady from England near the Montana boarder. Also ran into 4 young ladies heading down along the Mississippi river toward New Orleans. Another solo Lady touring in Montana. All coming East while I was heading West last summer on the Northern Tier. I was pretty surprised at how many I did see.

I bet I only saw 15 guys. So maybe 3 to 1? Pretty high number I thought.

I guess it's just American society as a whole - people don't expect women to do stuff without a man around.


I must be the exception then. I expect women to do things on their own. Including tour.

Me too. :) And sometimes I tour with my teenage daughter.

Judy

Question: she turns 18 and says she wants to do a solo cross country tour. Do you try to talk her out of it or otherwise urge her to change her touring plans?

Last summer I passed a lady from England near the Montana boarder. Also ran into 4 young ladies heading down along the Mississippi river toward New Orleans. Another solo Lady touring in Montana. All coming East while I was heading West last summer on the Northern Tier. I was pretty surprised at how many I did see.

I bet I only saw 15 guys. So maybe 3 to 1? Pretty high number I thought.

Was the lady in Montana wearing a bright pink jersey and riding a custom-painted purple rivendell with black ortliebs?

BTW, that's what, 4 of us on this board so far?

Was the lady in Montana wearing a bright pink jersey and riding a custom-painted purple rivendell with black ortliebs?


Valygrl,

I can't remember really well. I would say she was in her late 40's? or so. I hate guessing age. Kinda heavy set. Sorry about the lack of good memory on my part.

This year when I tour I'm going to take pictures of those riders I come across. I wish I'd done it last summer.

If it helps any... it was around Aug 15-20 along the idaho/montana state line.

Valygrl,

I can't remember really well. I would say she was in her late 40's? or so. I hate guessing age. Kinda heavy set. Sorry about the lack of good memory on my part.

This year when I tour I'm going to take pictures of those riders I come across. I wish I'd done it last summer.

If it helps any... it was around Aug 15-20 along the idaho/montana state line.

I was just asking b/c I rode with the woman I was mentioning last year for a couple of weeks - but not the same person, based on date/location you mentioned. Thanks.

I tend to favour remote tours (I love the north!) but I've only ever met a handful of women cyclotourists on the road, over 30+ years. I remember meeting up with a Irish tourer (male) on a trip through the Yukon and the first thing he exclaimed was: "Did you see the girls heading north?" They were the first he'd seen in 10,000 km. I missed them. We travelled together for 3 days. I turned south for another 1,000 km, without a single meeting with a female cyclist.

The same can be said generally. Women are in the minority in our 250 member club and the group rides I join are about 90/10 ratio.

Sad, really. Why shouldn't women experience the same freedom of the road? In my opinion, that can only be attained in its pure form by setting out alone.

Annie Londonderry and Dervla Murphy prove it's possible and I made sure to include their stories on my main Touring page. (http://www.veloweb.ca/biketour.html)

Hi,

I guess it's 1-5% of solo female or only females tourers that I met on my trips. Quite often I don't meet any other cyclists in 3 weeks.

Thomas

However, I will treat women differently. I will let them be the ones to initiate a conversation. I'll wave, but keep on peddling unless they actually stop to talk. I won't go to their campsite - ever - and make sure that I take a circuitous route to the bathroom to avoid running into them in the dark. At a cafe I won't sit with them unless explicitly invited to do so. In other words, on tour I give them as broad a berth as I can until they convince me that my presence is welcome. Even then, I periodically double check on whether my presence is still wanted.

Of course all of this *****footing around is a PITA, so frankly I avoid contact with women tourists and hope they avoid me too.


What the he11 ?!?!

What the he11 ?!?!

+1
I was going to ask about that comment but decided I didn't want to know. It kind of weirded me out.

Cyclesafe, your comments are interesting. It's commendable that you are sensitive to not being intrusive, but sad that you find it a burden. Why not just treat them the same way you treat guys? That would probably be more normal for everyone concerned. My $0.02, FWIW, YMMV, etc. etc.

Because a guy isn't thinking that there could be an ulterior motive. And I don't have to continually analyze and perhaps filter my speech / behavior to allay suspicion. A misinterpretation of a situation such as bumping into the woman in the dark going to and fro the toilet could result in an accusation of peeping or stalking, arrest by the ranger or county mountie, and ultimately jail, trial, and incarceration. And then you're on some sexual predator list for life. Wife divorces you, house gets sold, she gets all your money. Etc. etc.

Or if that is too extreme for you, at a minimum there would be deep heartfelt life-lasting nightmare- inducing humiliation. I mean, really, how would you be able to talk you way out of that one? All for what? A conversation? Just not worth it. Admittedly, the probability is low, but the consequences of a false accusation would be life-changing.

Sure, women want to be treated "just like one of the guys" and it would be "normal" for them. But if the guy says or does something stupid with intent as innocent as the driven snow or is simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, and a woman choses to misinterpret it, the full force of law is on his head. A guy making such an accusation would be laughed at - a woman (rightly so) is taken seriously.

Yes, its sad. But I'm afraid that this double standard will be with us for my lifetime at least. YMMV etc.

+1
I was going to ask about that comment but decided I didn't want to know. It kind of weirded me out.

It reads as if he's had one encounter with political correctness too many.

+1
I was going to ask about that comment but decided I didn't want to know. It kind of weirded me out.

You calling me a perv?

You calling me a perv?

No. I just found your comment rather strange and didn't really know what to make of it.

Question: she turns 18 and says she wants to do a solo cross country tour. Do you try to talk her out of it or otherwise urge her to change her touring plans?

I would hope that she'd ask me along... But if she didn't, I don't think I'd urge her to change her plans. She's growing up to be a very determined (willful) young woman. Hopefully we've given her the tools she needs to succeed -- that's been our job for the last 15 years. We'll have to see how she makes life's decisions over the next three, won't we?

Judy

No. I just found your comment rather strange and didn't really know what to make of it.

OK, no harm done. Have enjoyed reading your past postings:thumb:

OK, no harm done. Have enjoyed reading your past postings:thumb:
Yeah, glad you feel that way. I didn't mean to imply anything other than that maybe I thought your caution was a bit over the top. The risks you mention wouldn't have even occurred to me at least in that context, but maybe I am naive of what the risk is.

When it comes to false accusations, they could be made no matter what you did or didn't do. Still I don't see it as something to worry about, I just don't see it as likely someone would accuse me of something because we crossed paths on the way to or from the restroom.

I treat meetings with fellow tourists of either gender about the same. I try to be open and friendly, but not impose either.

I've encountered several solo female cyclists while touring, and have biked with a few I met on the road. That happened last year in Thailand. I can recall encountering solo women while I toured in NZ, Australia, and the US.

Because a guy isn't thinking that there could be an ulterior motive. And I don't have to continually analyze and perhaps filter my speech / behavior to allay suspicion. A misinterpretation of a situation such as bumping into the woman in the dark going to and fro the toilet could result in an accusation of peeping or stalking, arrest by the ranger or county mountie, and ultimately jail, trial, and incarceration. And then you're on some sexual predator list for life. Wife divorces you, house gets sold, she gets all your money. Etc. etc.

Or if that is too extreme for you, at a minimum there would be deep heartfelt life-lasting nightmare- inducing humiliation. I mean, really, how would you be able to talk you way out of that one? All for what? A conversation? Just not worth it. Admittedly, the probability is low, but the consequences of a false accusation would be life-changing.

Sure, women want to be treated "just like one of the guys" and it would be "normal" for them. But if the guy says or does something stupid with intent as innocent as the driven snow or is simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, and a woman choses to misinterpret it, the full force of law is on his head. A guy making such an accusation would be laughed at - a woman (rightly so) is taken seriously.

Yes, its sad. But I'm afraid that this double standard will be with us for my lifetime at least. YMMV etc.

Whew. Methinks there's a few bad experiences behind all that......

Because a guy isn't thinking that there could be an ulterior motive. And I don't have to continually analyze and perhaps filter my speech / behavior to allay suspicion. A misinterpretation of a situation such as bumping into the woman in the dark going to and fro the toilet could result in an accusation of peeping or stalking, arrest by the ranger or county mountie, and ultimately jail, trial, and incarceration. And then you're on some sexual predator list for life. Wife divorces you, house gets sold, she gets all your money. Etc. etc.

Or if that is too extreme for you, at a minimum there would be deep heartfelt life-lasting nightmare- inducing humiliation. I mean, really, how would you be able to talk you way out of that one? All for what? A conversation? Just not worth it. Admittedly, the probability is low, but the consequences of a false accusation would be life-changing.

Sure, women want to be treated "just like one of the guys" and it would be "normal" for them. But if the guy says or does something stupid with intent as innocent as the driven snow or is simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, and a woman choses to misinterpret it, the full force of law is on his head. A guy making such an accusation would be laughed at - a woman (rightly so) is taken seriously.

Yes, its sad. But I'm afraid that this double standard will be with us for my lifetime at least. YMMV etc.

Understood. At my company a few years ago, a guy accidentally bumped into a woman in a narrow hallway. She filed a complaint with HR about the incident - "harassment". Justice prevailed in that case - he was cleared, and she was eventually fired on other grounds.

Whew. Methinks there's a few bad experiences behind all that......

No, just logic. At equivalent odds of occurance, it's just as foolish (same absolute expected value) to wager a dollar (small value) in the expectation of winning a lottery (big gain) as it is to wager your life (high value) for some casual platonic, but unsupervised, companionship (small gain).

Now please don't get me wrong, this risk can be ameliorated by the observation of witnesses who can cast doubt on a false accusation. So I don't have an issue when there are other people around.

Short of concealing / withholding potentially exonerating evidence, prosecutors have a duty to do whatever is necessary (within additional ethical bounds) to obtain a conviction. And innocent people are convicted by juries every day. And with the "if there's smoke, there's fire" mindset, the accused is screwed even if he's not prosecuted for lack of more-likely-than-not evidence or found not guilty because the jury finds reasonable doubt.

Finally, imagine a world where all men (touring or not) thought the same way I do. Women would be able to solo tour with no fear of sexual assault - just like men do. Isn't that a good thing?

No, just logic. At equivalent odds of occurance, it's just as foolish (same absolute expected value) to wager a dollar (small value) in the expectation of winning a lottery (big gain) as it is to wager your life (high value) for some casual platonic, but unsupervised, companionship (small gain).

Now please don't get me wrong, this risk can be ameliorated by the observation of witnesses who can cast doubt on a false accusation. So I don't have an issue when there are other people around.

Short of concealing / withholding potentially exonerating evidence, prosecutors have a duty to do whatever is necessary (within ethical bounds) to obtain a conviction. And innocent people are convicted by juries every day. And with the "if there's smoke, there's fire" mindset, the accused is screwed even if he's not prosecuted for lack of more-likely-than-not evidence or found not guilty because the jury finds reasonable doubt.

Finally, imagine a world where all men (touring or not) thought the same way I do. Women would be able to solo tour with no fear of sexual assault - just like men do. Isn't that a good thing?

This is a sad world view. I hope I never live in such fear of things. This can happen every single day if I'm touring or not.

Finally, imagine a world where all men (touring or not) thought the same way I do. Women would be able to solo tour with no fear of sexual assault - just like men do. Isn't that a good thing?

That's a false claim. Women tour now without fear of sexual assault. Women and men who live life in fear won't change because others' behaviors and habits change; they only find new ways to be fearful.

I saw a few groups of women riding the GAP and C & O last summer. Including these nice folks in Cumberland.



I don't understand the OP's point.

My point is simply what I stated, that I have very rarely encountered female solo or paired bike tourists. Most seem to ride with groups or males. I was wondering if others have different experiences. What's so hard to understand about that?

Understood. At my company a few years ago, a guy accidentally bumped into a woman in a narrow hallway. She filed a complaint with HR about the incident - "harassment". Justice prevailed in that case - he was cleared, and she was eventually fired on other grounds.

Same thing happened at my work a few years ago. well all but the fact that the girl got several people fired and she eventually quit and sued the company for something.

My point is simply what I stated, that I have very rarely encountered female solo or paired bike tourists. Most seem to ride with groups or males. I was wondering if others have different experiences. What's so hard to understand about that?

It struck me as about as discussion worthy as "Dog Bites Man."

That's a false claim. Women tour now without fear of sexual assault. Women and men who live life in fear won't change because others' behaviors and habits change; they only find new ways to be fearful.

Dear Mr. Historian,

It is "Mister" isn't it? How can you be so certain that women tour without fear? Since when did you obtain an inner link to womanhood? Have you considered the possibility that many woman tour - DESPITE their fear? Which is a far greater act of courage than some pop-psych theory that fear is all imaginary. I have counseled prudence in many threads. Some have accused me of being a downer, but prudence is a quality that is mocked in modern American society. In terms of the current thread, I suspect that women who do tour solo are well aware of the significant threats to a women alone in an unfamiliar place. Most respond by making choices that enhance their safety and reduce risks. I suspect that one such choice might be to avoid men who discount the risks they encounter.

No, just logic. At equivalent odds of occurance, it's just as foolish (same absolute expected value) to wager a dollar (small value) in the expectation of winning a lottery (big gain) as it is to wager your life (high value) for some casual platonic, but unsupervised, companionship (small gain).

Now please don't get me wrong, this risk can be ameliorated by the observation of witnesses who can cast doubt on a false accusation. So I don't have an issue when there are other people around.

Short of concealing / withholding potentially exonerating evidence, prosecutors have a duty to do whatever is necessary (within additional ethical bounds) to obtain a conviction. And innocent people are convicted by juries every day. And with the "if there's smoke, there's fire" mindset, the accused is screwed even if he's not prosecuted for lack of more-likely-than-not evidence or found not guilty because the jury finds reasonable doubt.

Finally, imagine a world where all men (touring or not) thought the same way I do. Women would be able to solo tour with no fear of sexual assault - just like men do. Isn't that a good thing?
It seems like you are looking for something to worry about. I just don't see passing someone of the opposite sex on the path on the way to the bathroom or speaking to them as any kind of risk worth giving the slightest thought. It would seem the risk would be minuscule and they could accuse you even if you avoided them. Heck, your avoidance might even make you look more suspicious. I'll be open and friendly with everyone I meet and hope for the best. I think the odds are good that will lead to a happier more worry free life.

Dear Mr. Historian,

It is "Mister" isn't it? How can you be so certain that women tour without fear? Since when did you obtain an inner link to womanhood? Have you considered the possibility that many woman tour - DESPITE their fear? Which is a far greater act of courage than some pop-psych theory that fear is all imaginary. I have counseled prudence in many threads. Some have accused me of being a downer, but prudence is a quality that is mocked in modern American society. In terms of the current thread, I suspect that women who do tour solo are well aware of the significant threats to a women alone in an unfamiliar place. Most respond by making choices that enhance their safety and reduce risks. I suspect that one such choice might be to avoid men who discount the risks they encounter.
FWIW: The women tourists I met tended to have some level of fear due to their gender being more likely to be victimized. They managed that by using a bit of extra caution. The ones that were alone generally were fairly cautious and usually had a story about a situation where things didn't feel right where they needed to extract themselves in some way. The ones traveling in pairs less so and the ones in groups even less so.

Dear Mr. Historian,

It is "Mister" isn't it? How can you be so certain that women tour without fear? Since when did you obtain an inner link to womanhood? Have you considered the possibility that many woman tour - DESPITE their fear? Which is a far greater act of courage than some pop-psych theory that fear is all imaginary. I have counseled prudence in many threads. Some have accused me of being a downer, but prudence is a quality that is mocked in modern American society. In terms of the current thread, I suspect that women who do tour solo are well aware of the significant threats to a women alone in an unfamiliar place. Most respond by making choices that enhance their safety and reduce risks. I suspect that one such choice might be to avoid men who discount the risks they encounter.

Sigh. Only in the Touring Forum can the most innocent statements start a fire.

Prudence is a useful practice for men and women alike. But just because I practice it doesn't mean I'm in "fear" of being assaulted, robbed, stalked on Bike Forums, whatever. I ride on streets and practice vehicular cycling, but that's because vehicular cycling is how I should ride in traffic. I don't practice it because I'm afraid of being hit by a car.

It struck me as about as discussion worthy as "Dog Bites Man."
I disagree. I think it was a perfectly reasonable question on the part of the OP whether other touring cyclists have encountered as few solo female touring cyclists as he has. As my prior post indicates, I've encountered quite a few solo women. I've also encountered several pairs of women touring together.

If a woman had asked the same question, do you think you'd have the same reaction?


Finally, imagine a world where all men (touring or not) thought the same way I do. Women would be able to solo tour with no fear of sexual assault - just like men do. Isn't that a good thing?
I personally know one man who was sexually assaulted by a man while solo touring. Although I would certainly acknowledge that the likelihood is far greater for a woman than a man, it does happen.

Some have accused me of being a downer, but prudence is a quality that is mocked in modern American society.

That's not a very prudent statement...

Short of concealing / withholding potentially exonerating evidence, prosecutors have a duty to do whatever is necessary (within additional ethical bounds) to obtain a conviction.

An ethical lawyer? Where?

"but prudence is a quality that is mocked in modern American society."

That's not a very prudent statement...

I guess you missed the mortgage meltdown.
Or the toxic asset stuff with the banks.

Because a guy isn't thinking that there could be an ulterior motive. And I don't have to continually analyze and perhaps filter my speech / behavior to allay suspicion. A misinterpretation of a situation such as bumping into the woman in the dark going to and fro the toilet could result in an accusation of peeping or stalking, arrest by the ranger or county mountie, and ultimately jail, trial, and incarceration. And then you're on some sexual predator list for life. Wife divorces you, house gets sold, she gets all your money. Etc. etc.

Or if that is too extreme for you, at a minimum there would be deep heartfelt life-lasting nightmare- inducing humiliation. I mean, really, how would you be able to talk you way out of that one? All for what? A conversation? Just not worth it. Admittedly, the probability is low, but the consequences of a false accusation would be life-changing.

Sure, women want to be treated "just like one of the guys" and it would be "normal" for them. But if the guy says or does something stupid with intent as innocent as the driven snow or is simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, and a woman choses to misinterpret it, the full force of law is on his head. A guy making such an accusation would be laughed at - a woman (rightly so) is taken seriously.

Yes, its sad. But I'm afraid that this double standard will be with us for my lifetime at least. YMMV etc.

No offense intended, but you're a bit paranoid and sexist my friend. Many modern women have really moved past such assumed inequalities. My GF tours solo, and she would mace you and cut your balls off if she felt threatened, but has no problem being in the presence of a male without her chaperone.... She is cautious and aware, but friendly and approachable by anyone regardless of their gender. She has also travelled solo quite a bit through decidedly macho cultures. It can be done. Women bike touring alone probably fall under the tougher category anyway, and can likely dispense with an annoying male quite readily.

really, no offense intended, I just wish to point out that your paranoia is probably overkill. Your abundance of caution serves to sustain the idea that women are these delicate creatures who need protecting... that said, I can tell you mean well.

I think the rarity of solo female tourers is a holdover from out societal tradition of telling girls that they are weak and need help in what they do. Thankfully that is changing as the old guard steps down...

Lets get back on topic? Like I said in an earlier post..... I was surprised at how many women I passed while touring cross country. More than I see on my normal rides here at home. It was refreshing to see. I thought it was very cool indeed.

Life is a risk. Use common sense and live it or hide and don't. I admire those that don't.

Yes, I had one crash at my house for a couple days on the east coast after she did the trans am solo. she was from the UK and averaged 100+ miles a day... I was impressed.

I met a solo female tourist on my first tour of the California coast. In Italy I met a solo female who was touring from Germany to Turkey. On last year's tour of the Trent-Severn Waterway I met a pair of female tourist at one campground, and a solo female at another. I've spotted others going around Lake Ontario and up the California coast.

It struck me as about as discussion worthy as "Dog Bites Man."

I can appreciate that. I often see posts that give me the same feeling. I suppose the difference is that I don't discuss those topics I consider unworthy of discussion. That's what makes them unworthy.

Based on the interesting commentary I've seen so far, including yours, I'd say at least some of us thought the topic was discussion worthy. Some of the responses are encouraging as they seem to contradict how I perceived things. At least for me, that made this thread discussion worthy.

But, alas, we're deviating away from the original point of discussion, however unworthy of discussion that may be.

I tend to favour remote tours (I love the north!) but I've only ever met a handful of women cyclotourists on the road, over 30+ years. I remember meeting up with a Irish tourer (male) on a trip through the Yukon and the first thing he exclaimed was: "Did you see the girls heading north?" They were the first he'd seen in 10,000 km. I missed them. We travelled together for 3 days. I turned south for another 1,000 km, without a single meeting with a female cyclist.

The same can be said generally. Women are in the minority in our 250 member club and the group rides I join are about 90/10 ratio.

Sad, really. Why shouldn't women experience the same freedom of the road? In my opinion, that can only be attained in its pure form by setting out alone.

Annie Londonderry and Dervla Murphy prove it's possible and I made sure to include their stories on my main Touring page. (http://www.veloweb.ca/biketour.html)

The cycletouring clubs I've ridden with in Alberta and Manitoba actually seem to be about a 50/50 male/female split. In fact, on occasion, there have been more females out on rides than males. Those cycletouring clubs seem to appeal to the female cyclists. The male cyclists have a whole list of racing clubs to join where they can ooze testosterone all over the place, but there really aren't any female clubs ... so the females seem to gravitate more to the cycletouring clubs which ride at a more relaxed, less competetive pace.

How can you be so certain that women tour without fear? Since when did you obtain an inner link to womanhood? Have you considered the possibility that many woman tour - DESPITE their fear? Which is a far greater act of courage than some pop-psych theory that fear is all imaginary. I have counseled prudence in many threads. Some have accused me of being a downer, but prudence is a quality that is mocked in modern American society. In terms of the current thread, I suspect that women who do tour solo are well aware of the significant threats to a women alone in an unfamiliar place. Most respond by making choices that enhance their safety and reduce risks. I suspect that one such choice might be to avoid men who discount the risks they encounter.


FWIW: The women tourists I met tended to have some level of fear due to their gender being more likely to be victimized. They managed that by using a bit of extra caution. The ones that were alone generally were fairly cautious and usually had a story about a situation where things didn't feel right where they needed to extract themselves in some way. The ones traveling in pairs less so and the ones in groups even less so.

+1

And speaking as a woman ... I like Cyclesafe's approach!