I think you have to be comfortable just being with yourself. When I cycled in high school, I was always by myself, so I was always "in my head", enjoying my own company. Thinking, pondering, observing. And also not thinking or observing. I like looking at stuff when I ride by myself, the same way I enjoy driving just to see stuff. I'm not overly social, never the life of the party, so I'm okay with doing stuff alone.

So I'd say eliminate the obvious obstacles, like the safety thing (ride when you feel most comfortable) and change your mindset about it. Find something to enjoy about just being with yourself and go do it.

Karen