I started riding 3 years ago and did most of my longer rides with my local bike club. I wasn't confident that I could be alone and fix a flat, etc. Most of the riders were faster than I was, and I always felt I needed to pick up the pace. Sometimes that was fine, other times it wasn't.

This past fall (2005) I decided that I really enjoyed doing metric centuries for my twice weekly long rides. Turned out no one else in my club wanted to do that distance with me. They just wanted to do the regular ride of the day. Now, if I don't see them on the route, it's no problem. I always travel on roads where other cyclists are likely to be so that if something does happen, help is close by. I can go at my own pace, stop anywhere I wish, and enjoy the scenery. This has made my cycling experience much richer for me. I still enjoy being with a group on a ride, however at times it's hard to change my modus operandi in those situations.

I think all of us at some point find a way to make cycling enjoyable. I know that it helps for me to have long term goals as there are days when my mind isn't interested in doing anything ("thank you for sharing- we are going out anyway"!). It also helps to have forums like this one as it keeps me engaged in the conversation as well as affords a place for me to meet and ride with other like minded souls.