Wanderer or Route Rider ...which type are you?

[the Ferret]

I normally make a couple of trips a year, 2,000 to 2,200 miles on average. Freestyling, with no plan or anything other than a general destination is my favorite. Good luck and keep riding long and hard
-MotoGeezer_

Our friend MotoGeezer has said this on multiple occasions and it always fascinated me. I will wander aimlessly around home although generally not. For instance I know today I will be heading down 222 to 50, out 50 to Hillsboro Ohio, down 247 to the river at Aberdeen then take 52 back home.

I have all the routes planned out for the Men's Fall Trip which will take place this year in eastern Ohio. It takes place in September and I already know what exact roads/routes we will be riding on what days. Hotel rooms will be booked in the next few days.

When I go out of state I go to a specific spot on specific roads, and stay in specific places all planned in advance.

For some reason I just can't imagine saying to my wife, Honey, I'm headed out for a few days. Nowhere in particular, think I will just head northwest and see what I find. More likely for me it would be Honey think I will ride up to South Dakota, I've always wanted to see the Bad Lands. Think I will take 74 over to Indy, then 80 over to 39 north, spend the first night in XXX. (I always have hotel rooms booked in advance). Then on up to XXX .... Be back on the 23rd.

Just wondered how many of you are wanderers, like Geezer, or route riders like yours truly?

[kennyw]

I planned the route for my long trip. Primarily due to the limited range of the CB and the possibility of gas stations not being everywhere. But I have taken trips where I just headed in the general direction exploring backroads on the way in a car that could go 500 miles on a single tank.

[aschem_imp]

Route rider, not very many roads to wander on here in the middle of nowhere...unless you have a ADV bike. If you have one, there are thousands of miles to explore. I relay to my my wife where I'm going as many of the roads here are remote with critters waiting to ambush you (elk, deer, bears, cattle, bison, wolves, cougars, and Bigfoot) In summer many roads are closed due to wildfires so best to check before you head out.

[4 Paws_imp]

Wanderer!
I head out of the driveway on my bike and just go, no real set plan and frequently change directions on a whim, usually ride alone. My general rule is to avoid traffic and towns and the GPS helps me do that. I find lots of "towns" I had no idea existed and some amazing remnants of days gone by.
Wife and I will fly to other states and rent a car with several destinations in mind but no real plans or routes. Just wander and stop for meals or photos as we please. If heading to "big" or premium destinations then lodging pre planned.
My professional life was highly structured so this must be my way of compensating.

[redbirds_imp]

Wanderer most times. When Pamela and I set out on a ride we usually have no destination in mind and if we do it'll be the long way 'round the barn. When I ride to visit family I take the back roads, especially ones I've not taken before. Interstates are avoided like plague even when I'm in the truck.

[jrns_imp]

I'm with 4 Paws- always a wanderer .. love the freedom of leaving my driveway and not knowing where I'm going or how long I will be.

[Rocky_imp]

Route rider on back roads unless I need to get somewhere in a hurry.
I came back to bikes at age 55 when I retired so I'm not in much of a hurry these days
I'm 78 now and in fairness to my family I have always told them where I'm going and with whom, but also many times alone for 2-3 days.
24 years ago we didn't have the cell phone service we have now so when I'm on the road I check in frequently with my children as I'm a widower now.
My wife was not a rider so I rode alone for many years because all of my friends still had their noses to the grindstone. But as the years passed I gained riding companions as they retired.
All that said, I really enjoy riding alone at my own pace and doing what I want.

[LongRanger_imp]

Good topic. I'm a little of both, but when it involves riding with others (especially with women riding their own bikes), I'm definitely a route rider, with accommodations reserved and waiting for all.

[Powerdogg55]

When I'm riding from home it's kinda like "a feather in the breeze". Just checking out what's over the next hill. At rallies it's all preplanned with room reservations made in advance. I'm a wanderer at heart.

[CA200_imp]

We do both, when I ride by myself I will ride around till my butt gets tired or I get low on fuel. When we plan a trip we plan every detail. We planed a trip up north with our new car since last winter. Wanted to see the Apostle
Islands etc.. Drove 8 hr. north (took the long route) only to be turned back by all major roads washed out in flooding.
Mans best laid plans -----