I ride alone all the time. I actually don't know anyone in my area who rides AND who rides at my slow speed. There a lots of clubs in my area, mostly speed racer men. I'm intimidated by them so I avoid them. I've gotten caught in their wild crowd as they whip by me so I purposely don't ride that one street on that one day (Saturdays at 9:00 a.m.).

I have lots of tools on my and a cellphone, my family knows my routes. I live in populated area, but ride in the "rich people" area where there are lots of big homes and wide streets, no traffic, unfortunately I'm never really close to a bus route or a gas station. My family has picked me up a few times. They are fine with this and actually prefer this. I am taking a bike repair class this weekend so that I can deal with tire issues alone.

The point is to ride and enjoy yourself, I suggest knowing the route before leaving and having a cell phone or meeting place.