Long training rides solo??

[ny biker]

Good point Veronica - you must be very confident with fixing a flat and bike repair?

You should really learn how to change a tire, and practice it at home a few times. Flats happen to everyone and they're generally not a big deal.

If you keep your bike in good working order, you shouldn't have many problems with major mechanical breakdowns while riding. Clean and lube the chain regularly. Pay attention to changes like shifting problems and unusual noises, and have them checked out at your LBS if you can't figure out and resolve what's causing them. Take the bike to the LBS for service (overall clean and lube) at least once a year, or more often depending on how much you ride. That should be sufficient to prevent most major breakdowns during your rides. Then have a backup plan if something does go wrong that prevents you from riding back to your starting point -- enlist a friend or relative that you can call for a ride, have taxi numbers ready, be aware of nearby public transportation options, etc.

[SadieKate]

I go for a ride knowing:

I can change a flat
I can deal with basic mechanicals
I have a flight plan filed with someone
I have a communication device appropriate to the flight plan (cell phone, SPOT)

[beccaB]

I'm not good with a flat yet, oddly enough I have not had one in 5,500 miles. And I've said that out loud too and not had one. I just arrange to have a friend know I'm out and I try to do a loop where the friend would not have to drive more that 10 miles or so to come get me if something happens. I try to have the friend be someone who lives in the general direction I will be riding.

[Karma007]

I used to go on 50 miles rides solo, but after a crash last year, I'm not so bold. I'll go about 30 miles these days. Any farther, and I find a group ride, and with my schedule it can be pretty difficult.

One thing I DO plan to try soon is to ride a riding/walking trail with no cars out and back, which will take me 50 miles. I'm a little more confident out of traffic, and it's still pretty urban, so I can get help if I need it. It wouldn't be such a big deal, but I work weekends, so my husband, etc. is at work when I ride solo during the week.