Can you relate?

Welcome to the forums, latelate... glad these discussions are of use... I find them great too
Glad you have caught the 'cycing craze' too!
Fabulous
See you around :)

I ride alone all the time. I actually don't know anyone in my area who rides AND who rides at my slow speed. There a lots of clubs in my area, mostly speed racer men. I'm intimidated by them so I avoid them. I've gotten caught in their wild crowd as they whip by me so I purposely don't ride that one street on that one day (Saturdays at 9:00 a.m.).

I have lots of tools on my and a cellphone, my family knows my routes. I live in populated area, but ride in the "rich people" area where there are lots of big homes and wide streets, no traffic, unfortunately I'm never really close to a bus route or a gas station. My family has picked me up a few times. They are fine with this and actually prefer this. I am taking a bike repair class this weekend so that I can deal with tire issues alone.

The point is to ride and enjoy yourself, I suggest knowing the route before leaving and having a cell phone or meeting place.

Wannabe,
similar thing here. BEFORE my guy got a road bike, it was more equitable in the who is ahead department. (Now I forget why I talked him into the road bike. Worst of all his road bike is lighter than mine.) I am competitive and hate to be left behind, but I'm getting used to it.

I ride alone and have had to change WAY too many tires. I am cursed. I have had to be recued by auto once. Used my cell phone for the emergency. I was surprised and annoyed by the people driving and riding past without even asking why I was walking my bike down the highway...

Anyway, I enjoy my solo rides: less pressure, more time to look around.

Enjoy yourself.
skm

I think you could safely say "we have all been there" :o Thought I would share my story in hopes it would help someone...

I am a "newbie"...I mean NEWBIE!!! Only had a roadbike for less than a week...I am an avid mtbiker so 2 wheels and pedals are not a new concept BUT riding on asphalt, with cars, and other cyclist within inches of me is terrifying :eek:
Our (my fiance & me) solution is to meet with a "fast" group that rides along A1A (a beautiful route along the beach somewheres the neighborhood of Palm Beach) it is an up & back route...I will start off with the group and get dropped faster than a hot potato....ride my little tushy off till I get to the Chevron...catch my breath & turn around...ride the rest of my tushy back to the 7-11 ;) With any luck they will have barely caught up or (wishful thinking) not catch up yet :D As I improve I will go farther until someday :rolleyes: I will be Going the Distance!!!!

Good Luck...and RIDE ON!!!!