Loretta Henderson – Page 5 – Solo Female Cycling Around The World

Costa Rica Travel Tips

Country Name: Costa Rica

Where Do I sleep?

Free camping at local campgrounds cost me between $7 usd and $10 usd. I also camped in the national parks in the north for free.

What Does It Cost?

Shockingly pricey if you have just come from the cheaper surrounding countries. Groceries will cost between $10-$20 daily.

Tips To Keep It Cheap, Safe, Fun

Tip 1:

Avoid cities where free camping is not possible! I cycled and pushed my bike around Liberia though a national park on a trail for 2 days, after a river crossing, I emerged back on the main Pan-Americana highway heading towards Nicaragua.

Tip 2:

Warm Showers, the hospitality network is becoming more available. There are hosts in Tamarinda and some of the larger communities.

Tip 3:

Eat ice cream cones, it is cheap ($1 USD) filling and oh so much fun.

Nicaragua Travel Tips

Country Name: Nicaragua

Cost of Bicycle Touring: $10 a day if you mainly camp

Where Do I sleep?

Free camping on beaches, rain forests and in farmers’ fields. Other options include; $5-$20 dorm beds and hotels

Tips To Keep It Cheap, Safe, Fun:

Tip 1
The country is largely fenced, there are fence openings the locals use. I was told by locals they use the fences to contain cattle and are not at all concerned with the western view of trespassing, therefore I sometimes I moved/opened the string of barbed wire and camped on the other side.

Tip 2
Drink local water. In many restaurants the locals are drinking filtered water. I asked for “local” or “aqua normal” and filled up my water bottles for free.

Vida Juliet Vivie

“We have come a long way to help the growth of female cycling in my country, Ghana. The purpose of celebrating of the anniversary of my bicycle tour of Ghana in 1990 is to prove evidence that female riding bicycles will not be harmful. Parents in Ghana never allowed their female child to ride a bicycle. There is a saying if you want to have a baby don’t ride a bicycle. There are a lot of discouraging messages. Female cycling is not recognized. I believe our yearly celebration will break that gap. Each year we celebrate by teaching girls riding skills, repair, maintenance and safety” Juliet Vida Julie

Special note: Please get in touch if you happen to be touring in Ghana and would like to participate in the yearly celebration that happens in April. Juliet mentioned to me that they love it when bicycle tourist stop by to speak to the community about their bicycle travels.

Fien Hiel

I just wanted to express my admiration for your website. I am a 25 year old Belgian girl and cycled from Miami to Vancouver, solo, this summer. It was an amazing experience and I hope to venture into more similar trips in the future. Women can travel by themselves just fine. We need to spread the word and have information and inspiration available for those who want to but think it’s not possible. I’d like to ad my blog to the already incredible collection of strong women you have on the community website.

Frances Friesen

My name is Fran, I’m 69 years old and did my first solo tour last year! I’ve done several tours from as short as 4 days too the longest one of 72 days across Canada. I’m planning another solo tour for the summer of 2015 – ACA Washington Parks routes. I’m always surprised at how few solo women I meet while on a bike trip and it’s always so much fun when I do. What I really want to do in the next few years after I retire for good is to get on my bike and ride south, from my home in Surrey BC Canada to as far as I can go.

HAVE YOU READ THE BIG WOW BOOK?

Karen Jackson

I’m so so glad I grabbed that opportunity and took the plunge to ride solo in a different country. The following weekend I did it again while the offer was still on. I didn’t ride so far,didn’t get lost so much,and I beat my time on a few Strava segments,even Cap Blanc Nez! I’m now planning touring south east Asia when the kids have grown up. I really can’t wait. Before then I will be making lots more weekend/week trips with the touring gear. I now have a new cx bike,and hopefully that will see me through different terrains. I’m glad I went on my own,I just need to build my confidence.

Jan Eadie

Hi there,
I have cycled in Cuba by myself 4 times and had only good times. However, I am looking for someone to tavel with me there. I need to learn more Spanish so as not to feel so lonely. I go for one or two weeks at a time so far and I am a fit woman of 71 who commutes by bike in Toronto year round. I have also been around the Great Lakes, the Gaspe and the Cabot Trail with buddies.

Side Note: When I mentioned to Jan that she looked great, she replied ” I am only trying to keep up with my mom who just turned 100″

Kateri Monsalves

I discovered that I am capable, and strong, and brave… and that spandex is not required, that despite some of the expert opinions floating around on forums…bike touring really is for everyone, not just a certain age or size or race or social status. Basically in summary I discovered that I am awesome, and no one can take this away from me.-Kateri Monslaves

Tatiana Querote

Hi my name is Tatiana and I am traveling with my dog Rodrigez. We are now in Corsica. I love it here , it’s so beautiful and I feel safe wild camping and cycling around. Before Corsica, I cycled Italy which didn’t feel as safe as Corsica. After Corsica, I will probably go to Sardegna and then who knows. My dog motivates me when I am tired and when I think I have no energy Rodrigez is always ready to go. I am happy I have him with me because he has made me laugh so many times. On this trip, I discovered new parts of my character. I feel I’ve gotten stronger and I’ve improved my knowledge of Italian and French.This is a special experience that makes my independence grow. I highly recommend solo bicycle touring.

HAVE YOU READ THE BIG WOW BOOK?

Harriet Ballantyne

My name is Harriet and I thought I’d get in touch about my cycle touring. I finished university in 2013 and didn’t fancy getting a ‘proper’ job so I decided to try some cycle touring. I have since done two short tours in Italy and SE Asia, and am currently cycling across Canada as my first longer trip, a trip that I’m blogging about for the first time. I love hearing all about the other women cycling around the world, it gives me confidence knowing there’s more of us out there! Particularly when most non-tourers simply comment that I’m crazy when I tell them what I’m up to!

HAVE YOU READ THE BIG WOW BOOK?