Why ride with people?

[snowtulip]

I usually ride alone. It's easier because of my work/school schedule and my varying levels of fitness throughout the year make it easier for me not to worry about keeping up.

The only time I start to creep out about riding alone is when the occasional mountain lion stories start up. But I do enjoy being on the mountain alone.

[bluerider]

When I first started a year ago, I rode alone because I knew no other female riders (or male ones for that matter). I felt I would've been too new, slow, etc. After riding alone for a year, I still love to do some of my rides solo. The ability to know that I don't have to wait on others' schedules, excuses, fitness level, etc, gave me a lot of flexibility on where and when to ride. I improved a lot on my own as well, gaining confidence on my bike, on the road to handle idiots, cars, dogs, etc. Without those solo rides, I don't think I would've been as confident about riding today as I am.

I then showed up at a predominantly guys' ride this early spring and challenged myself to hold on, with the hope of meeting other like-minded riders. So after riding with them for a great season, I've improved so much and have fallen even more in love with the sport. Drafting, group riding skills, and a sense of watching out for each other, plus a few laughs has only enhanced my riding experiences. Group rides have introduced me to new friends and new routes.

I only ride with the group once a week with the rest of my rides on my own. I think everyone should try both if the opportunity exists. Both give you a unique experience and I wouldn't say one is better than the other one.

[li10up]

I prefer to ride with others. Even though I'm not much of a talker sometimes, I like to listen to the conversations that take place. But here is a perfect reason to ride with other, at least for me.

I've been trying for some time to bring my average speed up to 15mph but can only get to 14.8 on a regular basis. Thursday I rode the "moderate" ride with the club. To my surprise I was able to hang for 10 miles. After that 3 of us dropped back. Long story short. At the end of my ride my avg. speed was 16mph! On a bike that is a pretty big difference. I was soooo excited!!! Every time I looked down at my speedo I was shocked to see how fast we were going. Too bad the hills knocked my speed way down. Now I'm thinking about riding with them more often.

[RoadRaven]

The only time I start to creep out about riding alone is when the occasional mountain lion stories start up. But I do enjoy being on the mountain alone.

I know its an easy thing for me to wish, and maybe if I lived near mountain lions I wouldn't make this wish...

But I wish my rides took me somewhere where I might see a mountain lion or two...

[Trekhawk]

I know its an easy thing for me to wish, and maybe if I lived near mountain lions I wouldn't make this wish...

But I wish my rides took me somewhere where I might see a mountain lion or two...

Ive often though Kiwis might be braver than Aussies (home of the Bungee jump and all) but now I know its true. One of the places I mountain bike actually has warning signs about Mountain Lions. I guess they could be in most areas I mtb but the signs freak me out each time and for awhile after I jump at every squirrel or rustle in the bushes. I would love to see a Mountain Lion in the wild from a safe distance with my binoculars but not while Im on the trail.

[CorsairMac]

ya'll are welcome to come on over anytime - I've got lots of room! Don't know if you'll get to see any mountain lions but it's ok if you don't....you can always see bear or deer or rattlesnake or coyote or.......................

[deedolce]

i prefer to ride alone. It's more stressful for me to ride with a group, watching for cars and pacelines, and chit chat, and wanting to go faster, or feeling too slow. I've started riding with a girlfriend, which has been nice, but went for a 50 miler myself and it was great! I like to just be in the moment, and not have to think or talk, I have to do lots of that in my job as a school teacher. I like to do my imaginary races, trying to catch people up ahead, or not let some roadie catch up to me before random finish lines in my imagination. I also like to leave my routes and milage open, depending on how I feel.

[RoadRaven]

Thanks Corsair - a bear or snake would be really interesting - though I'd be less inclined to meet a bear on a trail than a mountain lion...

We have deer here... but I'll keep the bear invite in mind and come calling if I'm over your way to go for a ride