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THE RHYTHM OF THE ROAD<br />
It can sometimes be difficult to understand<br />
how these adventures pan out in reality. You<br />
are after all in a foreign country, very seldom<br />
do you know anyone or have a base to return<br />
to if things go wrong. You are in a sense alone<br />
and homeless and a long way from home.<br />
As a solo rider that can be hugely liberating,<br />
as you have no one to answer to and can do<br />
whatever you want to do; go wherever you<br />
want to go. And you don’t need to trek all the<br />
way to America to experience that sensation.<br />
You could ride up to Scotland, Ireland, Europe,<br />
even the Lake District, to get a small sense of<br />
that. Obviously the further from home you are<br />
the more intense the feeling of independence,<br />
and also at times loneliness.<br />
Doing a trip like this two up is different.<br />
You’re no longer alone and have company<br />
wherever you are. It helps if you’re a couple<br />
or a group of friends that don’t argue and,<br />
even as a group, can still maintain an outward<br />
view of the world. Travelling as two or more<br />
can be insular; you stop interacting with the<br />
environment and people unless necessary.<br />
For me, the beauty of doing this with<br />
someone - rather than solo - is the opportunity<br />
to share the experience. As romantic a notion<br />
as the lone rider can be, places such as Grand<br />
Canyon are much better when shared.<br />
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