Why ride with people?

[Cassandra_Cain]

This is really interesting, kind of a sub-thread emerging of riding solo or, not.

I ride solo 99% of the time, in fact this weekend was the first time I've ridden with anybody in about 7 years. I enjoyed it a great deal though as I said before, we were on the same line of thought for the ride.

Riding with others can be, I think, more rewarding but also, infinitely more work. The big issues alway emerge - riding style, pace, speed, etc - which can lead to frustration, anger, etc. Unless you are unusually similar, there is going to be some kind of compromise. It is a compromise that is rather challenging - if my experience (and others I've heard of) with groups is any proof.

When I ride alone, which is most always basically, I feel comfortable doing whatever. Whether an intense straight-up all climbing ride, or an easy spin as this afternoon will be.