Why ride with people?

[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