Cycling on your own

[meridian]

I live in west texas and I found myself in a silimar position not too long ago. My riding partner got me started with cycling and he was pretty much the only one I ever road with, and I never went out alone.

But he moved off, and I didn't really know any other cyclists in the area, so for a long while I didn't really ride because I was pretty darn scared for the same reasons you are right now.

I came here looking for a new riding partner in the area, and even though I didn't find one here, in the end I got enough encouragement to take the plunge and go out on my own. I started off small, in the area's close to home, then branched out as I felt more comfortable.

Low and behold nothing terrible has happened to me, and I now enjoy riding by myself more so than with other people. I ride various tracks.. some dozens of miles out in rural territory, and some in the city parks, traffic, etc.

What helps me feel more confident is being very vigilant with my safety by using a mirror, high vis clothing, and lights, following traffic rules, carrying a cell phone, an ID, the tools and knowledge to fix a flat and other mechanical issues, and letting a co-worker/friend know what route I'm cruising on if necessary.

While out and about and through bringing my bike into the LBS I've met several people over time that I can regularly ride with when I feel the urge, but it's great to be able to get out there whenever you want, go wherever you want, as fast or as slow as you want, without other cyclists with different expectations.

If you realy want to ride with those faster local groups, maybe take your car out and drive around until you find a route you're comfortable with doing alone, map it well for yourself so you won't get lost, and start doing that regularly so you can more easily get the training miles in and the speed up to start hanging with them if you prefer riding with others more than solo. Or, if the courage just isn't there, you can torture yourself on a trainer!

[Pedal Wench]

Instead of asking the B group to slow down, maybe you could do the C ride and see if there is anyone else in a similar predicament.

[RolliePollie]

I almost always ride alone on isolated country roads. I feel pretty safe, but that may be because I grew up around here and I know the area quite well. I always have my cell phone and pepper spray along, and several people know my typical routes, so my hope is that if I were to disappear, someone would have an idea about where to start looking.

I sure hope you are able to find someone to ride with. But if not, maybe riding alone will start to grow on you once you get more comfortable with it. I try to be very alert and safe, but you never know what might happen. That goes for other activities too, though.

It's interesting that all of us have such different comfort levels with riding situations. I would be scared to death to ride in city traffic whether I was alone or with a group. I'm scared of stop lights and intersections! But others would not feel comfortable riding the roads that I ride every day.

[sundial]

I, like others here on TE, ride long solo rides. I choose to do so because 1.) there are no other female roadies that like to ride and 2) the guys are sooo competitive.

I choose roads that have few blind spots, hills, and good shoulders (well, most of the time) with little traffic. I recently purchased a RoadID to give me peace of mind in case someone wants to use me as a hood ornament. Here is the website for the ID-- www.roadid.com

Is there a chance that your co-workers might be interested in cycling? How about any motorcyclists that could pace you? Check with your local bike shop and see if there is an individual who would be willing to ride at your pace. I know many cyclists will find a friend to ride at least once a week with them. Maybe you can find someone to match your training goals and who will ride at your pace.

If you cannot find someone to ride with you, consider carrying personal protection, wear high vis clothing, keep a cell phone handy, and if possible, leave information of your route with someone so that they know where you will be. Have some form of emergency contact numbers on your person (preferably) or in your seat bag. I printed out a small card that listed my name, address, phone number, and emergency contact numbers and had it laminated. I wore it around my neck, under my jersey, in case someone needed this info.

I hope you meet more cyclists in the near future and I wish you luck.