History
Loners on Wheels Founded in 1969
The world is primarily made up of couples. In restaurants, the tables are set for two, four, six, etc. Hotel and motel rooms, cruises and travel packages are based on double occupancy. All around us there are places the single person either does not fit in or is uncomfortable being a 3rd or 5th wheel. Even more importantly , there are many singles that never get a hug or have someone to go to lunch or a movie with.
Our founder, Edith Lane, was one of those rare individuals endowed with the inner vision to recognize the need for a singles club of people who travel. In 1969 she met with a group of eight other single campers in Death Valley, California. At that time Loners on Wheels was born, and her dream of a truly singles club became a reality. The rule that makes Loners on Wheels unique is that you must be legally single and when attending LoW events, members of the opposite gender, not blood related, must not occupy the same camping unit. This simple but strictly enforced rule is the basic premise of our club.
Since that first small beginning, the club has grown to a membership of 2,200 and has celebrated a 35th anniversary. (35th anniversary video) There are chapters in nearly every state and Ontario providing members a network of single individuals with a common interest in camping and traveling. We have chapter campouts and rallies throughout North America. A monthly newsletter is published showing locations and directions for these events. This newsletter also gives members an opportunity to communicate with one another through the Mail Call section.
In 1995, we began to look for property for our permanent headquarters. Until that time the headquarters had been on wheels–first Edith Lane's rig and then in 1985 when Edith retired, Dick March's bus. Funds for our permanent headquarters were raised by selling life memberships and by individual members loaning the club money for which the club paid interest. It was a good investment for the club and the members!
In 1996, we purchased LoW-HI RV Ranch (Loners on Wheels - Headquarters International RV Ranch) an RV park in Deming, New Mexico. We had eight full hookups when we took possession in April, 1996. We now have expanded to sixty-five hookups and a large storage area. There is a cozy building we call the Bunkhouse where coffee is served around a wood stove on cold mornings. This is also our library, craft, games and TV room. We have a communications building for internet access. We have beautiful, clean shower facilities and laundry room. There are regular activities and trips in which all are invited to participate. You do not have to belong to Loners on Wheels to visit and stay at the park as the RV Park is open to the public.
Photo Gallery