I've crashed a few bikes. They generally come out of it in better shape than me. Luckily I've never had a situation where either of me or the bike couldn't continue to a safe destination, but any area I'd wreck where I'm trashing the derailleur, I fully would expect to have many opportunities to break a bone.

During the last 9 years my wife and I have toured a total of 16-18 months together. The longest tour was 3 months; and we often go for relatively long periods where our conversations are only with each other due to being in non-english speaking areas.

I could not ask for a better touring partner, and I thank her every day!

I don't think I would enjoy solo touring. One of the things I like is sitting around camp at the end of the ride, having a beer and conversation with my friends. When things aren't ideal, misery loves company and if the weather or food or route sucked that day, it helps to share.

Alone! and the more remote, the better!! no cars, no people, no infrastructure!

LOL When I add a new person to my crew, I always tell them "The furthest away you can get from someone on a 40ft sailboat is 40ft so you better learn to get along".

You are a lucky man.

Kelley and I found that we loved touring together. Everyone warned us about spending 24 hours a day with each other in the close confines of a tent, but we must've fought for 30 minutes total during the whole 30 days.

That said, I like touring alone too. I've done a few solo tours and the tension of self-reliance and freedom of self-determination sets a nice balance.

ftw!

Let me know if you're ever short a man

I've never had a touring partner therefore I don't know what it's like.

Does having a partner help while touring?

No, if your desire is to tour alone.
Yes, if you desire is to tour with someone. And with a partner you can split the gear hauling duties if he/she is strong enough, so that "helps." A partner can also chip in financially.

I have toured alone and also did several tours with me ex-GF. As has been mentioned above, both can have their pros and cons.

From this thread, the ultimate pro comments: Seems to be a trend…ride with a member of your preferred romantic attraction.

I have found that on some routes that is pretty easy to manage even when riding alone.

On the Pacific Coast for example it was easy to fall in with an impromptu group of new friends. On the Trans America, we didn't camp with the other cyclists as much, but still did still make good friends with others on the route and did camp with them some of the time. On the ST I met fewer other tourists, but even there did hang out with other cyclists. On routes where I didn't meet many (or any) other cyclists I typically met other folks who were either locals or were car camping.

I don't think I ever did a tour where I didn't meet and hang out with others at least some of the time.

Personally I have found that some time, each doing your own personal activities, can be good for a relationship. My wife of 45 years and I have had joint and individual interests and activities as long as we have been together and find it works well for us. She isn't interested in bike touring and that is fine with me.

Thanks for the reply.

When I was 20 years old, I took my bike to wander through Europe. My father encouraged me to go until my money ran out, and he said he would put me up when I got back. My money lasted three months.

It was very lonely at times, but I didn't regret doing it. I made friends along the way, but I didn't spend more than three days with anyone.

This was about a hundred years ago, mind you.