Solo traveler with a great sense of adventure. Who could that be?

Recently I was contacted by a guy from a bike shop in England who wanted to interview me about solo travel. I'm telling you this not because you have to buy a bike from him (but you should!)

And not because I feel a little like a celebrity (but I do!)

I'm mentioning it because Dave asked questions that were fun for me to answer. And the answers summarize why I started this blog in the first place.

Let's call it a refresher course on the reasons for traveling solo.

I asked him about his shop, which has this great address: Unit 3, Canalside, Tattenhall, Chester, Cheshire. (I've been to Chester and I seem to recall it has loads of Tudor homes, am I right, Dave?)

He told me that his staff is full of experienced cyclists and biking enthusiasts, some of whom have won competitions. They are committed to bringing cycling to all walks of life and, in particular, they support and encourage women and youth in cycling.

It sounds like they do good work.

So if you're a solo traveler headed in the vicinity of Chester, consider stopping in and introducing yourself. Tell Dave why you're looking for him. Invite him out for a cuppa at the local tea shop. (Dave are there tea shops anymore or are they all Starbucks now??)

In my mind, this is how solo travel is done.You find a reason, no matter how flimsy, to chat with locals. And Dave now knows you're visiting. Cause I told him so.

I have not met Dave. I have not even spoken with Dave. But I would visit his shop in a heartbeat if I were traveling solo and looking for company for a little while. Me? Well, I'd visit Dave now whether I were traveling alone or with others. We've connected.

Solo travel is all about connections. Adventure. Meeting people in unexpected ways. Doing goofy things. Making strangers become friends for a time.

Dave, let me know if anyone stopped in because I said so.

(Oh, and by the way, Dave did ask anything from me in exchange for blogging about Boldly Go Solo. Not a plug. Not a post like this one from me. Nothing. I just got inspired by our exchange over several days.)

Photo: Ellen Perlman. I was in Hawaii with my friend Lindsay (from England) and after biking down Haleakala, a volcano on Maui, the guide took everyone's photo. I'm the taller one. At least in the photo. Looking at that picture, I can't for the life of me remember what I was standing on or how I was able to balance, but that guide/photographer was stellar at getting families of five all balanced on one bike for a photo.

Comments

[James]

So true: "find a reason, no matter how flimsy, to chat with locals". I'm reminded of my last couple of trips to Kauai. My wife had become enamored of Uncle Mikey's dried pineapple ("no weird stuff added" http://unclemikeys.net/ ) and when we encountered him at the Hanalei shopping center, she reacted as though she'd met a celebrity, which both amused and charmed him. Then we met him behind the juice stand in town, feeling vaguely like criminals, to buy a bulk amount, something we've continued to do since. It was a fun way to be connected to Hanalei life.

[Ellen]

James,

I love it! Next time I'm in Hanalei - which I LOVED the first time - I'm going to look for Uncle Mikey. (Maybe I should taste the pineapple first?!)

[Dave]

Thanks Ellen.
Yes, Chester has some pretty special Tudor architecture, which is probably the reason most people visit.
We have a few Starbucks now, but there's still plenty of quaint tea rooms, if that's what you'd prefer.
And yes, you are all more than welcome to visit and take me out for tea, or if you want to stop by the shop I'll put the kettle on and make it myself :-)

[Ellen]

Dave,

Now there's an offer I won't turn down. The only issue at the moment is how soon I'll make it to Chester. Don't turn the switch on the electric kettle quite yet!
Keep encouraging cycling. It's great for so many reasons.

E