Touring Solo

Columbus Motorcycle Tours

Touring Solo — Riding Alone Doesn’t Mean Riding Lonely

The majority of our customers book as solo riders. Some don’t have anyone who wants to do the same trip. Some prefer to travel independently. Some just fancy the adventure. Whatever the reason, you’ll fit right in — and you’ll almost certainly leave with friendships that last long after the tour ends.

You Won’t Be the Only One

On most Columbus tours the majority of riders have booked as individuals — people who’ve found us online and decided to give it a go. You won’t walk into a group of established friends who all know each other. Everyone is in the same boat and the group bonds quickly as a result.

Nervous About Meeting New People?

It’s completely normal to feel a bit apprehensive before you arrive. Almost everyone does. Within a day on the road that nervousness disappears — shared roads, shared coffee stops and shared experiences have a way of breaking the ice faster than any other situation.

Your Own Space, Your Own Pace

You’re never obliged to ride in a pack or keep up with anyone. GPX files are loaded into your sat nav so you can ride at whatever pace suits you and meet the group at coffee stops and hotels. The structure is there if you want it — but so is the freedom.

Solo Riders Who’ve Been There

Karl on his BMW M1000XR in the Alps on a Columbus Motorcycle Tour
★★★★★

My Unforgettable Adventure with Columbus

Karl  ·  Alps & Dolomites Grand Tour 2025  ·  Solo Rider

Let me start at the end — my tour with Columbus was, quite frankly, up there with the best holidays I’ve ever had. In fact, it was probably the best. I’ve already signed up for an even longer tour next year.

One last hurdle remained before I booked: I usually ride alone. I’m an introvert and wasn’t sure how I’d fit into a group tour as a solo rider with no friends joining me. I needn’t have worried. I ended up in a small group of four riders plus Paul, and the camaraderie was incredible. I haven’t laughed so much since I was a teenager.

He didn’t plan these tours from Google Maps — he went out there, rode every mile, checked every sight and hotel in person. Every route and stop is hand-tested. That dedication shows on every single day of the tour.

“If you’ve ever dreamed of a motorcycle tour but keep putting it off, take it from me: stop waiting, get a bike, call Paul, and go ride.”

★★★★★

From Scotland, Nervous, Three Tours Later…

Roy  ·  Alps & Dolomites 2024  ·  Spain & Portugal 2025  ·  Norway 2025  ·  Solo Rider

I found Columbus on Facebook and the reviews read very well. Having spoken to Paul by phone the decision was made to give it a go. Riding down from Scotland for my first European tour I must admit I was nervous — but as soon as we met up at the Shuttle it instantly felt right. It was like meeting up with old friends.

The first tour led on to Spain and Portugal in May 2025, then Norway in August — both outstanding and both living up to every expectation. Now back in Scotland with long dark days, waiting with great anticipation for Croatia in June 2026, hopefully meeting up with some old friends and some new ones.

“Paul is a fantastic guide and knows all the best roads — hotels were great and the food was awesome. I’m already looking forward to going again.”

Roy — solo rider and Columbus Motorcycle Tours regular customer

More Solo Riders — In Their Own Words

All reviews verified on Google. First name shown only.

★★★★★

“I had the journey of a lifetime, made extra special by the people. I was a little nervous about meeting new people but those nerves disappeared instantly. An unforgettable experience from start to finish.”

Andy  ·  Route Napoléon 2025

★★★★★

“This was my first tour abroad. Paul has created a fantastic experience on some of the most excellent roads in France. The whole 10 days was perfectly organised — hotels, restaurants and roads were above expectations. Would recommend anyone thinking of going to book with Paul.”

Mark  ·  Route Napoléon 2024

★★★★★

“I’ve done a lot of European touring but never a guided tour. The planned routes and hotels were excellent, our guide Paul was great and encouraged us to go at our own speed — no pressure to keep up or stay with the group. I would recommend to riders of all experience levels.”

Iain  ·  Austrian & Swiss Alps 2023

★★★★★

“An excellent tour, well planned and managed. I would recommend Columbus to anyone looking for a European tour, whether in a group of known riders or as an individual — as I was. The forest ride experiences were fantastic no matter your riding technique.”

Stuart  ·  Black Forest 2024

★★★★★

“I’ve done tours with friends but never with a company and people I don’t know. The trip was fantastic — amazing rides, great hotels, food and company. Paul was very professional and organised but in a relaxed, laid-back way. I will definitely be going away with Columbus again.”

Paul P  ·  Black Forest 2024

★★★★★

“This was my first guided tour. The hotels were better than I expected and the roads were brilliant. Paul was very calm and patient — sorting satnav problems and rerouting when we came across road closures. Brilliant tour with great company. Top man.”

Robert  ·  Route Napoléon 2023

★★★★★

“Thanks very much to Paul for making my first European Alps tour so memorable. Food and accommodation were first class, the daily briefings were informative and useful. Great roads and great company. Can’t wait to book again.”

Philip  ·  Austrian & Swiss Alps 2023

★★★★★

“Absolutely amazing time on the Austria and Swiss Alps tour. I didn’t know any of the other riders before I set off, but we all bonded really well and I made some new friends. I had the time of my life. Cheers again Paul for a brilliant trip.”

Mark  ·  Austrian & Swiss Alps 2023

★★★★★

“Fantastic trip on the Austria and Swiss Alps tour. Paul did a fantastic job of route planning and selecting very nice hotels. Didn’t know any of the others on the tour, but we all got along very well. I went to places I would never have seen on my own.”

Bob  ·  Austrian & Swiss Alps 2023

★★★★★

“A brilliant trip — fantastic roads, great accommodation, out-of-this-world scenery and a great bunch of blokes. Probably just the right mileage too. Highly recommend.”

Jonathan  ·  Norway 2025

★★★★★

“The solo tour Paul put together for me was such an amazing trip I decided to join him on a group tour the following year. He is meticulous in his planning — all the information, maps and routes are clear before you even book. Paul is a lovely guy and a brilliant guide.”

Bob  ·  Bespoke Self-Guided to Black Forest & Vosges 2023

★★★★★

“It all hinges around Paul — he goes to extremes searching for the best motorcycle-friendly hotels. The routes are second to none: sweeping bends, open roads, mountain passes. I’ve now done three tours and cannot recommend Columbus enough.”

Philip  ·  Croatia 2025

★★★★★

Ready to stop putting it off?

Every solo rider on this page was once where you are now — thinking about it. Give Paul a call for a no-pressure conversation about which tour suits you best.