Long training rides solo??

[indysteel]

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

I figure if I want to do longer rides I could do the same 10 mile loop 4x - so I'm never more than 10 miles from my car - as long as its hilly enough to be a challenge!

I really like riding by myself. I ride in familiar areas and make sure to carry a cell phone, my Road ID, cash, food and sufficient water.

The fact of the matter is whether you're 5 miles from your car or 30, you need to know how to change a flat and make basic repairs. The same holds true for personal safety. Regardless of how far you're going, make sure someone knows where you're going to ride and what time you expect to be home. Ride safe, pay attention to your surroundings and know the area.

[malkin]

If you don't like riding alone, find someone to ride with.

[channlluv]

I've had two flats. One happened as I was heading out on my final circuit of my favorite 5-mile route, and I was only a quarter mile from the car, so I just walked her back and fixed it at home.

The second happened about a half hour before my very first tri experience. I'd over-inflated my tire and it blew while Sparrow (my bike) was on the rack, waiting to go. Thank goodness the bike shop sponsor had a booth with mechanics and spare tubes at the ready, because even though I can change a back tire, I wasn't comfortable with the pump I had used, and it was 0'dark thirty and I didn't have enough light to do the job well, so I headed over to their tent and they did it for me.

I tend to do my long rides on closed circuit cycle-friendly routes around lakes and small islands designed for recreation. If I have a problem, there are usually lots of other cyclists who are available to assist.

I do it a lot like ny biker. I load up everything I'll need for a long ride (longest to date was 50 miles), and I ride the loop and come back to my car as a rest stop. It's much safer to me than riding on regular streets, although I'm interested in what beach-side bike paths LizzyBee is cruising on.

Roxy