This is a loaded question. Whether you choose to tour solo, with a couple riding buddies, or a larger group of strangers is personal preference. On a long tour, you may have the opportunity to do all three. I started one tour with a couple good friends. They left after the first week (a planned exit), then I hooked up with another solo rider at a campground for another week (it was nice to share the day... and camping expenses). The rest was alone except for a day or so here and there where I was joined by other riders. I guess what I'm trying to say is that no matter how you choose to do your tour, there's nothing quite like it... it's all good. Have fun on your first tour.